I’ll be honest with you. I was a bit nervous about going to Alaska. I had never been to the state! I was a little nervous about the cruise and traveling with a group of people I mostly didn’t know. I wasn’t sure what to expect my anxiety was a bit high. Those that know … Read more

Recently, I’ve been having many conversations about the use of contactless payments, or Apple Pay. I was asked how secure it is while on vacation. Then it came up at my in-person FI meetup group. And most recently at a business networking event. I then asked the group, “Who uses Apple Pay?” and it’s like … Read more

So here’s something you don’t hear every day. A bankrupt airline that most Americans loved to complain about shut down at 3 AM on May 2, 2026, and within hours, a 32-year-old TikTocker had rallied hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges to bring it back from the dead! What in the actual F! This … Read more

This past week I was traveling to Miami, Florida and boarded the Norwegian Joy cruise ship for the Monsters of Rock Cruise. This was my very first MORC cruise, and it was awesome hanging with so many other rockers! We talk a lot about finding your tribe and being part of community and why this … Read more

Look, I want to say I’m shocked. I really do. But when a federal jury officially rules that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly and were overcharging fans for years, the only surprising part is that it took this long! If you’ve bought a concert ticket, lets say in the last decade, … Read more

I think budgeting kinda has a reputation problem. Like if you mention the word “budget” to most people and you get a look like you just suggested they give up coffee, cancel their streaming services, and move into a van. It totally sounds like restriction. Like punishment. Like the financial version of eating those styrofoam … Read more

So, if you know anything about the FIRE (financial independence/retire early) community, they are totally and absolutely at an elite-level at optimizing, right? We know our savings rate to the decimal. We’ve debated lean FIRE vs. fat FIRE vs. barista FIRE at a dinner table while those “normal” people talked about the game. Most of … Read more

The FIRE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) community can absolutely crush it when it comes to the accumulation game. Savings rates? They got that dialed in. Index funds? You bet, it’s boring and beautiful. FI number calculations? C’mon! People in this community have spreadsheets with 27 linked tabs for that stuff. But here’s what I’ve noticed after … Read more

I’ve been coming to the EconoMe Conference for the past few years. And there is always a session, discussion or connection that kinda catches me off guard. Ya know? You walk in to a talk or session expecting to talk about those nerdy money stuff like withdrawal rates, savings percentages, and index fund allocations. Sure … Read more

I want to tell you about a room full of people who all raised their hand at 9 a.m. when asked if they have money in the stock market. That was the scene at the 2026 EconoMe Conference in Cincinnati. A few hundred money and personal finance nerds, some still desperately clutching their morning coffee … Read more

There’s a specific kind of person who shows up at the EconoMe Conference. These are the people that read tons of blog posts and finance articles. They’ve also listened to hundreds of podcast episodes. You can bet these people have optimized their savings rate to levels that make their coworkers totally uncomfortable. These rockstars have … Read more

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times. I know I have. Maybe you’ve probably even said it yourself. “Apple is so expensive.” It’s kinda like a universal and assumed truth at this point. People say this right before drop over a thousand bucks on an Android flagship without a second thought. Look you probably know … Read more

I recently attended the 1% Better Conference, which I think will fast become one of my favorite events of the year. The kind of gathering where you walk in thinking you know what you’re about, and walk out realizing you’ve been sleepwalking through some part of your life. But one session hit differently. Dr. DérNecia … Read more

Trigger Warning: Dena’s talk included discussion of suicide and suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Okay, I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t expecting to get all emotional at a conference. I figured I’d sit in … Read more

So check this out. There was a guy who spent years teaching other people how to build wealth, giving totally solid financial advice. He would watch his clients crush it. But ya know what? The whole time he was quietly drowning. This guy couldn’t afford gas. Literally, searching under his car seats for loose change. … Read more

Let me paint you this picture. It’s a Tuesday night, February 24th, 2026. President Trump is at the podium delivering his State of the Union address. The longest address in history at 1 hour and 47 minutes. He’s already covered stuff like tariffs, the Supreme Court, and stock market. But, right in the middle of … Read more

Ah… Retirement. That magical finish line where you’re supposed to trade in the Monday morning alarm clock for a cup of coffee on the back porch, maybe finally learning to play that one killer riff on guitar, or maybe just sleeping in without the guilt. We’ve all got that vision, right? Ya know the dream … Read more

