Something On My Mind Personal Finance: Recent Episodes
David Mulonas
David and his team provide a refreshing view on personal finance with a side of humor. Main topics include budgeting, finance tips, listener questions, debt management, home ownership, the economy, crypto, FIRE movement, and investing principles.
The show also shares offbeat current events and real-life experiences where David the producers crack jokes while also diving into financial literacy and success. This podcast finds the perfect balance between having a laugh and getting down to business.
David is a published author, a financial coach and accomplished corporate project manager in the IT field. His book I'm Not Flipping Burgers When I'm 70 explores personal finance for the novice to the intermediate person that includes a comprehensive budget plan from a blank grid to beefing up the 401(k) and into deeper investing and advanced personal finance methods.
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In times of high interest rate environments, most people will not refinance due to the cost. With that being said, circumstances arise to warrant this, such as divorce, marriage or a job relocation.
For the most part, people wait for the federal reserve to cut rates so that borrowing money is more palatable. For example, at the time of this recording, the average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage is 7%.
So when the rates begin to drop later this year, people will rush in to refinance.
For example, a 7% interest rate for a $300,000 mortgage generates a monthly payment of $1,995. If we go to 6%, the payment is $1,798 and at 5% it is $1,610.
So this is why refinancing makes sense; however, this comes with a caveat. When crunching numbers, the cost is between 2-6% of the mortgage amount depending on items including loan size, the type of loan and credit score.
For our $300,000 loan at a 3% cost, this would be $9,000 bringing the total to $309,000 and this is where caveat #1 comes in: it takes approximately 7 years to pay off the cost for refinancing; however, when stretching out payments for a new 30-year cycle with a reduced interest rate, the new monthly payment is lower than the original monthly payment and people are attracted to that eye candy.
Now in truth, a 1%+ interest rate deduction is almost always a good move if the cost is right. What you have to watch for is refinancing again when rates continue to decline.
For example, if you refinance from 7% to 6% and then say at 5.25% and 4.25%, you may run into paying more money with the cost to refinance and accumulated interest.
As we said a moment ago, a $300,000 mortgage costs between 2-6% or $6,000 to $18,000. If you refinance three times, that ranges from $18,000 to $54,000; and this where the second caveat comes in.
All that money you spent to have a lower monthly payment adds up and even though your monthly payment is lower, each time you refinance, a new 30-year mortgage cycle begins. What you are doing is stretching out more cost and interest over a longer period of time.
To sum things up, refinancing makes sense when you actually save money over a long period of time meaning you are not refinancing for the sake of refinancing and not multiple times. It is understandable that pinpointing the correct time to refinance can be challenging; however, if the market trend is moving downward, it tends to stay that way for several months and this can aid in determining when to make your move.
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Today is 2/11/24 which is the Superbowl with the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the San Francisco 49’ers and this marks the 57th time that this game will have been played.
This is a large amount of years, so we decided to run some math based on the amount at which things are consumed and what they cost.
Let’s start with advertising and the cost for a one minute spot during the game:
In 1967: $37,500. For 2024: $7 million. This equates to an increase 185 times.
To further that, this means gas would be $61 per gallon and the S&P would be at 16,000 - for context today it is at 5,000
As for as food and beverage:
Chicken wings would be $43/lb.
A 6-pack of beer: $340.
A bag of Doritos $18.5.
So needless to say, for most items, they only increase in price and this led us to look into inflation and compound interest. For example, that $1 football square would be $9.18. How about the average house? According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, it was $24,400 and in February of 2024, it is $492,300
So let’s just put it out there . . It is expensive to be an American. Therefore, the best plan of attack is to budget and live within your means. In unison, the mission is to invest in yourself and build a moat for your future while balancing inflation.
'
For context, the S&P since 1926 has averaged a return of approximately 10% and a 7% return when factoring in inflation.
If we were to emulate that, we can invest in exchange traded funds that closely mimic these returns such as the tickers of SPY, IVV, VOO and SPLG.
For context VOO has returned 9.99% over the last 30 years. According to Forbes, the average American works 42 years before taking retirement, so let’s see how much money adds up over time without inflation and expenses:
At $100 a month, the amount would be $679,602.
At $250 a month, the amount would be $1.69M.
At $500 a month, the amount would be $3.39M.
So this is fantastic and this shows the power of compound interest - and the reminder is that the more that you can invest, the more you make and you let the market do its thing.
So the next question is … will this prompt you to look at your budget and find a few dollars to put away? All it will do is make you money.
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After the December holidays we often hear people talk in social groups and in the media that the credit card bills are coming due as a result of shopping during the December holidays.
Obviously, this means only one thing: that if you have payments coming, debt was compiled that can’t be paid off in one billing cycle. Moreover, the simple fact is that when this occurs, it means that people are buying things that they cannot afford.
We have talked about this many times . . . this is not a good practice. Secondly, it is probable that this debt is piled onto existing debt.
To put this in perspective, the average consumer spends $1,000 during the holidays with a 1%-4% minimum payment. In addition, the average new card interest rate is over 24% at the time of this recording.
So let’s analyze the minimum payment at 2%; it will take 56 months to pay off with a total of $664. So in effect, the holiday shopping cost you $1,664 or 64% more than you originally spent - that’s big ouch!
Imagine going to buy a box of cereal that was $5 and it was $8.32. You may opt for that purchase. So why pile the debt on credit cards?
On this show our mission is to provide you with insight rather than tell you what to do. However, if you cut down on spending, engage in maximum spending limits with family and friends or have an outing rather than gift exchanges, these are great ways to reduce spending.
Now try this thought on for size: when the holidays approach next year, think back to all of the gifts that you bought and received and the odds are that you will not recall most of what was opened.
So, the question is: how important do the gifts really matter? Perhaps, spending time with the people that you love is more valuable than money.
As a side note, it is a good idea to refrain from the practice of waiting for a tax return to pay down debt in general, because this means the government is using your money for free when you could be paying down debt during the year. To learn more about this listen to episode #47.
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Okay, you’ve got to be escheating me. What on earth does that mean?
The definition derives from medieval times, in feudal law. When a landowner (tenant of a fief) died without an heir or committed a felony, a process was needed for the ownership of the land.
In modern times it is the right of a government to take ownership of estate assets or unclaimed property in the event there are no heirs or beneficiaries.
In layman's terms, you may have a variety of financial assets that you can claim and this includes uncashed payroll checks, inactive stocks, court funds, dividends, checking and savings accounts, and estate proceeds.
So how does this occur?A few common ones derive with the death of the account holder or forgetting about an account.Let’s say someone moved out of an apartment in the middle of a month and paid a full water bill to the city. This person would be owed a half-month back; however, the rebate check was sent to the old address. Hence, the check goes uncashed and ends up unclaimed property. So let’s go through a few ins and outs.
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Escheatment laws vary by state, but typically it takes about five years for the state to claim someone’s assets
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Unclaimed property is not taxed while it is filed as unclaimed; however, the property may be
officially recognized as taxable income when it is reclaimed. -
Some unclaimed funds such as investments from a 401(k) or an IRA can be reclaimed tax-
free.
So how much money is out there? In New York, the state returns $1.5 million in unclaimed property to people who file claims. As of July 2021, the state had $17 billion in unclaimed property. In addition, the IRS has millions in unclaimed federal tax refunds. So How Do I Find My Money?Simply go to missingmoney.com which is a national database and if you find your name with some goodies on them follow the instructions. It’ll feel like you gave a gift back to yourself.
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The United States culture tends to recognize many types of celebrations and this has created a common theme of replacing presents with gift cards. They are easy to purchase, simple to use and the beauty is that people can shop for what they want without having to wrap and return items.
Throughout the years gift cards can accumulate in wallets or desk drawers and many people are waiting to redeem them for a special occasion. According to USA Today, 47% of Americans have one unused gift card, voucher or store credit, and on average each person has $175 in unspent gift cards.
So the most common question that we receive is what happens to the cards if they go unused?
1. For starters a federal law 2010 says that a gift card can’t expire for five years from the time it was purchased or from the last time someone added money to it. In some states, the expiration period is longer.
2. With generic cash cards such as MasterCard or Visa, they begin to incur
inactivity fees after one year, which eats away at their value.
-
There is an option to sell cards on websites that typically give you 70 to
80 cents per dollar. -
Depending on what state you live in, they may have unclaimed property
programs for unused cards. The thought is that issuing card companies
haven't provided a service to earn the money, so they don’t get to keep it.
So chalk up a win for the little guy. -
If you have long-term unused cards and want to claim them, then you can
search for unclaimed property in the state that the card was issued to
see if you have money coming to you. -
Additionally, you should periodically look on your state’s website to see what else may be
coming to you which is known as escheating. From there, just follow the steps to reclaim
your money. So to wrap things up, gift cards do not need to be wrapped; however, they can
be lost, misplaced or lose their value. The best way to manage this is to keep them
organized and simply use them.
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According to Zippia.com, in 2021 the average amount homeowners spent on home improvement was $10,341 which was up 25% from 2021. This makes sense as people spent their cabin fever time improving their homes and now that Covid is more controlled.
People are spending more due to M1 money supply with unemployment and stimulus checks. Now that labor rates are rising due to lack of resources, the general contractors and landscaping companies are raising their rates and passing them onto you. This is just another result of inflation.
So what can be done to curb the cost? The easiest one is reducing the cost for supplies to complete jobs. Generally speaking, the typical markup for materials is between 7.5 to 10%; however, some contractors will mark up materials 20% or more.
What you can do is ask the contractor for a materials list and place the orders yourself. Now with larger jobs, it comes with more complicated supply lists, ad hoc purchases and add-ons.
In addition, you may make several purchases throughout the project life cycle so you need to stay on task. In many cases you should be able to order the large majority of goods while removing copious tasks away from the contractor who may not want that burden.
The bottom line is that this is an easy way to save money and you can learn a little bit along the way. For example, a $30,000 job could save you anywhere between $2,250-$6,000.
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If you have a dog and a fenced-in yard, this helps your furry companion with better overall health as it provides him the ability to be outdoors, exercise and have a consistent marked territory.
On the other hand, if you do not have a fenced yard, this is where the invisible fencing comes into play. Other than the shock factor that your pet will adapt to, this is a fantastic option.
This has been a common choice for pet owners for many years; however, the cost for a system is expensive as it averages $1,200 from my research.
The main difference is choosing between the wired and wireless option. The wireless is more expensive and they can be harder to set especially with pro installation and wires can break and be difficult to fix due to tree roots and underground obstacles.
The biggest hurdle for the wireless is that it may have difficulty tailoring to the shape of the yard’s boundary.
So what choice do you make? To me, wireless is the best option.
1. It is less expensive
1. You can adjust the boundary settings with a turn of a dial
1. You can take the system to any location, plug it in and you are ready to go
As for me, I found a refurbished system for $250 from a reputable company. I set up the flags and my dog was trained by the second day. In addition, I have an acre of land and have not incurred an incident with boundary limits and my dog couldn’t be happier.
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According to AgHires, Over 74 million Americans grilled out for the 4th of July. Of this food, burgers will be cooked by 85% of people, steak 80%, and chicken 73% and not to mention, 150 million hot dogs.
When it comes to grilling, 61% of people choose propane and 49% for the charcoal purists according to statista.com.
Now that we’ve had some heat on this topic, the last thing that you want to do is run out of propane when you're in the middle of dinner preparation.
A common question is . . . how do I determine when I need to refill my tank? Instead of shaking it, there is a simple solution to this. Bring a pot of water close to a boil and then pour it over the tank.
This creates a physical reaction between the hot water on the tank surface and the propane inside your tank.
Hence, putting your hand on the tank and where it becomes cool determines how much propane is remaining and you can decide when you need a refill.
The bottom line is that a standard 20 pound tank is around $20 so leaving less gas behind won’t save you much money; however, it can save you from future aggravation.
In my case, it keeps heat going on the grill rather than the heat coming from my wife.
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When it comes to using a couch, sofa or chair, many people simply use it and do not think about maintenance; however, this may leave you with furniture that wears out prematurely.
So to avoid this, let’s go through some tips:
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Rotate and fluff seat and back cushions regularly. This simply extends the life of the furniture
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Rotate identical upholstered accent and dining room chairs when one or more of them are not used regularly. This will extend their life even further
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Vacuum furniture with an upholstery attachment on a regular basis
This will prevent the cushion core from wearing prematurely, will preserve the fabric color and control welt slippage.
Although dust may not be apparent, it settles into your upholstery and may not only make it dirty, but may eventually damage the fibers if not removed.
Remember, If you think that your furniture is clean, just bang your hand on the cushions in the sunlight and you'll have hundreds of particles floating in the air.
The bottom line is that this is not your typical personal finance tip; however, when the rubber meets the road, life is all about math and money. Hence, take care of your things and they will take care of your pocketbook.
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Even in times of rising inflation, people seem to be going out and spending money.
This is likely to occur for some time until things are too expensive and we fall into a recession or in stagflation state.
At the moment the world has a handle on Covid and entertainment venues are filling the seats.
So when going to an event, the question is: do you buy your tickets right away or do you wait? If it is a can’t miss, people will pay up.
If you decide to wait, there are many apps out there to buy tickets in the second hand market.
So for the next question: is it better to wait until to purchase tickets right up until the event occurs.
Typically this is a good strategy, but more so when the event is not sold out as venues want to fill their seats.
Recently, I went to a baseball game on Memorial Day weekend and it turned out that it was less expensive to buy the seats at Will Call rather than through an app. This is because the demand was high.
As for sporting events, if the team stinks or you don’t mind showing up after it starts this will save you money.
Another strategy is to search for events straight through the venue as you can find packages that will include parking. We have found this to be advantageous.
We parked close to the building and saved money. There’s nothing like paying $60 bucks to park, right? The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer.
As for my wife and I, being spontaneous keeps life interesting - we hop in the car, find an event and we keep some of our money from going to the overpriced ticket brokers.
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The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact less than one percent is available for human use and we are running out of it. So let’s push down the handle on some Flush Facts:
According to the EPA, the average American uses 300 gallons of water per day or about 80 gallons per person. In addition, roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors. So it goes without saying that there is always something that we can do. So let’s talk about toilets.
With that being said no one goes out and says that I am excited to shop for a toilet; however, over $10 Billion are sold in the U.S. each year.
This means the odds you’ll buy one sooner than later. So let’s get to more numbers.
The standard toilet in the past used 1.6 GFP or gallons per flush and with recent advancements, many have been reduced to 1.28 gallons per flush which is a reduction of 20%.
WIth my recent toilet purchase, it uses just .8 GPF while still providing equal or superior performance.
So I am happy with my choice knowing that the average person flushes five times per day which means I am cutting the water usage in half.
Not to mention that I have incorporated other water reducing tactics with other low flow appliances and fixtures from our PFT #40 and PFT #6 which covered why there is no need to rinse your dishes by letting your dishwasher handle the load.
Therefore, I am significantly reducing my water bill as my past purchases will pay for themselves over time - the best part is that I am preserving our environment and you can too!
