We’re relocating from Arizona to New York because my husband found a good job there. While we’re happy to move, we’re sad to leave behind our house payment in Arizona. We had a 3.375 percent interest rate and a smaller mortgage than we’ll have when we move. In New York, our interest rate will be approximately 5.5 percent, and our mortgage will increase by 1/3. Ouch. However, … [Read more...] about Why We’re Not Paying Extra on Our New Mortgage
Savings
3 Things To Check Before Switching Wireless Providers
The average cell phone bill in the United States has climbed to a whopping $127 per month. If you’re looking for ways to save money during this period of high inflation, switching cell phone carriers is a great place to start. … [Read more...] about 3 Things To Check Before Switching Wireless Providers
How to Set Money Boundaries in Relationships
Donna’s grown daughter, Felicia, asked her mother for money to start a new business venture. Donna didn’t feel comfortable with the business, but she wanted to help her daughter. Plus, she knew if she said no, Felicia would threaten Donna by withholding Donna’s access to her grandchildren. Donna pulled the money from her retirement account. Four years later, Felicia’s business, … [Read more...] about How to Set Money Boundaries in Relationships
6 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self
Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. We acquire knowledge throughout our lifetime, but we can’t go back and improve on our younger selves. However, by reflecting on mistakes made in the past, we can stay on course in the present. … [Read more...] about 6 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self
How I Planned to Discuss End of Life Planning with My Parent
Recently, I drove 2,000 miles from my home to my 72-year-old mother’s home. I hadn’t seen her for two years, so I was excited to visit. However, I also had another motive in mind. While visiting, I wanted to discuss end-of-life planning with her. Imagine my surprise when she was the one who initiated the discussion with me! … [Read more...] about How I Planned to Discuss End of Life Planning with My Parent
Saving $1,000 – A Case Study
This posting is for everyone who wants to save money but has trouble doing it, or needs a case study on how to save money. Here is the backstory. I got sick of not having money and always needing to sell assets or put big-ticket emergency expenses on my credit card. For example, I had a 1997 Toyota 4Runner that needed an engine replacement — twice. Both cost $7,000 in total. … [Read more...] about Saving $1,000 – A Case Study
4 Financial Books You Should Read in Your 20s
Have you graduated from college and have student loan debt? Are you trying to become financially secure so you can afford to travel the world? No matter what your goals are, you may benefit from these 4 financial books you should read in your 20s. If you can get out of debt in your 20s and start saving and investing, you’ll be looking at a bright, enjoyable financial future. … [Read more...] about 4 Financial Books You Should Read in Your 20s
Die with Zero: One Little Book That Changed My Perspective on Money
A few decades ago, I read Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. It changed the way I thought about spending money, especially the formula that looked at hours worked in relation to the price of something that you buy. For instance, if you’re going to buy a meal out, that may equate to one or two hours of work, especially if you’re young and just starting … [Read more...] about Die with Zero: One Little Book That Changed My Perspective on Money
7 Tips for Couples to Effectively Grow Wealth Together
The media loves to point out that one major cause of divorce is financial disagreements. Maybe the media talks about that so much because every marriage in the United States has a 40 to 50% chance of ending in divorce. That’s enough to make you consider not getting married! However, consider the flip side of this that’s never mentioned in the media—couples who effectively grow … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Couples to Effectively Grow Wealth Together
Do DINKs Need a Larger Retirement Fund Than Their Peers?
When my grandparents got older, they moved in with my mom. Then, after my grandpa passed away and my grandma needed to go to medical appointments or hair appointments, my mom or one of her other children drove her. Though American families increasingly live further from one another, there are usually one or two children who live nearby to help their parents in their old age. … [Read more...] about Do DINKs Need a Larger Retirement Fund Than Their Peers?
