Ah, to be in your 20s. Brunches are frequent, hangovers are less debilitating, and all the big, serious life stuff seems so far away. So top off your bottomless mimosa, my friend, because you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to your finances … or do you? Well, I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is you always need to think about your finances, even when you’re just … [Read more...] about 8 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s
Debt Repayment
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?
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
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
How to Lend Money to Loved Ones Without Wrecking Your Relationships
Here’s a question that can negatively affect your relationship with a friend, relative, or significant other for years to come: Can I borrow some money? When someone you care about needs financial help, you don’t want to leave them in the lurch. After all, these are the people you’d turn to in a crisis -- shouldn’t you be there for them, too? And in many cultures, it’s the norm for adult children … [Read more...] about How to Lend Money to Loved Ones Without Wrecking Your Relationships