Browse articles designed to help you see money from a different perspective, invoke new mindsets, and bring wisdom to your everyday spending.
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Talking about money is considered taboo by a majority of Americans. We’re more open to talking about sex, politics, or religion than we are to discussing personal money matters. Unfortunately, not talking about it keeps many Americans financially illiterate and ignorant of what it takes to become financially healthy.
Read MoreWhen we hear the word addiction, whether it’s in a conversation or in a story on the news, we think of drugs, alcohol, gambling, or some other vice that “other” people in our world battle. We rarely think of addiction as something we personally deal with. I believe every person engages in some type of addictive behavior, often several, and the financial impact these can have are significant.
Read MoreNo one would disagree that paying off consumer debt is the right thing to do. In fact, most would say the quicker you can pay it off the better because it will save you more money in interest. Well, it turns out how you pay off debt is more important than you think.
Read MoreMany Americans are approaching retirement with inadequate savings. The fear of running out of money in retirement according a study done by Allianz of 3000 baby boomers revealed that 60% feared running out of money more than they feared dying. How real is this problem and what can you do if you’re approaching retirement in the next 10 years or less?
Read MoreI’m going to make an obvious statement. You’ve heard it before. In fact, you’ve heard it so much that you’re going to have to fight against the natural response to stop reading and go back to whatever you were doing before you started reading this blog. I’m trying to warn you ahead of time so that you’ll do the opposite of what you want to do and benefit from what I’m about to share with you. Ready? Here it goes!
Read MoreA good life is characterized by experiences of fulfillment and happiness. When we’re able to provide for the needs we have and additionally for some of the things we want and desire, life feels good. Of course, the opposite is also true. So, just how much money does it take to truly make us happy?
Read MoreMarriage is a wonderful institution that can yield tremendous benefits for those who commit to it. But marriage is not easy. It takes hard work to integrate your life with another person; to become one, especially in the area of money. Fighting over money is a big frustration for couples, and sadly, the cause of many divorces.
Read MoreI continue to be surprised how few people have life insurance. Perhaps it’s our unwillingness to think about the possibility of an untimely death. Some people think they just don’t need life insurance, or it could be they just don’t know how much life insurance they need. Well, whatever your reason for not having life insurance, I hope the answers to the questions below will help you make an informed decision.
According to an AAA survey, only 35% of American families had planned to take a vacation in 2017. I don’t know what the numbers are for 2018 but my guess is it isn’t much higher. Rest and relaxation is a basic human need, yet a majority of Americans fail to take a yearly vacation. For most of the people who won’t vacation this year the primary reason is not having the money to afford it. But, is this a legitimate reason and is it really true?
Read MoreIt was Shakespeare who wrote, “Never a borrower or a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend.” These words, although written for a play (Hamlet) are wise and prove often to be true. Borrowing can lead to unwanted consequences. But, is borrowing and taking on a measure of debt always wrong?
Read MoreRecently a primetime special, “Back in the Game” aired on CNBC. Hosted by Alex Rodriquez, the former baseball player, the show focused on retired pro-athlete Joe Smith, who although earning over 6o million dollars over his playing career has little to show for it. To most people, it seems unimaginable to end up this way, but a large majority of those who think so would end up in the same place if given the same opportunity.
Read MoreJust a few weeks before my sixteenth birthday, I remember my mom driving me around to pick up applications at different stores and restaurants. I reluctantly walked into each place while my mom waited for me to come out with yet another form. I did this a number of times until I found myself sitting in a booth with the assistant manager of Spring Creek Barbeque. Finally, I got a job!
Read MoreMost of us, if asked, would admit that we want more than we already have. Whether it’s money, relationships, career, or possessions, we’re wired to “reach” for more. This isn’t always a bad thing. Considering the innovation we’ve experienced over the past 100 years and how it’s improved life for so many, I’m grateful that we keep reaching forward and upward. But, when it comes to finances how can we know when reaching for more is not a good thing?
Read MoreWhen I was growing up, going out to eat at a restaurant, even a fast food restaurant, was a rarity. Things have changed! Today, dining out is a normal daily or several times per week activity. If done to excess it can have a significant negative impact on your finances.
Read MoreTax filing deadline is 3 months away, but many Americans will file their tax return way before the deadline. That’s because a majority of Americans [75% in 2017] receive a refund every year. No doubt you’re eager to get YOUR money back as soon as possible! But first, you’ve got a decision to make. Should you file your own return or hire a tax pro?
Read MoreThere’s an ongoing debate about eating at restaurants vs. eating at home. It focuses on the typical argument, which of the two is less expensive.
Read MoreWhat do you want to experience most in your life? Ask this question to enough people and you will find happiness to be one answer that comes up more than any other. Probe a little deeper and you’ll find that many people believe happiness is directly tied to money. Can money really provide lasting happiness?
Read MoreOver the years I’ve made more wrong financial decisions than I can count. As I look back on these decisions there’s a common denominator that’s part of each of them. Can you guess what it is?
Read MoreI really HATE monthly budgets. Yes, you’ve read that correctly! I hate that a large majority of budget plans and apps reinforce and perpetuate a month to month existence.
Read MoreHabits are powerful. They can propel you toward greatness or keep you from it. For the most part, habits are driven by the subconscious part of our mind. This can be good and bad.
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