With the end of the year coming to a close, we now have to prepare for the new year. That means to create or review what your goals are, review your strategies, assess how you did this year, what changes you can make for the new year, and so on. Whether you had a good year or a bad year, you should try to make it a habit to take the time and check on yourself and your progress. This…
Impulse buying, that immediate gratification, satisfaction, on cloud nine feeling you get when you purchase something unexpectedly due to temptations or without much consideration. You can experience this in the grocery store, a gas station, clothing store, a car dealership, warehouse stores, on vacation…essentially anywhere. Wherever there’s something to sell, there’s someone who will fall to impulse buying. Don’t get me wrong, impulse buying is not always bad and very appropriate at times. I’m talking about those purchases you regret…
One thing I despise is debt. It gets in the way of all my plans to pursue financial independence. Debt means you owe someone something and in this case, I’m referring to money. You owe money because you borrowed money whether it’s a car loan, student loan, mortgage loan, second mortgage loan, credit card balances, 401K borrowing, or any other financial obligation you may have. Before thinking about financial independence you have to become or get very close to a…
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world and when I say the world, every country was impacted. Millions of people lost jobs, thousands lost their lives, and the economy took a dive, are some of the impacts this virus has had on us. If you are one of the fortunate ones who still have a job, are receiving a paycheck and benefits, and allowed to work remotely, this is the time to save. I am fortunate to be one of those…
Have you ever sat around surfing the internet, coming across a website, a blog, a YouTube video, a Facebook site, or any other, thinking that’s something I could do also? Have you stared at your computer or mobile device binge surfing or watching, and next thing you know 2 hours have passed and nothing has changed? Have you thought about doing a project, doing your research, continuing to research, and making excuses that you’re still doing research and the project…
Lunch is the time you get to take a break from work, go out with co-workers, and enjoy a meal. It’s a time to mingle, socialize, and be part of the many people waiting in line to get food. It feels good seeing other people in a loud restaurant or food hall. In my 20’s and 30’s I used to go out to lunch all the time. Even if my co-workers didn’t want to go out, I’d still go out…
I wanted to write about an investment article but with COVID-19 here today, I felt that I should write an article about investing during a time of a pandemic and what I’ve done. Here is a list of what’s going on now COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the economy and forcing over 30 millions people to file for unemployment, numbers not seen since the great depression The federal government has issued multiple stimulus packages to help the population…
Money is your friend; money is your enemy. Ever since I was young, I was never good with money. Like many kids I had a piggy bank. When it gets full, guess what I do with it. I spend it! Not a great practice when you’re talking about working towards early retirement. What I’ve learned about myself is that my self-discipline is weak and therefore I have to deliberately put myself in a situation to force me to save. I’ve…
My first major financial decision…I maximized my 401K contributions from the beginning. 25 years ago I first started working full-time after college and it was an exciting time joining the workforce. On my first day on the job I was handed a bunch of paperwork to fill out. One of the pieces of paper I had to fill out was 401K contribution. What did I know about 401K? Nothing! Fortunately, I knew someone who did and he gave some advice….