How to Decide Whether or Not to File an Auto Collision Claim

Auto insurance may seem like a simple, routine part of life. That is until your car gets damaged. When you’re involved in an auto accident, or your car gets dinged up for any other reason, collision coverage can save you the headache and expense of repairing your car on your own dime. But if you have collision car insurance coverage, should you file a claim whenever your car is experiencing functionality issues or cosmetically damaged beyond what you’re capable of fixing yourself? Depending on a few important factors including your historical driving/claims record, auto insurance deductible, current ability to cover costs out-of-pocket, etc. you may not want to file a claim after all. Rather than letting damage from a car accident … Read more

Easy Ways to Budget Your Money

Earning An Irregular Income

You’re finally there, ready to make a budget, pay off your debts and save some money. Where do you start? There are so many different types of budgets and opinions that it’s hard to make heads or tails of it all. Let’s take a minute to break it down simply: Determine Your Goals Before starting any budget, ask yourself what your goals are. If you have debts, of course, you want to pay them off. However, look further. Once your debts are paid, what do you want to do with the extra money? Are you planning to buy a house? Do you have a dream destination where you would like to go with your family? That sports car you’ve been … Read more

6 Tips for Beginning Investors

What’s the most important thing to know about investing, according to Warren Buffett? Experience is the key to success for beginning investors. This doesn’t really help those who are new to the world of investing. However, you can reach out to and study advice from experienced investors. Here are some tips selected from experts in the field: One: Invest in Your Abilities It’s extremely difficult to make money from the stock market. Don’t take risks with your financial future. Instead, invest in yourself by improving your own abilities. One expert suggests using an hour each day to improve your marketable skills. If you can “pay yourself” by putting money into savings each day, you’ll be even further along the path … Read more

3 Things that Affect the Selling Price of a Business

When selling a business, the owner is certain to be concerned with getting a good price, having the legalities and paperwork go smoothly, and selecting a buyer that will maintain the reputation and vision of the company. But, how does a business determine its selling price? Although it may seem that it would all come down to profitability versus cost, there are actually several factors that can determine the price of a business. A potential seller should hire a consultant who can get them the clearest possible terms on a sales contract. A business should make a sales presentation that is honest, while accentuating the positive. The seller must be prepared to answer many questions and have documentation to back … Read more

5 Things Americans Need to Know About Medical Debt

Save Money on Medical Costs

No matter which side of the healthcare debate one falls on, they’d be remiss to say the industry is succeeding in providing quality care at reasonable prices. Whether we have a private plan or insurance through the marketplace, we’re paying more thanks to higher deductibles and increased patient responsibility. Let’s look at five things Americans need to know about medical debt. Two in Three Patients Can’t Pay Their Hospital Bills A developed country with ample resources shouldn’t have a substantial part of its populace struggling to pay for medical care. However, that’s the exact state of U.S. healthcare. After all, 20 percent of Americans under 65 experienced difficulty paying their medical bills despite having insurance. Of that group, 63 percent … Read more

Should You Have a Backup Plan Before Retiring Early?

When it comes to planning for the future, one of the biggest concerns people face is the possibility of running out of money during retirement. Since you may have access to monthly Social Security or pension checks, this doesn’t mean literally running out of money altogether, but rather losing the ability to cover your expenses without taking on a part time or full time job to make ends meet. If you plan to retire in your 50s but you’re concerned about the long-term sustainability of your retirement strategy, it’s important to develop back-up plans to protect yourself if an unexpected curveball is thrown your way. Should You Have a Backup Plan Before Retiring Early? FIRE Movement First and foremost, let’s look … Read more