Money Tips Network

One of the main reasons that people choose not to start up their 401(k) (or 403(b) or TSP or other such plan) at work is because they’re simply overwhelmed by all of the options available to them and they’re worried about not choosing the “best” one and losing money. This was a concern I had at my first job when signing up for my retirement plan for the first time, and it was voiced by others in the room during the orientation session. It’s also been a concern noted by many readers over the years. They didn’t sign up because of option overload – they partially filled out the form, then felt overwhelmed by the options, then just sat it aside and took no action on it.

This is a bad move. You are better off choosing almost any investment option and starting to save now rather than putting it off.

Let’s look at two case studies.

I’ll admit it: There are times that I think everything that needs to be said about personal finance has been said already, that all of the information is out there just waiting for people to find it. The problem is solved.

Perhaps this is technically true, but now and then — as this morning — I’m reminded that teaching people about money is a never-ending process. There aren’t a lot of new topics to write about, that’s true (this is something that even famous professional financial journalists grouse about in private), but there are tons of new people to reach, people who have never been exposed to these ideas. And, more importantly, there’s a constant stream of new misinformation polluting the pool of smart advice. (Sometimes this misinformation is well-meaning; sometimes it’s not.)

In May of 2018, Chase rolled out a new business credit card with very familiar features. mirrors the in the fact it offers an unlimited 1.5% back for every dollar you spend.

This card’s huge signup bonus will make it a winner among business owners regardless, but it’s lack of an annual fee will make it a card people keep for the long run. If you’re looking for a business card with easy rewards and maximum perks, this is one you’ll want to consider. With an exceptional earning structure and a big signup bonus right off the bat, what’s not to love?

Keep reading to learn why you would want to sign up for this card, what to expect in terms of rewards and perks, and why a different business card might be better for your needs.

New! Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Marriott International bought Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide almost two years ago, but they're just getting around to integrating the two hotel chains' popular loyalty programs in August.

Craig writes in:

I usually stay at Marriott hotels while traveling because I know what I’m getting when I stay at one and they’re very consistent – a little pricy but I never get a bad surprise. I usually book through hotels.com but a friend told me that it is more cost effective to get into the Marriott Rewards program and book my hotel stays directly with Marriott. I’m trying to do the math and figure out if it’s true.

Love to see movies? Love to not pay a whole lot of money to see movies? Here are 14+ tips for scoring cheap movies …

I enjoy my fair share of movies. (I admit that lately I've been sucked into the Marvel universe quite a bit! SOOOooo many good movies …)

I'll also rewatch some favorites.

Over the next few years, taking in cheap movies with friends and family will be an affordable substitute for a vacation. All around it's cheaper. The good news for people who really love movies is that it's possible to get by pretty cheaply, and if you downsize other areas appropriately it won't strain the budget that much at all.

Tips for snagging cheap movies

So, here are some tips for casual watchers and movie buffs alike on scoring cheap movies, however you like to consume them:

I read a lot of books. Nearly every book has some nugget of wisdom I can take from it, but it’s rare indeed when I read a book and feel like I’ve hit the mother lode. In 2018, I’ve been fortunate enough to read two books that I’ll be mining for years to come.

The first was Sapiens, the 2015 “brief history of mankind” from Yuval Noah Harari. I finished the second book yesterday: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke. Duke is a professional poker player; Thinking in Bets is her attempt to take lessons from the world of poker and apply them to making smarter decisions in all aspects of life.

I recently learned that half of all workers find no meaning in their job, and that just 13% of people say they enjoy their line of work. If you contrast those facts with research showing that 74% of people want a job where they feel like they’re making a difference, we’re presented with a grim picture of the labor market. We want to do work that is impactful, but most of us are slogging away each day on tasks that feel mundane and unsatisfying.

When people talk about investing, they often emphasize getting the most return for their money. If they are getting a 7 percent return on their stock portfolio, they'll strive to get 8 percent.