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In times when inflation is rising, we experience higher prices for our goods and services as well as shortages.
For example, In the grocery store, we’ve experienced products in limited supply from toilet paper to baby formula. When a desired product is available, it is emptied as soon as it was stocked.
When it comes to gasoline, supply chain disruption was experienced in 1973 and 1979.
This also occurs during natural disaster situations where shortages shoot up prices and then we hear about gauging.
To make things clear, gauging does occur; however, there is a large misinformation notion that gas stations drive up their prices because they have us over a barrel.
For the most part this is not true as our research on average tells us that most retailers make 15 cents per gallon after the consumer pumps it.
To make things worse, most people pay via a credit card which has a merchant fee around 2.5%. Hence, when the price per gas is at just $4, the retailer pays 10 cents and in our example would profit just five.
This is why we see a cash price listed on the signs that are lower than the credit price. Hence, if you have cash, this is another way to keep a few bucks in your pocket especially during long stretches.
The bottom line is this is another way to save a few more dollars, yet the hidden point in this finance tip is when we understand how things work, we can accept things that we don’t like.
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This week’s personal finance tip is about Better Battery Co’s Recycling and Delivery Program.
Can you imagine how many batteries are in landfills considering every household uses them?
According to The California Department of Resources and Recycling, it is estimated that 4 billion disposable batteries are shipped to the US each year and that means the average US household uses an estimated 47 batteries per year.
Now this is a daunting piece of information; however, there is good news. You can now purchase batteries online while also disposing of them responsibly.
Better Battery Co. has developed household batteries that are not only rechargeable, but also recyclable. Their program is designed to ship you new supplies as you deem necessary while providing the packing and the return packing slip.
When it comes to your money, you’ll pay more for the batteries than you are accustomed to; however, they do come in a variety pack of sizes which is not how most batteries are sold and you don’t have to leave your house.
Moreover, when you hear the words “cost more,” consider that many people pay double the price just to get their food delivered to their doorstep.
The bottom line is that this battery product is an ongoing example of an innovative solution that is convenient and helps the environment. In time, this may be the norm rather than the exception.
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The bottom line is that viable product solutions are being offered at blistering pace without sacrificing quality while improving the environment - and as always your pocketbook thanks you.**
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It seems that everyone has a cell phone and back in the day that was the sentiment for owning a television.The difference is that people’s devices are attached to the palm of their hands.
The interesting thing is that a cell phone can cost more than most T.V. 's but we tend to test their durability. It is plausible to say that people drop their phones at least twice a day.
Moreover, we’ve all heard or had stories of losing them and dropping them into a lake.
I actually dropped one into a toilet in Mexico - so that was an interesting experience and I pissed it away for a lack of a better phrase. So this leads us to cell phone insurance and like all protection plans, is it worth the cost?
The answer is that it depends. From research, it typically costs $8 -$17 when using your cell phone carrier. You can also opt for third-party services from companies such as AKKO and SquareTrade which tend to be less expensive.
Okay there’s no shocker here in that with just about each type of insurance, it comes with fine print namely in deductibles and the range of coverage. So understand the details before you commit.
A good exercise is to determine the monthly cost insurance with a potential deductible over the cost of fixing or replacing your device over the duration of owning the phone.
Typically, kids tend to damage or lose phones more than adults but in either case, many of the major phone makers in recent years design them to be waterproof. Either way, if you get a solid protective case and / or with screen protector you should be in good shape and may opt out of insurance.
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The bottom line is that viable product solutions are being offered at blistering pace without sacrificing quality while improving the environment - and as always your pocketbook thanks you.**
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It seems that everyone has a cell phone and back in the day that was the sentiment for owning a television.The difference is that people’s devices are attached to the palm of their hands.
The interesting thing is that a cell phone can cost more than most T.V. 's but we tend to test their durability. It is plausible to say that people drop their phones at least twice a day. Moreover, we’ve all heard or had stories of losing them and dropping them into a lake.
I actually dropped one into a toilet in Mexico - so that was an interesting experience and I pissed it away for a lack of a better phrase. So this leads us to cell phone insurance and like all protection plans, is it worth the cost?
The answer is that it depends. From research, it typically costs $8 - $17 when using your cell phone carrier. You can also opt for third-party services from companies such as AKKO and SquareTrade which tend to be less expensive.
Okay there’s no shocker here in that with just about each type of insurance, it comes with fine print namely in deductibles and the range of coverage. So understand the details before you commit.
A good exercise is to determine the monthly cost insurance with a potential deductible over the cost of fixing or replacing your device over the duration of owning the phone.
Typically, kids tend to damage or lose phones more than adults but in either case, many of the major phone makers in recent years design them to be waterproof. Either way, if you get a solid protective case and / or with screen protector you should be in good shape and may opt out of insurance.
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The bottom line is that viable product solutions are being offered at blistering pace without sacrificing quality while improving the environment - and as always your pocketbook thanks you.**
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When it comes to our finance tips, we haven’t covered reusable batteries as this seems like a no-brainer; and that exactly a case; however, sometimes we need a reminder.
Rechargeable batteries have been around since I was a kid in the 70’s and they juiced up my remote control cars and my giant dual tape deck boom box radio.
Now that we are in the 2020’s we still have an insatiable need for batteries for just about anything due to the advanced technology in our daily lives.
So let’s run through some stats on batteries with the most common type which are Single and double A.
When it comes to these rechargeable batteries they will cost more upfront; but the money that you save is far and away better than buying disposable batteries.
Disposables last longer for a one-time use; however, most rechargeable batteries have at least 1,000 - 2,000 charges before they expire.
The other factor is that in many states, the batteries are not recycled and therefore end up in a landfill. In fact, California considers them hazardous waste.
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The bottom line is that viable product solutions are being offered at blistering pace without sacrificing quality while improving the environment - and as always your pocketbook thanks you.**
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This week’s episode is about the stock market and inflation capitulation.
At the time of this recording the stock market as a whole is 20% down from its previous high water mark and inflation hasn’t been this high since Luke and Laura were popular on General Hospital.
So when this occurs many people begin to panic about what to do with their investments.
Now this is a logical thought especially for the Millennial generation and beforehand where these people have been through the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Pandemic downturn.
The common question that we get is how do we handle our investments.
We need to start by saying that each individual has a unique set of criteria meaning one has to decide for him or herself.
With that being said, the common rule is that if you are more than five years out from needing to tap into your nest egg, then stay the course.
If you are under five years, evaluate your positions and stay the course with your goals.
Okay and if you are one-to-two years out, what do you do?
Scale down your investments to protect against downside risk or stay in cash meaning stay liquid.
The bottom line is that you need a set of goals to follow in good and bad times by staying educated or working with your financial advisor.
The goal is to build wealth through your working years and scale down as you get closer when the need arises to tap into your money.
**Finally, as a credo, investing is a marathon; not a sprint. Therefore, when practicing short-term investing you have to be willing to lose everything that you put into the market; otherwise, it typically means that you couldn’t afford the money in the first place.
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There is no doubt AI will impact the amount of jobs available in the future and how much money people can make. What jobs are at risk?
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The average cost for a gallon of gas as of this recording is $4.22 according to AAA. Not to mention that this has been going on for weeks and it may stay this way for several more cycles.
So what can we do to get more out of our tanks of gas?
1 Use apps such as GasBuddy which is our PFT #23 to find the lowest costs in your area. I always go to Costco.
2 Keep your speed in check. According to Consumer Reports, driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph on the highway can increase fuel efficiency by 7 mpg for a mid-sized sedan and 6 mpg for a small SUV.In addition, our crack staff performed so math using the Distance = Speed * Time formula and for 60 mph that says when drive 70 mph vs 80 mph over the course of 60 miles you only save 6.4 minutes.
3 Each month your tires lose approximately one 1 psi, and low tire pressure negatively affects fuel economy.
4 You do not have to purchase premium gas. According to Edmunds.com even if the owner's manual recommends premium gasoline, the car will typically run on regular without issue and it will not damage the engine in any way.
5 Avoid hard acceleration and excessive braking and try to keep a steady pace, and remove bike, kayak and cargo racks as this creates a drag on your vehicle. The bottom line is that these tips are valuable at any time in life; however, most people are reactive rather than proactive. So take your time out there and you may be able to get a few more gallons between fill-ups.
The new social and etiquette rules for 2023
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The new social and etiquette rules for 2023
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Using new technology and the loss of the way things were. We cover the change in with bowling pin machine advances.
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Can solar powered parking lots provide a large amount of the country's energy supply?
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Would you eat lab grown meat?
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A look back on Thanksgiving - the histories and the memories
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We review the top ten worst college degree choices.
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The new climates chage communties are protecting themselves from the results of typical major disastors.
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Oregon wants to vote to give its land to Idaho to allow them to be a more blue-state for democratic party voting
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The all Halloween episode: pumpkin carving, costumes, parties, candy and glow in the dark pumpkins.
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What is the best country to live in? Hint - it is not the United States. Are you suprised?
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Grass lawns out west are slowly being transformed due the water shortage. This will be one wave of the future.
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Should NFL rookies have to pay $3,000 - $50,000 for hazing dinners with veterans?
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This week we discuss the future of sharing salaries for job postings that are becoming state laws to help equal pay initiatives.
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We discuss how people with over $1 Million manage their retirement and lifestyle. We review four retirees from a recent Wall Street article.
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Should congress have age and term limits? Is that discriminatory? There are brginning age limits to hold a position so why isn't that the case on when one cannot hold a position?
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This week we discuss the potential cost of $500 billion for student loan forgiveness put in place by Joe Biden. Is it fair? Who will benefit? Who got nothing? What does this mean for the future?
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This week we discuss the name, imagine and likeness (NIL) that allows college athletes to make money. In the past they were not allowed to prticpate in earning money on this front as they their tuition being fully paid served as a replacement to waive the cost of education.
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This week we talk about the the future of tiny home apartments where the walls and fixtures move by way of robotics to create five different living spaces.
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This week discuss the trend of people leaving California due to the Pandemic, The Great Resignation, Climate and Cost of Living
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This week we give an update on rising inflation and when will there be relief.
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According to Zippia.com in 2021, the average amount homeowners spent on home improvement was $10,341, which was up by 25% from 2020.
This makes sense as people spent their cabin fever time improving their homes; and now that Covid is more controlled, people are spending more due to M1 money supply with unemployment, stimulus checks.
Now that labor rates are rising due to lack of resources, the general contractors and landscaping companies are raising their rates and passing them onto you. This is another end result of inflation.
So what can be done to curb the cost? The easiest one is reducing the cost for supplies to complete the jobs. Generally speaking, the typical markup on materials is between 7.5 and 10 percent.
However, some contractors will mark up materials 20 percent or more.
What you can do is ask the contractor for a materials list and place the orders yourself.
Now with larger jobs, come more complicated supply lists, ad hoc purchases and add ons. In addition, you may make several purchases through a project’s life cycle so you need to stay on task.
In many cases you should be able to order the large majority of goods while removing copious tasks from the contractor who may not want that burden anyway.
The bottom line is that this is an easy way to save money and learn a bit along the way. For example, a $30,000 job you could save you anywhere from $2,250 to $6,000.
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What would you do with $1.2 billion? The Mega Millions just had its largest winner ever.
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This week we talk about how there are a record number of weddings in 2022 and the people attending them are going broke
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We field a question on the Internet from a 26-year old pharamcist who is making $100K per year and has $113,000 in student loan debt. He has $5,600 in monthly net income and puts $4K to his debt payments. He wants to buy a house. Is he broke? What should he do in his financial planning?
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If you have a dog and a fenced-in yard, this helps your furry companion with better overall health as it provides him the ability to be outdoors, exercise and have a consistent marked territory.
On the other hand, if you do not have a fenced yard, this is where the invisible fencing comes into play. Other than the shock factor that your pet will adapt to, this is a fantastic option.
This has been a common choice for pet owners for many years; however, the cost for a system is expensive as it averages $1,200 from my research.
The main difference is choosing between the wired and wireless option. The wireless is more expensive and they can be harder to set especially with pro installation and wires can break and be difficult to fix due to tree roots and underground obstacles.
The biggest hurdle for the wireless is that it may have difficulty tailoring to the shape of the yard’s boundary.
So what choice do you make? To me, wireless is the best option.
It is less expensive
You can adjust the boundary settings with a turn of a dial
You can take the system to any location, plug it in and you are ready to go
As for me, I found a refurbished system for $250 from a reputable company. I set up the flags and my dog was trained by the second day. In addition, I have an acre of land and have not incurred an incident with boundary limits and my dog couldn’t be happier.
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This week we wish Bobby Bonilla happy birthday for his annual contract from the New York Mets where he receives $1.92 million for 25 years that comes to $29.8 million. His original buyout was $5.9 million; however, compound is also his best friend. No doubt that he has a great agent.
We also talk about the stat that 30% of people are living paycheck-to-paycheck that have a $250,000 household income.
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According to Aghires, Over 74 million Americans grilled out for the 4th of July. Of this food, burgers will be cooked by 85% of people, steak 80%, and chicken 73% and not to mention, 150 million hot dogs.
When it comes to grilling, 61% of people choose propane and 49% for the charcoal purists according to statista.com
Now that we’ve had some heat on this topic, the last thing that you want to do is run out of propane when you're in the middle of dinner preparation.
A common question is . . . how do I determine when I need to refill my tank? Instead of shaking it, there is a simple solution to this. Bring a pot of water close to a boil and then pour it over the tank.
This creates a physical reaction between the hot water on the tank surface and the propane inside your tank.
Hence, putting your hand on the tank and where it becomes cool determines how much propane is remaining and you can decide when you need a refill.
The bottom line is that a standard 20 pound tank is around $20 so leaving less gas behind won’t save you much money; however, it can save you from future aggravation.
In my case, it keeps heat going on the grill rather than the heat coming from my wife.
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This week we discuss what makes a bargain hunter and restaurant rip offs from workers in the field. In the roundtable we talk about waitstaff mishaps and generous tipping.
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When it comes to using a couch, sofa or chair, many people simply use it and do not think about maintenance; however, this may leave you with furniture that wears out prematurely.
So to avoid this, let’s go through some tips:
-
Rotate and fluff seat and back cushions regularly. This simply extends the life of the furniture
-
Rotate identical upholstered accent and dining room chairs when one or more of them are not used regularly. This will extend their life even further
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Vacuum furniture with an upholstery attachment on a regular basis
This will prevent the cushion core from wearing prematurely, will preserve the fabric color and control welt slippage.
Although dust may not be apparent, it settles into your upholstery and may not only make it dirty, but may eventually damage the fibers if not removed.
Remember, If you think that your furniture is clean, just bang your hand on the cushions in the sunlight and you'll have hundreds of particles floating in the air.
The bottom line is that this is not your typical personal finance tip; however, when the rubber meets the road, life is all about math and money. Hence, take care of your things and they will take care of your pocketbook.
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In this episode we discuss the things that clean things with your appliances. If you don't handle the regular maintenance repairs or replacements can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars over time.
