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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It 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 MoreHigh stake financial decisions can have a significant impact on your finances. Whether it’s an expensive car repair, a large medical bill, or a major house repair, these type of expenses can wreak havoc on your finances. Make the wrong decision and you could be financially crippled for months or even years.
Read MoreIf you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, I assume you care about how you manage your money. As a good money manager, you hate waste. You avoid anything that robs you of your hard earned money and do everything to keep it safe and protected. But, there’s one thing you might have overlooked that could cost you dearly!
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 MoreRegardless what age your child is, funding higher education is something you should be thinking about now. With the cost of higher education growing between 2 to 4 percent per year for the past 10 years, it’s best to start as soon as possible. This expense can be daunting, but with a little planning and some practical wisdom, your child can have a great education and pursue their path to career success.
Read MorePaying interest, especially high-interest charges on credit cards, can be painful. When you find yourself owing on several credit cards, and it becomes harder and harder to make the payments, that’s when you begin to look for some kind of relief. But, is debt consolidation right for you?
Read MoreYour monthly bills may appear to be fixed, but they rarely are. If you’re willing, you can always find ways to reduce your expenses, especially if you’ve got the right motivation. One of these expenses is the internet/cable bill, and you have more leverage than you think in lowering this bill.
Read MoreWhen I was 18 years old I purchased a 1983 Chevy Camaro Z28. To be honest, I couldn’t afford it. It was one of those scenarios where I ended up working just so I can pay for the car. My dad tried to talk me out of it but I didn’t listen. Know why?
Read MoreThere’s been a lot of talk in the news lately about student loans and the growing student loans debt, which currently stands at $1.5 trillion. To give you a better perspective of this enormous problem, the national credit card debt, which is of great concern is only $1 trillion by comparison. What does this mean for this and future generations and what can you do to ensure your children don’t become part of this statistic?
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 MoreWhat is it you want? That’s a loaded question, I know. Before you attempt to answer, I must warn you that there’s only one right answer, and it’s crucial that you get it right.
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 MoreMy mentor on personal finance would often say, ‘Show me your checkbook and I’ll tell you what you truly care about.’ For those of you who don’t know what a checkbook is let me rephrase, ‘Show me your online account statements and I’ll tell you what you truly care about.’ So, what does your spending reveal about you?
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 MoreThe time between Christmas and New Year’s is a slow time for most. It’s a time to sleep in, get cozy, perhaps watch a movie marathon, and enjoy some well deserved rest. For me, it’s also a time when I take inventory of the passing year and begin to look to the next.
Read MoreAn emergency fund is to a financial plan what health insurance is to the body. No one wants to risk not having health insurance. Yet almost 60% of Americans have little to no money set aside for emergencies. That’s a huge risk with inevitable financial consequences.
Read MoreEvery couple wants a happily ever after but when assets or debts are part of saying “I do” is marital bliss still possible?
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