I’m participating in a blog post contest today sponsored by the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). The group’s mission is improving the financial health of Americans. CFSI has deemed June 29, 2016 the first annual #FinHealthMatters Day. Part of the motivation of #FinHealthMatters Day is to raise awareness of financial health in America and start a conversation about what that looks like for people all over the USA. Let’s talk about financial health and why it ... continue reading...
The Last 10 Things I Bought
I recently participated in a Forbes.com series on spending habits. The Last 10 Things I Bought series offers a quick look at the spending habits of a variety of people across the country (single professionals, working parents, college students, retirees). The profiles are fun to read and you can't help but compare each list to your own, even if you list is just in your head. Click here to read my contribution to the series. What have you bought this week? Any regrets? Favorite purchase? ... continue reading...
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
I continue to be surprised by the number of people I visit with that admit to not having a will, particularly people that seem to have it "all together". What? Don't you discuss these kinds of things with friends and colleagues? Now you are questioning my abilities as a conversationalist? Fair point, but I swear it really does come up in normal conversation (at least my version of normal). My interpersonal shortcomings aside, these are often people who know better but have put off this task for ... continue reading...
The Importance of Beneficiary Designations
There is lots of talk about New Year's resolutions this time of year. We are nearly three weeks into the new year and many resolutions are already a distant memory, particularly if said resolutions were massive departures from the status quo. I'm not a consistent resolutioner, but I like taking time at the start of a new year to look ahead and map out key goals and plans for the next twelve months. Those blank calendar pages are full of possibility and fun to contemplate.<---Is this just ... continue reading...
3 Reasons To Pay Cash For Your Next Car
We are in the market for a new-to-us car. Notice I did not say a new car. More on that in a minute. My current vehicle has over 215,000 miles and sufficient character quirks to have earned a moniker. Yes, a car with a name. Usually only well-used or supremely ugly vehicles acquire nicknames. You know the type. The sales listing for the car in question will include phrases such as "great student car". Our trusty car has served us well for the last seven years through the addition of two ... continue reading...