We are entering the spring house buying season for 2024 and there is still a fair amount of uncertainty. Homebuyers are asking many of the same questions that faced them in 2023. Is the inventory of houses for sale going to improve? Which way are interest rates going to go this year? Is the … [Read more...] about Update on the Real Estate Mortgage Market – Spring 2024
Are We Heading into a Recession?
We are still feeling the impact of the Covid pandemic some three years after it began. While the health challenges are still there, they are not the focal point now. We are now struggling with the economic decisions that were made during the pandemic. The government pumped a lot of money … [Read more...] about Are We Heading into a Recession?
The Enhanced Emergency Fund
Ok, you have completed the first step of having your emergency fund. You now have $1,000-$2,000 saved in a savings account. The goal of this first step is to prepare you for that unexpected expense (auto repairs, trip to the doctor, home repair, etc.) With that cash on hand, you can take care … [Read more...] about The Enhanced Emergency Fund
Savings Accounts for Emergency Funds
We have discussed in a couple of recent posts the need to have a savings account for your emergency fund. There are a multitude of choices where you can save those funds. We are going to focus on two primary options: local financial institutions and on-line financial … [Read more...] about Savings Accounts for Emergency Funds
Why Save Money? The Importance of an Emergency Fund
I saw a blurb on social media that quoted an article from Time Magazine that stated 51% of people earning $100,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck! That really shouldn’t surprise us. From reasons like people feeling entitled (they should buy what they want when they want) to the impact of … [Read more...] about Why Save Money? The Importance of an Emergency Fund
Why Do I Have to Keep Score?
Obtaining a good grasp of your personal finances starts with a good understanding of what you “own” and what you “owe”. The tool to use is a statement of net worth. To understand and measure your progress in your journey to financial independence, the statement of net worth gives you that … [Read more...] about Why Do I Have to Keep Score?
How To Start Investing in Stocks & Mutual Funds
First we must start by differentiating between saving and investing. Saving is “the portion of income not spent on current expenditures.” A person builds up his or her savings for unexpected expenditures (which is the subject of another post). Investing is “the process of buying … [Read more...] about How To Start Investing in Stocks & Mutual Funds
When Tragedy Strikes Will You Be Prepared?
Something happened recently that will stay with my husband and me forever. My husband looked out the window to see our neighbor had collapsed on his lawn and his wife was administering CPR. I immediately grabbed the phone and called 911 as we both ran out the door to help. My … [Read more...] about When Tragedy Strikes Will You Be Prepared?