In the roundtable we discuss how people get pre-mad about things or events people attend them or talk to people.
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How many times have your rugs been stained with wine or food or they are just dirty.
What about pets peeing or pooping on the rug? It is probable that it has happened to all of us seeing that there are approximately 160 million dogs and cats in the United States.
This is where a company called Ruggable comes into play. What they have over other r ugs is that they are washable. They have a thin carpet layer made of mainly polyester with a rubber mat underneath.
From our research and own experience, these rugs are easy to install and they don’t shift. When it comes to washing them, 3’ X 5’ and 5’ x 7’ rugs fit into the washer nicely. If you have a larger size they can fit depending on the load capacity.
In terms of cost, they are comparable to Target and World Market; we paid $338 for ours.
In terms of how they feel you will not get a plush, padded option, so try plush or shag-style rugs if that is your preference.
As for the environmental impact, these rugs are made from polyester meaning that they derive from petroleum, so this is not an eco-choice.
On the other hand, if you can reduce the amount of rugs that you have to replace over time, then less material reduces the overall carbon footprint.
The bottom line is that these rugs have been a long awaited choice that will save you money over time. There’s nothing like coming home from a long day or trip to find that your dog left a special present for you.
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This week we interview Timmy Mckeegan; the 12-year old prodigy who at a young age is making a mark on the world. He is mining his own stable coin, has written two books and a podcast and has traveled to 30 countries. He has an amazing life and has accomplished more than many people do in an entire lifet ime.
In the roundtable, we discuss getting rid of your possessions. How much do you have and how much do you need?
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Even in times of rising inflation, people seem to be going out and spending money.
This is likely to occur for some time until things are too expensive and we fall into a recession or in stagflation state
At the moment the world has a handle on Covid and entertainment venues are filling the seats.
So when going to an event, the question is: do you buy your tickets right away or do you wait? If it is a can’t miss, people will pay up.
If you decide to wait, there are many apps out there to buy tickets in the second hand market.
So for the next question: is it better to wait until to pruchase tickets right up until the event occurs.
Typically this is a good strategy, but more so when the event is not sold out as venues want to fill their seats.
Recently, I went to a baseball game on Memorial Day weekend and it turned out that it was less expensive to buy the seats at Will Call rather than through an app. This is because the demand was high.
As for sporting events, if the team stinks or you don’t mind showing up after it starts this will save you money.
Another strategy is to search for events straight through the venue as you can find packages that will include parking. We have found this to be advantageous.
We parked close to the building and saved money. There’s nothing like paying $60 bucks to park, right?
The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer.
As for my wife and I, being spontaneous keeps life interesting - we hop in the car, find an event and we keep some of our money from going to the overpriced ticket brokers.
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Thiw week we discuss I-bonds:
Key Takeaways
Series I bonds are inflation-beating savings bonds issued by the U.S. Government.
You pay the face value of the bond and receive interest and an inflation adjustment.
Savings bonds are not transferable, so they must be purchased from the U.S. Treasury or certain banks and payroll programs.
In the roundtable we discuss an survey that says around 57% of Millennials love their pets more than their siblings and 50% of them admitted the same in comparison to their mothers. Ugh!
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The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact less than 1 percent is available for human use and we are running out of it.
So let’s push down the handle on some Flush Facts:
According to the EPA, the average American uses 300 gallons of water per day or about 80 gallons per person. In addition, roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors.
So it goes without saying that there is always something that we can do. So let’s talk about toilets.
With that being said no one goes out and says that I am excited to shop for a toilet; however, over $10 Billion are sold in the U.S. each year.
This means the odds you’ll buy one sooner than later. So let’s get to more numbers.
The standard toilet in the past used 1.6 GFP or gallons per flush and with recent advancements, many have been reduced to 1.28 gallons per flush which is a reduction of 20%
WIth my recent toilet purchase, it uses just .8 GPF while still providing equal or superior performance.
So I am happy with my choice knowing that the average person flushes five times per day which means I am cutting the water usage in half.
Not to mention that I have incorporated other water reducing tactics with other low flow appliances and fixtures from our PFT #40 and PFT #6 which covered why there is no need to rinse your dishes by letting your dishwasher handle the load.
Therefore, I am significantly reducing my water bill as my past purchases will pay for themselves over time - the best part is that I am preserving our environment and you can too!
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This week’s personal finance tip is about the gas gouging myth and lower gas for cash.
In times when inflation is rising, we experience higher prices for our goods and services as well as shortages.
For example, In the grocery store, we’ve experienced products in limited supply from toilet paper to baby formula. When a desired product is available, it is emptied as soon as it was stocked.
When it comes to gasoline, supply chain disruption was experienced in 1973 and 1979.
This also occurs during natural disaster situations where shortages shoot up prices and then we hear about gauging.
To make things clear, gauging does occur; however, there is a large misinformation notion that gas stations drive up their prices because they have us over a barrel.
For the most part this is not true as our research on average tells us that most retailers make 15 cents per gallon after the consumer pumps it.
To make things worse, most people pay via a credit card which has a merchant fee around 2.5%. Hence, when the price per gas is at just $4, the retailer pays 10 cents and in our example would profit just five.
This is why we see a cash price listed on the signs that are lower than the credit price. Hence, if you have cash, this is another way to keep a few bucks in your pocket especially during long stretches.
The bottom line is this is another way to save a few more dollars, yet the hidden point in this finance tip is when we understand how things work, we can accept things that we don’t like.
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This week’s personal finance tip is about Better Battery Co’s Recycling and Delivery Program.
Can you imagine how many batteries are in landfills considering every household uses them?
According to The California Department of Resources and Recycling, it is estimated that 4 billion disposable batteries are shipped to the US each year and that means the average US household uses an estimated 47 batteries per year.
Now this is a daunting piece of information; however, there is good news. You can now purchase batteries online while also disposing of them responsibly.
Better Battery Co. has developed household batteries that are not only rechargeable, but also recyclable. Their program is designed to ship you new supplies as you deem necessary while providing the packing and the return packing slip.
When it comes to your money, you’ll pay more for the batteries than you are accustomed to; however, they do come in a variety pack of sizes which is not how most batteries are sold and you don’t have to leave your house.
Moreover, when you hear the words “cost more,” consider that many people pay double the price just to get their food delivered to their doorstep.
The bottom line is that this battery product is an ongoing example of an innovative solution that is convenient and helps the environment. In time, this may be the norm rather than the exception.
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In this week's episode, we discuss the stats on the student loan crisis and what Joe Biden may provide for relief. Rumor has it that he will give $10,000 to each borrower; however, some democrats have been calling for $50,000.
The other question is how gets the relief? Is just federal loan borrowers? What about personal or parent plus loans? What about those who have already paid their loans off?
There will be groups that will be left out and this will cause many people to be outraged.
In the roundtable we discuss the behavior of people when they are quitting their jobs.
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This week's topic is about the true cost of new appliances and warranties.
We are a society that has too much stuff and we have become accustomed to the conveniences that have made our lives easier than it did for our grandparents.
This is a great thing; however, appliances have become increasingly expensive due to the features that they offer as well as the high rate of inflation mainly due to the supply chain shortage.
With that being said when you buy an appliance it is important to consider if there are other costs exists beyond the actual price.
The first thing is to start with the discount which creates your base price and then add any tax if it exists in your state or municipality.
After that it is important to factor in what you are buying in that it may involve other costs beyond the straight purchase.
For example, I just purchased a new washer and dryer set that was $2,800 that was discounted to $2,200; however, I paid additional costs for hooking up the equipment which also came with parts and labor. There was also a charge to haul away the old appliances.
Lastly, I opted for a $200-five year warranty for the washer and dryer each with my logic being that the appliances would need service and would exceed $400.
All in all, my total cost was $2,878 with tax which is 31% higher than what the sticker price.
To sum things up, it is important to purchase the product that fits your needs and when you nail that down, think about the appliance protection as the odds are that you’ll pay more later for repairs if you opt out of warranty coverage.
Lastly, when you budget for major appliances, factor-in at least 25% over the discounted price.
With that being said, the everyday modern appliance is a beautiful thing; however, the major difference is that they do not last as long as they used to - the logic says that when app
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This week's episode is part #3 of the little costs that you pay too much more that begin to dent your budget. This could be coffee, candles or app subscriptions. We provide money savings ways to manage them without sacrificing your quality of life.
In the roundtable, we discuss the differences between generations and how each subsequent demographic thinks they are smarter than their predecessors.
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When it comes to our finance tips, we haven’t covered reusable batteries as this seems like a no-brainer; and that exactly a case; however, sometimes we need a reminder.
Rechargeable batteries have been around since I was a kid in the 70’s and they juiced up my remote control cars and my giant dual tape deck boom box radio.
Now that we are in the 2020’s we still have an insatiable need for batteries for just about anything due to the advanced technology in our daily lives.
So let’s run through some stats on batteries with the most common type which are Single and double A.
When it comes to these rechargeable batteries they will cost more upfront; but the money that you save is far and away better than buying disposable batteries.
Disposables last longer for a one-time use; however, most rechargeable batteries have at least 1,000 - 2,000 charges before they expire.
The other factor is that in many states, the batteries are not recycled and therefore end up in a landfill. In fact, California considers them hazardous waste.
The bottom line is that viable product solutions are being offered at blistering pace without sacrificing quality while improving the environment - and as always your pocketbook thanks you.
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This week's topic discusses a question posed on the Internet by a man who debates with his wife that servers are making too much money - he claims that servers are making $50 per hour with tips included.
We break down the ins and outs of what servers earn and why they are paid much less. In addition, jobs that have a component for earnings by way of tipping pay low salaries.
In the roundtable, we discuss stories of people who falsely sell themselves or steal other people's stories
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This week’s episode is about stock market and inflation capitulation.
At the time of this recording the stock market as a whole is 20% down from its previous high water mark and inflation hasn’t been this high since Luke and Laura were popular on General Hospital.
So when this occurs many people begin to panic about what to do with their investments.
Now this is a logical thought especially for the Millennial generation and beforehand where these people have been through the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Pandemic downturn.
The common question that we get is how do we handle our investments.
We need to start by saying that each individual has a unique set of criteria meaning one has to decide for him or herself.
With that being said, the common rule is that if you are more than five years out from needing to tap into your nest egg, then stay the course.
If you are under five years, evaluate your positions and stay the course with your goals.
Okay and if you are one-to-two years out, what do you do?
Scale down your investments to protect against downside risk or stay in cash meaning stay liquid.
The bottom line is that you need a set of goals to follow in good and bad times by staying educated or working with your financial advisor.
The goal is to build wealth through your working years and scale down as you get closer when the need arises to tap into your money.
Finally, as a credo, investing is a marathon; not a sprint. Therefore, when practicing short-term investing you have to be willing to lose everything that you put into the market; otherwise, it typically means that you couldn’t afford the money in the first place.
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This week's episode is part #2 of the little costs that you pay too much more that begin to dent your budget. This could be coffee, candles or app subscriptions. We provide money savings ways to manage them without sacrificing your quality of life.
In the roundtable, we discuss stories of anxiety and sweating especially during job interviews and hand holding.
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The average cost for a gallon of gas as of this recording is $4.22 according to AAA.
Not to mention that this has been going on for weeks and it may stay this way for several more cycles.
So what can we do to get more out of our tanks of gas?
1 Use apps such as GasBuddy which is our PFT #23 to find the lowest costs in your area. I always go to Costco.
2 Keep your speed in check. According to Consumer Reports, driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph on the highway can increase fuel efficiency by 7 mpg for a mid-sized sedan and 6 mpg for a small SUV.
In addition, our crack staff performed so math using the Distance = Speed * Time formula and for 60 mph that says when drive 70 mph vs 80 mph over the course of 60 miles you only save 6.4 minutes.
3 Each month your tires lose approximately one 1 psi, and low tire pressure negatively affects fuel economy.
4 You do not have to purchase premium gas. According to Edmunds.com even if the owner's manual recommends premium gasoline, the car will typically run on regular without issue and it will not damage the engine in any way.
5 Avoid hard acceleration and excessive braking and try to keep a steady pace, and remove bike, kayak and cargo racks as this creates a drag on your vehicle.
The bottom line is that these tips are valuable at any time in life; however, most people are reactive rather than proactive.
So take your time out there and you may be able to get a few more gallons between fill-ups.
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This week's episode is part #1 of the little costs that you pay too much more that begin to dent your budget. This could be coffee, candles or app subscriptions. We provide money savings ways to manage them without sacrificing your quality of life.
In the roundtable, we discuss our good and bad birthday stories.
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This week’s topic is about those pesky fees when paying for good and services.
In the digital age with money, there is a 100% chance that you can pay for goods and services electronically. In my case, I pay with a credit card whenever I can so I can get reward points as well as protection that it offers against theft.
However, there are circumstances when a fee is required when charging with a credit card. Typically, this occurs with small businesses when it comes to general contractors, sprinkler installers, landscaping, tree services and the like.
This is also common with medical services when you pay a bill after your visit as well as local and state government regarding items including DMV fees, taxes and business related service needs.
As far as I see it, I am annoyed when credit card merchant fees that companies pay are passed on to the consumer; however, it is their right to do so.
With that being said this always leads us to the concept of budgeting meaning, you are willing to pay a credit card fee because you have no other option.
If so, this is a good reminder to put money aside into your rainy day fund or have slush money set aside especially for the items that are repeated each year.
The bottom is that these fees are small amounts but why give that money away when you don’t have to?
Remember, in most cases, budgeting is not about how much money you have rather, its how you spend it.
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In this week's episode we discuss if are people are saving enough for future retirement. The average American has just over $65,000 in their investment accounts. This is no where near the money that will be needed to retire. Each person should be saving 10-15% of their gross income to achieve this goal.
We discuss what options that can help you achieve your goals and the value of compound interest.
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There is nothing wrong when the word “bonus” is used in a sentence.
When it comes to money this is even better.
According to Zippia.com 33% of companies in the U.S. offer year-end bonuses and 40.5% of all U.S. workers have access to nonproduction bonuses.
In addition, with Great Resignation, many companies are offering sign-on bonuses to attract new talent.
So this leads us to the point of managing your employer retirement plan including 401(k)’s, Roth 401(k)’s, 403(b)’s and 457(b)’s.
When receiving a bonus, check with your HR department to see if the are subject to the automatic withdrawal arrangement for your retirement plan.
If so, it is important to factor this money in your budget if you didn’t intend for money to be withdrawn.
The easy way to prevent this, is to adjust your withdrawal amount to 0% or as desired for that pay period and then modify it back to normal arrangement.
On the other hand, if you can afford the additional money in your account, this only benefits your future.
Keep in mind that you should strive for a 15% gross investment goal from each paycheck which typically should put you in good shape for future retirement.
Additionally, if you have debt that is charging you more in interest than what you are making on investment income, then you are actually losing money so budget this accordingly.
The bottom line is that you should strive to treat bonuses as bonuses meaning this money is not accounted for in your budget so that you can take advantage of the extra money.
