This year marks another increase in the contribution limit to the sometimes controversial, but "everyone's gotta have one" 401k. In 2017, the pre-tax contribution ceiling was raised from $18,000 to $18,500. That figure gets bumped again to $19,000 on January 1st, 2019. At the outset of your career, it's crucial to answer the question "How much should I contribute to my … [Read more...] about How Much Should I Contribute to My 401k?
Personal Finance 101
Learn how to make the best decisions when it comes to your hard-earned money. When you make smart money decisions, you tee yourself up for goals including early retirement. Learn how to invest, how to avoid keeping up with the Joneses, and how to raise kids without breaking the bank!
Will I Regret Buying a Boat? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Summertime is magical. Snow seems like a dream it's so far gone. It's all about the sunshine, heat, and not having to grab a jacket on the way out the door. You go off on picnics, join a softball league, and find pristine lakes to frolic in on weekends. And after a friend invites you out on his or her boat, you ask yourself, "Should I buy a boat?" I've asked myself that … [Read more...] about Will I Regret Buying a Boat? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Why You Should Diversify Your Retirement Portfolio
This post covers how we spread our risk with Vanguard VTSAX index funds and real estate. Today you'll come away with a bit more knowledge about the importance of asset diversification. How cool is that? I'm going to share how freaking easy it is to invest with diversity when you keep it simple and focus on wealth building. Several very helpful books and blogs* have helped … [Read more...] about Why You Should Diversify Your Retirement Portfolio
This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order – Book Review
Every so often, a book comes along and I find the time to read it. A harmonic convergence, if you will. I was fortunate to get an opportunity to read (and review) a book that I think you'll dig: "This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order", by New York Times columnist and author, John Schwartz. To start with, I consider this effort a true … [Read more...] about This Is the Year I Put My Financial Life in Order – Book Review
How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child?
We see an awful lot of success stories of young couples who have buckled down, saved a good chunk of coin, and retired early (some while raising kids!) They're everywhere nowadays, it seems. Knowing all of the data behind the question "How much does it cost to raise a child?" is key for any young couple seeking the American Dream. Some of these couples have made the choice … [Read more...] about How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child?