The truth is that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to check yourself before you wreck yourself when it comes to your cash. Even avid savers can make mistakes when it comes to funneling money away for a rainy day or a future investment. Because if it’s sitting in a modest growth plan, it’s not… Read More
Paying for College: 7 Tips to Reducing Costs and Getting More Financial Aid (as reported by Carly Stockwell of usatoday.com)
The average student loan debt in 2014 was nearly $30,000. A college education is just plain expensive and loans are more the rule than the exception. Still, most experts recommend that your total loan debt should not exceed the amount of money you expect to earn in your first year after graduation. If you only… Read More
How Sacrificing for a Year Can Help You Stay Ahead Forever (as reported by Jack Ryder of simplethriftyliving.com)
Have you ever thought about how those little expenses you indulge in add up over time? Most people don’t, and this is why they don’t maintain an adequate financial cushion in their savings accounts. Living from paycheck to paycheck is the norm, but a crisis can create a huge setback if you’re ill-prepared. Learn how… Read More
5 Ways to Earn Extra Money This Summer (as reported by Jack Ryder of simplethriftyliving.com)
If you’re like most people, you may be looking for some ways to earn a little bit of extra cash this summer. Maybe you’d like to pay for a luxury vacation or make a large purchase. Whatever your reason for wanting to bank some extra money, there are lots of ways you can bring in… Read More
Behind on retirement savings? Here are 3 ways to catch up (as reported by Walter Updegrave of money.cnn.com)
Generally, you should have six to nine times your salary tucked away in a 401(k) or other accounts by your mid-50’s to early 60’s to have a good shot at maintaining your standard of living in retirement. So you’re definitely short of where you ought to be. On the bright side, at least you know… Read More
4 Smarter Ways To Spend Your Tax Refund (as reported by Molly Triffin on forbes.com)
Picture this: You wake up one morning, and head outside to get the newspaper. Sitting there on the stoop is a bag with your name on it. You open it and find a wad of cash—totaling $3,120! Your mind starts to race as you think about how you’ll spend this money that’s fallen into your… Read More
3 Things Millennials Need to Know When Choosing a Credit Card (as reported by Taylor Tepper of time.com/money)
Today’s young professionals have a complicated relationship with credit. A report last year found that more than three in five millennials did not own a credit card, while another survey, by Creditcards.com, found that 36% of 18-to-29 year olds have never had one. Millennials, of course, had the distinct misfortune of entering the job market… Read More
5 Financial Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks (As reported on mint.com)
After a brutal winter, many of us are ready to embrace spring with open arms. The arrival of spring also signals seasonal cleaning duties. However, before you break out the flip flops don’t forget to include your personal finances in your spring cleaning “to do” list. Spring is the perfect time to tackle financial clutter–from… Read More
8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Checking Account (As reported by AJ Smith of credit.com)
Most people need a checking account to help manage their finances. They help you pay bills, provide a place to store your cash and keep your paycheck safe. Since they are so common, there are a dizzying number of options to choose from. It may seem confusing or intimidating, but it’s important to consider your… Read More
7 Signs You’re Living Beyond Your Means (As reported by Stephanie Taylor Christensen of mint.com)
Need some motivation to start saving? Sit down and add up how much money you make each month. Then, multiply that amount by six. Assuming you have a stable job, that’s the minimum balance you should have stashed away in an interest bearing, according to Henk Pieters, president of Investus Financial Planning. He believes people… Read More