Planning the use of money, part 3
June 28, 2011
What does it take to live nowadays? This question is hard to answer for today’s expenses, unless you know that answer already for the last six months. So start the process now: start saving cash and card receipts. As you learn more and more on how to track income and expenses, you will have the records ready to plug into a worksheet. And keep watching this series of videos as you learn how to track down dollars and cents.
I suggest you download the video file below, as viewing is easier due to a bigger screen size. Or you can just click on the icon and the video will play immediately. As always, please call if you have questions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (40.2MB)
Planning the use of money, part 2
June 25, 2011
So just how hard is it to be safe with money? A plan will go a long way in creating security. If you are wrong, you will know that “things did not go according to plan”. If the plan is working, then you were right! Remember, it is just math.
What will the math tell you? It answers in a straightforward manner the question: “what are your habits?” Once you know that answer, you can proceed to ask: “What do I want to be my money habits?” Then a plan can be formed and carried out. But first, observe what you are doing with your money every month. Awareness of your habits is the most powerful tool you can use to change them.
I suggest you download the video file below, as viewing is easier due to a bigger screen size. Or you can just click on the icon and the video will play immediately. As always, please call if you have questions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (40.4MB)
Planning the use of money, part 1
June 25, 2011
Does it make sense to plan the use of money? All the experts say it does. But how do we do it? Simply, tracking the use of money allows us to predict how fast it will “go out the door”. This short video is the first of 6, showing how to be aware of our use of money. Remember: if you can track where the money has gone, you can predict where it will need to go in the future. In addition, planning helps to distinguish between needs and wants, so you can sort the necessities from the luxuries.
I hope it helps you to a prosperous future, free of money worries!
I suggest you download the video file below, as viewing is easier due to a bigger screen size. Or you can just click on the icon and the video will play immediately. As always, please call if you have questions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (50.0MB)
Will picking the right college help control the budget?
March 27, 2011
One of the greatest expenses for concerned parents is college tuition for their young ones. Of course, the older student also feels the pinch.
Of course, we all know that private colleges cost more, and for profit colleges suffer from two problems: high cost, and credits that do not transfer to obtain a college degree from an accredited university. For these reasons, state funded colleges (such as IU or Purdue) offer a “bigger bang for the buck” giving lower cost and course work that is accepted at any other institution of higher education.
Likewise, Ivy Tech is an excellent value, as it offers accredited courses at still lower tuition. But how about distance learning? Can a Indiana resident attend a state school with accredited courses, lower tuition cost, and learn off campus via the internet?
Now there is an alternative. Western Governors University Indiana, or WGU, offers transferable credits, full time tuition of $6,000 per year, and course work measured by papers and exams, with all instruction online. What a great idea for the busy mom or dad who is trying to advance their career! In addition, all courses transfer from Ivy Tech associate degree programs into relevant WGU programs.
If you are a beleaguered wage earner too busy to spend nights on campus, this may be a great opportunity for you. The attached article explains further, and is recommended reading: WGU Indiana .
Of course, if more expensive options in time and money are practical, they are advised. Nevertheless, internet learning can be a great advantage for those determined to take it seriously.
Is budgeting really worth it?
March 23, 2011
Quite simply in the opinion of this writer and most financial experts, it is always worth it. Ask any college kid with student loans: do they create a burden in his/her young life? The “buy now pay later” mindset leaves us exhausted later, and later, and later.
What is the solution? We need to start saving, as has happened in recent years in America. We need to watch what we spend, and “make do” without always desiring more. As we have learned in the last few years, a new trophy home is not always necessary.
Do you want more control over your life? BUDGET! A good article on this topic by the President of the Sagamore Institute is attached, and I wish to give credit to Jay Hein for the clarity of his thoughts. See the attached: Jay Hein on Budgeting
Just think about it. Every dollar saved is one more you don’t have to work for. And remember what Ben Franklin said: A penny saved is a penny earned!
