Do you want a raise at your job? Of course, you do! Who would say no to a bump in earnings? Well, the fact of the matter is that just getting a raise isn't so simple most of the time. Some industries have a standard cost of living adjustment, or raises that come with achieving … Continue reading How to Know When You Deserve A Raise at Work
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IRS Announces Tax Bracket Changes for 2020
In 2017, Congress changed federal income tax rates and brackets with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The changes included a lowering of the personal and corporate tax rates, along with a doubling of the standard personal deduction. For the 2020 tax year, the IRS has made some changed that could affect your … Continue reading IRS Announces Tax Bracket Changes for 2020
Student Loans Are the Only Way to Pay For College?
Let's face it folks: no matter who you are, it's easy to see that the student loan situation is simply out of control. (Well, unless you're Sallie Mae or Navient). Those goons aside, most any sensible person sees the nearly $1.6 trillion in student loan debt as something that needs a solution right now. Part … Continue reading Student Loans Are the Only Way to Pay For College?
Should I Cash Out My 401k Early to Pay Off Debt?
The short answer to this question is no. The longer answer is still no as a general rule, but it may be a consideration in some very limited circumstances. Here's the rationale behind not cashing out the 401k. Sure, it may be tempting to take that big chunk of that savings and throw all at … Continue reading Should I Cash Out My 401k Early to Pay Off Debt?
Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money?
A client recently asked me if he and his wife should renew the warranty on their vehicle. Because of the cost-benefit analysis on such warranties, I answered no. A warranty is often a nice little peace of mind when you buy a car. Especially if the car is used, having that extra reassurance backing up … Continue reading Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money?
Should I Apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
As most of my clients now know, I have just started my Juris Doctor degree. Through this three year process I will continue to coach part-time, and once I have the degree and pass the bar, will be able to serve my clients in a far greater capacity. As I was in the process of … Continue reading Should I Apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
“We Used a Coach…My Cousin Didn’t”
It's a common question that a lot of folks ask when they hear about the idea of working with a coach: " Why should I pay someone when I can’t even make payments on some of our debts?" This is an understandable concern. The bills are already sky-high and it seems like there's hardly any … Continue reading “We Used a Coach…My Cousin Didn’t”
5 Quick Ways to Earn Some Extra Money
Almost everyone could use a few extra bucks in their checking account, am I right? Luckily, in our world today, there are tons of opportunities to get some cash fast. Let's consider just a few of the options available to us. 1. Have a Garage/Yard Sale Most of us have a bunch of random stuff … Continue reading 5 Quick Ways to Earn Some Extra Money
What is the Better Retirement Option: A Pension, or 401k?
On the subject of retirement, I strongly advise my clients to operate based on the assumption that someday Social Security will not be a viable income source at age 65. The other options out there are long-term investments in tax-sheltered accounts, or pensions offered by employers. Over the past decade or so, there has been … Continue reading What is the Better Retirement Option: A Pension, or 401k?
The Four Walls of Your Household’s Finances
In the Baby Steps program, the Four Walls are the fundamental necessities of your household's finances. These bills are paid before anything else; before the credit card company, before Sallie Mae, before the medical debts. Food The first category of no compromises is food. No matter how much debt you have, you and your family … Continue reading The Four Walls of Your Household’s Finances
