When you’re a full-time employee for a company, you might take for granted all the benefits you get in addition to your actual salary. It turns out that of your total compensation package, 30% goes toward benefits like health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) matches, paid vacation and sick leave, and more. But nearly a third of U.S. workers are self-employed or work for a … [Read more...] about How to Create Your Own Benefits Package When You’re Self-Employed
How Do I Protect Myself After the Equifax Breach?
After news of the Equifax security breach broke, many of my clients have asked me what they should do to protect their personal information. I wanted to share my recommendations with all of you. What Happened? Equifax is one of three major credit bureaus, which means they compile and use a lot of consumer data to help determine creditworthiness. You credit score is based on information in your … [Read more...] about How Do I Protect Myself After the Equifax Breach?
How Ditching Your Car Could Save You Thousands
For those of us who grew up in the ‘burbs, the idea of living without a car seems as foreign as driving on the opposite side of the road. How will you haul home groceries? How will you get to work? For many Millennials, especially now that we’re buying suburban homes and having kids (or buying homes because of our dogs), a car will make your life a lot easier. But if you live in a relatively … [Read more...] about How Ditching Your Car Could Save You Thousands
When and How to Refinance an Auto Loan
Let’s say that about a year ago, you bought a car and opted to finance it instead of buying the car in cash. If you didn’t get the best deal on your loan at purchase, you might be able to refinance in order to take advantage of lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, or a shorter loan term. Because refinancing can help save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest over the entire … [Read more...] about When and How to Refinance an Auto Loan
Should I Buy a Car with Cash or Take Out a Loan?
Suppose you decide to buy a new car and, after considering whether to buy or lease it, you’ve decided to buy. Now comes your next big decision: should you pay cash for a car or finance it? Once again, there’s no one “right” answer. It truly depends on a few factors, like: The kind of car that fits your needs The cost of that car The cash you have in savings The other things you’d need … [Read more...] about Should I Buy a Car with Cash or Take Out a Loan?
Should I Buy or Lease a Car?
Getting a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and it’s one that can affect your cash flow for years. Beyond the cost of the car, you’ll have to pay for maintenance, fuel, insurance, and parking. A car can cost you just over $700 per month on average, according to AAA (and that doesn’t include depreciation). When it comes to the buying vs. leasing debate, I lean towards … [Read more...] about Should I Buy or Lease a Car?