YouTube’s biggest creator may have just made one of his boldest moves yet, and it has nothing to do with crazy YouTube challenges. Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, just announced that his company Beast Industries is acquiring Step, a banking app built specifically for teenagers and young adults. And honestly? I wanted to give … Read more

So you just came into some money! Woah! Maybe you flipped a property or something and walked away with six figures. Maybe you got an inheritance, a bonus, or sold something for way more than you expected. Wherever you got it from, now you’re sitting there looking at your bank account thinking, “Holy crap, what … Read more

Recently, I was talking to someone who reached out to me by replying to my newsletter. He was asking some questions about what an Roth IRA was and how these types of accounts work. And, if an Roth IRA would work for them. I assured them, they didn’t need to be rich, lucky, or special … Read more

There’s something I see over and over again when I talk with people about money. It usually starts with a deep breath, followed by something like: “I feel stupid for not knowing this stuff.”“I should’ve started years ago.”“I’m almost 40 and I’m just now paying attention.” Let me say this as clearly as possible. There … Read more

Let’s talk about investing the way most people think it works. You open an app, you pick a few “hot” stocks, you feel like Warren Buffett, or some high roller for a couple of weeks, but then one earnings report comes in like a flying elbow off the top rope and your portfolio looks like … Read more

This isn’t the conversation anyone wants to have. But if you’re reading this, chances are you may have noticed something. Maybe Mom forgot to pay a bill. Again. Or Dad’s getting calls from “the IRS” demanding gift cards. Or you’re just realizing that the parents who taught you everything about money might need some help … Read more

To outsiders, a mosh pit looks like financial Twitter on a red day. It appears as just pure chaos. It’s a bunch of flying limbs and peeps jumpin’ up and down like psycho circus clowns 🙂 and just bad decisions everywhere. But anyone who’s actually been in the pit knows the truth. There are rules.Unspoken … Read more

I’m a fan of AI. I’m typically an early adopter of new technology in general. It has bit me in the ass a few times, but that is a story for another time lol. You’ve probably noticed AI is everywhere these days. I mean EVERYWHERE! On your phone, your email, even your grocery store checkout. … Read more

So here’s the deal. The job market has been a bit weird lately. If you’ve been looking for work or thinking about a career change, you’ve probably noticed that employers have been acting like they’re about to hibernate for winter. Economic uncertainty, tariff talk, AI anxiety, and all this crap has made companies super hesitant … Read more

When Playing by the Rules Looks Suspicious I was curious and wanted to learn more about how these criminal pricks actually swipe our credit card numbers, and how credit card fraud is so prolific throughout the industry. And, sometimes doing the normal or right thing with your credit cards can make you look like a … Read more

Finding Purpose Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Searching for Buried Treasure I’ll be honest with you. For years, I thought purpose was this massive thing I had to discover, like some kind of quest in a fantasy novel. You know, find your calling, become wildly successful, change the world, all that jazz. But here’s the … Read more

Nobody Wants to Talk About the Disconnect While driving the other day, I was listening to the Podcast The Business Show with Andrew Giancola on how many of us still feel broke even when the economy can be doing well. We hear that the unemployment rate is relatively low. The stock market is performing fairly … Read more

Some Personal Finance Tips to Close This Year and Kickstart the New Year As another year wraps up, and we’ve attended the last concert of the year (Trans-siberian Orchestra is Metal!) We are all also getting ready to celebrate the holidays and get together with friends and family for food, fun, and togetherness. But the … Read more

Most investing advice sounds like it was written by robots in suits who’ve never actually struggled with money. But every once in a while, you meet someone who gets it. Someone who speaks human. That’s Jesse Cramer. I recently sat down with Jesse on the podcast, and what started as a casual chat about investing … Read more

We’ve all been sold this idea that success follows a very specific playbook, right? We graduate high school, get a four-year degree, land a good job, climb the ladder. But what if I told you that’s just one path among many? What if the traditional route doesn’t work for you, or you’re already years into … Read more

Why Tax Planning and Charitable Giving Should Be Best Friends Look, I know what you’re thinking. Taxes and charitable giving? That sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry while filing your 1040. But stick with me here, because this stuff actually matters if you care about two things: supporting causes you believe in and … Read more

