When it comes to money terms, people tend to be intimidated about asking for clarification. They’re afraid it’ll make them look uninformed or stupid, but this isn’t the case: there’s nothing wrong with asking for a definition. (Chances are, someone else in the conversation will be wondering the same thing.) But just in case you’re […]
There’s a scene in one of my favorite movies where the lead character steps into a batting cage, then takes fastballs to the chest to toughen up. He takes them all, screaming and grunting with the thud of each ball against his body. With the completion of our debt management program (DMP), through which my […]
In the last decade, online savings accounts have become commonplace. Not only do they traditionally yield better interest rates on your savings (for instance, the difference between 0.5 and 3%) — they cost both banks and consumers less money to operate. Although some people have switched from traditional savings accounts to higher-yield online savings accounts […]
Four years ago, I started my life as a blogger. I was delighted to be bringing in the extra income, but I didn’t think about the tax implications. As an independent contractor, there were exactly zero taxes taken out of my pay. That same year, our adjustable rate mortgage adjusted down, resulting in less interest […]
What’s the cheesy saying that goes along with so many New Year’s advertisements? New year, new you! This line might not inspire you to do much more than roll your eyes, but there is something motivating about a new year that makes you want to change your personal habits. Since the year is still fairly […]
You’ve read all the financial gurus’ books. You set up a fancy spreadsheet to track your spending. You follow 20 personal finance blogs. You’ve even switched to a cash envelope system. Still, your budget just isn’t panning out. Sound familiar? When I first got serious about personal finance, I dedicated myself to following all of […]
