How is it that some people seem to have truly mastered the money game? They enjoy life, free of financial distress, while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet. Are they born smarter than the rest of us? Do they possess some special money secret? Not necessarily. Money smart people simply do what the rest of us are unwilling to do. 1. Money smart people take charge of … [Read more...]
Money
5 Super Smart Things to Do with Your Refund Check
Last year the average taxpayer received a federal tax refund of nearly $3200. Having received such a large check in the past, I can fully appreciate the temptations to spend the money on something “fun”. We all work hard for our money so a new toy or vacation should be considered reasonable. Right? But, if you can resist the temptation to splurge, your IRS “windfall” offers … [Read more...]
Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the Ride: How to Put Your Wealth Creation on Autopilot
The rich invest to make their money grow. Unfortunately, too few of us follow their example. We put off investing because we think we’ll be in a better financial place in the future. We tell ourselves that later on we’ll have more money to invest. Unfortunately, later never arrives as we inherit more obligations. A spouse and kids cause expenses to skyrocket, while your … [Read more...]
5 Things You Could be Doing with Your Money Other than Having a Pricey Wedding
Your wedding day is a BIG day. I get it. When I got married, over eight years ago, I wanted everything to be perfect. I dreamed about that day for years. And as someone who didn’t grow up knowing any happily married couples (and hardly any married couples to be honest), I was determined to make my wedding pretty magical. And it was. I don’t have a single complaint about … [Read more...]
Why Boring Is Beautiful When It Comes to Your Money – Index Funds
Warren Buffett is the third richest man in the world and has been hailed as one of the greatest stock pickers of all time. But you might be surprised the advice he is giving to his future heirs. Instead of investing in individual stocks or mutual funds, when Buffett passes away he wants his wealth placed in index funds. “My advice to the trustee could not be more simple: Put … [Read more...]
Money Monday: How The Rich Build Their Wealth And How You Can Too
Growing up, my family never talked about the stock market. We didn’t discuss ticker symbols over the kitchen table. Perhaps it was because my parents were too busy just trying to make ends meet. To us stocks were risky. They were the playground of the rich. You either had to have money or immense intelligence to wade into the world of stocks. Fast forward a few decades and I … [Read more...]
5 Steps to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Have you noticed how people frequently define their financial success by the type of car they drive or by the size of their homes? Don’t get me wrong. Having nice things is not bad, but true financial success is found in achieving financial peace of mind. Financial peace of mind is that secure feeling, knowing you don’t have to worry about meeting day-to-day expenses, that … [Read more...]
Free Couples Webinar: How Couples Can Turn Their Side Hustle into Their Main Hustle to Build Wealth
When a husband and wife embark on a business venture together, it adds a unique dynamic to their relationship. The idea of working with your spouse seems exciting, but the reality is it can lead to great success or great failure for the business and the marriage alike. Given the incredible 50 percent divorce rate in this country, it is never smart to add more stress than … [Read more...]
7 Things African Americans, Specifically, Must Do Before Buying a Home
Home ownership is a brutal two edged sword. Play your cards right and you’ll create a home and generate memories that’ll last a lifetime. At the same time you’ll build durable wealth. But, fail to do your homework and your homeownership dreams could morph into a financial nightmare. This is the brutal lesson too many African-Americans learned during the last great … [Read more...]
Flip the Script: 5 Car Buying Tips that Put the Power in Your Hands
I find it amazing how we pay attention to saving nickels and dimes on small purchases, but we're almost completely oblivious when it comes to the big purchases in our lives. Let’s face it, you won't win the financial game by saving a few dollars on a loaf of bread or buying your favorite outfit on sale. The money game is won by playing it smart with the major purchases in our … [Read more...]
Money & Marriage: 2 Ways Couples Can Get on the Same Page Financially
Soon after Derek proposed to Carrie, he got a bit of a surprise. He found out her house was headed into foreclosure. They still got married and faced the financial disaster together because, as they put it: "We had no choice. The bank wasn’t taking excuses in lieu of mortgage payments.” The conversations and decisions that Derek and Carrie had to make early in their marriage … [Read more...]
15 Easy Ways To Take Your Money Game To The Next Level in 2017
We hate rules. Maybe it's the rebel inside all of us. But, if you really think about it, rules serve us well. They keep us safe. They help us achieve our goals. Rules of the road, for instance, ensure that we'll arrive at our destination safely without accident. There are rules to the money game as well. Unfortunately, too often we ignore them resulting in financial carnage. … [Read more...]
Money Monday: 5 Questions About 2016 That Will Help You Prosper in 2017
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...]
Black Friday or Cyber Monday: What to But and When to Buy It
Thinking of whether to head out Black Friday or sleep in and take care of your Christmas list on Cyber Monday. Well Credit.com has some helpful guidance for you. By Jill Krasny Whether or not you mark off Black Friday on your calendar, chances are you’re wondering what bargains are out there this season. For instance, is it better to purchase a smartphone that Friday, … [Read more...]