So, I never thought I’d be writing about Hallmark Christmas movies on a personal finance blog. But here we are. And honestly? This might be the most accurate metaphor for financial independence I’ve ever come across. Recently, I was talking with Doug Cunnington from the Mile Hi Fi podcast, and he dropped this absolutely wild … Read more

The Secret Subsidy Nobody Talks About Look, I get it. When you think “corporate sponsorship,” you probably picture soulless endorsement deals, slapping logos on everything, and selling out harder than a stadium tour. But what if I told you there’s a fast food chain that’s been secretly feeding struggling musicians for nearly 20 years without … Read more

Most of us are stuck in this weird cycle where we’re trading our lives for a paycheck, telling ourselves it’s just temporary. Just a few more years. Just until we hit that magic number. Just until the kids graduate. Just until… whatever excuse lets us sleep at night. But what if I told you there’s … Read more

Look, I’ll be honest with you. Choosing a health care plan ranks right up there with doing my taxes and going to the dentist on my list of “things I’d rather not deal with.” It’s stressful, it’s confusing, and somehow every year it feels like the rules have changed just enough to make your head … Read more

When Everything You Know About Money Stops Working Look, I’m going to be straight with you. That financial advice your parents followed? The stuff about saving 15% of your income, buying index funds, and coasting into a comfortable retirement? Yeah, it’s pretty much dead. I know, I know. That sounds dramatic. But stick with me … Read more

The Economic Impact of Daylight Saving Time: Why Permanent Standard Time Makes Financial Sense Did you know Benjamin Franklin first proposed daylight saving time in 1784, but it was first implemented during World War I as a way to conserve coal. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized daylight saving time across the United States. … Read more

Don’t Sleep on 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits Listen up, my financial warrior friends! The IRS doesn’t hand out bigger retirement contribution limits like ear plugs at a metal show. They claim it’s all “indexed to inflation.” Sure, but sometimes that indexing moves slower than a power ballad. Still, limits do rise… just not every year, … Read more

If you are like me you are probably sick and tired of hearing about inflation and how the prices of everything is going up. Let’s just face it. Things are more expensive now. I do have a question for you, “Are you feeling the heat of inflation creeping into your hard-earned savings like a sneaky … Read more

In this world of economic uncertainty and financial jargon, the quest for true wealth can seem crazy complicated and daunting. Are the feds gonna do this or that? Are the tariffs on or off again? What’s the employment rate and why are the costs of housing so high? It’s nuts! However, if we really focus … Read more

Back in the day, I thought I was just living a “normal” life. You know, working the day job that was kinda boring, while chasing the rock ‘n’ roll dream. I had a typical anxiety inducing relationship with money. Ya know, most of us feel but rarely talk about. I never had enough. I always … Read more

When anxiety meets a credit card and bad vibes become budget killers. Recently, you may have felt like the world’s on fire, so you might as well treat yourself to concert tickets, DoorDash, and a $300 pair of headphones you didn’t need but had to have? That, my friend, is what’s known as doom spending—and … Read more

A Metal Revival in Manufacturing There has been a lot of talk about bringing manufacturing back to the United States, and there is about to be a resurgence in manufacturing in America. The rhythmic clang of machinery will meet the deafening roar of opportunity! Experts are saying the manufacturing sector will rise like a legendary … Read more

If you’re still managing your money like it’s 1999, you’re getting left behind. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a lot more than some buzzword, AI is here, and it’s here to stay while it continually keeps evolving. AI is also already deep in your wallet, your credit score, and believe it or not even insurance premiums. … Read more

Let’s turn Up the volume on budget travel. Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. It’s time to plan a family vacation without blowing your budget. A killer family vacation can turn an average summer into a legendary adventure! With soaring costs everywhere, from summer camps to swim lessons, you might think … Read more

Are you ready to embark on a journey to financial greatness? Let’s unleash your inner metal warrior on the battleground of side hustles! In the realm of Heavy Metal Money, where the anthem of financial freedom echoes triumphantly, we present you with some brutal side hustle ideas that will lead you to a heavier wallet. … Read more