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In this week's episode we talk about the scenario of purchasing a Tesla. How much does it cost? Does the benefits outwieght the gains? How does it compare to a known-reliable cumbustion engine? How does it impact the environment? Are the components recyclable?
In the roundtable, we discuss the worst purchased they we've made in our lifetimes.
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Raise your hand if you've been to an all-inclusive trip. I have and I love them.
When I think of this type of vacation, I envision the aquamarine water, cooling sand, sensuous smells from the grill and of course, tropical drinks.
So a common question that we receive is: are all-inclusive worth the money?
It depends, so let’s explore:
The advantage is you know exactly how much your trip is supposed to cost and you get everything in the hotel grounds for free so you can eat, drink and play as much as you want.
When you have a family or you plan to hang out and drink and eat all day, this fits nicely because having to pay several times for a non-inclusive events equates to many large bills.
The major difference is that if you want to try new foods, seek out new experiences and take excursions these are costs more suited for non-inclusive.
The bottom line is that pre-paid trips are designed for people to hang out, chill and party without restriction so it is important to understand what you plan to do on your trip and what you want to spend.
Now before you book here are some bonus tips: if you want an adult experience, seek resorts that are 18 or 30 years and over, and if you want to take excursions some resorts allow you to visit their sister properties.
Lastly, keep some cash in your pocket. Although you are not required to tip, giving a five spot here and there mixed-in with some singles over the course of a week, often gets you better service leading to the little perks that no one tells you about.
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This week's episode is about the recycling problem, specifacally with plastic that is harming our planet. We talk about solutions that exist and what measures can be taken to solve the matter that concerns our precious planet. Are we too late? Probably.
In the rountable, we talk about a weird dating experience due to a hangry episode.
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This week’s topic is about planning for gifts in your budget.
Right off the bat, think to yourself and ask when is the last time that I purchased a gift for someone.
More than likely it has been in the last month. If not, that’s what most people average over the course of a year.
When we think of gifting, it is often for the end of year holidays or birthdays; however, it goes way beyond that.
Let’s think of other major events for most people to recognize such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day.
From there, typically there is a cost for hosting or attending events related to the 4th of July, Easter, Thanksgiving, Memorial and Labor and Halloween.
Lastly, don’t forget housewarming gifts, weddings and showers, high school and college graduation and anything else that I did not mention.
Okay, now that we have our finger on the pulse or the “purchase button” on Amazon, gifts really begin to add up.
The good is that this is easy to solve by simply creating a “gifts” budget. Create a spreadsheet and list who and what you are buying for and attach a cost.
Once you have achieved a total, divide that by 12 to create an average monthly cost. In the months that you are under budget, store that money in a separate account and that surplus will be available in the months that are higher in cost.
The bottom line is that gifts are hidden expenses in the budget that often get overlooked.
The positive thing is that when you budget this way, it is almost a certainty that you will spend less from here on out relative to what you have spent in the past - and this is because you get a clear picture on what you want to spend rather than what you’ve spent in prior years.
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Joe Biden's budget proposal for the 2023 fiscal year includes a Billionaire Minimum Income Tax. The budget proposes that all households worth more than $100 million pay at least 20 percent in taxes on both income and unrealized appreciation which is an increase in an unsold investment. The projection will raise $360 billion.
The questions is . . . will the bill pass and if it did, how would the money be allocated? We also investigate other options.
In the roundtable we discuss how to handle the situation when you think that someone has passed away.
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This week’s topic is about luggage and tolls when traveling.
So who's ready for a vacation? I am and I just got back from a recent trip! Now during the course of my freedom I was reminded of a few things that can help you when traveling.
The first thing is packing your items. Most airlines will charge you for a checked bag and if you exceed 50 pounds, the charges can increase significantly.
Therefore, weigh your bags on a scale before going to the airport. In addition, you can bring a small suitcase to carry in the overhead compartments as well as a backpack or a purse to slide under the seat in front of you.
Now as a bonus tip, don’t overpack your suitcases and give yourself a few pounds of weight to spare. This leave additional space for items bought during your trip as well as food and drink that may accumulate before boarding the plane
The next tip is regarding tolls that you may encounter when renting a car. Many rental car companies will allow you the option of paying a one-time fee that will cover all your tolls during your trip.
The best way to determine is by doing the math to track how many tolls you’ll encounter and how much the tolls will cost.
Keep in mind that when vacationing there are many occurrence that can cause delays in your planning that carve into your time that you planned for relaxation.
Therefore, doing your homework ahead of time can reduce stress and keep a few more bucks in your pocket.
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This week's episode conducts and interview with Michael Unbroken: He is the host of the Think Unbroken podcast which centers on child abuse; and he also offers many free and paid healing coaching programs and courses on his website. He has an amazing story and I think many people would be homeless. in a bad way or deceased as an adult. So he is on our show today to tell us about his childhood and what he did to become a successful entrepreneur.
He is CPTSD, TRAUMA and Mental Health Healing Coach. He is also an author and offers healing coaching programs and courses. He has an interesting and diverse background and uses his experience to help others in countless ways. I’ve also had the pleasure of being on Michael's program recently and we had a nice talk about some of my history and perspectives on life and it was a great reminder to be a strong person and give back to others. It goes a long way.
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This week’s topic is term life insurance. One of the most important things that people want to do is protect their family In the unfortunate event when they pass away. One of the easiest ways to do this is term life insurance and costs have come down significantly due to advances in medical technology. For the most part, it is perhaps the lowest cost investment that you can make. In short you pick a policy term such as 10, 20, or 30 years and the amount of the policy. The key in this equation is that the earlier the age, the policy is generally cheaper depending on health - so rates may vary. All that is usually required is a blood test in which they check for Tobacco use, high cholesterol, pre-existing conditions, drug use HIV and other serious illnesses. The other point is to refrain from withholding a medical condition; otherwise this can result in a cancellation of the policy or no death benefit. According to Value Penguin, the average cost for a 20-year term policy with a death benefit of $500,000 costs $25 per month for a non-smoker at age 25 and $118 for someone starting at 50. To sum things up, not one person has the same health history and policy rates can vary; however, using our example, paying $300 - $1,416 per month to have $500,000 in coverage is worth the money for the benefit that it provides. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about the future of crypto regulation. In time a global structure will be put into place and the United States is seeking to be the leader. With China banning crypto, this opens the door to be a superpower with digital coins. The U.S. is also looking into a digital coin to outright remove the paper money and metal coin exchange. In the roundtable we talk about deal breakers with your partner. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about managing gasoline prices. For the last several years, we have been experiencing stable and low prices at the pump due several reasons including the proper supply and the United State’s ability to produce more crude. With that being said, the oil that we use comes from several sources including Russia; however, most of their crude goes to Europe and Asia. Nonetheless, crude markets are complicated and manipulative and prices have risen due a potential global supply problem. So this brings us back to Econ 101: less supply and enough demand will increase prices. According to AAA the lowest price for regular is $3.81 in Kansas and $5.75 in California. So the question is what do we do now? Other than cutting back on driving this is where we get reminded by money management principles. If you follow a budget, you can cut back on items and funnel the money back into the gasoline cost. Secondly, in the future when you come under your gasoline budget move that money to a secondary account and build up a surplus. Lastly, you can also tap into your rainy day fund as it is slated for unforeseen occurrences. The bottom line is that gasoline (and groceries for that matter) is an expense that can vary widely; however, taking the proper steps can ensure that you don’t burn more of your personal fuel stressing out when prices are on the rise. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode covers the medical debt problem in the United States. About 20% of Millennials and Gen Xer's have defaulted on their bills. We will cover ways to understand your bill and how to ensure that it is accurate. In addition, what you can do to lower outstanding debt and pay less before being billed. In the roundtable, we speak about birthday's and we find our Florida man.
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This week’s personal finance tip is about managing your wine. A personal finance tip on wine you say? Absolutely! How often have you opened a bottle and two days later it begins to taste like vinegar? This has to do with oxidation and then your pouring it down the drain. To find wines that are made with purpose for a value play, you have to spend between $15 - $25. So what can we do to get more out of our bottles? Store your wine on its side or upside down - it keeps the cork wet and protects against oxygen. Store wine in a damp cellar or an area that is dark with 60-80% humidity to prevent evaporation. For whites keep the temperature at 45-50 degrees and if storing red and white 55 degrees will do the trick. After opening, you can commonly achieve 3-5 days from your bottles after opening. If you breach this period, the flavors will dissipate; however, they can be used for cooking. The bottom line is that regular drinkers can easily spend between $100 - $200 each month and as it takes little effort to knock a bottle out with two people in one sitting. However, when we’re feeling good, the second bottle gets cracked and then it often goes to waste. Hence, follow the rules and you'll be in good shape And then you can turn up the Marvin Gaye and put the lights on low with a fresh glass of vino. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about the real estate agent pay structure. The standard pay for a seller is 6%; 3% to the seller's agent and the 3% to the buyer's agent. In the scheme of things, this a very costly venture for the seller. For the buyer it is 2-6% of the purchase price to obtain the home for fees, title, taxes, insurance etc. Does the system need to be changed? We explore alternatives. In the roundtable we discuss a potential tattoo when the show makes $1 million dollars or gets one million downloads. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about the hidden value of measuring furniture and appliances before purchasing them. It is a great feeling to buy new big ticket items such as a refrigerator or a furniture set. It is fresh, it is untarnished and everyone loves the way it looks in the house. So when it comes to making a new purchase, a common mistake occurs when the area an item will be placed is not measured. For example, let’s take a look at appliances. With dishwashers and ranges, they have standard dimensions, while refrigerators and laundry units have much larger variability. So here are some tips: After measuring an opening, it is important to account for open airflow in the space, including electrical cables or obstructions. Take some masking tape and plot out where the future item will be placed which will help with visual cues Remember your new items need to fit through each door, and every corner or staircase. Recently, I finished my lower level and I live in an older home that has irregular dimensions. Hence, when I was planning for my washer and dryer, I determined that an opening wouldn’t be large enough to fit the appliances. Therefore, I have to take out part of the wall and then would have to repair it afterwards. Keep in mind that the delivery people may not take risks if they may damage your home. Otherwise, this only leads to bad things. Another item to consider is that you may incur additional charges if a delivery is returned for restocking items. Lastly, in the long run you may pay more if items need to be reordered; this is common with specialized products or those made in small quantities. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
In this show we celebrate our 100th full-length episode. We look back on how we started and where we are now. In the financial topic, we cover interesting statistics regarding millionaires and you can explore where we fit in that circle. We also have each host bringing a mystery top 10 list on any subject sticking with milestones. In the roundtable we discuss experiences with driving in unfamiliar cities. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about tracking your crypto currency transactions for tax purposes. There are more than 10,000 coins on the market making crypto a household word. Hence, the IRS has taken note and expects filers to report results of their trading activity. We covered this in our personal finance tip #55 where each year you calculate what you have in gains versus losses, and determine what that number is. For example, if you sell Bitcoin for $10,000 in profit and sell Solana for an $8,000 loss, you have a realized capital gain of $2,000. On the inverse you’d have a $2,000 loss. Keep in mind that realized gains for assets held under one year are taxed as ordinary income meaning it will add to your overall earnings for the year. Now in the event that you incur a loss, the IRS allows for a maximum amount of $3,000 each calendar year inclusive with carry forward losses. So this is simple math right? Correct! However, with the numerous coin exchanges available and their lack of infrastructure, tracking your activity is proving to be difficult. For example, if you bought Shiba Inu on Coinbase, transferred it to your wallet and then moved it to Gemini, the second exchange doesn't know the original purchase price. It is not as simple as going online to the exchanges and they’ll have a detailed history. Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to track this information that will be reported on IRS form 8949. The bottom line is that it may be a painstaking process depending on how much you trade. More than likely if you fail to do this or miss transactions you may get away with it, seeing that some exchanges have not caught up with the regulation. With that being said, we suggest that you create a spreadsheet and log your transactions throughout the year. In time, the IRS will catch up and you don’t want to be caught. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
In the roundtable, we discuss how individual body parts are ugly. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop This week we discuss a woman's question about how to manage her money after he husband passes due to a terminal illness. She assets coming from his trust and some on her own; however, she has no plan in place. In the roundtable we discuss how individual body parts are ugly. Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about how you can create bulk purchasing power to save money with quality. It is no secret that buying in bulk gets you larger quantities for lower prices. We typically see this with the big players such as Sam’s Club and Costco and this can also be present with Internet shopping as well. So this is a great thing; however, many of the products that are sold come in limited product offerings or for a short period of time. Basically, bulk purchasing is designed for business rather than the consumer. With that being said you can create this opportunity for yourself. For example, my wife uses a named brand body wash that costs eight dollars for 16 ounces. After a simple search, I found a similar all natural product in a one-gallon size that cost $22. So when the math shakes out, I will get eight times as much product for $12 more. If we break it down further, I went from paying .50 per ounce to .17 cents which is about ⅓ less in cost. Now let's go to grooming. We use a hair spray product called Big Sexy Hair which I like to call BSH. In the past I paid $19 for a 10 ounces bottle; however, I found a better arrangement. After a few minutes on the net, I purchased six-eight ounce cans from Overstock for just $43 and I went from paying $1.90 an ounce to .90 cents; or in other words, I am saving one dollar per ounce and $52 in savings over the course of a year. So here's the bottom line: you have the ability to save money while getting the same or similar products without sacrificing quality The key is to purchase items that you will consume within an acceptable timeline so that it is worth the investment. This is especially important when it comes to perishable items as 40% of all food we produce is wasted. In my case, I have a one-year supply for two staple products while saving $94 and it took me five minutes to make it happen. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
In this week's episode we discuss the state of the American wedding with special guest Ciara Carter from the Run Thrive Survive. Are weddings cheaper during COVID? Why are people hurting themselves by not budgeting before entering into marriage? What's more important . . . the marriage or the mortgage. In the roundtable, we discuss if their is a future with soylent as a replacement for solid food. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
Super Bowl 56 between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams is projected to reach approximately 117 million viewers and in 170 countries. So let’s go through some current stats: -The average cost of a Super Bowl LVI ticket is more than $9,000. -Nearly $30,000 was the highest price ever paid for a Super Bowl ticket. -17 million people are expected to miss work the day after Super Bowl -1.42 billion chicken wings will be eaten. -11.2 million pounds of potato chips are expected to be eaten. When it comes to personal finance the big game is all about the mighty dollar. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans are expected to break records this year by betting nearly $8 billion. With that being said, if you choose to gamble the biggest trap that people get caught up in are parlays which are known as sucker bets. This occurs when you place at least two individual bets and lump them together. The only way to make money is when each bet wins. So if you place five bets, all five have to hit. The payouts are great but the odds are low. When it comes to bets, the safer ones are the spread, money line (or picking the winner) or the over/under. Either way, when bets have a + next to them, the odds are much lower and pay higher and when there is a - the odds are much higher and pay lower The bottom line is when choosing to gamble like we’ve talked about in the stock market, you have to be willing to lose every dollar that you put on the line. So make sure that you can afford it. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about managing your tax returns. By the beginning of February most people should have all documentation necessary to file their taxes. When it comes to filing the standard date to complete this April 15th. At this point in time, you can actually adjust your filing to a fiscal year. In my case, I account for the tax I need to save from March to March each year, rather than January to January. Hence, if you are in a bind this year and owe money to the government, this allows you 3.5 months to accumulate money to make things whole with the government. This also allows for you to readjust your budget planning for the next tax year so that you are not in a bind - and this brings up a point that we consistently preach. When it comes to owing the government or receiving a return, the goal is to achieve a zero dollar result. The reason is two-fold: if you have debts, especially home equity loans or credit cards and you receive a check, this money could have been used to pay down principal balances and the overall interest on your loans. On the other hand, if you do not have debt, this is money that can be invested and collecting compound interest which we know is our best friend. To sum things up, when preparing for tax filing, this is your chance to create and review your budget and improve your financial fitness. Moreover, this is one New Year’s resolution that you can actually stick to for the benefit that it provides. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
