Craig Ford
Although online payment is prevalent nowadays, you may still find yourself in a situation where you need to write a check. For example, when you pay a contractor that doesn’t take a credit card payment or when you write a deposit check for your home purchase. If you are not familiar with how to write … Read more
A mutual fund represents money contributed by multiple investors. That money is managed by an individual, or more likely, a whole slew of individuals. Not surprisingly, those folks who help manage and oversee your money do not do it on a volunteer basis. They get paid. Do you want to guess who pays them? You … Read more
We are currently in a time when too much emphasis is placed on grades. Far too many graduating seniors believe that good grades lead to good jobs which leads to a good life. However, there are many other attributes necessary for success. What is success? This post isn’t about equating $200,000 a year and success. … Read more
When it comes to money saving ideas, some people go way out of their way to save a dime while others casually use products that cost hundreds of dollars. For example, is it worth drying a piece of Saran wrap? Some folks (mostly from a previous generation) would put the wrap on the window to … Read more
A few weeks ago I received an email. In the email I was asked to give a reference for two individuals who were applying for the same job. That’s not really unusual, right? We’ll, here’s the kicker. (I hope this doesn’t get too complicated …) One of the key decision maker’s daughter and I are … Read more
If you read enough personal finance blogs, you’ll see a common theme and the number one answer to your financial dilemma — “Spend Less than You Earn.” Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done; otherwise, we wouldn’t have this rampant debt problem in our society. Fortunately, I went through this myself, and over the years, I’ve … Read more
I disagree with the common assumption that buying a house will be your biggest financial decision. I believe your choice of a marriage partner will be your single biggest financial decision. Besides, who do you think is going to help you make the house decision? Therefore, make your spouse decision carefully. The reasons go far, … Read more
Some parents worry about the double edged sword of teens and work. On the one hand, there is some research that suggests teens who work might get lower grades. On the other hand, a teenager who works will probably learn some important life skills. Should your teen work? What is more important – grades or … Read more
I have two daughters and one son. They are all quite young (the oldest is four). At this moment when I look ahead to the future I am have the exact same financial plan for each of them. Currently, we financially treat them all the same. We save the same amount for college, buy the … Read more