For the last three years, I had been ambivalent about home ownership. But with a recent (disrespectful) rent hike, and a conversation with my husband that determined that we will be planting roots in our current city, I figured it was time to buy a home that we could afford. In speaking with my friend Danielle Douglas, journalist and banking reporter at The Washington Post … [Read more...]
Money Monday: The One Key to Financial Freedom the Wealthy Live By
“It’s okay to be a superstar - to be the man in L.A., but sooner or later you need to start owning things.” - Magic Johnson to Shaquille O’Neal Here’s a simple truth: We live in an ownership society, but the key to financial success is understanding what to own. While Madison Ave would have us believe that late model automobiles, designer labels, and the newest electronic … [Read more...]
Money Monday: How Do You Know If You’re Ready To Buy A Home?
Home ownership has always been part of the American dream. We’re told that owning a home is a key step toward financial independence. While this is often true, if you’re not ready, the home ownership dream can turn into a financial nightmare. So how do you know if you’re ready to purchase your own piece of the American dream? You’re committed to living in the same location … [Read more...]
Money Monday: Four Simple Money Formulas To Help You Prosper
Dealing with money can be daunting a task. How do you know if you can afford a home? How do you go about setting a reasonable budget? And how much is too much to spend on a car anyway? While everyone's financial situation is different, there are a few money formulas that can help guide you along the way. Use the 20/4/10 formula to keep your wealth from driving … [Read more...]