Blog Your Financial Wisdom

Financial Fitness: Taking Care of Your Finances Is Like Taking Care of Your Health

August 7, 2023 Steven Easler

Taking care of your personal finances is like taking care of your health. And both are important to maintain a good quality of life. Taking good care of your finances can have such a positive impact on your quality of life. The more you save and invest, the more control you have over your life, both in the present and future. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert in finance or economics to be successful. The most important factor in financial success is behavior. Your actions have the most impact on your financial wellbeing.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

July 3, 2023 Steven Easler

Buying home in this housing market can be stressful and frustrating. Housing prices are at historical highs. Mortgage rates have increased significantly. And you may find yourself asking, “Is it a good time to buy a house?” or “Should I wait to buy a house?” Deciding when to buy a new home is an important financial decision that should be based on careful consideration of your personal circumstances.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

August 8, 2022 Steven Easler

While going through our mail on a typical morning, we discovered that my wife was a victim of identity theft. It was not surprising that one of us was a victim of identity theft. In fact, I had always thought that it was not a question of if, but when. Two questions immediately came to mind: Just how bad is it, and what should we do? And if you’re a victim of identity theft, you will most likely have the same immediate concerns.

You Have Control Over Your Financial Future

October 24, 2021 Steven Easler

While the past few years haven’t necessarily been easy for anyone, there is some good news on the financial front. Why is that? Well, there are more investment opportunities now than ever before with options that are in reach for everyone. And the best part of it all is: You have control over your financial future, especially when you take the time to learn more about investing.

Wall Street vs. Main Street: Yes, You Can Still Invest

May 5, 2021 Steven Easler

Wall Street vs. Main Street is a phrase used to describe the disparity between the average investor and the large financers. It emphasizes the idea that the “little guy” does not have the same advantages of the big Wall Street companies who are able to take advantage of the small investors. Another common metaphor used here is “David vs. Goliath.” However, don’t get discouraged when it comes to investing. There is opportunity in the stock market to reach your financial goals, no matter your level of expertise or resources behind you.

Speculation vs. Investing: 4 Rules if You Plan to Speculate

February 17, 2021 Steven Easler

There has been a lot of excitement in financial news recently that can elicit the desire to participate in speculative trading. There are always opportunities for speculation. Maybe it’s a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) from a popular company, or a hot stock tip from a co-worker. Whatever the opportunity is, you need to assess if it’s the right thing to put your money into. And you need to determine first, are you investing, or speculating?

How To Evaluate Your Investment Performance

January 6, 2021 Steven Easler

How do you know if your investments are performing well? One obvious measure is if you are making money. After all that’s why you invested in the first place. But there are other factors to consider. Are they performing as well as other investment options? Are your gains consistent year over year? What if your investments are down? Could you have done something different? What is a reasonable expected return?

How Much Power Does the President Really Have Over Your Finances?

October 29, 2020 Steven Easler

Every four years during the U.S. general election, so much attention is focused on the race for the president of the United States. The campaigns and debates start early. And an important question on the minds of many American citizens is: how will your plan improve my financial future? Presidents and presidential candidates routinely promote their plan to improve the economy, household incomes and issues that directly affect your finances. But how much power does the president actually have to influence and improve your finances?

Should You Pay off Your Debt First Before Saving?

October 25, 2020 Steven Easler

If you’re in debt, you might be wondering: Should I pay off my debt first before saving and investing? Or, is ok to save and invest while I still have debt payments to make? There is no one right answer. Being debt free and saving money are both important goals. But both compete for your financial resources. To make the choice that’s best for you, you’ll need to look at your own financial condition and prioritize your goals. Here are some things to consider to help you make a plan.

Understanding Fiscal Policy: The Impact the U.S. Government Has on The Economy

September 3, 2020 Steven Easler

The health of the U.S. economy is vital to our financial wellbeing. When the economy is strong, employment opportunities grow, small businesses thrive, salaries are higher, and our overall quality of life is better. But when the economy is weak, jobs disappear, incomes decline, and many of us may suffer real hardships. So, how does our government try to improve the economy?