Financial Literacy Blog

August 4, 2020
by Ashley Chorpenning

16 Basic Financial Terms for Managing Money

Getting good at managing your finances and budget requires knowing a few key concepts. We set up the following list of introductory money related concepts to help you get started on your financial journey.

Financial Literacy

16 Basic Financial Terms for Managing Money

August 4, 2020
by Ashley Chorpenning

16 Basic Financial Terms for Managing Money

Financial Literacy

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April 3, 2020
by Michael

Is It Better to Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?

It is important to strike a balance between paying off debt and investing. However, it can be difficult to discern what the best option is. In this post I will discuss the tradeoffs between paying …

Financial Literacy, Homes and Real Estate

August 21, 2019
by Michael

The Inverted Yield Curve and How Well It Predicts a Recession

A description of yield curves, what it means when they invert, and a table of historical yield curve inversions with associated market tops and recessions.

Financial Literacy

June 28, 2019
by Michael

Is Lump Sum Versus Dollar Cost Averaging Better?

Let’s say you have $12,000 cash to invest in the markets. What is the best way to deploy that money - all at once or spread out over time? It depends on your risk tolerance. …

Financial Literacy

June 14, 2019
by Emily

How Asset Allocation Is Related to Net Worth and Risk

Do you know what your net worth is, where it is allocated, and how much risk you are carrying? This post shows how three families with very different asset allocations fare over a five year …

Financial Literacy, Net Worth

May 7, 2019
by Ashley Chorpenning

Negotiation Tactics That Can Boost Your Financial Security

Do you lack negotiation skills and assertiveness? If so then car dealerships, employers and loan sharks want to work with you! You are leaving money on the table and lining their pockets by not sharpening …

Financial Literacy

March 25, 2019
by Emily

Trying to Time the Stock Market Is Like Gambling

You’ve heard the advice: buy low and sell high. Easier said than done. Our brains are designed to fall for the idea of timing the market. We break it down and outline better approaches.

Financial Literacy, Risk Reduction

February 27, 2019
by StojFinance

What Is Dividend Investing?

Dividend investing is an investment strategy in which stocks with a high dividend yield and strong financial position are preferred in order to generate regular income and minimize volatility.

Financial Literacy

February 13, 2019
by Michael

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership - Ignore and Pay the Price

The other day a light bulb in my office burned out. Even though LEDs bulbs were more expensive up front I analyzed the available options and ended up saving $192.06 over 5 years!

Financial Literacy, Budgeting

January 10, 2019
by Emily

Credit Cards vs Debit Cards Compared - Risk and Rewards

Even though they look the same, credit and debit cards have a different set of risks and benefits. Here’s a deep dive into how the two types of plastic in your wallet work behind the …

Financial Literacy

December 31, 2018
by Michael

Give Yourself a Raise by Deferring Your Income

One on the neatest things you can do for yourself financially is to give yourself a raise courtesy of the IRS. Contributing to a tax deferred retirement account is a special form of saving money …

Financial Literacy, Net Worth

December 15, 2018
by Michael

How to See Through an Investment Sales Pitch

A friendly voice offers to sell you an investment that will make you rich, smart and good looking. It doesn’t matter what it is - an annuity, a mutual fund, a stock, some sort of …

Financial Literacy, Risk Reduction

December 7, 2018
by Emily

How Net Worth Differs from Retirement Planning

Your retirement plan is an important part of your overall financial picture… just as your net worth is. There is some overlap between the two, but also some very important differences. You cannot rely on …

Financial Literacy, Net Worth