When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s famous directive to “Simplify, Simplify!” Thoreau carried his belief in simplifying to what most of us would consider an extreme in today’s world. He chose to live alone in a cabin in the woods, off the grid (not that there … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)
Money
Expert advice on teaching kids about money
Do you remember your dad asking: “Do you think money grows on trees?” or “Do you think I’m made of money?” Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we kind of did. If anything, that attitude is multiplied many times by today’s kids.The time to teach our children about money is when they’re young, so when … [Read more...] about Expert advice on teaching kids about money
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car
Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When Miranda Marquit started writing about personal finance six years ago, she “was maxed out on my credit cards,” she admits. No more. And the publisher of Planting Money Seeds has a few words of hard-earned advice for anyone who has dug themselves into a debt hole so big they think they’ll never … [Read more...] about Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
Where to get free credit reporting and identity theft protection
Your credit score and your financial identity affect everything in your life, and you should protect them both. Here’s why and how. Your credit score affects loan rates, including for your vehicle and mortgage, credit or debit cards, even a college loan for your son or daughter. Something as … [Read more...] about Where to get free credit reporting and identity theft protection
7 (relatively) painless ways to save for your next vacation
Putting away money for your summer vacation sounds good but that's often easier said than done. If you’re like the rest of us, most of your money is spoken for before you even get it. But we’ve come up with seven relatively painless ways for you to put a little bread away for your next trip — or … [Read more...] about 7 (relatively) painless ways to save for your next vacation
8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you file early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you wait until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements, and 1099s and your return wings its way electronically to … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Let your bank warn you of trouble
These days, the last thing you want is more e-mail or text messages. You might consider signing up for a few that can save you money. We’re not talking about deals and coupons, but alerts from your bank and credit card companies. You can sign up to be alerted about low balances, unusual … [Read more...] about Let your bank warn you of trouble
How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
One hurdle many would-be home buyers face – or think they face — is the need to come up with a big chunk of cash to make a 20% down payment. The good news is that you don’t have to have 20% down, even in today’s tight credit environment, to buy a house. Buyers with good jobs and decent credit … [Read more...] about How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
My purse has been stolen. Now what?
Quin Ryan was doing a good deed by driving her niece to daycare. Grabbing only the toddler and an umbrella, she entered the school, returning to her car in less than seven minutes to discover her driver-side window smashed and her purse, left on the seat, gone. Out of pocket: $2,500. Drugs, … [Read more...] about My purse has been stolen. Now what?
Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
The share of all household debt held by Americans in March 2017 rose $149 billion, reaching $12.73 trillion in debt, according to the newest release by the New York Federal Reserve. And a 2016 report by University of Michigan's Retirement Research Center found that nearly 32 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Are you ready to downsize and save money? I contacted downsizing expert, Monica Friel, owner of Chaos to Order, to help use tackle the clutter situation. How much do you have to get rid of Ms. Friel's recommendation is to start by understanding how much you have to get rid of. If you are … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
