Did you know I also publish to MSN.com!
Some of my audience’s favorite articles are these “Galleries” I add to MSN.
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Balancing money and family time doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle. The key is making simple choices that help you stay on top of your finances without missing out at home. Here are simple ways to balance family time and financial goals, manage expenses, free up your time, and reach your financial goals….
I’ve been thinking a lot about work optional versus Financial Independence Retire Early (aka FIRE). If you haven’t heard these terms, I’ll explain them shortly after I get through this. Work optional is great if that’s what you want. It means having control over your work, making enough money to feel like you could leave…
Making money doesn’t need to be hard. Too many people believe that without a degree or years of experience, they’re stuck with low-paying jobs. That’s just not true. Plenty of good-paying jobs don’t require a fancy resume. Companies need workers who show up, learn fast, and get things done. Some of the best careers out…
When it comes to money, most people don’t think much about what they’re doing wrong. It’s easy to blame circumstances, bad luck, or not making enough. But often, the habits and behaviors we stick to are what quietly keep us stuck. That’s why understanding how everyday choices impact financial outcomes is crucial and empowering. In…
Warren Buffett is known for his investing wisdom, his calm demeanor, and his ability to simplify complex financial ideas. But back in 2003, he did something a little different. He sounded the alarm, not about a stock market bubble or corporate fraud, but about something much bigger: America’s growing trade deficit. In an article published…
Taxes feel confusing when you’re just starting out. Forms, deductions, credits, it all sounds like a foreign language. Mess up, and the IRS might take more than its fair share. Get it right, and you could keep thousands in your pocket. A recent survey found that 44% of tax filers stress over doing their taxes,…
Taxes aren’t fun. They aren’t optional either. Most people just file, hope for the best, and move on. The problem? That approach leads to overpaying, sometimes by thousands. The IRS won’t correct your mistakes, and tax software only does what you tell it. If you don’t understand how taxes actually work, you’re leaving money on…
Raising kids will stretch you, but it doesn’t have to wreck your wallet. I’ve got three of my own, and I can tell you, it’s not the kids that get expensive. It’s the decisions we make around them. According to national data, families spend approximately $27,000 on education-related costs between preschool and high school. That…
Once you hit 50, taxes start working in your favor, if you know where to look. The government, for all its faults, actually hands out plenty of tax breaks to older adults, helping them keep more of their money. Some of these benefits kick in right at 50, while others appear as you get closer…
Taxes drain your paycheck faster than a bad investment. Most people assume there’s nothing to do but accept it, but that’s exactly how the IRS wants you to think. The tax code is complicated, but it’s full of opportunities for those who take the time to use them. A recent National Tax Literacy Poll found…
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…
Four-year college degrees aren’t the automatic career path they used to be. With rising college tuition costs and skilled trades booming, more people are asking if college is still the best investment for long-term job growth and income. Here’s how college vs. trade school compares in job growth, costs, time to complete, and earning potential….
Money rules are everywhere: save this much, spend that much, retire at this age. Some sound great until you actually try them. Many of these popular money rules don’t work in real life. Life’s too messy for one-size-fits-all advice. Here are common money rules that don’t work for everyone, along with why these personal finance…
Younger Americans aren’t just avoiding certain jobs, they’re outright rejecting them. And the economy is feeling it. As older workers retire or shift careers, employers are left with roles nobody wants to fill. Roughly 20% of young Americans say they want to work as musicians, athletes, or video game designers. The problem? Those jobs make…
If you want a house that looks sharp without draining your bank account, you don’t need a full remodel. A few smart updates can make your home feel fresh, modern, and dialed in, without the hassle. In just the first quarter of 2024, homeowners spent $463 billion on renovations. But the real value often comes…
Retiring early is still one of the smartest moves I’ve made. But even years later, new challenges keep showing up, ones no one really talks about. In my earlier article “The Negative Realities of Early Retirement: 18 Hard Truths No One Talks About,” I shared what really happens after reaching financial independence and retiring early….