Hey there, metal faithful! Do you wanna take your squeeze out for a night on the town. You can wine and dine your special someone for cheap? Well, In the world of Heavy Metal Money, we can spend and save like true metal legends! So, grab your bullet belts (IYKYK) and let’s dive into some … Read more

The True Cost of Freedom Memorial Day. For many, it’s a long weekend, it’s a kickoff to summer, an excuse to fire up the grill and crack a cold beer. But for millions of families, it’s a sacred day—one filled with flags, flowers, and the sound of “Taps” echoing over gravestones that bear witness to … Read more

Let’s crank up the volume on this update. The FTC’s new rule, is now effective May 12, 2025. This requires that businesses and organizations selling things like live-event tickets and short-term lodging must now disclose the complete and total price upfront. This includes all the mandatory fees. This looks to eliminate hidden “junk fees” and … Read more

We know the U.S. student loan crisis seems to be never-ending. The total student loan debt in the United States has exploded past $1.7 trillion, making it the second-largest form of consumer debt behind mortgages. Dude…. But check it out, about 93% of that mountain is in the form of federal student loan debt. That … Read more

A Heavy Metal Guide to Escaping the Rat Race So you want to retire early? Hell yeah, you do! Imagine stepping away from the daily grind, flipping the corporate world the ultimate bird, and spending your days doing exactly what you want. Early retirement doesn’t have to be just a dream! C’mon, Man, it can … Read more

It seams to come up often in discussions at our monthly Meetup Groups, Events, and conferences. This constant debate over if we should rent our own. Personally, I do question this as I’ll be downsizing my primary home in a few years for something smaller, and easier to maintain while I spend the coldest Winter … Read more

I recently recorded an episode of my podcast, The Extreme Personal Finance Show, with my friend Kevin. We talked about the importance of community. and it made me think about the different communities in which we belong. For me it has been the heavy metal community. It reminded me of the power of finding your … Read more

So, I’m a dude, and I do sometimes kinda feel like investing can be a bit of a boys’ club. In groups I go to, or people I talk to it seems there can be more dudes than dudettes! I do understand we are striving for progress towards gender equality, there can still be a … Read more

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. We just never know what can, or will happen. I have had not one, but two friends pass away recently. Myself, and their loved ones took time to grieve and cope with the loss. But at some point their loved ones come to the reality of planning, organizing … Read more

Hello my friends, my warriors of wealth, and seekers of financial freedom! Haha! I thought it might be good time to go back to basics, and start to provide some fundamental definitions of FI, or Financial Independence. I had recently talked with some newer people to the community. Upon our introductions and initial conversations I … Read more

I have many blog posts, and I have many conversations about when saving for retirement to use your employer sponsored 401(k) retirement plan. I do sometimes forget that not everyone has access to a workplace retirement plan. Did you know that there are nearly 57 million workers in the U.S. that don’t have access to … Read more

Some essential lessons every child should learn about money. When Do Kids Start Learning About Money? Did you know children start developing their money habits and financial beliefs way earlier than most people think? Kids begin to learn these concepts as young as age three! By the time theas kids are in grade school, many … Read more

Okay, we have constantly been hearing about the cost of living going up and inflation is crushing us. I feel that frugal living is no longer just an option, it can be a necessity. Here’s the deal, being frugal doesn’t mean you have to be cheap. It’s about making more intentional choices that help you … Read more

When I began my personal finance journey I didn’t know much about anything. I assumed everyone had a mortgage, everyone had a car loan, and everyone scraped by just making the minimum payment on their credit card. I didn’t give much thought to retirement, and most definitely didn’t think about real estate. I mean only … Read more

As you may have heard, money can be a cause of fights or arguments among couples. Money can be a cause of conflict or be real deal-breaker in relationships. But, it doesn’t have to be! When you and your partner are on the same page financially, it makes your relationship awesome, stronger and sets the … Read more

I remember over 20 years ago I heard that the government was asking the question, “Is it time to kill the penny?” The Penny has been around for so long. About 232 years! It has been such a part of our culture, I mean who hasn’t used the phrase, “A penny for your thoughts.” when … Read more

For years, we would often think of this thing called “retirement” as an ultimate goal. You work hard, save up, and then relax. On the podcast we’d talked about how the concept of retirement isn’t that old in the history of work, and it may be considered outdated by the younger generations. So what if … Read more

