I am originally from Spain and I have been living in America for over a decade. I have also travel to a few different countries. I can assure you that most countries DO NOT buy things the way it is done in America. Let's not forget that we are talking about a capitalist country. There is this message sent to Americans that money and status give one happiness. Buying frivolous things that are unnecessary plays a big part of that picture.
Electronic devices: You still carry your phone around in the metro, and everywhere else for that matter, correct? If you don't, most people do. If you like the feel of a newspaper that is fine, I do too, so I completely understand! but for people who don't care one way or another, reading on a device that is most of the time already with them is a fine option that will safe some $.
Antibacterial soap: The effects of over-the-counter antibacterial soap have not been tested yet. Scientist speculate that it can built bacteria resistance. And, we definitely know that soap and water is very effective. So I feel that lots of companies are using the population's fear of infections to make a profit. That makes me sad, and honestly a little angry.
Multivitamins: I think it is fantastic that you are choosing to trust your doctor instead of the Internet when it comes to your health. However, by speaking to many doctors and nurses, I know that one will always get more vitamins out of eating vegetables than popping a pill. As before, there are doctors out there that will prescribe pills just because they have a deal with a pharmaceutical rep. This is a very powerful industry that brings lots of money to the county. Either way, wether you want to continue to buy multivitamins or not, I think you can agree with me that fresh vegetables are full of vitamins and that if anyone was to follow the advice to eat them more often, that wouldn't be a terrible thing right?
Shampoos: One does not have to use hotel shampoos or conditioners. I sure don't! But I also do not buy travel size ones. I take my own shampoo and conditioner from home in travel size containers.
If I choose not to give a recorded statement or give the insurance adjuster my relevant medical information about the crash their insured caused, then how can I expect to recover any compensation from that insurance company? Of course I can refuse, but that cuts off my nose to spite my face, doesn't it? Your little paragraph explains very little.
With interest rates so low at the current time, what is the best way to gather interest on my money? What happens when interest rates go into the negative?
I know Target and Walmart both have major issues with people coming in with stolen credit cards and buying thousands of dollars of iTunes cards/ gift cards. I assume they immediately sell the codes online at a discount for cash... :/ Management won't do anything even though they all know it's happening because it's still generating sales for their stores. They don't even allow their employees to ask for ID anymore.
It's horrible and wrong and something needs done about it. This black market theft ring needs busted up and the corporations turning a blind eye need to be in trouble.
My top questions is about my retirement accounts - what's the most ethical way to save for retirement? I want to make sure my money is not being invested into corporations that are hurting rather than helping the disadvantaged and the environment.
My top personal finance question relates to mortgage types obtainable to finance real estate purchases. Are there differing rates for 1st homes, vacation (2nd homes), and for properties intended for use as investments/rentals for income? How are the rates different for each type if they are, and do they vary by state? Thank you.
While we don't do a formal 'Christmas Club' and instead put x amount into an online savings account each month, it's well worth your time to give it a go. There's simply no more stress about buying gifts come Nov/Dec as the money's there and waiting for us. Two keys to success, whichever type of account you use- do a realistic budget BEFORE you choose an amount to put away each week/month (to know your savings goal and therefore how much you need to put away each time) and treat this savings like a bill that must be paid each month. No slacking off on it, no excuses to skip it for 'wants'. Whatever your budget is, add a little extra for the inevitable things you forgot for the season!
Hi - I have a 529 plan fior my daughter, who is 7. How can I figure out if I will have enough in there when it's time for her to go to college? Thanks.
I have some money saved up in 529 and ira but when my kids go to college, can I or how do I borrow from the fund to help cover costs? Would it be ok to borrow from it?
How do we start saving each money when there's not a penny left over to save? We've cut down everything to the bare bone bills wise, and we're still barely making it. Living paycheck to paycheck here.
I have a couple mutual funds, IRA, etc. At 33, I have been pondering wanting to just buy some standard stocks on my own. Or would it be more beneficial to go with a fund that specializes in stocks? Thank you.
I am originally from Spain and I have been living in America for over a decade. I have also travel to a few different countries. I can assure you that most countries DO NOT buy things the way it is done in America. Let's not forget that we are talking about a capitalist country. There is this message sent to Americans that money and status give one happiness. Buying frivolous things that are unnecessary plays a big part of that picture.
