Back in 2018, you may recall that there was a new tax law going into effect. There was news of people going from usually getting a tax refund to either not getting much of a refund or having to pay. This included me as I went from paying a little back to the government to paying 5 figures back to the government. Until I saw this video from Dave Ramsey, I didn’t know truly why. Will Paying Off Your House…
I wrote in a previous article about apps that will give you cash for your receipts. I wanted to give an update because I started using another app to help me build my cash rewards and update you on how I use an existing app Checkout 51. Checkout 51 is an app that allows you to get rewarded for eligible purchases at stores which isn’t new. Not too long ago, this app has a Gas feature where you can upload…
Who likes debt? Too much debt can get you into so much trouble and leave you in a position with no room to breathe. Debt is an obligation that requires one party, the debtor, to pay money or other agreed-upon value to another party, the creditor. In other words, you owe money to someone. Find ways how to avoid getting into debt. Most of us has, at some point in our lives, have had debt. Examples of debt include auto…
Paying off your mortgage might sound like dream. You might have heard people talking or reading about people paying off their mortgage early. I’ve heard the reasons why people prefer not to pay off their mortgage and reasons to pay off their mortgage. Personally, I am trying to pay off my mortgage early and I’ll explain the reasons why. Paying off your mortgage should only be considered after you pay off all your other debt. Your other debt may not…
When it comes to savings, have you started a budget? Do you know what budget means? I lived most of my life without budgeting and only looked at what my salary brought in and making sure I can pay all my expenses. Whatever was left at the end of the month, I put into savings. So, that doesn’t sound too bad given that I didn’t spend more than I could afford, right? I’ve been fortunate that it hasn’t put me…
Financial independence, according to Wikipedia, is the status of having enough income to pay one’s living expenses for the rest of one’s life without having to be employed or dependent on others. In other words, do you have enough money to live without working? Majority of the population is a no. But if you are able to say yes to this question, then you have reached financial independence. You are not dependent on a job to financially survive. First of…
I was taking my daughter to soccer practice and she pops a question to me. How come we don’t do UberEats or DoorDash? Another opportunity for me to give her another financial lesson. I love these small talks. I repeated to her that nothing in life is really free and every penny counts. And that goes for UberEats or DoorDash. If you want someone to deliver you food, it will cost you. I told her I’m your personal UberEats. Why…
One of the beautiful ways of having that retirement cushion is to invest in your retirement through your 401K, IRA, Roth IRA, or TSP (401K version for federal employees). One of the benefits of enrolling in your employer’s 401K/TSP plan is that they typically contribute a percentage to it. I’ve had employers who match 3% of my contribution up to 5%. Why wouldn’t you want to enroll in a 401K/TSP plan? Besides the pre-tax benefits and employer additional contributions benefits,…
When I look back at my childhood, I wish my parents taught me more about money, the value, and ways to save or invest. I know that in the 80’s and 90’s, it was a different time. Money was harder to come by. Investing wasn’t as easy as opening up a Webull or Robinhood account and start trading. But I wish I had learned more of the fundamentals and foundations earlier on. Train yourself early. I love my parents and…
I tell my children that nothing in this world is free. But is that true? You can find great deals but what if you can go shopping, come out with some items, and not spend any of your money? Jackpot! Free! Free! Free! I’ve have a few scenarios where I received some things at no cost and it’s one of the best feelings. Coming out without having to pay a dime! What’s better than a freebie? ***Disclaimer*** You do have…