I’ve always liked the idea of following your dreams. Ya know the saying, from Harvey Mackay that was “find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” If we found a job or career we were passionate about, it wouldn’t feel like work. However, we often find … Read more

In all honesty I have probably forgotten most of what I learned about tariffs from when I was in my 8th grade civics class. I’m not sure how deep we went back then. I do know we didn’t really learn how tariffs would impact our wallets. It probably would’ve come handy since tariffs were such … Read more

My son recently told me he was thinking about joining the armed forces. He’s in is early 20s, and is trying to figure out what to do for work, in life, while making a difference in the world and to others. We had discussed some of the options and all the branches that are available. … Read more

Are you feeling overwhelmed by credit card statements and student loans? Is your debt just weighing you down? You’re not alone! According to this report over at LendingTree Americans’ total credit card balance is now over $1.166 trillion! Over 47% of those in the US carry a credit card balance. Gulp! with an average interest … Read more

Who thought talking about Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, would be fun?! Haha, well these types of accounts are awesome! They are one of the most powerful financial tools for managing healthcare costs while unlocking some serious tax advantages. Whether you’re navigating medical expenses or planning for the future, an HSA is more than just … Read more

So, ya know that feeling when you’ve had just the right amount of your favorite dessert? That first bite is pure heaven, the second is delightful, but by the fourth or fifth… well, it’s just not hitting the same way anymore. Btw, this just happened to me when I ate this gigantic piece of bread … Read more

You know that feeling when you’re about to buy concert tickets, and suddenly the price doubles with mysterious fees? Trust me, I’ve been there. CURSE YOU TICKETMASTER! Or when someone is hunting for that new job, but can’t figure out if the salary will actually cover your bills? It’s always shrouded in mystery or is … Read more

Have you ever wondered why some people breeze through those loan applications while others face rejection? Or, why your friend got a better interest rate on their car loan than you did? The answer often lies in those mysterious three digits we call a credit score. I’ve been seeing so many on social media talking … Read more

Ever notice how losing your favorite coffee mug feels way worse than the joy of getting a new one? Or how that $50 parking ticket stings more than the happiness of finding $50 in an old jacket? That’s not just you being dramatic lol – it’s actually your brain playing a crazy psychological game called … Read more

Planning for retirement is a wicked big decision! Right?! It can be one of the biggest things we plan for in our lives. However, the biggest unknown we have while planning is how to know how much money we need in retirement. How much money do we need invested for us to continue to live … Read more

Some Top Personal Finance Tips to Close this Year and Kickstart the New Year As the year comes to an end, we start celebrating the holidays. We get together with friends and family for food, fun and togetherness. However, at the year’s end it can be a good time to review our finances and see … Read more

The time is here! We are officially into December and the holiday season. It’s a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a a time of the stress of big spending. But don’t worry! With some smart planning and creative thinking, we can have a wonderful Christmas without breaking the bank. We’ll … Read more

Breaking down the generational divide in financial perceptions and what it means for your wallet. My buddy sent over a recent article that said that Gen Z expects they need to make over a half a million dollars a year to feel they are financially successful. I practically choked on my carrot stick and hummus! … Read more

As we approach 2025, it’s time to look at what’s changing in the world of retirement contributions. Thanks to the IRS’s recent announcement in Notice 2024-80, retirement savers will see some increases in contribution limits for a variety of plans. These adjustments, while not as much when compared to some recent years, they do present … Read more

Regardless of what we are learning, researching or practicing people often use the terms and concepts of efficiency and effectiveness interchangeably. I’m guilty of this. This often happens when we talk about personal finance concepts as well. But these two concepts are not the same. Let’s break them down, and better understand what it means … Read more

Inflation has been a major issue lately, affecting everything from groceries to housing. With the 2024 election just a day away, some voters are curious about how the candidates plan to deal with this economic challenge and how their ideas will impact us everyday Americans. Money Magazine recently looked at the economic plans of former … Read more

Understanding the differences to secure your family’s financial future. Life insurance is one of those things we should include for a solid financial plan. These can give you peace of mind. You know your family and loved ones will be taken care of if something happens to you. There are typically two main types of … Read more

