Best Online Savings, CDs, and Money Market Rates

Make and Keep Your Financial Goals

As a financial advisor you may be surprised to know that there is only one thing I like more than saving money, investing money and making money: that is spending money. Although I think I am frugal, my husband thinks that I am the infomercial’s favorite victim, the shampoo industry’s biggest client and the tourism industry’s biggest vacationer. But I have to put it in perspective so I don’t spend more than I make.It is always a good idea to have goals and I have many of them. But it is not … [Read more...]

Start your financial resolutions on June 1st!

Do you want to know why New Year’s resolutions don’t work? Because the New Year starts in January -- when it is cold and you are broke. January is a time when you need to keep your spirits high and you are trying to pay off bills -- going on a diet or budget is just setting yourself up to fail.I like to start my resolutions on June 1st. All of the holidays are over. You are done blowing your diet or paycheck on a super bowl party, an enormous heart-shaped box of candy, green beer, or creamy … [Read more...]

Is Your Dream to Own an RV?

I want to own a camper. You know that you secretly dream of it too: loading up the kids, visiting obscure places and singing campfire songs at the local KOA campground. This also might be your future “man cave” (or “lady lounge”). Or do you dream of it to keep the mother-in-law in when she visits?Is it always practical? No. Do I still want it even if I know all of the downsides? Yes.Brand new! Payments as low as $92!How many of you have driven by a place that sells brand new RVs that says that … [Read more...]

The “pros” and “cons” of Online Banking

By writing out checks to pay the bills every month, I was certain that they would be paid. I knew that I physically did the work and that I was taking it to the post office to be delivered. So the whole “online banking” concept just didn’t click. I didn’t want to be charged the $10 a month for someone to manage my bills, and I didn’t want to lose control of the handling of it.However, flash forward four years later, and I am so glad I did this. I have saved nearly $8 a month on stamps, not to … [Read more...]

The “Jr.” vs. “Sr.” Conundrum When it Comes to Personal Credit

You’re a new parent, you’re looking for a name for you new son. What better idea than to carry on the family name than to name your son after you. So little Johnny Jr. is born and you live a life of blissful pride as you watch your namesake grow and mature. “What a beautiful and enduring legacy we have created, right dear?” WRONG! So What’s The Problem? The problem is the credit reporting bureaus are extremely automated and if a name that is very similar and has other similar characteristics, … [Read more...]