We have to pay for necessities and make monthly payments on debt, so when we manage our finances these items get our attention. Saving on the other hand, tends to get the least attention because it seems optional. We can’t skip paying our rent or a car payment, but we can skip a deposit to our savings (or so it seems). […]
When we hear sales promotions that say that it will cost us pennies per day, or for just $1.00 a day we can have this or that, the idea is to keep us thinking in small numbers. But those small numbers add up and become big numbers over time. Well, it works the same way […]
When we hear sales promotions that say it will cost us pennies per day, or for just $1.00 a day we can have this or that, the idea is to keep us thinking in small numbers. But those small numbers add up and become big numbers over time, and it work the same way with […]
Will you be splurging a little or a little too much for the Holidays? Do you plan to set a spending limit this year, and if so, how confident are you that won’t spend above it? In the coming weeks, the news will be filled with statistics about whether holiday spending is up or down […]
For some people, their financial goals are to someday be out of debt or have a better handle on their financial situation. But these types of goals don’t lend themselves to an achievable plan, and progress can’t be measured. When we establish financial goals, we assess the things that we need and want in life […]
Our saving plan should cover three essential areas: cash on hand for unexpected bills, money put aside to cover expenses in case our income is interrupted, and an account for later in life when we stop working or work in a reduced capacity. This approach protects our longer term savings from an unexpected withdrawal by providing for short-term […]
An emergency fund is a separate savings account that we set aside to cover monthly expenses in an emergency situation. If we experience a layoff or we’re unable to work for a period of time, the emergency fund is there to provide a financial cushion or safety net until our situation changes for the better. […]
I’ve read quite a bit of Mike’s posts and find them articulate and informative. This week he tackles the IRA question and explains the affect that marginal tax rate has on the decision in words we can understand. Read the Article
Personal Finance Simply Understood 