Special guest Joe DiSanto of playlouder.com discusses his path to successful entrepreneurial investing and personal money management methods to achieve success and give yourself the option to retire earlier. In the roundtable we discuss why isn't fun to be the only sober person in the room full of drunks. About Joe Joe DiSanto is a fractional CFO and consultant to small businesses and high-income individuals. He also founded the blog Play Louder, which serves as an invaluable resource to help individuals and business owners increase their net worth and plan better for their future. https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephdisanto/ https://www.facebook.com/playlouderblog/ https://www.youtube.com/c/PlayLouder Check out some of Play Louder’s most popular content… The Financial Planning Process: Your Route to Financial Independence! How to Incorporate Yourself to Save Money (and Protect Your Assets) How to Make Your Money Work for You: 7 Modern Methods for Investing in “The Market” Top 5 Personal Bookkeeping Software Options: Personal Capital vs Mint vs Quicken vs Money Dance vs Countabout Fundrise vs DiversyFund vs CrowdStreet: The Best Sites for Crowdfunded Real Estate Investing Acorns vs Robinhood vs Webull vs M1 Finance: Which One is the Best? Play Louder's free courses… Get a grip on your finances with Personal Budgeting Basics! Learn how to Incorporate Your Business to protect your assets and save money! Analyze your Real Estate Investments like a pro! Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic discusses the world of cheese and how to get the most from this fermented product loved the world over. According to Wikipedia cheese was cultivated approximately 7,000 years ago by accident, as a result of storing and transporting milk in bladders made of ruminants' stomachs, as their inherent supply of rennet (enzymes) would encourage curdling. So needless to say being cheesy isn’t easy as it is inherently tied to aging; however, the concoction creates delectable flavors and textures. When it comes to personal finance, pound-for-pound, cheese is one of the most expensive food items that you can purchase; yet people often make a crucial mistake; they throw it away when they see mold on it. It is a common misnomer to throw it away so here is few simple rules: Cheese should be thrown away when it wafting with a smell of ammonia or when you see red mold (this is not very common) If you see green mold simply cut off the decomposing portion or you can shave it down on all sides to a clean block to work from. Now let’s switch to the health profile of cheese. When cheese that you purchase in plastic bags such as mozzarella, cheddar and Mexican blends, they contain chemicals to preserve it. On the flipside you can opt to purchase freshly shredded cheese which will last 3-5 days and you consult with the cheese master behind the counter. You can also freeze for a few months; however, the flavor profile will change. Your best bets are Monterey jack, or a wedge of parmesan and stay away from soft, milky varieties. So to sum things up, the best cheese to consume are those made naturally that come from a block and if you take care of them properly you can expect to keep them edible for 2-3 months. When taking this approach the cheese will last longer and less money will impact your budget. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
In this week's episode we discuss what hawkish and dovish means when it comes to the Federal Reserve raising or lowering rates. With the supply chain and labor shortage intertwined with high demand for products core inflation has risen sharply. We also will cover the playbook on how to manage your investments. In the roundtable we discuss the option to put your body in a cryo tube with the hope to be pulled out in the future when medical technology has advanced. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This topic centers on the early child tax credit and filing your 2021 taxes. In an effort in 2021by the US government they wanted to provide more families with additional cash in their pockets, they issued early child tax credits from July through December. If you qualified, these monthly payments were advances on 50% of the credit. In the past they would have been issued in the following calendar year when filing taxes So, when preparing your documents, be sure you have received a mailed document from the IRS, titled Letter 6419. If you are married, two letters will be issued. In short, on the form Box 1 is for the total dollar amount of money you received for the advance child tax credit payments over six months in 2021. Box 2, is the number of qualifying children that were taken into account when the advance payments were determined for 2021. This is important as some families have new additions from when the credits were issued. So here’s a couple points of note - when it comes to filing and you have not received the letter, you can go the IRS website at the Child Tax Credit Update Portal - you can find the link in the podcast show notes Secondly, keep in mind that the amount you owe or receive each year may be different from what you're accustomed to. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic discusses how to save money on printer ink cartridges. Over the years it has become commonplace for people to own a printer just like with a television or a cell phone. This is a great convenience and is worth the money as paying for printing service over time is a much more costly affair. When it comes to maintenance, ink cartridges will need to be replaced or refilled from time-to-time. With that being said purchasing new cartridges is the most expensive option. Depending on the make and model of the cartridge, they can cost between 200 - 300% more than refilling them. When choosing this path, the first option is to find a retailer, typically a big box store that has equipment to provide the service to a large set of customers. The beauty here is that this is a clean and easy process. The second option depending on the retailer, is to subscribe to an ink filling program which is typically offered by original equipment manufactures such as HP or Cannon. The third option is to refill the cartridges yourself which is equivalent to a small household project. The first step is to buy the replacement inks which are pervasive on the Internet. Next you'll need to locate the hole that was used to originally fill the ink cartridge or if there is not one present, then a small hole needs to be drilled. Choosing this path is the most economical; however it can be messy so make sure to follow the instructions from the package or utilize self-help videos. The beauty in this scenario is that you have three options which allows you to choose the right one that fits and most people save between $50 - $100 per year. The other benefit is that estimates show that cartridges can withstand 2-6 refills before a new one needs to be purchased and this equates to you saving money and putting less plastic back into the environment. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week we talk about the options of paying off the mortgage early: the advantage is removing debt which is always a good thing; however, does invest in real estate or the stock market have a better long-term benefit? In the roundtable we discuss that nerds can be popular too! Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's topic is about the true cost of new appliances and warranties. We are a society that has too much stuff and we have become accustomed to the conveniences that have made our lives easier than it did for our grandparents. This is a great thing; however, appliances have become increasingly expensive due to the features that they offer as well as the high rate of inflation mainly due to the supply chain shortage. With that being said when you buy an appliance it is important to consider if there are other costs exists beyond the actual price The first thing is to start with the discount which creates your base price and then add any tax if it exists in your state or municipality. After that it is important to factor in what you are buying in that it may involve other costs beyond the straight purchase. For example, I just purchased a new washer and dryer set that was $2,800 that was discounted to $2,200; however, I paid additional costs for hooking up the equipment which also came with parts and labor. There was also a charge to haul away the old appliances. Lastly, I opted for a $200-five year warranty for the washer and dryer each with my logic being that the appliances would need service and would exceed $400. All in all, my total cost was $2,878 with tax which is 31% higher than what the sticker price. To sum things up, it is important to purchase the product that fits your needs and when you nail that down, think about the appliance protection as the odds are that you’ll pay more later for repairs if you opt out of warranty coverage. Lastly, when you budget for major appliances, factor-in at least 25% over the discounted price. With that being said, the everyday modern appliance is a beautiful thing; however, the major difference is that they do not last as long as they used to - the logic says that when app Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week we highlight tips for online shopping. What types of research are beneficial and where to obtain it. Also, we perform a historical look at 2021's purchase to reveal the reason why we purchase items. In the roundtable we discuss the words and phrases that people use to intentionally insult people as well what we do pacify their behavior in conversations. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about student loan moratorium. The federal student loan moratorium has been extended for the third time due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The loan relief began in March of 2020 and was set to end September 30, 2021 which was moved to January 31, 2022 and then moved again to May 1, 2022. Moratorium means that payments for principal or interest are not required and without any penalty. With the suspension payments, we know this is needed for many Americans; however, the important notion is to consider making payments if you have the means to do so. The simple fact is that you are delaying payments which only extends the life of your loan. So let’s take the average student loan interest of 6% and the average loan amount of $30,000 for a 20-year period. That comes to $215 per month or $5,600 over the full moratorium period which is currently 26 months. After this duration, you’d still have a principal balance of $28,201. The bottom line is that it takes a long time to pay loans off and they are simply a sword in the sides of borrowers. However, amortization is weighed heavily on interest at the beginning of the loan so all payments help, especially additional principal. The second point is you should not rely on congress for loan forgiveness as the odds are small. Just $10,000 given to each borrower would cost the government over a quadrillion - and if you don’t know that’s a 1 with 12 zeros after it. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week we cover important details that are important to understand with your auto insurance policy. Should your rates go up if you are in an accident that is not your fault? There are also some items can save you money while there are hidden items that may cost you money in the long run. In the roundtable we discuss unusual names that people have and how they affect people and what they can do to ease their pain. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about travel insurance and is it worth the cost? As a result of the Covid pandemic, many vacations have been cancelled and thousands of people have lost thousands of dollars that can not be redeemed. This is where travel insurance can soften the blow. Typically it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip interruption, delays, medical needs, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. On the other hand, it may not cover glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, cell phones and rental car damage; however, your credit card or renters insurance may cover some of these expenses. So let’s get to the cost: Like any insurance, costs vary; however, you can expect to pay between 4-12% of your total trip cost. Now the proverbial question . . . Is it worth it? Just recently, we had a trip cancelled due to Omicron that covered $3,500 in expenses and we paid $140 for the coverage which totaled 4% of the total cost. So In my opinion the answer is yes. In fact, I have used it on more than one occasion and it has saved me over $10,000. The bottom line is that you can’t predict the future and it takes just one missed trip over several vacations to reap the value that the insurance provides. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week we cover the ins and outs of auto dealers offering lease pull aheads. What are the advantages and the disadvantages? What is FOMO that the car salesman are pitching? We provide insight on aid you in your decision making. In the roundtable we discuss white elephant gifts and useless inventions. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is on the cost of dry cleaning and is it safe to wash the clothes at home? Dry cleaning is one of the most overlooked items in the budget and oftentimes it is not accounted for. The first question is how much does it cost each year. The unfortunate thing is that this is not a tracked statistic; however, busy professionals, especially in dual households, can easily spend $100 per month. Ouch!Okay . . . so let’s get question number two. Can your clothes be washed at home? The answer in many cases is yes; however it is important to understand a few factors. One is that many manufactures just slap the “dry clean” label on the clothes to be safe from customers providing negative feedback if a garment is damaged. And for Number two to determine the fabric that you are cleaning. Typically, Wool, silk, cotton, linen, and durable polyester fabrics can be washed. Others that are trickier to handle are suede, leather, velvet, taffeta, rayon, and anything with fur or down. In addition, Suits, pleated skirts or garments that have oil-based stains are more difficult. Now when it comes to cleaning items, always perform a small water test where it can’t be seen on the garment. If fabric bleeds, shrinks or warps, then take it to the cleaners. The bottom line is that it’s your choice on how to handle your clothing So do your research first. With more working remotely, and knowing that for the most part you can clean many of your items at home this is a win-win formula to save money. And here’s more thing, considering that dry cleaning uses toxic chemicals, by washing at home, you can do your part to help our environment. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2017/02/22/how-to-wash-drycleanonly-clothes-at-home/97950680/ https://www.chatelaine.com/style/dry-cleaning-hand-wash-clothes/ https://askinglot.com/how-much-should-dry-cleaning-pants-cost Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
In this week's episode we handle a financial hodgepodge of questions from listeners. 1: Should congress be able to create legislation around crypto when are owners of it. 2. We examine a question that asks: what percentage of the bills should be paid when the home is owned by the other partner. 3. We cover a story about a professor who offered a cash reward if just one of his students read the syllabus In the roundtable we discuss what people care and think about with office politics and meetings. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about realized capital gains before the year ends. As the year ends it is a common practice for investors to balance losses against gains to minimize taxes that are paid to the IRS each year. This applies to ownership in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options and even crypto. When owing these assets we are referring to after tax accounts which is a straight brokerage account meaning that it doesn’t apply to tax-deferred accounts. such as a 401(k)’s and it doesn’t apply to after tax accounts such as Roth 401(k)’s, Roth IRA and IRA’s. So here’s how it works: each year you calculate what you have in gains versus losses and determine what the n umber is. For example, if you sell Apple for $20,000 in profit and sell Microsoft for an $18,000 loss, you have a realized capital gain of $2,000. This would then be considered taxable as investment income. Now in the event that you incur a loss, the IRS allows for a maximum amount of $3,000 each calendar year. Lastly, if you have losses greater than $3,000 you can carry them into future tax years. The bottom line is that people typically have winners and losers in their portfolio. Hence, balancing the equation can reduce your tax load then can reload investment for the next year. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic centers on whether it is better to buy a natural Christmas tree versus an artificial one In recent years, there has been a debate that purchasing an artificial tree is a better long-term solution to that of a natural tree. Let’s start with artificial trees: there are many reports that they last 10-20 years; however, if taken care of properly, they can last beyond that. The negative part is that they are made from plastic which is derived from petroleum which is oil. So the question becomes, does the benefit of owning a non-recyclable product outweigh the cost of buying a natural tree each year? Many reports say that it takes 20 years of using an artificial tree to achieve an equal carbon balance. When trees are cut down or burned, they can release stored carbon back into the atmosphere; however, this equation is balanced when farmers replant new trees. Another point is that tree farming employs over 100,000 people according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Lastly, it typically is easy to have your tree chipped up into mulch and it can be reused for habitat restoration and helps control erosion along streams and river banks, and can even help underwater habitats. So here’s the deal: natural Christmas trees are more expensive over time, and secondly, there is not enough statistical data to form a concrete answer about the environmental impact. However, it appears the natural tree has the edge. As for me, I always lean on the side of what is better for the environment. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week we cover the growing trend of why Millennials and Gen Y's are waiting to have kids or opting out having them at all. Some common reasons include the social system, the environment and the affordability. In the roundtable we discuss alternative social gatherings for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Lastly, we pay homage to losing Cindy and Justin from the program; however, we introduce Robo Cindy Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic celebrates our first 52 personal finance tips. Just one year ago, we launched our two-minute tips of the week. and we couldn’t be happier with the feedback that we’ve received because people are saving money and improving their lives. Some of the most popular tips include #5 about extending the life of your candles to keep the mood lighting in full glow. Another is #11 that detailed the process to buy used tires online that can save 50% over the cost of new tires. Others include the Ball aluminum solo-type cups, along with the value of purchasing a breathalyzer and how to reduce water by not rinsing your dishes and opting to clean them straight through the dishwasher. As you may have noticed we consistently focus on ways to have a positive impact on the budget while protecting our environment as this is such an important topic. This is always a win-win situation. Additionally, when adding up all the tips this will have saved hundreds to thousands of dollars in 2021. Yeah baby! So you should be proud of your accomplishments and as we wind down the year, try to do something nice for yourself and give something back. Even the smallest gesture can go a long way. Soooo, as we head into 2022, we’ll keep the tips coming and you will continue to be more effective personal finance managers. So be safe, enjoy the holiday season and let’s take care of each other. