I’ve learned to develop a thick skin when sharing ideas with the masses but if these commenters represent some general barometer of financial sanity, we appear to be losing the battle.
Read More...Budgeting
An important part of managing money is budgeting. We've collected blog posts with tips and advice on budgeting and saving money.
Does Buy Term and Invest the Difference Still Work?
Imagine these two strategies competing in a track race. It’s as if one runner were told to wait until the other finished her first lap before beginning.
Read More...Age-Based Benchmarks for 529 College Savings (2014)
529 Colleges Savings Articles: 1. Power Fund a 529 Account Via ’5 Year Election’ 2. The Beginning of the End for Skyrocketing College Costs? 3. 529 Gift to the Grandchildren
Read More...Annual Exclusion From Gift Taxes
There is a limit, or exclusion–an amount that the government will allow you to gift to a person per year, without incurring tax consequences.
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If It’s TEOTWAWKI, Should I Have Paid Off My Mortgage?
Why would you want to use valuable dollars today when you can use cheaper dollars over the next three decades?
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When Helping Hurts
Much of the assistance Americans provide to those in need is doing more harm than good.
Read More...Housing Market Picking Up and Interest Rates Rising
I expect we have seen the bottom of both the housing market and 30-year fixed interest rates.
Read More...How to Calculate An Advisor’s Value: Liability-Relative Optimizing
Planning on future cash needs allows you to use specific accounts for tax planning purposes.
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Newlywed Checklist: Name Change, part 3
When a woman gets married she often changes her name. Once you’ve changed your name at the Social Security Administration, the DMV, your employer and employer benefits, and your passport, it’s time for the last few changes.
Read More...Newlywed Checklist: Name Change, Part 2
The DMV was my second stop in the name-change process because it makes subsequent name changes easier.
Read More...Financial Questions for the Serious Couple
Studies show that couples argue most about finances. Being on the same page about finances will allow you to enjoy a life that focuses on your needs and goals and will help you achieve them smartly.
Read More...The Beginning of the End for Skyrocketing College Costs?
With this announcement, we are finally starting to see online education cause disruptions that can slow soaring college costs.
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Links Exist Between Your Generosity and Your Friends
The study also found that when wealthy people are heavily clustered in a neighborhood, their generosity drops.
Read More...Power Fund a 529 Account Via ’5 Year Election’ in 2013
Investing a large lump sum amount into a college 529 savings plan using a special ’5 year election’ can offer substantial tax savings.
Read More...The Only Right Answer To “Debit or Credit?”
“Debit or Credit?” is a trick question. There is only one right answer and it’s not the one that benefits the store whose asking.
Read More...Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Tesla
Since it is inevitable that each group of friends will represent a spectrum of financial capacity, healthy relationships require that all be prepared to manage these pressures.
Read More...What Charles Dickens Can Teach Us About Personal Finance
My article, What Charles Dickens Can Teach Us About Personal Finance was recently featured on Yahoo Finance. Another title I considered for this article was The Micawber Principle: The Cornerstone of Financial Security.
Read More...The Complete Guide to Your Washing Machine
The complete guide to saving money while washing your clothes. How much does my washing machine cost me? What temperature should the water be? What cycle should I use? What detergent should I use? What’s best for my clothes?
Read More...Budget? What Budget?
Even if you just have an idea of where your money is going, you should still have a very good idea.
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Financial Bucket List
Some people have bucket lists with things like “Travel to Paris,” and “go skydiving,” but I have a bucket list of financial things to do.
Read More...Bucket List: Living Within Your Means
So now, after encouraging you to save 10% for emergencies, 15% for financial independence (often called “retirement”), and 10% for long-term savings, we’ve whittled down your income to about 65%. This 65% is for day-to-day living.
Read More...The Worst Advice Given to Me
Milestones in life encourage advice. In 2012, I graduated, got married, and started a job and then this year, I bought a house. I received a lot of great advice, but here is some of the worse advice I was given.
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The Complete Guide to Your Clothes Dryer
The complete guide to saving money while drying your clothes. How much does my dryer cost me? Should I air dry? Can I line dry inside? Is there ever a case when my dryer is cheaper? What’s best for my clothes?
Read More...8 Worst Money Tips for New Grads
My recent column, 8 Worst Money Tips for New Grads, was recently published on Yahoo Finance. I originally wrote this column with the voice of a Dutch Uncle admonishing college students to stay out of financial ruin.
Read More...The Complete Guide To Your Dishwasher
The complete guide to saving money while getting your dishes clean. Does hand washing save money? How much does my dishwasher cost? Should I pre-wash? How full should I fill my dishwasher? What do I need to hand wash?
Read More...Big Mac Index Shows Official CPI Underreports Inflation
The lack of an adequate CPI adjustments leave seniors 71 days shy of a year’s worth of lovin’ it. Seniors deserve a break today!
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Do you know what your appliances cost you?
“Don’t air condition the outside” and “Turn the lights off when you leave a room” are often quoted as proverbs of energy savings, but the real savings is in several other appliances.
Read More...One Successful Way To Find Happiness
Some struggles are inevitable, but others are decided by who you marry. This kitten married well.
Read More...Protecting Your Identity: Credit Reports and Credit Freezes
Even if you think you have good credit, periodically check the facts on your credit report anyway. Your credit report will outline your full credit history. And it can help you verify you have not been the victim of identity theft.
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Bucket List: A Bucket for the Unknown
I opened my freezer and found, to my horror, my ice cream had turned to mush. Why? My refrigerator and freezer were broken. The expense for a new refrigerator was around $700. How could I have seen that expense coming?
Read More...Helping New Graduates Get a Financial Life
Matthew Illian says young adults should read one personal finance book a year to expand their financial literacy. See what books we would recommend.
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Financial Advice for Recent College Graduates
Financial advice for college graduates is easy. Graduates street smart enough to take the advice is rare.
Read More...Essential Financial Advice for College Graduates
As the wife of a 2013 college graduate and a 2012 college graduate myself, I can boldly say this was the most helpful advice given to me.
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Medicare Advantage Plans: Are They For You?
Those planning to enroll in Medicare have lots of homework to do. In this article I cover the essential benefits of Medicare Advantage which is the private insurance option for Medicare recipients.
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