Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
Back-to-college shopping can get expensive. Besides tuition and books, there’s clothing, class supplies, and — of course — dorm essentials. The National Retail Federation’s Back to College survey reports that this year students (or their parents) will spend an average of $969.88 for dorm furnishings and college supplies. Of this spending, the top four categories are projected to be electronics, clothing, snacks and food items, and furnishings.
While this might seem like a small dent compared to the cost of tuition and housing, it can take a significant chunk out of a student’s savings or, worse, end up on a credit card. The question, then, is how many of these ‘essentials’ are necessary? Regardless of how convincingly retailers market their back to college lists and attractively arrange their mock dorm showrooms, it’s doubtful students really need all of that.
Based on feedback from students and parents who have learned the hard way, here are a few things you do and don’t need as you start getting ready to go back to college. [ continue reading… ]
It can feel uncomfortable asking people for donations, even on behalf of a cause or charity you strongly support. This is especially true when the cause is personal: your child’s extracurricular events or college education, a family member’s non-insured medical bills, legal fees surrounding an adoption, or maybe travel expenses for volunteer work. Then there are things it feels downright wrong to ask donations for: a special anniversary celebration, the down payment on your home, and other categories that seem more like wants than needs.
Besides feeling uncomfortable about asking for donations, most of us don’t have the marketing budgets, media channels, or equipment to throw a big event that attracts a lot of attention and support. While you could always grab a coffee can and go door to door, here are a few more comfortable ways to reach your personal fundraising goals on a tight budget. [ continue reading… ]
Many times, you’re at a store paying for your items when the cashier asks “would you like to save 20% off your purchase today by signing up for our credit card?”. Sounds like a great deal, doesn’t it? You’re inclined to say yes, fill out the easy application and have the instant gratification of saving on things you were willing to pay full price for. Is it too good to be true though? It very well might be.
Retail stores have been tempting customers for years to sign up for credit cards with discounts, free gifts, and special promotions. While it may seem like a no-brainer to sign up and get instant savings, there are longer term implications that can affect your personal finance for years to come. Make sure you consider these five important things before signing up for a store credit card: [ continue reading… ]
My friend was telling us the other day how they were extremely fortunate to have bought their million dollar home a few decades ago, because they scraped together a $3,000 down payment to buy a $15,000 home they now live in. They will never tell you they are investing geniuses, but multiplying their initial investment by at least 300 times since the home is worth north of $1 million bucks today qualifies as a legendary return in my book.
Hearing these stories always gets my juices flowing. Just like that, my off and on desire to start investing in real estate is turned on and revved up to the max.
I’ve toyed with the idea of investing in rental properties in the past few years. What makes me hesitant every time I think about the topic is the amount of work involved in managing multiple rental properties. I already have full time work here at MoneyNing.com, and I really don’t need more stress. If anything, the potential income from investments should give me more freedom and time, not less.
Plus, I live in Southern California and prices of properties in my neck of the woods are very high. I once saw a small shopping plaza for sale and the rent you could get was 1.5% of the listing price. Woah? Who would buy anything risky that pays just 1.5% a year?
If you have student loans, I’m sure you’ve dreamed of just not paying them back. You imagine what else you could be doing with that money and think how much easier life would be without the relentless payments.
I’ve totally been there. Although I’ve dreamed of not paying back my debt, I know it’s my responsibility, both morally and legally, to do so.
Aside from my thoughts on the price of higher education, signing up for student loans is still something I did myself. I signed on the dotted line and agreed to pay back my debt, which I’m working hard to do.
Recently, an op-ed was published in The New York Times about the author’s experience defaulting on his student loans. He went so far as to practically encourage others to do the same, in the name of student loan reform. [ continue reading… ]
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