As the year roars to a close, it's only natural to think about what lies ahead in 2017. Before you look forward, however, consider taking time to reflect on the year that was. Answering a few simple questions about 2016 could put you on the right track to a prosperous 2017. What did you learn from 2016? Celebrate your victories. That's right, pat yourself on the back for all … [Read more...]
Money Monday: These 5 Gift Card Scams Could Cost You Big
Stumped for a gift idea? Don’t know what to get your co-worker or relative? Faced with this dilemma, it’s easy to go with the old standby—a gift card. In fact, 57 percent of shoppers plan to purchase a gift card this Christmas season. But before you buy a gift card, be aware of potential pitfalls, some of which could cost you serious cash. Know who you’re shopping for In a … [Read more...]
Money Monday: How to Protect Yourself from a Trump Economy
America has elected Donald Trump as its next president. But what does a Trump presidency mean for your wallet? Trump’s campaign rhetoric has many experts fearing rough economic times ahead. Trump has, for instance, supported getting tough on trade. But some fear a Trump-inspired trade war could plunge the world into another recession. The truth of the matter is that we … [Read more...]
Money Monday: How to Have a Debt-Free Christmas without Being a Grinch
Christmas is a little less than seven weeks away. But planning now for the holiday season will ensure that your Christmas spending doesn't send you to the poor house. Take these simple steps to prevent the holidays from derailing your finances. Create a budget Your budget will become the bedrock upon which rests your holiday spending. Sit down with your spouse to decide ahead … [Read more...]
13th – The Must-See Documentary That Examines Modern Day American Slavery
Despite what you may believe, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution never ended slavery. It simply morphed the institution into a more palatable reincarnation that continues to this day to profit off the labor of people of color. That's the argument deftly crafted by award-winning director Ava DuVernay in her new film 13th, available on Netflix. Following the Civil War … [Read more...]
Money Monday: 5 Money Tips That’ll Turn Your Child into a Financial Rockstar
It's no secret that many Americans are struggling financially. Many of us are stuck in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or are so submersed by debt that it's hard to imagine another way of life. And no one wants their kids fall into the same financial traps that many find in adulthood. You want better for your children. You want your kids to confidently earn, save, and manage … [Read more...]
Money Monday: Don’t Let This One Mistake Cost You Thousands in Financial Aid Dollars
Trying to figure out how to pay for college will keep any parent up at night. Unfortunately, mistakes made while applying for financial aid could cost your child thousands of dollars in lost aid. Consider the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is your gateway to obtaining money to pay for college. While its intention is to determine eligibility for … [Read more...]
The Best Tool Every Family Should Utilize but Everyone Always Hates
Do you cringe when you hear the word budget? My younger self certainly did. A budget screamed deprivation. It was the unbearable straight jacket that would suck all the joy out of life. Not to mention the fact that budgeting seemed intrusive and time-consuming. Let’s face it, budgeting sounds as inviting as getting up at 5 a.m, to hit the gym. Perhaps that’s why a … [Read more...]
Money Monday: Solve Your Money Problems with 3 Brilliant Ways to Make More
You've been on a quest to get your money game straight; you read financial websites, watch money shows and buy lots of books. Perhaps you've even talked to friends and family—or even an advisor—about how to improve your finances. But you still find yourself with more bills, debt and problems than actual money. Could all the information you've devoured be … [Read more...]
In Wake of the Wells Fargo Scam, Here’s 1 Big Step to Avoid Big Bank Abuse
Maybe you haven't heard, but big banks are still in the game of taking advantage of you. This past week the Consumer Financial Protection Agency announced that Wells Fargo, one of the nation's largest banks, would pay fines of $185 million for scamming its customers. Wells Fargo's employees were guilty of setting up nearly two million fake checking and credit card … [Read more...]
3 Very Doable Steps to Plan Your Financial Fulfillment
Do you have a plan for your money? If you dream of achieving financial abundance, that's the most important question you can ask yourself. When I was younger I indulged in consumerism, spending without a plan. Not giving much thought about money goals, I drifted financially. Aimless spending led me to purchase a new car when I really didn't need one. I rented an … [Read more...]
Admit It, You’re a Hoarder! And Your Spending Habits Are Costing You More Than You Think
Quick, you have only 20 minutes to collect your most valuable possessions and evacuate your home. What do you take? What’s the most important to you? What can't you live without? Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario has become all too real for those facing flood waters in Louisiana and wildfires in California. Yet, out of their dire situations, we gain insights … [Read more...]
Advise Your Kids on How to Land Their Dream Job Out of College
In today’s economy just graduating college with a degree won’t cut it anymore. Millennials face one of the highest unemployment rates in decades and nearly 44 percent of millennials are underemployed, often working in low-wage or part-time jobs. So if you're sending a child to college this month (or you're off in college yourself), it may be wise to send them with some … [Read more...]
Have Your Fun but Keep Your Funds; 7 Simple Tips for Regaining Your Money Mojo
Many of us believe that in order to achieve financial security we need a great salary, extraordinary intelligence or simple luck. The truth is that anyone can achieve financial independence. All it takes is a little discipline. Simple money principles, applied consistently, allow you to obtain the financial abundance you desire. Don't worry about what other people own It's … [Read more...]
Money Monday: How to Flip Your Negative Thoughts to Make it Big; Part II
In Part I of this story, we talked about money scripts and how they impact you, but now we'll address how to turn them around. Money scripts are the limiting money beliefs that derail your best efforts to become financially independent. Unfortunately, we often don’t even realize that we’re under the influence of such self-destructive thoughts, but like clandestine computer … [Read more...]