savings

Using cash over credit is costing you tens of thousands of dollars

This is my second post during financial literacy month and I'm going to take on cash vs credit. One popular financial radio host, Dave Ramsey, has been a vocal critic of credit cards saying to never own one because you will spend more because it is plastic (strangely he advocates for debit cards instead). I don't believe this is the case but of course I strongly advise only using a credit card under two conditions. One: you are going to use it to replace your cash spending and no more. Two: you are going to pay the balance off in full every month and on time. If you are going to just pile up debts that incur huge interest payments every month, then this post is not meant for you.

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3 Actionable Tips to get Financially Fit in 2018

As we near December 31st, many people are making their New Year's resolutions. I've never been a fan of resolutions, but last year my pants were getting tight in October and weren't helped by so many holiday treats. I made the decision to get in better shape. It was really more of a goal than a resolution but I digress. I bought a $20 Groupon to try out CKO Kickboxing for 6 classes and after my first class, I was totally hooked. I loved hitting the heavy bag and have been going twice a week ever since. In conjunction, I also focused on eating clean and enjoy having salad during most weekday lunches. I'm happy to report that after a year, my pants are no longer tight around the waist. The funny thing is that I've actually gained weight over last year but it is now muscle instead of fat. This year I'm tempted to write out more formal resolutions and goals to see what I can accomplish.

Since I write mainly about financial topics, today I will focus on 3 actionable tips to help you get financially fit in 2018. I know that many of you are worried that I'm going to go into budgets, planning, emergency funds, 401ks and other boring crap. But worry not, I won't mention any of these terms. I promise. Let's jump into the good stuff!

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5 shopping tips for Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day just kicked off at 9pm EST so I thought I'd write you a few quick tips to take advantage of the deals ahead. Prime Day is Amazon's annual, summer version of Cyber Monday. Like any sale, you still have to be a smart shopper because they are trying to get you to impulse buy and just because they claim it's 50% off, it probably isn't anywhere near that great a deal. Last Prime Day, buying guide site The Wirecutter scanned nearly 8,000 advertised deals and found only 64 worth buying. Yikes!

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3 essential financial tips for recent college graduates

It is that time of year where college graduates enter a new phase of their lives. Yes that is me from 20 years ago after earning my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond. I can't believe that so much time has passed but I thought I would share 3 financial tips for recent college graduates because most people learn little to nothing about it in school — which is pretty crazy to think that our kids aren't taught crucial life skills like finance but I will leave that topic to another day. Let's dive right in.

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Using a 529 plan to pay for gap year

Last year, Malia Obama made headlines when the White House announced that she would take a gap year between high school and college. The hiatus from classrooms, textbooks and tests has been a common occurence in other countries like Australia, UK and Israel; and it has become an increasingly popular choice in the US. I didn't take a gap year but I studied in the UK during my junior year of college and backpacked across Europe with friends. Traveling certainly expanded my worldview and I would encourage my own daughter to consider a gap year. In today's global economy, it can only help to have more experience with other cultures and a perspective that expands well past any borders. The concept is that college bound students go on an adventure, do something meaningful and arrive as a freshman a year later more mature and focused. This can be a year of travel, community service, interning, language immersion or working — or a combination of any of those.

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