I like to make references between having good finances and having good health because there are characteristics that are similar and strategies for having good health can also be applied to having good finances. I’ve had major health issues recently and I’m making a change for the better by eating better, knowing what I’m eating, how much I’m eating, and exercising. I lived a lifestyle that wasn’t good for my body and I tried to make some changes here and…
I’ve been having so many good discussions with my daughter. She’s learning that she can’t have everything and she has to prioritize her money spending. She been eyeing to buy a Nintendo Switch but she also wants to buy a skateboard. $400 vs $80. With every decision, there’s more than one path and you have to decide which way to go, left or right. She’s experiencing fork in the road decisions. I said to her that don’t look at the…
This is the question my wife and I have been saying quite a bit lately. Why didn’t I do this sooner? I could have, should have. If only….When it comes to financial planning and early financial independence, you do need to act sooner rather than later. You are thrown into the working world after high school or college, trying to make a living. You’re excited to receive that full-time pay check. Why would I think about saving or investing? What…
I know I know…ain’t isn’t a word but it’s a catchy title. You see an ad or an item on sale, and you tell yourself “That’s something I could use.” Even though you already have something equivalent, you might be thinking wouldn’t it be nice to have the latest and greatest, the newer model. My family and I were driving in the car and my wife asked me if we needed a new strainer because she saw one on sale….
Do you ever think you can turn a hobby into money? Do you like cooking, gardening, taking photos, taking videos, fixing computers, gaming, taking care of kids or pets, fixing cars, collecting items, or have any other hobby? Could you turn your hobby into a profit? There’s a possibility that you could. Early in my childhood, I had a hobby of collecting old money. 30 years later, I still have my collection. Can I profit from my childhood hobby? Here’s…
Who you surround yourself with has so much impact and influence on you. This doesn’t just pertain to finances but it applies to just about everything you do in your life such as your eating habits, travel habits, spending habits, and other lifestyle habits. When it comes to finances, who you surround yourself with can influence how you spend, save, and invest your money. Surround yourself with others who have financially healthy habits. This post isn’t meant for you to…
Do you check your financials often? Do you keep track of your spending? Do you check your bank account everyday and balance your checkbook? Wait…how many people still use checkbooks? However you balance your financials, the important part is that you do and that you do it often. Checking up on your financials doesn’t make you a person who focuses on money or makes you look like a person centered around money. There are very important reasons for checking on…
Do you have money leftover at the end of the month? What do you do with the money you have left in your bank account? There are only a few things you can do with your extra money: Spend it, Save it, or Invest it. Spend It Not my first choice but unless you have something pressing you need to buy for you or for someone else, there are better ways to use your money. You might say I am…
Early in my career, I used to go to an accountant when it came to filing taxes. Not knowing exactly what everything meant that was being filed, I was pretty naïve when it came to this. I was only concerned whether or not I was getting a refund or not. One year, I remember my accountant giving me advice that I couldn’t relate to because I was financially illiterate. She told me to do 4 things to help me financially…
If you look at your monthly expenses, you probably will see that housing is one of your highest expense. Imagine living rent free, mortgage free, or pay a very minimal amount. You could have so much in your pocket! Moving back home was the best move I made financially. After renting and living with roommates, I decided to move back into my parents who were graciously welcoming me back. Thank You Mom and Dad! With welcoming arms, little did I…