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Why a Two-Year Degree May Be Your Best Investment
Some associate’s degrees can lead to high-paying jobs. Photo: David Mulder
Most experts agree that the economic value of a bachelor’s degree far outweighs the average cost of earning one. However, recent research has made it painfully clear that a four-year degree is not a good investment for every student. For example, a study by New York Fed researchers showed that the bottom 25th percentile of college graduates earned less than high school graduates once you factor in the costs of earning their degree. Ouch.
Frugality Without Sacrifice
Not too long ago, I received a really good email from a reader, “Jan,” who asked some pointed questions about frugality. Here’s that email, in part:
Your story of how you and your wife dug out of debt and started building toward a financially independent lifestyle is a great one. You guys deserve applause for that and I’m sure your openness in sharing it has inspired a lot of people.
My only question is why you guys are so hung up on frugality. You must both have organized and creative minds to have escaped from debt so quickly and built a strong business. Your minds are probably better spent on earning a lot more money than on finding new ways to save a nickel.
I see the point in being frugal when escaping debt, but when the world is your oyster, isn’t it better to strive to maximize your time? The more time you have, the more activities you can engage in to earn a lot of money.
I’m Covered — No You’re Not! How to Dispute Insurance Claims
If your insurance company is reluctant to pay your claim (imagine that!), there are steps you can take to recover your losses. Photo: Andrew Steinmetz
You’re sitting in your favorite chair when you hear the sound of screeching tires, followed by breaking glass and crunching metal.
Before you even have a chance to get up and see what’s happening, a 1977 Cadillac Coupe Deville crashes through your living room wall, knocking you from your chair and breaking your right arm and left leg.
Best Bad Credit Auto Loans
Bad credit? No problem — if you can handle the lender’s terms. Photo: Ricardo Diaz
Getting the best price on a car is never an enjoyable experience, and getting a loan when you have bad credit can make this experience even harder to swallow. If your credit score is less than ideal, you’ll probably find yourself locked out of certain deals common for those with good credit, like very low interest rates and large loans with no money down.
Best Unsecured Loans for 2014
Unsecured loans don’t have to be a ball-and-chain proposition. Photo: Chrls Potter
If you need a large amount of cash for a big expense, whether planned or unexpected, you might want to consider unsecured personal loans. Just like credit cards, unsecured loans don’t require collateral. But unlike most credit cards, unsecured loans offer fixed interest rates and payments, making payments easier to budget for. You’ll also probably be able to borrow a greater chunk of change than you could cover with a credit card, possibly at a lower rate.
Becoming Rich Is a Matter of Mind Over Money
Photo: PhotoSteve101
Mindset plays a much bigger role in reaching our financial dreams than most of us realize. The good news is, you can work on your mindset without spending a dime.
Today’s post touches on a timeless book, nearly 100 years old, with some financial advice garnered from the greatest financial minds who ever lived. And while there have been thousands of “financial gurus” over the years, who better to study and learn from than some of the wealthiest people in history?
The Book
Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was one of the wealthiest businessmen of his day. His fortune would today be valued at approximately $75 billion, according to Wikipedia, and his story is a tale of rags to riches.
Questions About Amazon, Christmas Lights, Thermoses, Aldi and More!
What’s inside? Here are the questions answered in today’s reader mailbag, boiled down to five word summaries. Click on the number to jump straight down to the question.
1. Student loan repayment strategy
2. Unemployment question
3. Home as investment
4. Buying long-term Christmas lights
5. Great goal advice
6. Amazon Rewards card tip
7. Stain remover
8. Saving money on children’s activities
9. Store chains vary by location
What Is a Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus?
Credit card sign-up bonuses can be a good deal — but only if you’re careful. Photo: Sean MacEntee
Unless you’ve opted out of junk mail or targeted offers altogether, you’ve probably gotten at least a handful of credit card bonus offers in the mail. Most of them read something like this:
“Spend $500 on your card within 90 days and earn $200 in cash back.”
“Spend $3,000 on your credit card within three months of account opening and earn 50,000 airline miles!”
“Act now for up to nine free nights at participating hotels worldwide!”
Most people take a quick glance at these offers and chuck them into the recycling bin. Meanwhile, others are intrigued and choose to learn more. But what do they find out?
Small Business Guide to SBA Loans
Like so many government endeavors, the Small Business Administration (SBA) can be both incredibly helpful and terribly confusing. But when your small business needs capital to grow or to simply keep the doors open, SBA loans are among the best small business loans you can get, and the SBA’s myriad other resources can help you make smart use of the money. Here’s how to navigate the SBA effectively to help your small business.
There are many organizations that can help you structure and finance your business, understand permitting, laws and regulations in your state or local municipality, provide guidance on filing and paying your taxes, and operate as a sounding board for the many important decisions you will make as a business owner. But very few of them do it in a way that keeps your money in your pocket.
That’s where the SBA comes in.
Cheers to the Holidays: Food, Beer, and Wine Gift Guide
Surely there are people on your holiday gift list who enjoy good food, wine, beer, or all of the above. Photo: Noah Borgondy
We’re in prime gift-buying season. Your list of who to buy for probably includes a foodie, beer lover, and/or wine enthusiast. This is a fun group to buy for because you can really get creative with your gifts. Plus, you can find awesome presents regardless of what you’re looking to spend. Here are some gift ideas for lovers of food, wine, and craft beer.
Caution: While shopping for these people, you may experience overwhelming feelings of hunger and/or thirst.
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