Howdy! Welcome to the 418th edition of the Carnival of Personal Finance! This summer, our vacation time is going to be spent in several state parks. What a better way to save some money! So, I thought I would share with you some great photos from some state parks across the US while you enjoy this weeks great article. Be sure to click on the picture if you want to… Click To Continue
Author Archives: Adam Hagerman
9 Tips and Tricks To Kick Your Bad Spending Habits
We all have them. You know, those troublesome spending habits that break our budgets on a monthly basis. It could be that you like to shop for shoes. Maybe you always have to have the most up-to-date electronic gadget. Whatever it is, you probably already know that it’s a problem Since you’re coming fresh off of creating your income statement, these little budget busters might be highlighted even more in… Click To Continue
$1 In Additional Income Does Not Mean $2,400 In Additional Taxes
Every so often, I meet with someone who has no other choice but to earn more income. Whether that income is earned by working overtime, getting a part-time job, or working for themselves on the side, it’s needed. Sometimes when this is recommended, I am met with resistance. They might say: “Well, I would like to earn more money but if I earn any more, I’ll be in a higher… Click To Continue
Find Financial Leaks By Reviewing Your Previous Spending
How long has it been since you last reviewed your spending? Last month? Last year? A past life? Checking in on your previous spending can truly open up your eyes. Expenses that you thought were of no concern, may turn out to be damaging your quest towards financial freedom. As a financial coach, I have come across many individuals who were paying for things that they did not even need.… Click To Continue
Carnival of Personal Finance #406 – It’s Tax Time!
Spring is in the air! The birds are chirping. Baseball season has begun. Oh, and it’s time to fulfill your annual ritual of complying with the United States Tax Code…. Boo!!! Who would have figured that a former IRS Tax Examiner (me!) would get to host the Carnival of Personal Finance on April 15th? Well, it’s always a joy to host this wonderful gathering of thought-provoking personal finance articles. I hope… Click To Continue
What’s In Your Credit Score and What Actions Affect It?
Oh the wonderful credit score. I am not “in love” with the credit score and what it stands for. However, I realize that it’s something that affects some of the most major financial decisions that we make in life. In that light, it means that everyone should know how it is calculated and what things can affect the score itself. Before we get into the details, you should have a… Click To Continue
What Your Trash (or Your Dog’s Weight) Can Tell You About Your Grocery Budget
Over the past week, you’ve probably taken the trash out a few times. Was it pretty heavy and possibly a little foul-smelling? If so, you may be wasting a substantial amount of money. If your trash was on the light side, maybe you have a rather hefty (i.e. fat) pooch sitting beside you right now. Is he fat because you keep feeding him table scraps? One or both of these… Click To Continue
Avoid These Budget Busting Bank Fees
During my day job, I periodically review client’s bank and credit card statements. Most of these review sessions end with the same items sticking out no matter whose account I am looking at. Those items are bank fees. Fees (overdraft, credit card interest, etc.) are fairly easy to overlook as they are often small and typically debited right from your account (how convenient). They also consistently erode your income available… Click To Continue
Starting This Early Can Make You Filthy Rich
“If you could only give one piece of financial advice to a person, what advice would you give them?” I get asked this question a lot, and it’s a pretty easy answer for me. I always say, spend less than you earn. Ask that exact question to any personal finance expert and I bet that 9 times out of 10, they answer the same way. However, I always want to… Click To Continue
Sharing Expenses In a Relationship
The other day, I received a question from Tiffany regarding sharing expenses with her significant other. Here is what she asked: “I graduated from college about a year and a half ago. I got my degree in engineering, so my income is pretty substantial. I don’t have any consumer debt or a mortgage, but I have a ton of student loan debt…about $95K. My boyfriend and I have been in… Click To Continue
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