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode cover items that you can do to tidy up your financial fitness.. It can be adding to your 401(k) and Roth IRA, using up your FSA or paying down debt with a potential raise or bonus. There are several items that covered in this episode that can prepare you for 2022. In the roundtable we discuss how phones command our attention specifically with social media. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about the silent killer . . . Radon. Radon is a silent killer because it’s an odorless gas that we breathe in normally; and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. In addition, 21,000 deaths occur yearly. So what is radon you may ask? Let’s do a quick assessment: It is the main source of our exposure to all radiation. The rocks and soil beneath our homes contain traces of uranium and over time, it breaks down creating radioactive decay which emits radioactive radiation. So this is not a good thing; however, it can be managed safely. For starters, you can purchase a home test kit from Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and the like, in the $15-$20 range. Now if you do have high levels of radon, it goes without saying that you should get a professional to fix the problem. From my research it costs an average of $1,200 with a range from $800 to $1,500. Once the remediation is complete, you may also monitor it with a 24/7 device. I happen to own a Wave Radon detector through a company called Airthings and this is precisely how I realized that I had a problem. So now I am in the process of putting a ventilation system into my home for $1,000. So now that we have that covered, this is a reminder to keep an eye on hidden financial tips that people often overlook. The first one is the rainy day fund comes into play, as this money is set aside for unforeseen events. If you take my situation, the radon kit, the Wave monitor and the professional service will cost me $1,165; however, I’ve saved the money to pay for it. The second point is that there is no price that can be placed on one’s health. Unplanned surgeries, long-term conditions and diseases can be a large financial burden for people of all income levels. The bottom line is that it is important to save properly, and look around your home and put preventative measures into place - the upfront cost by far outweighs potential costs and health problems down the road. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about the Ball Corporation’s new aluminum cups. We’ve all seen the classic Ball jars with that thick glass and metal top for canning vegetables - in my case, I use them as drinking glasses. As the world evolves so has Ball and they've recently announced the aluminum drinking cup that can replace the plastic solo type cups. They come with ample sizes to drink from, they are more sturdy and well insulated to keep your beverage cool and it is a much more appealing drinking experience. Now here’s the good stuff: 20 billion plastic cups are used per year and 93% end up in landfills; however, 75% of all aluminum is recycled and is the most valuable commodity in the recycle bin. So as they are producing more aluminum cups less plastic will be used As far as the upfront cost goes, you’ll save triple the amount to that of the aluminum cup; however, once you reuse each cup just four times you’ll save be saving money In my humble opinion, this is a no-brainer product that just about everyone can take advantage of and the best part is that has a positive impact on the environment Ball Aluminum Cups https://www.ball.com/aluminumcups/where-to-buy?gclid=cj0kcqia15ynbhdtarisagnwe0woqhymlgw7d8mk-j4sh4cnmvtqs8ddv818zllb3jrd97sisyx-v08aajesealw_wcb Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about fire safety in your home. An often overlooked item in one’s domicile is a fire extinguisher and the importance that it provides especially in the kitchen. According to NFPA.org US fire departments respond to an estimated average of 172,900 home structure fires by cooking activities. These fires caused an average of 550 civilian deaths, 4,800 injuries, and more than $1 billion in direct property damage per year. Regardless of where and how a fire starts, safety is important. Just from a quick internet search, I found that prices for extinguishers ranged from $17 - $65 depending on certain factors. The other value in the equation is that disposable and traditional fire extinguishers generally have a 10-12 year life expectancy. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Cooking-Fires Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about the residual value when leasing and should and buy the car when the contract is over. When it comes to driving a car, the common question is, are you better off buying or leasing? On the whole, having two separate leases will cost more than purchasing a car outright. The other question is . . . Should you buy a car when the contract is over or lease again? If you want to save money typically the answer is yes and this is where residual value comes into play. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
When looking at collision for auto insurance many people choose a lower deductible which is typical $500. The common thought is that I’ll pay out the least amount possible if I am at fault for an accident; however; as the rule goes: A Higher deductible = Lower car insurance rate and higher out-of-pocket costs Lower deductible = Higher car insurance rate and lower out-of-pocket costs So the question becomes why can choosing a higher deductible be beneficial? Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about knowing store policies when returning expensive or custom made products with retailers. For example, you can purchase exercise equipment or mattresses and they make it clear that you can return an item within 90-120 days; no questions asked. With that being said, not all companies work the same. Just recently I purchased a piece of furniture that cost $2,000 which took over three months to have it made and delivered. As soon as the family sat on it we realized that it was not going to suit our needs. So naturally we went to the retailer's website and the policy stated that they do not return items unless they are defective; however, I said why not call them anyway? Upon talking to them they were very helpful; we explained the situation and they gave us a full refund. Moreover, they said if we ordered from them again they’d waive that delivery fee as well. One week later we purchased a new sofa. In fact, they also waived the delivery fee and gave us a store credit because we paid for the product in full. The bottom line is that you should understand all policies before purchasing especially large ticket items. In our case, we would have accepted their terms without question; we just gave it a shot and got lucky. Lastly, due to their great customer service, they will keep me as a long-term customer. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about managing your rainy day fund especially during the supply chain problem. The rainy day fund is money that is set aside in the budget to account for small, unforeseen expenses. The amount that you need to put aside is arbitrary. It is based on what you own with items such as a home or a car and even a hobby. The best way to determine this, is to look at the age or condition of the items that you own and estimate the cash that you may need. For example, for a refrigerator or a television that is five years old, the odds have increased significantly that a repair is on the horizon. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ Merchandise https://www.somethingonmymind.net/shop Social Media https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about when it makes sense to buy a warranty especially when need it to run a business and event planning. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about the how you can take advantage of the cell phone promotions as 5G is ready. Listen to find out if these deals are here to stay when you upgrade. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about purchasing a breathalyzer. This is reasonable purchase that may save you money if you get caught drunk driving and more importantly, saves lives. Website https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about getting offers with points or store credits when paying with cash and opting out of 0% interest rate credit card offers. Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode is about skipping your cell phone upgrade after you have met your contractual agreement. Saving this money can allow you to pay off debt or invest that money Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about saving water and money with low-flow household fixtures. When we say “low-flow” this means that less water is used when washing your hands, flushing the toilet and showering. The upfront cost to use these products outweighs the savings over the long-term Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
DTI is the personal finance measure that compares the amount of debt correlated to your overall income. So when lenders are looking at you as a qualified buyer, DTI is used as a way to measure your ability to manage payments that you make each month. Learn the calculation and what to watch out for. Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's personal finance tip covers three main points to consider before choosing pet insurance. Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week's episode covers the growing trend where employers are offering student loan reimbursements as part of their benefit package. Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast Student Loan Reimbursement https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/student-loan-ranger/articles/how-second-stimulus-bill-affects-employer-student-loan-repayment-benefit
In this week's episode we interview Robin Taub, the author of the Wisest Investment: Teaching Your Kids to Be Responsible, Independent and Money-Smart for Life. In the roundtable we discuss how our son Chase found a legal and easy solution to reduce his parking tickets rather than paying for a semester pass at college. For the story of the week, we talk about "shrinkflation" which is selling a lesser amount food for the same price that is delivered with slight changes in packing. The result is that the consumer does not notice this. Robin's Info: https://robintaub.com/ https://www.amazon.ca/Wisest-Investment-Responsible-Independent-Money-Smart/dp/1777448409/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1616420210&sr=8-1 Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This week’s topic is about the increase of prices of clothing especially for back to school clothes. Due to the disruptions in the supply chain with high demand and low volume equals higher prices. Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast https://somethingonmymind.net
This week’s personal finance topic is about three travel tips that can save you money during a trip as well as understanding what a trip can cost before you leave.
This week's topic talks about the single use plastic sandwich and storage bags that can be replaced with silicone which is ecofriendly and durable.
This week's personal finance tips reveals that washing in cold outweighs the benefits of washing in hot. There are multiple advantages that also benefit the environment.
Interest rates have been extremely low for several years which most American’s have taken advantage of and they should. The allure to make this move is that mortgage payment will be lower; however, you don’t want to refinance just to refinance. If you do not stay in your home long enough you may actually lose money
This personal finance tip is about switching from a traditional butane lighter to an arc lighter. They last longer and it reduces environmental waste.
This personal finance tip is about the benefits of doing business with a credit union. Many people bank with major banks; however, credit unions can offer many advantages that banks do not. One is they may offer a more personalized customer service, lower fees and higher interest rates on savings. Another benefit is competitive interest rates on loans.
This personal finance tip is about Rubbermaid's FreshWorks food storage containers that increases the life of fruits and vegetables by 80%.
This personal finance topic provides six tips on how to save money on sports, music, plays and other entertainment.
This personal finance tip is about the Blueland line of cleaning products. This includes mirrors, bathrooms, multi surface as well as dishwashing and laundry. These products save you money over traditional cleaners and helps reduce waste specifically plastic, while reducing the environmental footprint.
This episode's main topic is about a listener question: is it advantageous incorporate a 13-payment plan with your mortgage lender? The answer is yes and possibly no. We also take review listener feedback regarding recent personal finance tips of the week. The roundtable the discussion is about our neighbor that continues to make other people's yard look worse. We also tell story of woman that received her final child support payment in the form of 80,000 pennies that her ex-husband dumped on her curb.
This personal finance tip is on the caveats of options trading. Options are very risky and truthfully it is gambling. It is important to make sure that you should not play with money that you cannot afford to lose.
The tip of the week discusses how to roll in closing costs into a home purchase or refinance. This can reduce the upfront cost burden; however, it means more is money borrowed which accumulated additional interest over the life of the mortgage.
This episode covers the current state of the student loan crisis that puts college graduates into debt when the enter the workforce. This is a hindrance that holds people back from achieving financial goals. The White House and Congress have been discussing the solutions to forgive debt; however, nothing has been accomplished and there is no resolution in the near future. In the roundtable the discussion centers around people who have "Gone Commando" because they ran out of underwear and those that choose to do it willingly. Stories section: A four-year old has been accepted to Mensa so there is a good chance that family will need any student loans in the future? Next: Chicago has approved another feral cat program where launch cats into the streets to control the rat problem.
The tip of the week centers on why drinks at bars and restaurants are expensive. This centers on the actual cost of the alcohol and other ingredients along with the pour cost. This is why drinking is an expensive budgetary item.
The financial topic discusses the rising inflation. What causes inflation and what are the types of inflation. How does it effect the stock market and the overall retirement next egg? In the stories section they talk about the crazy and unusual things that people have been doing to hoard the gas due to the fuel shortage. They review funny tweets that have been posted. Gas Hoarding Pictures https://www.boredpanda.com/usa-gas-shortage-pics/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
The tip of the week centers on saving money on gasoline in the budget with the GasBuddy App. This tool lets you filter on the type of gas that you need as well as the brand, location, and price. In addition, you can drill down to places that have car washes, restaurants and restrooms. GasBuddy also alerts you with price hikes and daily deals and has a rewards card to save more money.
In this episode: Is it more beneficial to lease or buy a car. Prices for automobiles are inflated due to the chip shortages in tandem with high demand from consumers. So what is the most advantageous choice for the cost in the budget? Perhaps buying a used car. In the stories section they talk about Lou Ottens; the inventor of the cassette tape and they review inventors who regretted their inventions. Lou Ottens - Cassette Inventor https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/11/lou-ottens-inventor-of-the-cassette-tape-dies-aged-94#:~:text=Lou%20Ottens%2C%20the%20Dutch%20engineer,of%20Duizel%20in%20North%20Brabant. Paper Pop Gun https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/paper-popper-pistol-made-usa-original-1723157443 Inventors who Hated Their Inventions https://www.ranker.com/list/inventors-and-the-inventions-they-hate/jacob-shelton
The budget tip of the week centers on saving money on your Internet bill in the budget.
This episode takes another look at the, FIRE movement which stands for Financial Independence Retire Early. It incorporates many of the tools needed to retire; however, typically there is not enough money saved to handle the unforeseen costs with health insurance, raising children, saving for their college and paying into social security. It also prevents many investors from enjoying their favorite things in life due to a frugal lifestyle. This can effect family and friends. In the offbeat stories section, we talk about two identical twins that live with one man and we cover the upcoming brood cicadas that have been waiting to come out of the ground for 17 years. Brood Cicadas https://www.npr.org/2021/04/27/991168811/here-come-the-cicadas Twins Living With One Man https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/extreme-sisters-anna-lucy-why-share-boyfriend-never-boring
The budget tip of the week centers on saving money when it comes to shaving. The cost for razor blades are one of those items that quietly add up in the budget. We did some digging and found a product called the Razorpit that we have been using for years. This is a product that extends the life of a razor blade exponentially for a small cost.
This week's episode reviews the life after college. These are many of the questions that people are asking: Am I going home? Do I have to? Can I get a roommate and split rent? I need a job? My internship fell through during COVID. Do I have anybody that I can network with? I need a budget. How do I budget? I need help! In the stories section David and Cindy discuss the unusual and crazy jobs people have that you didn't know existed. They also discuss how a man in Japan has been arrested for taking birthday gifts from 35 different women and may face jail time.
The budget tip of the week explains why as of 4/28/21 this may be the worst time to buy a home. Since April of 2020 lumber prices have jumped 200% and are adding approximately $24,000 to the price of a new home. Prices for steel have risen 22% in the last three months. Since April of 2020 the price for copper has risen 191%. In December 2020, the median price for a single-family home increased 13.4% from a year ago to $340,000. The question is, should you get in now before this happens? If you are going to be a first time buyer, you may priced out of the market. If you sell a current home, you may get a great price - perhaps it may be part of a bidding war; however, when you go to buy the new home, you may be part of that bidding war.
This week's episode reviews the Life and Crimes of Bernie Madoff who passed away on 4/14/21. How he designed and executed the most well-known Ponzi scheme in history; when did the scheme start, how his legitimate businesses masked his client business? Who were his investors and how was restitution granted. In the roundtable Cindy review her top 10 observations while having COVID. In the stories section, they review story of a man who though he was an only child only to learn that he had 31 siblings. The last story covers the man who out his father's ashes in his bowling ball and proceeded to bowl a 300-game. 300-game with Dad's ashes https://people.com/human-interest/man-places-late-fathers-ashes-in-bowling-ball-then-scores-a-perfect-game/ DNA Story https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-man-finds-out-he-has-huge-secret-family-after-looking-up-his-ancestry-20210311
The budget the tip of the week explains the value of not buying hanging baskets of flowers and opting to opting to purchase flats of flowers. The cost can be 50% less and this can be a nice impact to disposable income in the budget. This also allows for more creativity in making baskets on your own.
