Guiding the Way to Financial Freedom
The quintessential American Dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly elusive for many. Here are 20 reasons why achieving this milestone is more challenging than ever, reflecting broader economic trends and societal shifts. #1. Skyrocketing Home Prices Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sutthiphong Chandaeng Home prices have soared across the country, far outpacing wage increases, making it … Read more
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s a critical process for anyone wanting to safeguard their family’s future. But where do you start? #1. Draft a Will Image Credit: Shutterstock / SteveWoods A will is fundamental. It dictates how your assets are distributed and can help prevent family disputes. Without one, state laws determine who … Read more
Considering an expat life for your family’s next big adventure? It’s not just about new cultures and cuisines—the cost of living can deliver some real sticker shock compared to the U.S. Let’s break down these costs by category, so you know what might await abroad. 1. Housing Rentals Image Credit: Shutterstock / Deemerwha studio Renting … Read more
When it comes to sales tax, not all states are created equal. Some states charge significantly higher rates than others, impacting your wallet more than you might realize. Here’s a look at 19 states where the sales tax might be making a bigger dent in your budget. 1. Tennessee Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone … Read more
More than 245 million Americans have been warned about record-breaking heatwaves shifting east and moving inland this week. No Hiding Place The extreme heatwave that’s been sizzling up the US west coast the past few weeks now seems to be moving inward towards the mid-west and south-east areas. Get Ready for a Scorcher That means, … Read more
Social Security is a crucial part of retirement planning, yet it’s surrounded by misconceptions. How much do you really know about your benefits? #1. Social Security Is Going Bankrupt It’s not going bankrupt; Social Security funds are projected to be sufficient until 2034. After that, the system can still pay 79% of benefits even without … Read more
Investing can be tricky, and not every opportunity is a good one. Here are 20 toxic investments that you should avoid to protect your hard-earned money. #1. Penny Stocks These low-priced stocks often promise high returns, but they’re extremely volatile and risky. Many are tied to fraudulent schemes that can wipe out your investment. #2. … Read more
Are you tired of feeling pressured to tip for every little service? American tipping culture has spiraled out of control, leaving many feeling like they’re constantly shelling out extra cash. But where do we draw the line? Here are 21 instances where tipping has gone from a gesture of gratitude to an expectation that’s gone … Read more
Building multiple income streams gives you financial security and opens new avenues for wealth creation. Passive income, in particular, is an attractive way to earn without the need for active, daily involvement. Be aware, though, that most passive income streams require either money or a lot of effort upfront before they become truly passive. 1. … Read more
Streaming services promise endless entertainment, but they also have sneaky ways of draining your wallet. Here’s how your favorite platforms are costing you more than you think. 1. Price Hikes Netflix regularly increases its subscription prices. These hikes often come with little warning and minimal new content to justify the extra cost. 2. Multiple Subscriptions … Read more