No matter what your age, most people occasionally talk about retirement. A big concern is whether Social Security will be available when you finally qualify. Even more troublesome is when the conversation leans toward savings accounts, or the lack of them, among Baby Boomers. Of primary concern are the many people in middle age and beyond who are not financially prepared for getting older. Only a handful will have the luxury of never giving money a thought. What is seldom discussed is that there is something that most people can do right now to prepare for a more carefree and secure retirement. That something is the decision to rightsize their life. [Read more…]
Cheap Isn’t Always A Bargain—And Other SMART Ways To Save Money
Happy SMART Day Everyone!
The 4th and final!
My grandfather Pat Hiser was a horse trader from the sandhills of Nebraska. I definitely inherited some of those genes. I love getting a good deal and scoring a bargain makes every purchase a little sweeter. But I’ve come to know that cheaper isn’t always a bargain. And this week, thanks to recent lesson regarding used dishwashers, I’ve learned that the lowest price can end up costing the most. [Read more…]
Need A Raise? Cut Your Overhead!
Happy SMART Day Everyone!
Our new "shared" yard saves us about $7,000 a year!
When was your last raise? Everyone I know would love to have one, but they don’t usually come all that often. Still, if we consider that a raise is just a new inflow of money—we all have one readily available. That new inflow or “raise” in income is always within your grasp by simply cutting your overhead or monthly expenses. And even if the idea of cutting back sounds like a sacrifice, you may just discover that reducing overhead—especially when unnecessary or unused—can actually be a pleasure. And your pocketbook will thank you as well. [Read more…]