The last few months have been a wild experience with the coronavirus pandemic. Socially, physically, emotionally, and financially. In high school history classes, I remember talking about defining moments in time. Old-timers would say things like "I was just leaving work when JFK was shot in Dallas", "I was...when Apollo 11 landed on the moon", … Continue reading Where were you when…
Finance
How are salesmen steering your decisions?
I worked at Wells Fargo during their shameful years. Any garbage you heard about their slimy sales tactics are likely true. I had managers direct me to run credit card applications without telling the applicant (although I never did). I watched employees copy credit card info from our system to sign people up for credit … Continue reading How are salesmen steering your decisions?
What is Mortgage Recasting?
Occasionally, friends/clients ask if they should refinance so they can lower their mortgage payment. If interest rates have fallen, if you are trying to drop mortgage insurance and your current lender is playing hardball, or if you are just trying to lower your payment by extending your loan out further, then refinancing may be the … Continue reading What is Mortgage Recasting?
Being Rich vs Looking Rich
When you think about the richest people you know, you likely imagine those living in huge homes, driving expensive new cars, and spending big money on vacations/entertainment. Isn't it funny how we associate spending money with having money? But how else are you supposed to know the wealthy from the broke from the outside looking … Continue reading Being Rich vs Looking Rich
You need to shop harder for a mortgage
WARNING, this post may be more dry than some others... Lots of numbers and graphics... It may not be as entertaining or short as my other posts. But if you apply what I'm saying, it'll likely save you a few thousand dollars the day you sign for your next home purchase... and maybe a little … Continue reading You need to shop harder for a mortgage
Why I hate trading stocks
Over the last few years, I've occasionally wished that I had bought big into Amazon, Apple, Bitcoin, or something else with explosive growth. I keep most of my money in cheap index funds like VFIAX, VFWAX, and VTSAX. VFIAX is the S&P 500 fund. Here's how the results of $10k purchases 2 years ago compares for … Continue reading Why I hate trading stocks
Savings on Every Purchase
I get a thrill out of saving money. Some saving comes with more hassle/work than other saving. I'm sure my tolerance level is higher than most, but I'm definitely not cut out for Extreme Couponing at the grocery store. Often the benefit/thrill of saving 20¢ on a jar of pickles isn't worth the hassle of … Continue reading Savings on Every Purchase