Discover why the unemployment rate matters to you and the overall economy. I wanna be honest, understanding the unemployment rate has always kinda been confusing to me. It kinda breaks my brain when I hear something about the unemployment rate and I have to pause and do mental gymnastics to understand what is being communicated. … Read more

As we begin on our path to financial freedom can feel totally overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. However, managing your personal finances is much like learning and mastering any other skill in life. With patience, practice, and persistence, you can build a strong financial foundation, meet and exceed your financial goals, and even … Read more

What is National Retirement Security Month? Not only is October my favorite month because of all things spooky and horror, It’s also what I like to refer to as “Rocktober!” The month is also National Retirement Security Month (NRSM), a time designated to raise awareness about the importance of retirement planning and financial security. It’s … Read more

Election years can shake up the economy, financial markets, and your personal finances in a big way. The uncertainty of policy changes, party agendas, and potential shifts in the market can lead to some wild swings and can leave you wondering how your investments and future financial goals will be impacted. So, does a specific … Read more

When it comes to saving money, many people use the terms frugal and cheap interchangeably, but I think there are some key differences. While both frugal and cheap individuals aim to save money, their approach to spending and how they prioritize value, quality, as well as the long-term benefits sets them apart. Understanding the differences … Read more

It will probably be some time before I purchase another vehicle. I’ll most likely drive my truck for several more years. But, I am fascinated by some of the electric vehicles available and have been seeing more and more in everyday life, out in the wild. I had been following Rivian since the beginning. Their … Read more

There was a time when I worked retail at Toys “R” Us during high school and college. While working there I had a 401k plan. I didn’t really know what it was, or what funds were in there, but I was 20 years old and didn’t know a lot of things.  When I completed college … Read more

There has been some recent news about a significant security breach that exposed millions of Social Security numbers. This breach occurred when a major data aggregator’s database was compromised. This revealed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, for millions of individuals. These breaches to pose serious risks, including identity theft and financial fraud. In … Read more

Taxes are an inevitable part of life, yet many people find the process of understanding and calculating them daunting. They really don’t teach this in school, and it can be confusing. One of the most common sources of confusion is the concept of tax brackets and how they affect your income. Some people also mistakenly … Read more

I’m always curious how other generations, including Generation Z are surviving and thriving in our current environment. Being that I’m father to two Gen Zer’s and witness some of it first hand, I’m interested in how others compare. What was their upbringing, where do they live and how it impacts their lives.  Especially after one … Read more

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents, students, and retailers are gearing up for what is traditionally a significant shopping period. This year, the back-to-school spending trends for 2024-2025 reveal some interesting shifts, influenced by various economic factors. As I was researching some wholesale products to sell on Amazon and Walmart, I was wondering how this … Read more

I had dinner with my buddy the other day and we were talking about a recent trip he went on.  He mentioned that when he returned his rental car they didn’t explain all these additional fees and charges that were added because he happened to use his bank debit card rather than a credit card. … Read more

We’ve all been there. We walk past an end cap, or walk up to the checkout at the store, you think to yourself, “Oh I could use this snack!” Or, this product will make my life easier! It’s no fluke! It’s not happenstance. Retailers and marketers work really hard to get you to spend more. … Read more

I was watching the local news the other day, and they were interviewing a business expert that was talking about “the feds” and “rate cuts” as well as other business and finance related topics. It occurred to me they were dropping all these crazy terms, acronyms and concepts that may be super confusing for people. … Read more

Medical debt has often been a significant financial burden for many of us. Medical debt can lead to damaged credit scores and reduced access to credit. Recently, the current administration in Washington introduced new legislation that could alleviate the impact of medical debt on credit scores and reports.  Medical Debt, and the wicked-high medical costs … Read more

The sunk cost fallacy is a common psychological trap that affects our decision-making processes, often leading us to throw good money after bad or continue with unproductive endeavors simply because we’ve already invested time, money, or effort. Understanding this fallacy is crucial for making better decisions in many areas of life, including things like reading … Read more

It seems you can’t go a day without hearing something about whether the U.S. is in a recession. With opinions flying left and right, it’s important to understand what defines a recession and review current economic indicators to determine our current economy in 2024. Let us look at the factors that define a recession, the … Read more