Electronic devices: You still carry your phone around in the metro, and everywhere else for that matter, correct? If you don't, most people do. If you like the feel of a newspaper that is fine, I do too, so I completely understand! but for people who don't care one way or another, reading on a device that is most of the time already with them is a fine option that will safe some $.
Antibacterial soap: The effects of over-the-counter antibacterial soap have not been tested yet. Scientist speculate that it can built bacteria resistance. And, we definitely know that soap and water is very effective. So I feel that lots of companies are using the population's fear of infections to make a profit. That makes me sad, and honestly a little angry.
Multivitamins: I think it is fantastic that you are choosing to trust your doctor instead of the Internet when it comes to your health. However, by speaking to many doctors and nurses, I know that one will always get more vitamins out of eating vegetables than popping a pill. As before, there are doctors out there that will prescribe pills just because they have a deal with a pharmaceutical rep. This is a very powerful industry that brings lots of money to the county. Either way, wether you want to continue to buy multivitamins or not, I think you can agree with me that fresh vegetables are full of vitamins and that if anyone was to follow the advice to eat them more often, that wouldn't be a terrible thing right?
Shampoos: One does not have to use hotel shampoos or conditioners. I sure don't! But I also do not buy travel size ones. I take my own shampoo and conditioner from home in travel size containers.
If I choose not to give a recorded statement or give the insurance adjuster my relevant medical information about the crash their insured caused, then how can I expect to recover any compensation from that insurance company? Of course I can refuse, but that cuts off my nose to spite my face, doesn't it? Your little paragraph explains very little.
With interest rates so low at the current time, what is the best way to gather interest on my money? What happens when interest rates go into the negative?
How much should I have saved by age 40?
What's the best way to save for vacation?
I know Target and Walmart both have major issues with people coming in with stolen credit cards and buying thousands of dollars of iTunes cards/ gift cards. I assume they immediately sell the codes online at a discount for cash... :/ Management won't do anything even though they all know it's happening because it's still generating sales for their stores. They don't even allow their employees to ask for ID anymore.
It's horrible and wrong and something needs done about it. This black market theft ring needs busted up and the corporations turning a blind eye need to be in trouble.
My top questions is about my retirement accounts - what's the most ethical way to save for retirement? I want to make sure my money is not being invested into corporations that are hurting rather than helping the disadvantaged and the environment.
How can I build up my savings when I'm on a fixed retirement income? I can't take too big of a risk.
How can I save when I can barely pay my monthly expenses?
My top question is when you live paycheck to paycheck, what is the first step to trying to save for an emergency fund?
My top personal finance question relates to mortgage types obtainable to finance real estate purchases. Are there differing rates for 1st homes, vacation (2nd homes), and for properties intended for use as investments/rentals for income? How are the rates different for each type if they are, and do they vary by state? Thank you.
While we don't do a formal 'Christmas Club' and instead put x amount into an online savings account each month, it's well worth your time to give it a go. There's simply no more stress about buying gifts come Nov/Dec as the money's there and waiting for us. Two keys to success, whichever type of account you use- do a realistic budget BEFORE you choose an amount to put away each week/month (to know your savings goal and therefore how much you need to put away each time) and treat this savings like a bill that must be paid each month. No slacking off on it, no excuses to skip it for 'wants'. Whatever your budget is, add a little extra for the inevitable things you forgot for the season!
When should you start saving for retirement?
What are the best mutual funds with the lowest fees?
What are the best mutual funds with the lowest fees?
Hi - I have a 529 plan fior my daughter, who is 7. How can I figure out if I will have enough in there when it's time for her to go to college? Thanks.
What is the best account for saving for my children's college educations.
My number one question would be, "What's the best way for my husband & I to save to ensure we have money for retirement as small business owners?"
I have some money saved up in 529 and ira but when my kids go to college, can I or how do I borrow from the fund to help cover costs? Would it be ok to borrow from it?
Do tips need to be reported to the federal government as income?
I'm saving for retirement in a Roth IRA but I also would like to learn more on investing in the stock market.
How do we start saving each money when there's not a penny left over to save? We've cut down everything to the bare bone bills wise, and we're still barely making it. Living paycheck to paycheck here.
If we have a tight budget, what would be the best way to save for my kids' college educations?
I have a couple mutual funds, IRA, etc. At 33, I have been pondering wanting to just buy some standard stocks on my own. Or would it be more beneficial to go with a fund that specializes in stocks? Thank you.
I am always looking for a great side-hustle!!!! What are the best ideas?? Winning that 150.00 gift card would be a great start right?!?!