I work with people in a wide variety of situations. Many are paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, and looking to pay off debt. Some, however, have received large sums of money from inheritances, settlements, and commissions, and are wondering what to do with this large sum. Each and every time, there is a certain … Continue reading “I Just Received A Large Sum of Money; How Should I Handle It?”
Tag: dave ramsey
Worried About a Recession? Here’s What You Can Do to Prepare
Many people are concerned about the United States falling into another recession. Here's what you can do starting right now to prepare.
As a Financial Coach, Here’s Why I Cannot Stand Social Security
As a financial coach, I focus on how behaviors and mentalities affect my clients' results. I also sometimes consider how public policy affects these results as well, and sometimes have to say something about how legislators' actions affect what we can and cannot do; Social Security is just one of those policies that irks me … Continue reading As a Financial Coach, Here’s Why I Cannot Stand Social Security
IRS Announces Tax Bracket Changes for 2020
For the 2020 tax year, the IRS has made some changed that could affect your take-home pay and total federal tax liability. MSN reports that the changes do not affect the rates themselves, but changes the income thresholds for the brackets as adjusted for inflation. In 2017, Congress changed federal income tax rates and brackets … 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). With all the student loan propaganda thrown our way, it's no wonder so many people believe that student loans are the only way to pay … Continue reading Student Loans Are The Only Way to Pay for College?
Should You Cash Out Your 401k Early to Pay Off Debt?
When I receive a question about cashing out the 401k to pay off debt, my short answer is generally 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 … Continue reading Should You Cash Out Your 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?
“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”
What’s the Difference Between a Financial Coach and a Financial Advisor?
This is a common question that we as coaches get. A lot of people don't understand the nature of our trade and how we differ from financial advisors. That's understandable though, as the financial coaching industry is still a relatively new sector of the financial world. So let's define what advisors do versus what I … Continue reading What’s the Difference Between a Financial Coach and a Financial Advisor?
Where Should I Put My Emergency Fund?
Step 3 of the Baby Steps program is to save three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. This fund is not supposed to be used for shopping sprees, vacations, cars, sofa specials, or anything of that sort; only for true, emergency situations like a job layoff or medical incident. What to spend … Continue reading Where Should I Put My Emergency Fund?