Financial FAQs
by Stacy Brasher on Sep 13, 2018
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked financial questions.
I’ve just started my first job. Do I really have to start saving for retirement now?
The Ins and Outs of Banking Online
by Stacy Brasher on Sep 10, 2018
In a few short years, it seems as though the banking industry has revolutionized. It is now easier (and more convenient than ever) to tend to your banking needs, all from the comforts of your pyjamas. Gone are the notions of banking hours, and the never ending lineups when you want to deposit your paycheck.
How to Protect Yourself from Zombie Debt
by Stacy Brasher on Sep 6, 2018
While the name may be amusing the reality of zombie debt is anything but funny. Zombie debt is old debt that has been written off years ago, only to be sold to debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. In many cases, the debt is years old, and may not even be valid.
Time to Break That Shopping Habit!
by Stacy Brasher on Sep 3, 2018
It seems like we’ve been conditioned to shop since birth. While an occasional splurge is nothing to get worked up about, we’ve become incredibly wasteful in the process. Landfills from coast to coast are full of our discarded belongings such as furniture, equipment, appliances, and electronic items like computers and cellphones. We no longer repair an item, we simply replace it. Some of our spending habits can certainly be tied to the incessant marketing and advertising that target consumers on a daily basis.
All Donations Are Not Created Equal
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 30, 2018
Giving money to philanthropic causes is important to many of us. Year end giving in particular is popular with both donors and charitable organizations. The most common way to give money for most people is to simply write a check or put a donation on a credit card. The charity then typically sends us a receipt for our donation, and everyone is happy.
Not so fast.
Infographic: 6 Easy Organization Tips to Take Time off of Taxes
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 23, 2018
Financial Missteps to Avoid
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 20, 2018
While so much of personal finance is common sense – don’t spend more than you make, don’t buy a house you can’t afford, start to invest money while you’re young, many young people today enter the workforce fresh out of college, with a boatload of student loans, and with no clue how to properly manage their money.
401(k) Basics
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 16, 2018
As a retirement plan, 401(k) plans currently outpace the competition, with more than 54 million Americans participating in a 401(k) plan, and nearly 550,000 plans offered.
Employer sponsored, 401(k) plans are by far the easiest mechanism for workers to get started saving for retirement. And because there is typically an employer match for contributions up to a certain percentage, workers can end up leaving a significant amount of money on the table if they choose to forego participating in the company 401(k) plan.
Financial Planning in Your 30s: The 3 Goals Every 30-Something Year Old Should Have
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 13, 2018
30 is a divisive number. To the young, it’s the time when you’re thrust into full blown adulthood, whether you’re ready or not. To the young at heart, 30 may be considered the early years before your true confidence shines, in your career, in your relationships, or even in yourself. Either way, your 30s are an incredible age when you’re comfortable with a bright future ahead.
Retiring Abroad
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 9, 2018
If you’ve always dreamed of living abroad, now may be the best time. Today, there are around 400,000 American retirees residing outside the United States, with that number expected to grow over the next few years. Cost of living is often cited as one of the main reasons for the move. For example, in places like Mexico and Costa Rica, it’s possible to live off of a Social Security check, while enjoying a relaxing lifestyle in the process. Other retirees cite rising health care costs as a contributing factor in their decision to move out of the U.S.
