I know sometimes some of my ideas are a little extreme. I realize this could be one of those, but I thought it would be worth asking. Otherwise, I’ll just keep thinking about it. Forever. Literally. I’m a big fan of the Lending Club business model to eliminate the bank, (which reminds me – don’t […]
Financial gurus have been touting the benefits of saving your money, being debt-free, and maxing out your IRA for years. And their influence and determination has paid off for a segment of Americans: how many of us now can shout out “we’re debt-freeâ€, confidently reach our early retirement or on-time retirement goals, and pay cash […]
Are the Mutual Fund Settlements Legit?
Posted byI received a stack of envelopes in the mail last week. I almost tossed the papers since they looked sort of like junk mail. Apparently we’re involved in a class action mutual fund settlement, but is it a scam? Honestly, that was the first thing that crossed my mind. Good thing I didn’t toss the […]
Every year during the holidays I sign up for an Amazon Prime account. You get free 2 day shipping and no minimum order. So when you snag a lightening deal for $10, you don’t have to buy $15 more of junk just to get free shipping. Amazon Prime just launched Amazon Student. One of the […]
We all have financial goals we’re striving to meet. Maybe you have long-term goals like paying off debt, saving for a down payment, or retiring early. Or maybe you simply have day-to-day goals, like keeping your food budget to $200 per month, or bringing your lunch to work every day. Whatever your goals are, you […]
How to Take Charge of the Bush Tax Cuts
Posted byWhen the Bush Tax Cuts Expire in 2010, we’re bracing for higher Tax Rates. In addition, many of the tax cuts that we’ve come to expect over the last decade are changing. I love to plan, so here’s what I’m currently working on: 2010 Planning Moves for Expiration of Bush Tax Cuts Tax Rates. We’re […]
Is a Financial Fast Right For You?
Posted byAt the beginning of the new year Washington Post finance columnist Michelle Singletary “invited†her readers to a 21-day financial fast. Singletary introduced the fast at her church years ago, and says that many people have used it to jump-start their “path to prosperity.†I agree that the path to financial freedom starts with commitment […]
How to Score Groupon Deals
Posted byLast week, a friend of mine turned me on to Groupon, when they had 50% off at a kid’s restaurant we go to weekly. Now I’m hooked. It’s one of my new favorite deal sites. We’ll explore Groupon to celebrate Free Money Friday. The idea behind Groupon is essentially buying in bulk. If you got […]
What Do I Need to Know About Camping?
Posted byWe’re planning a camping trip. Well, let me rephrase that, I’m planning a camping trip. Scott’s idea of vacation revolves around nice hotels, hot showers, and eating at restaurants. Apparently his parents took him camping so much as a little kid, that he’s scarred for life and never wants to do it again; however, he […]
Emergency Fund or Retirement First?
Posted byA friend of mine recently asked me a question: “Should I be putting extra money into emergency savings or an IRA at the end of the month?†Allocating funds and/or setting priorities for saving is something that many people struggle with. Order to Prioritize Your Savings Most experts will agree that first and foremost you […]