You work hard for your money. Learn how to make your money work for you.
Budgeting
If you read the first article in our “Retire at 55” learning path, then you’ve already taken a key step toward early retirement planning: calculating how much money you’ll need to retire at 55. If that number looks daunting, don’t worry. Follow our 11 budgeting tips and you’ll be in a better position to save […]
7 minute read
Budgeting
Being frugal isn’t so much about what you buy. Really, it’s more of a state of mind. A different way of living. Too often, we get caught up in penny pinching in a way that isn’t healthy for our finances – or our sanity. If you’ve been trying (and failing) to get your budget balanced […]
8 minute read
Credit
Most of us know that a bad credit score isn’t a good thing to have. It results in higher interest rates or more expensive terms on credit cards and other various types of loans. However, most people are unaware of the other dozens of ways in which a poor credit score can impact them and […]
6 minute read
Credit
You probably know that your credit score is an important aspect of your finances. Your credit score goes beyond just helping you get a loan with a good interest rate. It can also influence your insurance rates and even impact what happens when you sign up for internet or a cell phone plan. Knowing your […]
7 minute read
Investing
If you’re not already investing in cryptocurrency, then now is the time to get started. It’s reported that there are over 300 million crypto users worldwide. This fast growing market is praised for its long term potential and how it gives you the opportunity to diversify your portfolio. For instance, bitcoin is a standout currency […]
3 minute read
Investing
For most U.S. investors, 2021 was a great year. Despite ongoing pandemic concerns, the stock market continued to rise up and up. However, 2021 is now over and we’re looking ahead to the next 12 months. Or as my old boss would always ask, “what have you done for me lately?” My normal response was […]
7 minute read
Financial Advice
In many parts of America, the cost of living has skyrocketed out of control. The resulting increase in costs for things like rent, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation has seen thousands of Americans pack up and move to greener (or at least cheaper) pastures. There are still plenty of cities in the good ol’ U.S. […]
9 minute read
Financial Advice
Qualifying military members can set up a Survivor’s Benefit Plan (SBP) upon retirement. The SBP, along with standard Social Security, can be used by a widow to stay financially afloat. Both the deceased veteran and the surviving spouse must meet certain conditions to qualify for a SPB. The payment amount depends on a number of […]
6 minute read
Money
The ultra-rich have lifestyles most of us can’t imagine. From buying smaller yachts for their superyachts to funding a private space race, the idea of having that much money is downright alien to the rest of us. Love them or hate them, America clearly has a fascination with billionaires. There’s just something so darn interesting […]
7 minute read
Make Money
Have you ever wondered what the paycheck and salary structure of military personnel looks like? Similar to their job description, their salary and payment structure differs greatly from that of civilians. How one receives a paycheck as a U.S. troop is more complicated than getting paid for working your regular nine-to-five job. The U.S. military […]
5 minute read
35%
of the real estate market
was comprised of first-time buyers
$47,034
is the average millennial salary
51%
of all new investors
in 2020 are millennials
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Banking
I have been banking with the same institution for 18 years. That means I get a little panicked at the thought of switching to a different bank. Between direct deposits and automatic bill paying, the task of changing to a new bank feels long, complicated, and potentially messy. It doesn’t have to be that way […]
5 minute read
Banking
Every time the new year rolls around, it’s natural to start thinking how you can optimize your finances. A high-yield savings account is a foundational step for long-term financial growth and freedom. If you already have one, that’s great. However, it’s always good to be looking around for institutions that might have better options than […]
4 minute read
Banking
Most of us have bank accounts. Or a bank product, at the very least. Whether it’s a savings account, credit card, checking account, line of credit, or some other service, you more than likely deal with a bank on some level. A lot of business relies on having fast access to our money. We also […]
5 minute read
Banking
It’s not often in life that we get second chances. When we do though, it’s typically in our best interest to take them. Whether you’re able to make anything of that second chance is often left up to fate. However, there are certain instances where the power to change your future lies square in your […]
5 minute read
Make Money
Have you ever wondered what the paycheck and salary structure of military personnel looks like? Similar to their job description, their salary and payment structure differs greatly from that of civilians. How one receives a paycheck as a U.S. troop is more complicated than getting paid for working your regular nine-to-five job. The U.S. military […]
5 minute read
Make Money
Key Takeaways Ask for a raise, the right way. Don’t bombard your boss with your accomplishments. Pick three that match your employer’s strategic goals. Prepare for a promotion. Visibility and relationship-building are the two best ways to keep your name in the conversation for a promotion. When you switch companies, ask for (a lot) more […]
6 minute read
Make Money
Key Takeaways Monetize your skills. Your talents extend beyond your day job. Whether you’re a strong writer or a website wiz, you can earn extra money by freelancing, tutoring and more. Turn your spare time into dollars. There are dozens of apps and websites that offer flexible, paid work that fits around your regular work […]
6 minute read
Make Money
One of the cornerstones of the frugal lifestyle is spending less. However, while you are making your New Year’s Resolutions for 2022, don’t stop at spending less or cutting costs. Consider this as an additional resolution: Make more money. Don’t get me wrong. You absolutely want to focus on reducing your expenses (or at least […]
7 minute read
Save Money
Key Takeaways Super savers push back against “lifestyle creep.” Keeping up with the Joneses will eat up your savings. Instead, identify the activities and experiences that actually make you happy and budget for those. Cut out the rest. Super savers are proactive about avoiding impulse purchases. Impulse buys are not in the budget and online […]
6 minute read
Save Money
We all have trouble controlling our impulses from time to time. This is true whether we’re shopping, dieting, or simply trying to stick to a workout routine. Sometimes, we just feel like following our instincts for something new and different. Unfortunately, giving in to those urges, especially when it comes to spending, can lead to […]
8 minute read
Save Money
Key Takeaways Estimate your retirement expenses: Choose an approach that makes sense for you, whether it’s making a detailed list of necessary and discretionary spending, or using an online calculator. If you can lower your retirement expenses, then you won’t have to save as much to reach your target goal. Calculate how much you’ll need to […]
8 minute read
Save Money
I still remember my first Toastmasters’ speech on the need to save for retirement. It was actually from a couple of decades ago, which is hard to believe. You see, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills. My boss suggested that I attend these events where I would get a chance to practice speaking […]
9 minute read