This episode reviews the College Admissions Scandal documentary on Netflix. Rick Singer the mastermind behind the "side door" method created a system to get students into prestigious schools through a "dummy" charitable orgninization. With this set up, rich and well-known parents paid Rick Singer to where he took the money and bribed coaches, school administration officials and an SAT a ACT test taker. In the end the students where being admitted to as walk-on candidates to under the radar sports programs that received little attention to that of the larger profile sports. Their portfolios where doctored up with photos that were manipulated in Photoshop meaning they were not athletes. David and Cindy also review their current experience with COVID.
The budget tip of the week, explains the value of knowing the break even point with budgeting. At what point after buying a new product or service does it pay for itself over your current choice? Once this is determined, then you will begin to see increased disposable income in the budget.
Kyle (32) and Ashley (31) recently were married and have bought their first home. I discuss their choices around how much they decided to spend on their house and the wedding. They differ from many of the Millennial credos which are around passive income streams, side hustles (gigs) and the F.I.R.E movement. They are building their wealth and lifestyle around the standard corporate job structure. At this point, they are ready to take the next steps in their personal finance journey. They have saved well and have paid off student loan debt. We review their current housing situation as their next step is to relocate and further plan out their retirement nest egg.
The budget tip of the week explains the value of having organization with store purchase receipts. What is the importance of understanding a retailer's return policy in order to get full credit, a store credit or if you may be outside of the return window where no money is received. Knowing this information can be beneficial to the budget. You can help the environment by using less paper. One way is to take pictures or use apps such as Genius Scan which has security and storage features. They also give a portion of revenues to help the environment. Grizzly Labs - Genius Scan https://thegrizzlylabs.com/
Part One: Millennial money around passive income streams, side hustles (gigs) and the F.I.R.E movement. Part two: Millennial budgeting and overall personal finance. There are many stereotypes and myths with this demographic; however, all us have a lot in common. Millennials also stand to inherit the largest amount of wealth - over $68 trillion from their Baby Boomer parents by the year 2030. For the stories of the week: The future shift from meat to plant based products. The story of Mz. Biz who pointed a getting a gun at one client and assaulted another. Funny stories about cheapskates. Mz. Biz. https://www.goingconcern.com/your-naughty-tax-preparer-of-the-day-3-29-2021/ Plant-based Meat https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/23/europe-and-us-could-reach-peak-meat-in-2025-report?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1 Cheapskates: https://www.buzzfeed.com/ajanibazile/best-moments-from-extreme-cheapteaks
The budget tip of the week explains the value of watching the unit pricing when buying products in the grocery store. If you are willing to purchase similar items that have better values and with more product to consume, it can create more disposable income in the monthly budget. By reducing cost and without additional consumption, that is a winning formula to save more money to control debt.
The third round of the stimulus checks are being issued. What it the best way to use the money with your budget. Some people are in dire straits and may use these funds differently than those that have managed the pay the bills. The key goal is to pay down debt especially when it comes to credit cards and if that is in check then this money can be invested. In the roundtable, a bank employee was busted for load apps on customer's phones while reviewing their personal pictures. For the stories of the week, the topic is about a man who received his last paycheck of $950 in oiled pennies from his employer. The next story is about personal trainer who sued her employer because her work duties made her sweat and caused anxiety. In the last story it is time to celebrate the "Ken Doll's" 60th birthday and talk about the milestones in his life. Ken doll's birthday https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/ken-and-barbie-facts Woman sues employer for sweating https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9387475/Personal-trainer-fear-sweat-won-disability-claim-refusing-pick-towels.html $950 in the last paycheck https://people.com/human-interest/man-waiting-for-last-paycheck-from-old-job-gets-915-dollars-in-oiled-pennies/
The budget tip of the week explains why it is crucial to review your credit report and the impact it has on your monthly budget. Performing this exercise ensures that you can monitor hard inquiries, late payments, bankruptcy, collections and any references that may impact your credit score. This ultimately impacts what it will cost you to borrow money when an interest rate is offered from lenders.
The review of the hit Netflix show Marriage or Mortgage. They break down the format of the show where the couples are given options for their big decision by from a real estate agent or a wedding planner. Next are budget tips that you can use in the event you are in this life situation. For the stories of the week, they stick to things that have been lost and then found again. One lady lost a ring and found it later at a pawn shop. A man lost his wallet in Antartica in the 1960's and it was later returned to him and a man found an iPhone that was submerged in a lake for six months that still was operational and returned it to the owner.
The budget tip of the week explains why it is crucial to reconcile the monthly budget each month. Performing this exercise ensures that the products and services that you cancelled don't show up the next month. If they aren't removed, you keep paying.
In this episode covers relationships and personal finance. When is the right time to talk about your credit cards, your debt, the budget, savings and retirement. Next are tips on how to approach your partner with tough questions as money is commonly sighted as the number reason for divorce. For the story of the week, let's stick to the marriage/divorce theme by discussing the unusual ways that people have died by getting hit by objects including champagne corks at weddings.
The budget tips the week provide tips on how save on your gas and electric bill and make a positive impact on your budget.
The listener question of the week which is: My wife is leaving her job and she needs a budget update. Does she need have a retirement plan option with a new employer or can she open up a Roth IRA while maxing out her husband's 401(k)? In the topics section: the story of two girls who became friends at work; they had many similarities and eventually realized that they were sisters. Next: stories about people who had foreign objects in their bodies that had to be removed. Biological Sisters https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/friends-worked-learn-biological-sisters/story?id=76099870 Strange Items in People's Bodies https://www.rd.com/list/craziest-things-found-in-peoples-bodies/
The budget tip of the week provide tips on how save on your medical procedures whether you have health insurance or not. By obtaining the medical procedure codes and working with your doctors, they are often willing to lower your budgetary costs.
This episode covers the budget and why it is critical to your success for a balanced life. If you don't budget, odds are you will not be able to retire unless you are forced to. Next is the hidden piece in managing the budget by ensuring that every bill is transformed into a fixed amount just the like mortgage and the car payment are. This ensures stability and predictability. In the stories section: why you should change your pillow every two years and why the bed should not be made right after you get up. Lastly, chemicals and climate change have lowered much of the continent's sperm counts, and in time this may have a negative effect on the world's population.
The budget tip of the week reveals that the cost for owning cars including the payments, gasoline, insurance and maintenance can be the largest collective cost in the monthly budget. Part of this cost is for tires than can be $500 - $1,000 to replace. One solution is to buy quality used tires online and the cost can often be 50% less. https://www.bestusedtires.com/
Is it more beneficial to choose the standard deduction or itemize deductions? They also review many of the common deductions that many tax filers qualify for. In addition, the goal is not to receive a tax return; the average refund is $3,000 and this money can be used to pay down debt such as credit cards and car loans or it can be used as an investment that can achieve compound interest throughout the year. Otherwise, the government holds on to this money for one year. For the stories of the week: starts with the cheapskates. Several topics are revealed from people have about what others do to save a buck or not pay their fair share. Lastly, is the story about a girl that won a car in a raffle and gave it to her coworker so that she would have reliable transportation. IRS Links: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc501 https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents Cheapskates https://didyouknowfacts.com/27-people-recall-cheapest-thing-ever-saw-someone/ Car Giveaway https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2021/01/28/months-after-meeting-chick-fil-a-employee-wins-co-worker-car/4173590001/
The budget tip of the week discusses how much money that you save by cutting back on buying coffee from a barista. It is possible that a family of four can spend up to $7,700 per year. Next: how much money can be accumulated by investing the savings and letting the compound interest grow.
This episode discuss the details about how to allocate assets in your 401(k), Roth 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. What are the many types of mutual funds that invest in the stock market including large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, international funds, value funds, balance funds, bond funds, and money market funds? For the stories of the week, they discuss a Valentine's Day theme. First they cover stats on how much each generation spends as well as the difference between men and women. Next: the story of the San Antonio Zoo that created a fundraiser for cockroaches and rats to be named after people's ex-partners and then watch them be eaten by animals on Facebook live. This fundraiser is known as Cry Me a Cockroach. Next is another fundraiser by The Lexington Humane Society and for $10, people named cat litter boxes after their ex-partners so they could watch cats crap on them. This fundraiser is known Retripootion. Lexignton Humane Society - Retripootion https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/for-10-cats-at-the-lexington-humane-society-will-take-a-2-on-your-former-1s-name San Antonion Zoo - Cry me a Cockroach https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/01/21/cry-me-a-cockroach-san-antonio-zoo-is-helping-scorned-exes-on-valentines-day-with-cringe-worthy-fundraiser/#:~:text=SAN%20ANTONIO%20%E2%80%93%20The%20San%20Antonio,reptiles%20and%20mammals%20to%20eat.
The budget tip of the week details how to prevent Americans from wasting 40% of the food that they buy. In fact, the average household wastes $3,080 per year and investing that savings can add up to over $300,000 over a 30-year time span.
This episode reviews having a 401(k) and Roth 401(k). Why you should have a 401(k), what is the best option, and when should you start saving. In the roundtable: ghosts appear to be knocking items off of stools and the the bar in the basement along with stories around spilling things in public places. For the stories of the week: How a 5th grader cashed in nicely on GameStop stock that was purchased by his mother a few years earlier. Lastly: a slew of interesting topics around the Superbowl and who they think will win the big game. Superbowl https://wallethub.com/blog/super-bowl-facts/1589
The budget tip of the week explains how to account for capital gains and losses from selling stock. Knowing this information has an impact on adjusted gross income (AGI) when filing taxes each year.
This episode discusses GameStop’s astronomical rise in their stock price due to the people on Reddit's Wall Street Bets forum colluding together to drive the stock price up and squeeze the short sellers namely, Melvin Capital. Next: how short selling works, why you should be careful with this type of stock betting and what is the aftermath going to be. In the Coronavirus montage: razor blades in the walls and single toilets in basements without a bathroom. Lastly: amazing treasures that people have found in their homes and sitting in the ground. Razor Blades in the Walls https://www.rd.com/article/if-you-live-in-an-old-house-there-could-be-razor-blades-in-your-walls/ Pittsburgh Potty https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/heres-why-old-houses-have-a-random-toilet-in-the-basement/
The budget tip of the week explains the rule of 72 which determines how long that it takes to double your money based on your desired rate of return. In addition, the benefits of compound interest and how investing adds up over time.
This episode discusses why a will is not enough to protect your estate and why a trust in most cases supersedes the will. This way, you can ensure that your investments and your assets are distributed to the people that you intended without conflict. In the roundtable: the lack of exercise and how the Mirror exercise machine can get people back into shape. In the Coronavirus montage: insider information of what happens behind the technology with dating apps from the people who've worked there. You'll be surprised what we learned. Next: how the kiss or smooch has shaped our culture throughout history and lastly they discuss the famous photo "The Kiss Heard Around the World" from 1945 when World War II was declared to be over. Blog Transcript: https://www.somethingonmymind.net/post/43-to-trust-or-not-to-trust-how-to-protect-your-investments-and-your-estate Kiss Heard Around The World https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/03/08/the-kiss-heard-round-the-world-wwii-sailor-gives-lip-service-over-famous-photo/ Dating App Insider Informatiomn https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephenlaconte/dating-app-secrets-employees-tell-all-reddit
The budget tip of the week, covers why hand washing your dishes uses more than four times the energy than many dishwashers. Next: the statistics on how to save on your budget, how to reduce water usage, as well as the positive impact on the environment. Lastly, you save up to 30 minutes a day by following a few simple steps. https://cascadeclean.com/en-us/rethink-the-sink
This episode discusses how you may qualify to get employer benefits for items such as sick leave, relocation benefits and namely health insurance. In the roundtable they discuss the picture taken on ghosts over the dining room table as well as objects falling off of shelves by their contractor. In offbeat stories section, Elon Musk mentioned a messaging app that he supports to the media; however, people mistook and it and drove up a penny stock with a similar name to outrageous prices. Next, a TikTok'er is buying unclaimed mail for just $1 and is discovering some valuable gifts inside. Next, they discuss the "best" jobs list from U.S. World News and Report. Strange Name Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5671902/ Elon Musk: https://qz.com/1956105/elon-musks-tweet-about-signal-boosts-shares-of-the-wrong-company/ TikTok'er Sell's Unclaimed Mail: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/happens-packages-lost-unclaimed-175600818.html]
The budget tip covers the details around how surprisingly expensive candles are and what you can do to prolong the burning life of them to save money.
This episode starts off with the roundtable by discussing how scrubby people are looking at the grocery store and how Cindy can cook a simple meal yet make the kitchen look like Thanksgiving just ended. In the financial topic reviews the tiny house movement. People take this path has been on the rise due to the affordability and flexibility. They analyze the finances involved as well as considerations to consider when hiring a contractor and the caveats that come with living in a small space. For the offbeat stories: one man dug a tunnel to visit his mistress and the other who dug one to spy on his ex-wife. Lastly, the funny yard signs that people have place on their lawns.
The budget tip of the week covers the details around private mortgage insurance or PMI. How it is added to a mortgage, how it is calculated and how to remove it.
This episode starts off with the roundtable and discusses a unusual gift that she received for Christmas For main discusses the steps needed to obtain a credit card for your children and with proper management why it can be a great benefit in the adult years of life. In the stories montage discusses the decisions companies are facing with the work-from-home employees. Should they pay the same money for workers based on talent level over their geographical location? In the last story there is a possibility that the first fast food style of eating occurred in 79 A.D. in Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius erupted.
The budget tip of the week covers the details around using the money in your flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care before January 1st.
The roundtable discuss the white elephant experience and with analyzation on how funny people sound when they are drunk by playing audio at half speed. The main topic discusses the pending stimulus checks, and they take a question of the week from a listener regarding deferred interest (or 0% credit cards). They have promotional rates but also accrue interest that may be charged back at a later date. For the offbeat stories: the history of the secret Santa’s that have been giving away cash during the holidays for people in need. Lastly, Tesla's new boombox horn feature that shoots out hilarious sounds.
The budget tip of the week covers the benefits of collecting gift bags, tissue paper, boxes, bows and anything else used in packaging gifts for people. When participating in this activity you alleviate the hassle of purchasing these items each year while saving money and reducing the environmental waste.
An interview with Vinnie Fisher who is a three-time best selling author of entrepreneurial and business books. Vinnie also founded Fully Accountable, an outsourced full service cutting edge accounting firm, that helps eCommerce and Digital business owners through fractional CFO and accounting services. Listen to this motivational and inspiring interview with Vinnie and you can also get free downloads to his books and other value business tools.
The budget tip of the week covers the average cost of eating out for lunch and provide ways for cutting back, and what you do with the savings.
What things that you can do to finish your budgeting and investing off for the year? This includes reviewing your budget for IRAs, Roth IRAs and 401(k)s etc. In addition, how to manage bonuses, FSAs and HSAs and the review of spending habits to analyze the yearly budget. For the stories: how a 51-year old cipher was cracked by enthusiasts that was sent by the zodiac killer in 1969. Lastly: the story of Christopher Havens who is in jail for murder where discovered his love for math and how his problem solving acumen for complex equations are being published in academic journals.
