real return

No matter how much solid financial planning we put in, life cannot be reduced down to complete predictability. Indeed, there are always unexpected expenses, large and small, that can crop up. And, you never know when something catastrophic, like a major illness or a job loss, will happen. The reality of unexpected financial situations should [...]

Santa Claus is one of our most recognizable holiday characters, known for his love of children, holiday spirit, and giving personality. Most people would agree that Santa is a good guy. He gives unselfishly and the only thing he asks for in return is good behavior. However, has anyone ever asked what this all costs [...]

I had a really bad banking experience last week – actually, it took place over 7 days and is still not quite over. I was going to blog about it and rat out the bank, but then some halfway decent customer service changed my mind. When I logged into my account today and saw YET ANOTHER [...]

One of the keys to financial freedom is developing a habit of saving. It sounds really basic, but many people have trouble with this, and many just don’t know how to start. Here is an overview of how you can get started with savings accounts. The article will cover types of savings accounts, how to [...]

Saving money is not always an easy task, and reducing debt can sometimes seem impossible. But fear not! Not only is it possible, with these tips, reducing debt can be a simple, painless process. These small steps will add up quickly to help you reach your debt reduction goals in no time. Photo by HappyHaggis [...]

Becoming wealthy is not easy. It takes hard work, a sound strategy, and continued perseverance.  Moreover, becoming wealthy means taking action versus looking for good things to happen to you or looking elsewhere for opportunity. While there are a number of reasons or challenges to individuals becoming wealthy, in this post, I’m going to walk [...]

Everyone is talking about how now is a great time to buy a home. And, on the surface, it looks like the perfect time. Home prices are low, and mortgage interest rates remain at near-record lows. There is some argument, though, that it might be better to buy a home in six months; without the [...]

Back in April you might have filed your federal income tax forms only to find you actually owe money to the government instead of breaking even or getting a return. It can be a trying time for anyone especially in light of the recent recession woes affecting personal finances. If you discovered that you owe [...]

Not everyone has the time or inclination to master the subject of personal finance. Luckily, it is not always necessary to master it. In the same way you can hire an electrician without understanding the inner workings of home wiring, you can hire a financial advisor to get your money in order. There are all [...]

Tax season just ended. Do you really want to think about taxes already? You do if you are interested in reducing your tax liability and saving money more efficiently. What you do now can result in tax savings when April rolls around again. A tax deduction is an expense that can lower your taxable income, [...]