So you want to go to Thailand for three weeks when you finish your MBA, but you’re concerned about paying for a plane ticket. However, did you know it’s only 80,000 United miles (plus taxes and fees) to fly round trip to Asia from the U.S.? Or maybe you want to go to Italy for your wedding anniversary. Did you know it’s only 60,000 United miles (plus taxes and fees) to fly round trip to Europe … [Read more...] about Hacking Your Credit Card Rewards
Hacking Your HSA
If your health insurance plan is a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you may be eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Unfortunately, HDHPs and HSAs confuse a lot of people, and it’s important to understand how they work so you can use them to your advantage. HDHPs are attractive to many people because they have lower premiums in exchange for higher deductibles. That means … [Read more...] about Hacking Your HSA
Hacking Your Roth IRA
You know the often-suggested retirement savings checklist: If your employer offers a 401(k), contribute enough to get a match. Max out a Roth IRA if you qualify. Go back to your 401(k) and work toward contributing the maximum of $19,500 per year for 2021. Generally, you fund these accounts for the long-term, because early withdrawals can lead to penalties. But here’s why I love Roth IRAs … [Read more...] about Hacking Your Roth IRA
The Best Financial Tools, Apps, and Calculators I Recommend All the Time
Managing and automating your finances has never been easier. There are so many online and mobile tools available (most for free!) that setting yourself up for financial success involves little more than 30 minutes of set-up and a few minutes of monitoring a month. You’re more likely to meet your financial goals if those goals are specific and actionable. Online tools, apps, and calculators put … [Read more...] about The Best Financial Tools, Apps, and Calculators I Recommend All the Time
My Favorite Online Experts
Helping a client with their financial plan involves a lot of conversations about numerical data. We chat about their current net worth, their debts, the amount they have in savings, and their financial goals like buying a home or retiring. My clients are in a phase of life that comes with a ton of change -- they’re completing their educations, moving to new cities, starting businesses, buying … [Read more...] about My Favorite Online Experts
Personal Finance Blogs and Podcasts to Add to Your List
Summer’s a quiet time for financial planners. Lots of clients worry about money in January after setting New Year’s resolutions, or in April when taxes are due. For now, everyone’s going on vacation! But summer is a great time to learn about personal finance. You’ve got time to fill on long flights, after all! And when you head into the winter and start thinking about what goals you’d like to set … [Read more...] about Personal Finance Blogs and Podcasts to Add to Your List