Many credit card companies offer rewards to attract new customers. And it works! A 2018 study found 79% of people choose credit cards for their rewards. But is it always a good idea to use credit cards for rewards? Once you sign up for a card, credit card companies hope you’ll continue to use it […]
200-level
How to Write a Winning Self-Appraisal
Chances are, you sit down with your supervisor once a year for a short, scripted conversation to go over how you’re doing in your job since you took on the role or since your last performance evaluation. This time you’ve also been asked to submit a self-assessment as part of the process. Not sure where […]
Social Security: Planning for it (or not) in your future
No matter when you retire, you want to know what role Social Security will play in your financial future. Will it go away? How much can you expect? When should you start benefits? When Social Security started in 1935, it was created to provide support for workers (and their families) who could no longer work […]
Best Resources to Introduce Investing to Teens
In a GoBankingRates.com survey, more than 5,000 respondents identified the number one financial topic they wished they’d learned as teenagers in school. The six possible answers included: How to create and stick to a budget How taxes work The importance of credit scores/building credit How credit cards, loans, and interest rates work Retirement accounts and […]
What Do I Need to Be a Successful Social Media Manager?
If you’re like most people, you spend quite a bit of time hanging out on social media. Companies know this and take great care to cultivate an online presence that engages, delights, and supports their target market. But, chances are, the firm’s CEO isn’t cranking out tweets, Instagram posts, and Facebook lives. They hire a […]
What is a 403(b) Plan and How do You Use it?
You’ve almost surely heard of a 401(k) plan, but what in the world is a 403(b) plan? Simply, a 403(b) plan is a tax-advantaged retirement account for employees of schools, churches, and nonprofits. In order to offer a 403(b), a non-profit has to be tax-exempt under the 501(c)3 code section of the IRS. A 403(b) […]
Common Real Estate Investing Mistakes [+ how to avoid]
Real estate investing can be an excellent way to build wealth. And with low-interest rates, the internet, and reality DIY shows, it’s become more popular than ever. But those things have also fast-tracked people into making some mistakes. When you’re getting started, there’s a lot to learn. It isn’t as easy as it looks on […]
Best Money Apps for Kids
Financial education is essential and should start as early in life as possible. While the number of schools adding personal finance to their curricula continues to grow, many kids don’t get taught about managing money at school or home. What’s one way to help teach a kid who can’t get their nose out of their […]
Can You Negotiate a Rent Increase?
You were anticipating a rent increase, but you’re shocked by the rent increase notice, perhaps even angry. You’ve always paid your rent on time, and you’re a good tenant. A rent increase this large seems unfair. Your first thought? It’s time to move. Then you remember how much you love the neighborhood. Is the location […]
Bad Investing Advice: What to ignore [and why]
Investing is an excellent way to build long-term wealth. But how do you decide the best way to invest? You might ask your friends or family for advice. Perhaps you see how billionaire investors, like Warren Buffet, choose their investments. Or, maybe you hire a financial professional for guidance. The problem is there is so […]
What is Tax Fraud? [are you unintentionally committing it?]
Before you start to panic, understand that committing tax fraud involves more than making common mistakes on your income tax return. But there are numerous types of tax fraud and evasion that could result in civil or criminal penalties. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats fraud and tax evasion seriously. If they conduct an investigation […]
What Do I Need to Be a Successful Virtual Assistant?
Becoming a virtual assistant is an increasingly popular way to have a freelance, home-based business. You get to set your hours, work remotely, and choose who you work with. But what does it really take to be a successful virtual assistant? We’ve got all the details here. What Does a Virtual Assistant Do? Before we […]
The Single Ladies Guide to Handling Finances
Many households nowadays are dual income, with both partners working and bringing in money to run the home. Even in single-income households, having a partner can help with budgeting, paying off debts, and planning for the future. When single, you can only depend on yourself to make decisions and plan for the future. Handling finances […]
How Do I Get My Real Estate Purchase Offer Accepted?
You found the perfect home, it fits your budget, and you’re ready to put in an offer the seller can’t refuse. But it’s not as simple as offering a fair price. Low-interest rates and high demand for homes in some areas create a seller’s market. And with more competition among buyers, it’s common for sellers […]
Year-End Financial Review and Planning Checklist
As the weather turns colder and the daylight becomes shorter, you may be busy planning for the holiday season. But something else worth focusing your attention on during this season is your finances. Like your physical health, your financial health needs a check-up at least annually. Before the year that’s been like no other winds […]
Why You Need a Home Inventory [+ how to create one]
Each year, one of every 20 households file insurance claims due to theft, fire, wind, and water damage. In 2019, losses from natural disasters topped $25 billion, and 2020 is shaping up to outpace that number. It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but it can and does happen. And after going through a […]
Financial Impacts of Distance Learning
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the financial situation of this country and its people. The effect is felt most by the economic impacts of shutdowns and other various restrictive measures. But another casualty of the pandemic quietly added another financial blow for many Americans. Distance learning. As cases continued to climb around the […]
The Real Estate Trap: Don’t fall for bad advice
If you look around you, it might seem crazy not to be buying a house right now. In parts of the country, people are in bidding wars, homes fly off the market, and house prices are rapidly increasing. But real estate is not always a good investment. It’s important to consider all the angles before […]
What Does it Take to Be a Successful Freelance Writer?
You’ve thought about becoming a freelance writer for years. It seems like the perfect way to express yourself while earning a living. But, you know you won’t become an overnight sensation. You wonder: what does it actually take to be a successful freelance writer? Growing your freelance writing business might be more involved than you […]
Active vs. Passive vs. Portfolio Income: What’s the difference?
If you’re not quite sure of the difference between active, passive, and portfolio income, this article is for you. It’ll help you understand what makes each one distinct and provide insight into which income source or sources to target. Active, Passive, & Portfolio Income Explained The main distinctions between these income types are how you […]
Pay Down Debt Quicker with a Side Business
Does your debt prevent you from living a stress-free life? How often does your debt come between you and your financial goals? Paying down debt can be a difficult task, but not an impossible one. There are a few different methods of paying off your debt quicker, but one of the best ways is to […]
How Much Should We Save for Our Kid’s Education?
As a parent, we always want to do what’s best for our children. Paying for a college education is a difficult choice to make for several reasons. But, no one wants their kids to be weighed down with tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt either. Sure, you can wait until your kid […]
What Is Your Retirement Number?
Retirement can be a daunting concept, especially if you have thoughts like “Will I ever be able to retire?” or “ I have no idea how much I need in retirement” floating around in your head. Truth is, these are common concerns for many people who are considering their future retirements. Even if retirement is […]
How to Make Estimated Tax Payments and Avoid IRS Penalties
So many single moms – especially newly divorced single moms – end up in tax trouble. It’s one of the things no one really tells you about until it’s too late and you’re already on the hook for IRS penalties and interest on taxes you didn’t even realize you owed. So if you: Started a […]
Financial Gaps Women Face [How to overcome them]
You work really hard. Yet somehow, you still make less than your male counterparts, impacting your retirement fund, among other things. What gives? Many women are noticing many unfair disadvantages involved in making money and expanding wealth. If you’re consumed with fear of doing everything right and still falling prey to economic exploitation, you’re not […]
