March 2018 Net Worth – $751,068

Every month I post my updated net worth for those that are interested in following my progress. I have been tracking my net worth online since January 2006. I look forward to compiling the numbers each month, and doing so keeps me motivated, focused, and accountable. Two consecutive months of decreasing net worth is not good. Hopefully things will turn around next month.

A Quick Checklist for Filing Your Taxes in 2018

Tax day is almost upon us yet again and we’re all hunkering down to get the job done — at least, we should be, right? Luckily, this year, you’ve got two extra days to file. Since April 15 lands on a Saturday this year, we have until April 17 to file. However, a few extra days doesn’t remove the hassle. Do you remember when you were young and your parents made you play with some neighborhood kid who you didn’t know and you really didn’t want to play? That’s kind of how taxes feel. We don’t lik...

Surviving the Day After Debt

Debt can feel a bit too much like being stuck in quicksand. It’s almost like the more you struggle, the more you sink. For those stuck in debt, it’s impossible to control the nature of debt itself; you can’t eradicate debt off the face of the planet all by yourself. The only thing you can control is how you react to your personal debt. If you’ve already conquered debt, you’ve likely felt the sense of accomplishment alongside the overwhelming feeling of weight being lifted off your shoulders. ...

A Review Of Britain’s Pension Performance

Media attention and auto-enrolment have pushed pensions to the front of our minds, but how has Britain’s pension performance altered over time? Each quarter, True Potential Investor — a UK personal pension and investment specialist — creates their Tackling The Savings Gap: Consumer Savings and Debt Data report. The campaign was launched in 2013 and to date has polled 30,000 people to determine current attitudes to pensions, savings and financial knowledge in the UK. Using findings from thes...

Blogging: Three Strategies to Monetize Your Blog

With the rapid advancement of the digital age, blogs and internet tools have become integrals parts of any organisation’s structure. Regardless of industry or location, there is likely to be a blog written on a any topic. The number of bloggers in the United States is set to reach 31.7 million by the year 2020. Even more recently, the explosion of the social media scene in the world of business has seen the linking of bloggers and these social platforms to promote and critique products and servi...

Securing an Auto Dealer Bond Despite Bad Credit

Each state has its own rules and regulations for businesses that want to operate as licensed auto dealers, but one thing remains constant. An auto dealer bond is part of the process of legally operating a dealership regardless of the size of the dealership, its niche market, or its location. Auto dealer bonds protect consumers from fraudulent activities or misrepresentation, and for this reason, are tied to certain attributes of the dealer like personal credit history. If you have less than perf...

Property Investments And Long Term Gain

Last year, RealtyShares conducted a survey to find out how much Americans actually knew about real estate investing. The result was that 40% of the people polled had no idea how much real estate returns on investment. If more people knew the benefits of owning a few properties, there may be more wealth to distribute within the economy. Purchasing property is a smart move, especially when it holds the promise of a continued payoff. Know the benefits of property purchases and long-term gain before...

Dealing With Financial Stress For Better Health

Financial stress is a huge problem in the United States and it is causing stress-related ailments. Based on statistics from the American Psychological Association, 72 percent of Americans are stressed about finances. In a separate study, about 90 percent of individuals struggling to pay off debts go to their doctors to treat life-threatening conditions. With credit card debt at an alarming $1.02 trillion in 2017, the stress is unlikely to go away that fast. Experts note that the debt burden i...

February 2018 Net Worth – $757,648

Every month I post my updated net worth for those that are interested in following my progress. I have been tracking my net worth online since January 2006. I look forward to compiling the numbers each month, and doing so keeps me motivated, focused, and accountable. I knew down days were coming, but that doesn't make it feel much better.

Why You Need a Budget More Than a Side Gig

Being in the personal finance space for several years, we have heard all sorts of money advice. One particular piece that keeps popping up is the tip to get a side gig. Need to pay off debt? Start a side hustle. Can’t afford your bills? Make some money on the side. Want to cure cancer? Okay, just kidding, but you get the point. While I am not against getting a side job, I don’t think it is the best way to fix a broken budget. Earning $500-1,000 extra a month is not going to transform y...