Maybe you’ve wanted to change banks for some time now, or perhaps you’re in the process of making the switch. Many consumers feel that banks have become less hospitable in recent years, so you’re not alone if you feel it’s time to move on. Regardless of why you want to change banks, follow these tips to make a smooth transition: 1. Finding a new bank. It only makes sense to find a new bank … Read More
I hope you have had a good start to 2013! You may have noticed I haven’t made a post in the last few months. One reason I’ve been absent is my resistance to being another source of “New Year’s Resolution Noise.” Starting in early December and continuing through January, I was bombarded with email messages pushing me on how to “reinvent myself in 2013” or “start the new year with a new you,” or … Read More
Although you may not realize it, you have an emotional relationship with your finances. Think about it: when you get paid or spend money, how do you feel? An important aspect of living a secure, abundant financial life is having a thoughtful relationship with your money. Here are some tips you can use to start changing your relationship with money and live with intention: Adopt a “Start Today” attitude. Say to yourself, “Starting today, … Read More
I understand that staying up to date on your finances can be a challenge. Fortunately, though, you have access to your own personal credit report free of charge. This can be a great way to monitor and protect your financial identity while saving you money over the long run. Yet I still find many people aren’t doing it. Read on to learn the basics on why and how you should take advantage of this … Read More
Welcome to Speak of Money’s Blog Roundup for the week ending October 19, 2012. Posts this week cover a range of topics: from investment risk, to evaluating financial decisions, identity theft protection, and taxes. Q & A on 2013 Tax Changes from KeenerFinancial.com How and Why to Assess Your Economic Risk Tolerance from ObliviousInvestor.com (also check out his related post from the prior week: Risk Tolerance: Assessed Through Real World Experience) Should I Pay … Read More
Are you on track with being able to retire when you want to? It’s so easy to procrastinate about saving and investing money for your retirement – especially if you’re still years away. While starting early makes it so much easier to meet your retirement goals, it never hurts to start based on where you are today. Saving steadily and starting now can make it possible for you to retire with greater comfort. Keep … Read More
Question: Our son is in his first semester of college and so far we have skirted the issue of getting him a credit card. Are we making a mistake by not letting him have his own card? Answer: Sending kids off to college isn’t easy. Even though you think it’s time for your child to experience life on their own, you know they’ll still depend on you for some financial support and one of … Read More
Here are my favorite articles and posts from around the web this week: Five Reasons Your Portfolio is Too Complicated from AmateurAssetAllocator.com When Frugality Does More Harm Than Good from CreditKarma.com Are You an Entrepreneur… or Just a Freelancer? from FreelanceSwitch.com SAFT ON WEALTH-Crystal balls vs bag lunches and FHFA is not on an REO speed wagon when it comes to full disclosure both from Reuters.com IRS Volunteers Have Trouble Preparing Taxes from AccountingToday.com Socially … Read More
Take control of your money. I am really sick of hearing that phrase. It seems to be overused marketing jargon in the financial services industry and from what I’m seeing it really means: take control of you money just long enough to give it to us and then we’ll take control from there. I hate to sound like I’m ranting, but that’s what happens when I get irritated. You see, I’ve been working with … Read More
The following are my favorite articles and posts this week from around the web: What to do when you receive a letter from the IRS from Financial Ducks In A Row.com Many Employers Clueless About 401(k) Fees, G.A.O. Finds from NYTimes.com ‘Safe’ investments that are actually risky from CNNMoney.com But I Don’t Want To! Secrets to Self-Motivation from Wisebread.com Check Social Security Benefits Online from The Suns Financial Diary.com Why Don’t People Talk … Read More