I’ve been fortunate to build a successful career as a personal finance writer, borne of my experience in financial services marketing, and necessitated by my search for a more flexible and fulfilling career when I had my son in 2009. Ironically, I had no interest in personal finance in my mid twenties. I didn’t understand…
Using your phone to access bank accounts, make deposits and pay is convenient, but is it really secure? According to an analysis by IO Active Labs, the answer is…not really. Of the apps it audited, 40% did not validate SSL certificate authenticity, and 70% did not use multi-factor validation. That makes life pretty easy for…
Most parents want their kids to have more opportunities than they did. But for all the hard work and sacrifices parents make to give their kids every possible advantage, most of us fall short when it comes to teaching kids basic financial literacy. Regardless of your own level of knowledge or interest in money, you…
You work hard for your money in life. Why let it get caught in probate when you die? Here are common mistakes even the financially savvy make when it comes to estate planning. Thinking estate planning is only for the wealthy. The term “estate” tends to have a connotation that conjures images of old money…
The average student loan debt is upwards of $30,000 for today’s college grad. How you can possibly establish solid financial footing for the future when you’re struggling to keep your head above water in the now? Here’s a five step plan to help you dig out from under student loan debt. Make payments no matter…
None of us like to lose money in a stock market dip. But you can use market downturns to deal with–or avoid–debt. In fact, the degree of panic you feel when you see that your retirement account balance has decreased is one of the most honest gut checks there is about the state of your…
Daydreaming about starting your own business? Say”yes” to these four questions, and there’s a good chance you’re financially, emotionally and mentally prepared to become an entrepreneur. 1. Have you saved at least one year’s worth of your take home pay? Financial experts recommend that an emergency savings fund have three to six months worth of…
Smartphones, tablets, social media and text messages have led us to a paradox of productivity. Now that we can find nearly any answer, person, or place on a mobile device within seconds, and talk, walk, read, listen (or act like we are) all at the same time, we’re less apt to accomplish our most important…
There’s a belief that you become a blended version of the five people you interact with most. But did you know there’s scientific proof that having the right friends can make you rich? Here are some subtle ways the company keep can either build or bust your bank account. Surface friends can cause you to…
Having a baby is an experience you’ll never forget. But learning you’ll add a new member to your family also tends to bring to the surface important questions that aren’t so easy to answer. You’ll wonder if you or your spouse can you afford to take unpaid maternity or paternity leave. You’ll start to research…