Why would you refinance a mortgage twice in just three years? My family went from a 15-year to a 10-year to a 30-year fixed mortgage in a short time. Here’s why we decided to refinance so many times. Starting with a 15-year Term In July…
When I became a stay-at-home parent two decades ago, I didn’t use the term “side hustle.” But now I realize side hustling was, indeed, what I did when I found ways to make extra cash. And most side hustles I tried back then are even…
There are over 2 million active podcasts worldwide. While I have no idea how many center on personal finance, the number of choices feels overwhelming. Time is a scarce resource, so how do you decide which ones are actually worth your investment? The five personal…
The CFP® Board and its many members have done a great job promoting the benefits of working with a CFP® when seeking financial guidance…and for good reason. The designation ensures that its bearer has completed a thorough education (7 courses typically require a year or…
Investing in real estate is an excellent way to build wealth and create cash flow. But it’s also a big financial commitment. And with any big financial commitment, you want to avoid big mistakes. According to Investopedia, “Skimping on Research” is one of the top…
Most people have some knowledge about the concept behind an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). What most people don’t know is there are material differences between IRAs offered by banks and credit unions and those offered by investment firms and other types of financial institutions. Since…
The idea of investing can be intimidating. Especially when you’re young, have little savings, and know nothing about the topic. My husband, Alan, and I started investing before we knew what we were doing. And before we were on solid financial ground. At first, it…
Food prices are expected to climb 5% in 2022 (after increasing almost 8% last year), making saving money on groceries more crucial than ever. Warehouse club stores can offer hefty discounts on items from food to sundries to office products, but they also have membership…
Pop quiz! What’s the difference between a “financial advisor,” an “investment advisor,” and a “wealth manager”? These are just a few of the job titles you may encounter in the personal finance and investing advice space. Unlike a doctor, these titles are not regulated by…
When you set out to buy a home, you will be buying something that will most likely become one of the most significant assets in your personal asset portfolio. With so much of your net worth tied up in your home, it would be incumbent…
There is no escaping news of the many benefits of intermittent fasting (IF). There are hundreds of books, articles, podcasts, testimonials, and first-person accounts from friends. What’s more, there are multiple fasting methods offering options that work best with varying lifestyles. One option is to…
Are you thinking about quitting your job? You’re not alone. Most people feel like leaving their job sometimes. Because even in the ideal position, bad workdays happen. But if you’re like 73% of workers today, you might consider leaving your current employer searching for something…
You’re busy researching your next big vacation. As you look at all your options, you notice suggestions to buy travel insurance on most trip summary pages. When you consider what you’re going to spend on a trip, coverage might make sense. This trip will cost…
The budgeting battle is often won on the field of “wants,” not “needs.” Housing, transportation, utilities, food…these are non-negotiable in any budget. And while you can undoubtedly make economies here (the line between need and want is not always bright!), you cannot completely eliminate these…
The standard route to homeownership is a single-family home, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice! Maybe a condo or townhouse is a better fit for your budget, needs, and lifestyle. So, if you’re in the market for a new home, start by…
As an adult, you have a responsibility to look after yourself and your best interests in all aspects of your life. When you’re a parent, you also have that same responsibility concerning your minor child or children. Every day of your life, you face challenges…
A good part of the working population in the United States has some type of retirement plan investment account. Most individuals contribute to either an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k) account or a Traditional Individual Retirement Account, known by the IRA acronym. People who…
Because it was a village called Zhombe and it was in Zimbabwe, I had arrived, alphabetically speaking, at the end of the world. And it was the best career decision I had ever made. In 1991, I was hired by the San Francisco branch office…
It’s amazing how many people in the U.S. are involved in the stock market, whether they know it or not. Sure, many people actively invest in stocks through their brokerage firm, online brokers, or other investments accounts. But there are also tens of millions of…
From the moment we became homeowners, we tackled DIY home projects. It all started with the pink bathroom in our first house. And from that point on, our skills and courage grew, and so did our DIY projects. Granted, we spent a lot of time,…
It’s essential that all Americans have access to some kind of retirement savings account. The government and IRS always need to support this access because Social Security distributions are not intended to be the total extent of one’s retirement income. For individuals employed by mid…
Many people in America have some basic knowledge about the stock market. At the least, they hear news about stock prices related to some of the world’s largest entities. At the same time, many people have very little knowledge of the availability of various classes…
It feels like more than ever, our world requires a college degree. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce predicted eight years ago that by 2020, 65% of the nation’s jobs would require postsecondary education. In 2018, 70% of workers were in those jobs,…
You loved the house you rented at the beach. The ski-in, ski-out condo you rented over the holidays was perfect for your family. Your lanai overlooking the 4th tee at the golf resort was amazing. The leaves at peak color all around the cabin you…
No matter how hard you try to keep feelings at bay, buying a home can be an emotional decision. And letting emotions influence a big financial decision can have unwanted consequences. The added pressure to find a forever home can allow emotions to run wild….
Long ago, physical money (bills and coins) was put to rest in favor of debit and credit cards. Today, most people have at least one debit card and one credit card in their wallets/purses. At the same time, not everyone has a clear understanding of…