Author: Michael Gregory

Unexpected Challenges with Retiring Early (That No One Prepares You For)
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Unexpected Challenges with Retiring Early (That No One Prepares You For)

For many, early retirement feels like the ultimate goal. More time with family, pursuing hobbies, and saying goodbye to the daily grind. When I retired early, I imagined relaxation, adventure, and more control over my time. And while I got plenty of that, there were some surprises I didn’t anticipate. The truth is, early retirement…

Avoid Expensive Repairs: 20 Items You Should NEVER Put In Your Kitchen Sink
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Avoid Expensive Repairs: 20 Items You Should NEVER Put In Your Kitchen Sink

Many homeowners don’t realize how much damage common kitchen waste can cause to their plumbing. A small clog might seem harmless at first, but it can quickly turn into a serious problem.  As a landlord with over 22 years of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to plumbing disasters. The repair costs have…

How Much Cash You Should Keep at Home For An Emergency
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How Much Cash You Should Keep at Home For An Emergency

No one really thinks about emergency cash until they’re in an emergency. It’s easy to assume your debit card or phone can handle everything, until a power outage, natural disaster, or glitchy banking system proves otherwise.  According to a 2024 survey, 40% of Americans couldn’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense with cash or savings. That’s…

High-Paying Jobs (That No One Wants): These Industries Are Desperate for Workers
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High-Paying Jobs (That No One Wants): These Industries Are Desperate for Workers

Businesses everywhere are scrambling to find skilled workers, and the problem isn’t going away. Jobs are open, but the right people aren’t lining up to fill them. If you’ve noticed longer wait times, slower service, or companies lowering their standards, this is why. The World Economic Forum reports that half the global workforce will need…

25 Areas House Buyers Instantly HATE About Your Home
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25 Areas House Buyers Instantly HATE About Your Home

With over 24 years of experience as a real estate investor, I’ve seen countless homes struggle to sell. The reason? First impressions matter more than you might think. When potential buyers walk through your door, they’re not just looking at your house, they’re imagining their future home.  A recent study by Strutt & Parker found…

Unplug These 15 Energy Vampires And Save Hundreds on Your Electric Bill
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Unplug These 15 Energy Vampires And Save Hundreds on Your Electric Bill

You might not notice, but many devices around your house are quietly running up your electric bill. If something’s turned off, it shouldn’t be costing anything, right? Wrong.  A surprising number of gadgets keep pulling power even when they’re not in use, slowly draining money for no good reason. It’s like paying rent on an…

11 Mistakes Many People Make with Their 401(k)s and How to Avoid Them
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11 Mistakes Many People Make with Their 401(k)s and How to Avoid Them

As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 20 years of experience in finance, including managing Investment Risk and Investment Product Teams, I’ve seen countless individuals make costly mistakes with their 401(k) plans. A 401(k) is a powerful tool for building retirement wealth, but many people fail to optimize its potential. Below, I’ll outline some…

Are You (Financially) Ready for Early Retirement? 18 Signs You’re Financially Set 
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Are You (Financially) Ready for Early Retirement? 18 Signs You’re Financially Set 

Are you dreaming of breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind decades before your peers? Maybe you’re wondering if you’ve saved enough, if your investments will last, or if you’re just plain crazy for thinking about retiring so young.  If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering early retirement.  When I retired early, it wasn’t just…

Live Here, Save More: 21 States Offering the Best Tax Breaks
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Live Here, Save More: 21 States Offering the Best Tax Breaks

Most people don’t realize how much state taxes eat into their income until they do the math. Taxes aren’t just an annual headache, they’re the silent drain on your paycheck every single day.  That’s why the right state can make all the difference between just getting by and building real wealth. The best part is,…

14 Clever Things To Negotiate When Buying a House (That Most Agents Won’t Tell You)
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14 Clever Things To Negotiate When Buying a House (That Most Agents Won’t Tell You)

When buying a house, many people are aware that they can negotiate the price. Some might even consider asking for a home warranty to be included in the deal. Home warranties are a common negotiation point because agents often receive commissions for selling them. But here’s the thing: you can negotiate much more than just…

15 Money Lessons from Joel Osteen (Even If You Aren’t Religious)
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15 Money Lessons from Joel Osteen (Even If You Aren’t Religious)

My mom passed away over five years ago, and the last time I went to church service with her, I took her to see Joel Osteen. That moment stuck with me, not because of the church itself, but because of the experience.  This article isn’t about religion. It’s about financial wisdom. Osteen talks a lot…

21 Lessons a CFA (Who Retired Young) Learned That Dave Ramsey Does Not Teach
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21 Lessons a CFA (Who Retired Young) Learned That Dave Ramsey Does Not Teach

For what it’s worth, I retired at 42. With over two decades in financial services, a CFA designation, and a mix of real estate and investment strategies, I reached financial independence without gimmicks or shortcuts.  Unlike Dave Ramsey, I have financial credentials, I never declared bankruptcy, and I actually retired young. He is still working….

23 Simple Tax Deductions That Can Save You Big Without Itemizing
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23 Simple Tax Deductions That Can Save You Big Without Itemizing

Tax season isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. But what’s worse than filing taxes? Overpaying them. The good news is you don’t have to spend hours sorting receipts to save money. The tax code is full of deductions available to anyone, no itemizing required.  According to IRS data, about 90% of taxpayers claimed the standard…

Are You Really Upper Middle Class? 20 Signs You’ve Made It
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Are You Really Upper Middle Class? 20 Signs You’ve Made It

Figuring out where you stand in the financial world isn’t always straightforward. There’s rich, there’s middle class, and then there’s the upper middle class: a comfortable spot where money works for you, but it’s not unlimited. Alright, have I actually made it? This question often comes up when you realize you can afford what matters…

19 Reasons Why Robert Kiyosaki’s Approach to Building Wealth Is Wrong
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19 Reasons Why Robert Kiyosaki’s Approach to Building Wealth Is Wrong

The first time I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad as a teenager, it felt like someone had handed me the secret playbook to building wealth. The idea that financial freedom wasn’t about grinding away at a job but about owning assets that worked for you? That stuck with me. It pushed me to think beyond…

20 Habits You Can Easily Start To Become Financial Freedom (Like I Did)
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20 Habits You Can Easily Start To Become Financial Freedom (Like I Did)

Financial freedom is a choice anyone can make, no matter where you are on your financial journey. It starts with the habits you build today, taking control of your money, not the other way around.  Most people feel trapped in a cycle of bills, debt, and endless work. But it doesn’t have to stay that…