According to the IRS, the average tax refund last year was about $2800. That’s a lot of money. Let’s look at that a couple different ways. $2800 is the same as: $233 a month $116 if you’re paid twice a month $107 if you’re paid bi-weekly $53 if you’re paid weekly That would be a…
Category: Personal Experiences
The Allowance Game – Teach your kids about money
If you have kids, grandkids, or simply know of some kids you kind of like, then I’m sure you can agree that they need to learn that stuff costs money, and money isn’t unlimited. If you can teach them about money through real world experiences, like chores, that’s great. But kids have short attention spans,…
Cut the cord, fatten your wallet!
I’m sure by now you’ve heard the term cord cutter. It used to be reserved for those crazy people who lived on the fringe, pinched pennies, and had no life. That has changed significantly over the past couple of years as friends of mine have joined the ranks after telling me how they could never drop…
Why do you save money?
It’s the new year and I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who made resolutions to lose weight, eat healthy, get in shape, join a gym, or exercise more. How many people do you think vowed to get their finances in shape? If you’re going to stick to your resolutions or goals,…
Tired of fundraisers? Check out Great Lakes Scrip!
If you’re tired of fundraisers, join the club. Whether you’re the one peddling overpriced goods for your kids or the one being hit up to buy them, it’s never fun. There is always some guilt when you ask someone to buy something you know is a horrible deal because it will “help the kids”. Take…
Buying a Used Car
I’ve heard a lot of excuses about why people won’t buy a used car. They range anywhere from “I need something reliable” or “I got 0% financing so it’s not costing me anything extra.” There are a lot of good reasons to get a used car over a new car though. Borrowing money at 0%…
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – Week 9
The final week of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is all about baby step 7 – build wealth and give a lot of it away. If you go through Financial Peace University and miss this lesson, you may set yourself up to win financially, but you won’t feel complete until you give. We have a…
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – Week 8
This week’s lesson covered real estate and mortgages. There is only one more lesson and then I’ll be back to “regular scheduled blogging”. I think the first topic I’ll cover might be about car buying, or deal web sites, or another mobile phone carrier. Who knows?!?!? The possibilities are endless! Anyhow, let’s dig in. Renting…
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – Week 7
Week 7, only two more weeks left in class! Everything that has been taught in the classes so far leads up to this one. Some students may not be ready for it, while others may have been waiting for it a while. This lesson is the Retirement and College Planning lesson. There can be a…
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – Week 6
Insurance. One of those things that you don’t want to think about, but when you need it, you’re glad you have it. Do you have the right kinds of insurance? Are you spending money on insurance that isn’t necessary? That’s what Dave Ramsey covers in lesson 6 of Financial Peace University, called “The Role of…