Pop quiz: Do you know how much cash you have in all of your bank accounts, right now? How long would you take to determine how much you spent on groceries and how much you contributed to your IRA last year? Stumped? You might stand to learn how … [Read more...]
Finance 101: How Do Banks Make Money?
February 3, 2010 By
Have you ever wondered why your checking account is free? Obviously, it's not because your bank is feeling charitable. Big banks make big money. The kind of money that leads to the obscene Wall Street bonuses we so often hear about. But banks make … [Read more...]
Seven Precepts to Prosper By
January 25, 2010 By
So, you want some answers. On priorities: I’m 25. What should my financial priority be? On saving: How much should I be saving if I earn $45k? On spending: Can I afford that vacation next summer? In three years I’ve written roughly a … [Read more...]
Your Money Ratios Book Review
January 20, 2010 By
As a financial writer, I try to do one thing above all else: Make intimidating financial topics easier to understand. Sometimes I succeed, often I fail, but my goal is always the same: Make managing your money simpler. So I am excited to review a … [Read more...]
A Turning Point for Gen. Y Financial Literacy?
January 6, 2010 By
Four years ago, nearly dozing off in class, I thought to myself: “What if I borrow a million dollars, hide it somewhere then declare bankruptcy?” The idea seemed as diabolically ingenious as a well-planned bank heist. And I actually considered … [Read more...]
How to Make Your Financial Resolutions Stick
January 5, 2010 By
Along with getting in shape, improving one’s personal finances is another popular New Year’s resolution. Every year, millions of Americans vow to get out of debt, save more money, or contribute more to their retirement accounts. Did you make … [Read more...]
Why Checks Will Disappear
December 17, 2009 By
How often do you write a paper check? A few times a month? Less? Debit cards, online bill-pay, direct deposit, and electronic checking accounts are making the paper check more and more obsolete. And soon, checks will vanish completely. In Britain, … [Read more...]
Four Simple but Costly Money Mistakes
December 14, 2009 By
Whether you've been on your own for a few days or a few years, try to avoid these common money mistakes young people make. Already made them? Don’t be hard on yourself; chances are you just didn't know better (a big part of money smarts comes from … [Read more...]
Essential Personal Finance Books
November 30, 2009 By
I'll be the first to admit that browsing the personal finance section at your local Barnes & Noble can be intimidating. There are hundreds of personal finance titles to choose from; it's possible to spend a small fortune trying to learn to how to … [Read more...]
Busting the Millionaire Myth
November 23, 2009 By
We non-millionaires (last I checked, we're still in the majority), may or may not find the prospect of such wealth alluring. Those of us swayed by the sirens' song of riches may work hard to increase our income, invest wisely, and set a course to get … [Read more...]
I'm David Weliver. At 26, I had NO savings and NO financial plan. I was maxed out, stressed out, and fed up. Then, I changed. I repaid $80k of debt, tripled my income, and bought a home. I'll show you how to get similar results. 