This episode discusses how to manage your holiday budget so that you can avoid building up credit card interest. In addition, what is the real art of meaningful gift giving, cost effective ways to give to a charity and the white elephant gift event. In the Coronavirus montage, the first story highlights Christmas trees and why some of them have praying mantis eggs hanging from their branches. The second topic covers the monolith that was discovered in Utah and who has since stolen it from the desert. In the last story, Cindy shares unusual stories that people encountered from their past holiday parties.
This episode discusses pet insurance: how it works and what you need to consider before choosing to pay for coverage. In addition, they discuss the need for owners to factor in pet insurance into their budget. In the roundtable David discusses how his son chooses to pay for parking tickets at college which is still cheaper than paying for a semester parking pass. Hopefully no one else catches on to his logic. In the Coronavirus montage: the story of a fertility doctor that inseminated eight known patients who bore his children Next: the warning that doctors are giving to families not play board games over the holidays.
A question of the week from a listener who asks . . . Is there a standard ratio on how to allocate savings? I do not know how to decide how much to put into my retirement account versus my taxable investments, vs. CDs/High-yield savings, etc. Stories section: three sisters determined through DNA testing that their father was a missing person and had been raised by the family who kidnapped him. Lastly: odd and unusual quips from what people revealed about their family DNA stories.
In this episode David and Cindy discuss how to save money on products that you buy while at the same time helping the environment. The goal is to purchase items that reduce waste (mainly plastic and single use items) and this can be done by replacing your current products at a lower cost to your budget. They also pay tribute to our veterans and highlight the story of a hundred-year old World War II pilot who still flies and set Guinness world record in doing so. Lastly, they pay homage to Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek. https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wwii-fighter-pilot-harry-moyer-still-flies-every-week/ https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/08/entertainment/alex-trebek-jeopardy-host-death-trnd/index.html https://blog.cheapism.com/reducing-plastic-waste/
We launched our podcast 30 weeks ago and we are excited to bring you the second season and we have many exciting developments to enhance the show.
This episode interviews Myles Gage and Brian Curcio from the award winning investment app, Rapunzl. These two gentlemen met in high school and began trading in the stock market and consequently, decided to create an app to trade stocks in simulation with contest payouts. In addition, they engage with high school and college students to teach them final education and put them on the path toward good financial decision making. Both of them have a great story to tell in this inspiring interview. The offbeat stories: one about a man who had a large thorn imbedded in his arm for fours years which almost killed him and second, the story of a couple that appeared to be swallowed up and spit out by a whale. https://www.rapunzlinvestments.com/
This episode explains how stock dividends are established, how they benefit the shareholders and how to use them to buy back stock and create compound interest. The stories montage: the history of Halloween, how much candy is spent each year, and the top 10 ten scary movies and costume stories that people have shared from past Halloween’s.
This episode reviews the F.I.R.E movement which stands for Financial Independence Retire Early. It incorporates many of the savings techniques needed to retire; however, the goals may not be sustainable once the plan is in place. Offbeat stories montage: what people have shared in how they cut back on costs when choosing extreme frugality. Next: A story of a couple ordered an $18 bottle of wine yet received a $2,000 bottle that was meant for the table that they were sitting next to.
In this episode David reviews feedback from listeners and how they made positive impacts with their personal finance choices to improve their futures. Next: How much life insurance that you need to cover your loved ones and guidelines that you can follow to prepare for the future. This is arbitrary decision. Next: there is a recent survey that says there is an increase percentage where democrats and republicans will not date each other.
This episode discusses the statistical impact that past presidential elections have had on the economy.. They provide personal financial tips with dollar cost averaging that you can use leading into the upcoming election. In the Coronavirus montage: A well-known UFO hunter claims that he identified a bible on Mars from a NASA photo. Next: a recent study says that humans are reducing as well as adding body parts faster than any time in history. Next: A story about a woman who began saving money at age 11 and bought her first home when she turned 19.
The interview with Tim Bates who has 20 years of experience in the film industry managing projects from concept to production. He is also an experienced voice over artist and is a board member for the Kentucky Film Association. In the interview Tim discusses how COVID has affected film budgets and the way they are made. In addition, he provides insight on how actors feel about their jobs including the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, Julia Roberts, Dana Carvey, Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney and others Kentucky Film Association https://ky.film/ Kentucky Film Office https://filmoffice.ky.gov/
This episode discusses lifestyle creep which is when people spend more because they make more money and do not adjust their budgets to manage their debt and save properly for retirement. Coronavirus montage: the snafu with the upcoming election due to the many mail-in election ballots being cast and individual state rules. Next: The story of a surfboard that was lost in the waters of Hawaii and was found in Philippines six months later. Fast Times at Ridgemont High https://www.indiewire.com/2012/08/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-fast-times-at-ridgemont-high-107259/ Lost Surboard https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/surfboard-hawaii-found-philippines-scli-intl/index.html
In this episode David and Cindy review a cash out refinance versus a home equity loan versus a home equity line of credit. They also provide an analysis of what may be the best option to use one of these loans and the drawbacks to borrowing the money. In the Coronavirus montage they discuss the story of a woman who cut off her hand in an effort to receive an insurance payout and the story of a national park in Thailand that sends people’s litter back to them and posts it on social media. https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This episode reviews how to evaluate debt-to-income ratio (DTI): how to calculate it, what to watch for in your budget, and how it used for evaluation when buying a home. Next, the interview with Dr. Peter Rork, the co-founder of Dog is MyCoPilot. He created a charity where used his own airplane to fly dogs and cats to adoption shelters to save them from being euthanized. He has saved over 15,000 dogs and cats over the past eight years. Coronavirus montage: The story of a man who custom built a bar just for squirrels and the story of a man who nursed a mouse back to health after it some of his marijuana plants. https://dogcopilot.org/ https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/debtequityratio.asp https://mymodernmet.com/squirrel-bar-duke-harmon-woodworking/ https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/marijuana-mouse-passes-out-after-munching-on-cannabis-leaves/650875
This episode reviews the Robinhood online trading platform. From breakdown their pioneering marketing, unusual trading practices and their history of website outages causing some traders to lose large amounts money. Coronavirus montage: what are the common words and phrases that people say incorrectly and the story of a woman whose kept a McDonald's hamburger in her closet for last 24 years. Next:: The story of a woman who was pronounced dead at her home; however, was found alive at the funeral parlor.
The interview with highly decorated former Navy Seal Tom Chaby. He spent 26 years the military and was leader commanding teams from four to 1,000 in over 60 countries throughout the world. He has led missions in many critical areas of the world including Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In addition, he was a SEAL Instructor leading the current generation of SEAL operators. Over the past six years, Tom has provided consulting to 100+ high performing corporate organizations including the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, & Olympic sports teams, to help them build empowering cultures and team effectiveness. He’s also helped Fortune 500 organizations become more effective which include two collegiate football teams become national CHAMPIONS, a collegiate tennis team win the national championship, a World Series runner up, an Eastern Conference NHL runner up and two high school state football champions. Tom’s Website: https://www.tomchaby.com/ Tom’s Charities for Benevolence: https://www.tomchaby.com/benevolence Suggested Reading: Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing https://www.amazon.com/Top-Dog-Science-Winning-Losing/dp/B01LTHXJSM
The interview with Ryan Doyle the founder and Owner of Video Vision 360, a global video production company. They discuss how he started video recording with a $400 camera and developed it into an international business. He also discusses his philosophy on recording “all things epic” and his outlook on running his business with respect to forming long lasting relationships. Additionally, they discuss Ryan’s passion and success with his philanthropic efforts starting with his non-profit venture where he and his partners raised $1 million dollars for charity. Website: http://videovision360.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoVision360 Walk a Mile Fund: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/walk-a-mile
This episode discusses how the Coronavirus has changed plans for couples to have a traditional wedding which has forced them to opt for micro weddings. What are the advantages of choosing this option? In addition, why does a stock split and why investors often continue to drive up the stock price after the split. Coronavirus montage: The story of a couple who bought a storage locker for $100 without looking at the contents first and then after they opened it up, they uncovered a $1 million treasure. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show! Wedding Story: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/7fm3la/what_is_the_worstfunniest_wedding_experience_you/ $1 million storage locker story: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/01/couple-paid-100-for-car-elon-musk-bought-it-from-them-for-6-figures.html
This episode discusses the ins and outs of what can happen to people when they win the lottery or receive large sums of money. Coronavirus montage: discusses the executive order given by President Trump to ByteDance for them to sell their American TikTok business unit due to security flaws that can lead to stealing intellectual property. Next: The Cascade brand says to use the dishwasher every night even if it isn’t full, as it uses up to five times less water than rinsing dishes by hand. Next: The “Night of Living Dead” disease that the cicadas are facing due to them eating mushrooms.
This episode discusses food cost in that American’s waste 40% of the food that they buy. They discuss what can be done to reduce the waste while saving money and helping the environment. Coronavirus montage - the food edition: the unusual partnership between Crocs and KFC whereby they created “Country Fried Crocs” as a promotional novelty release. Next: how retailers such as Costco are no longer selling sheet cakes and have opted to sell the 9-inch round cakes to cut down on social distancing. Lastly, the history of the Happy Birthday song.
This episode explains the scenarios where credit card debt can be given to your heirs; however, credit card insurance can be used to waive the debt when the cardholder dies. Coronavirus montage: the story of a dog that traveled 57 miles back to its former residence two years after moving out and the hilarious story of a women who intended to pay for the murder of her ex-husband using the fake web site, Hire a Hitman. Lastly, the human interest topic discusses the story of an original Rosie the Riveter who formerly made bandanas to honor the women in factories during World War II and now is repurposing the cloth to make masks in the fight to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. FDCPA - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-fdcpa.asp The Balance - 5 Steps for Credit Card Insurance https://www.thebalance.com/considering-credit-card-insurance-2645595
This episode discusses how you can shop for your medical surgeries and how it can be beneficial to you if you spend the time to research before you go under the knife. Coronavirus montage: why you don't need prewash your dishes before using the dishwasher and how the Los Angeles Dodgers are giving the fans the opportunity to have their image posted onto cardboard cutouts and placed into the stands for a charitable cause. In the human-interest topic: The story of Tenino, Washington who is printing wooden money for people in need that can be used as a real currency within the town limits.
This episode discusses the IRS tax tool to estimate of the taxes that you need to pay. Next how to use money during the year rather than receiving a tax return. Next: the historic and unique contract that NFL superstar Patrick Mahommes agreed to. Next: Japanese company Yamaha is testing an app that pipes in crowd noise from people's phones to simulate fans in stadiums.
This episode discusses pet peeves and observations about shopping at Costco. Next: Perhaps the biggest mistake that is made in financial planning which is when people pay more in interest on debt than what they are earning in the retirement planning. Coronavirus montage: the story about a petition that is underway in Ohio to replace Christopher Columbus's statue with Chef Boyardee. In addition, the story of a man who was arrested for smuggling marijuana using an underwater sea jet. Lastly, NASA is offering $20,000 to anyone who can come up with a revolutionary space toilet for when they station on the moon in 2024. Why can't rocket scientists solve this?
The story of Bobby Bonilla who was owed $5.8 million from the New York York Mets and was offered a payment deferment which will lead to $29.8 million in total compensation. Coronavirus montage: How Apple Maps will give routes to avoid red light cameras, how Donald Trump has the ability to use nuclear weapons to shoot down hurricanes and the story of a business that was saved by making toilet paper roll cakes. Next: funny tweets from couples that are learning to cope with each other while working at home Human interest topic: the story of two elderly people who married through video conferencing. https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This episode provides tips to watch your budget so you don't pay extra for products and services that were added or cancelled on your bills. The second topic discusses situations where you can pay less and get the same quality and satisfaction for products. Last segment: cyber security experts Austin Endo & Claire Cochran discuss password protection tips to keep hackers from getting to your financial data.
This episode discusses the experience of teenagers beating cars into the ground and as they became adults, how they realized the responsibility of owning their own cars. The discussion on the state of new mortgages and refinancing in today's landscape.
Super-listener Claire asks questions about her plan to pay off debt, manage a rainy day and an emergency fund and ultimately purchase a home.
This episode tests the math if it is better to pay the mortgage off early. Next: how dogs are being trained to detect COVID and if cockroach milk may be the next superfood. Lastly, the story of Rob Kenney who started a YouTube channel called "Dad How Do I?" to teach kids without a father how to do maintenance tasks around the house. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
This episode discusses how to adjust your budget to pay for expenses that occur quarterly, biannually or yearly. Next they field a question from a listener who wants to know if she should pay off her student loan because she has enough money in savings which will not be invested. Next they talk about how more families are eating dinner together again. Coronavirus montage discusses cicadas, ear fungus from wearing earbuds and the story of a five-year old caught driving on the highway who was looking to buy a Lamborghini. Don't forget to subscribe to the showw!
The story about a108-year old woman who survived COVID-19. In addition, how IKEA is pitching in to help families create forts to keep their children occupied. Lastly, they discuss how online dating is bringing back some old school values and some new pick up lines. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
This episode discusses the importance of having a will to protect your loved ones. Next: the story of a kid who found $135,000 dollars at an ATM and gave it back and how a start up company developed wall dividers that have UV technology to disinfect slot machines. Lastly, the history of Mother's Day and a shout out to the moms for this special occasion. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
This episode discusses how to contribute to your 401(k) and a Roth IRA to save money to buy a house. Coronavirus montage: why the rat population has turned to cannibalism, why money laundering in LA has come to halt and why spousal cheating is on the rise due to online affairs. Lastly, the story about Gravity Payments; a pioneering company that pays their employees a minimum wage of $70,000. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
This episode discusses whether or not if state governments are caving to pressure to opening their economies while risking a future COVID-19 outbreak. Secondly, discusses the value of paying for quality products and services upfront and how it will save you money in the long run. Lastly: The story about factory workers who didn't go home for 28 days to make materials for the medical community during the Coronavirus pandemic. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!
This episode discusses how to lower credit card interest, the ins ands outs of 401(k) loans and withdrawals and why you should try to avoid them. Also, regarding the toilet paper shortage, what was used to clean your butt in primitive times? In addition, going braless and commando are growing trends, but will you let your hair grow out? Lastly, who is that person that always kills the vibe in the text group chat? Don't forget to subscribe to the show! Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This episode discusses what escheating is to find unclaimed money and the importance of an emergency fund. In addition, do you know who has access to your DNA records and are you okay with your information being shared? Unclaimed Property Search: https://www.missingmoney.com/en/ Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast
This episode discusses the history of people who panic sold. Next: creative ways to save on your budget. Lastly, current events with Coronavirus topics in the news and a human interest story about an old man and a little girl that saved him from complete despair after losing his wife. Social Media https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.instagram.com/somm.podcast/ https://www.somethingonmymind.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChec5qcZBcGkIhUU3belNDw https://www.tiktok.com/@somm.podcast?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/somm.podcast https://twitter.com/Somm_podcast