After reading the book “Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life” by Bill Perkins, It kinda changed the way I thought about leaving an inheritance. As a parent, I would like the best for my children. Even after they become adults. For some of us parents, that may include … Read more

I was visiting my local UPS Store the other day, and I was chatting with the three Gen Z peeps that work there.  We’ve talked off and on over the last year since I’ve been selling on Amazon. Let’s just say, I’m a regular at the UPS Store. Anyway, the 20-somethings started asking me questions … Read more

Being rich is a relative concept – what might be considered wealth in one state could be a mere drop in the bucket in another. From the bustling streets of New York to the laidback vibes of Mississippi, the definition of “rich” varies as much as the accents across America. This was an interesting look … Read more

We’ve all dreamed of hitting it big – rolling in dough, swimming in a pool of cash like Scrooge McDuck. But here’s the reality check: there’s a difference between being stinking rich and actually being wealthy. And no, I’m not just splitting hairs here. I was working on some other posts, and in research so many … Read more

You may have seen in the news, or read some headlines about a new airline flight cancelation rule. This rule states that passengers may be entitled to a full refund if their flight is canceled. I know there are so many people that love to travel. While I don’t really like traveling specifically, I do … Read more

I had recently talked about the value in a two-year, associates degree. A four-year degree isn’t right for everybody, not to mention the crazy rising cost of tuition! I had known of free tuition program floating around the Minnesota legislature for a while. Thanks to my cousin, who let me know the program is now … Read more

Top Paying Two-Year Associates Degrees Let’s be real – the cost of a college education these days is absolutely nuts. With tuition prices skyrocketing and student debt hitting record levels, more and more people are looking for affordable alternatives to the traditional four-year university route. I’ve mentioned in the past about if you need to … Read more

There are so many people who are saddled with the burden of student debt, and have been for years. I’m sure there are tons of people that are pretty psyched to hear about Biden’s new loan forgiveness plan. The White House says it could wipe out a whopping $150 billion in debt for around 30 … Read more

The Social Security Contribution This is a follow up to the previous post, “How Does Social Security Work?” that was in response to the post about, “Understanding Your Paycheck.” After discussing the taxes that are withheld from our paycheck to fund Social Security, have we ever stopped to think about the opportunity cost of those … Read more

I had recently dropped a little article to help young adults or teams understand their paycheck. I didn’t realize the active conversation this would create among some readers and followers. Primarily around Social Security.   I’m going to break this into a couple different posts. In this first post, we’ll jam through what Social Security … Read more

Being that we are into financial literacy month, I wanted to continue to help people understand some basic personal finance principles. One of the big things that happens when kids get their first part-time job, or their first “real” job out of college is how devastating it can be to see what your first paychecks … Read more

Life skills. What are life skills? I remember helping my kids learn what many call life skills. This can be things like doing the laundry, and other household chores. Some basic cooking skills, and even some proper hygiene. But one thing I could have done a better job with is financial education. For the young … Read more

I’ve talked about how I had to google terms like “how to budget” when I began my journey to Financial Independance. I had to Learn how to manage my finances following divorce. There was much uncertainty around money and money was a source of stress now that I was on one income, and was staying … Read more

I’m Paying How Much For Late Fee? Imagine you and a buddy are at a show to see this killer band, and you borrowed some money for a concert tee. You said you’d pay it back next Friday. But dammit, you forgot and paid them back on Saturday. Now, imagine your buddy says, “Because you … Read more

In-Person and In Texas! Another FinCon in the books!  Excitement and energy were in the air at the Austin Convention Center as Money Nerds united in the great state of Texas.  FinCon is where money and media meet. It’s a conference with sessions, panels, conversations and keynote speakers that help personal finance content creators and … Read more

In this post, I’m going to discuss healthy eating, weight loss, and being active. What does this have to do with personal finance? Well, I’m going to bet against myself with REAL MONEY that I can meet my fitness goals, and I’ll also win additional money!  The nature of this program is a site & … Read more

I used a simple budget to make this year’s state fair experience the best yet! By quickly setting up a budget, and planning ahead of time, it allowed for my family and I to enjoy a day of guilt free spending. The Great Minnesota’s Get Together.  This is the slogan that is refrained throughout the … Read more