When it comes to investing, things can quickly get complicated, or you can choose to keep it simple. One way to simplify investing is by opting for index funds, which have been gaining popularity over the last two decades. However, even index fund investing can become overwhelming when faced with the task of choosing from…
Author: budgetsense
The Surprising Parenting Hack That Reduced My Child’s Constant Requests
My older child seems to want it all—whether it’s food, toys, online games, or school expenses, you name it, he wants it and thinks money is in infinite supply. Recently, we returned from an amazing cruise vacation, which also included some wonderful time in Florida, visiting the incredible Universal Orlando parks and having an overall…
The Surprising Link Between Sleep and Smart Financial Decisions: why your lack of sleep is costing your finances a big time!
You may not realize it, but your choice to commit to an expensive annual gym membership or to take on a $500 monthly car payment for a new vehicle could be tied to one factor: not getting enough sleep! While other influences affect decision-making, sleep is high on the list. After all, there’s a reason…
Unexpected Credit Card Hits? Here’s a Simple Trick to Keep Your Finances on Track
Have you ever been in this situation? You’re making steady progress, regularly paying down a significant debt. But then, your last big payment of $450 was essentially neutralized by your annual $450 gym membership. In other words, you took one big step forward, only to take another right back. Sure, you need your gym membership,…
Wise Words for Wealth: Must-Know Financial Adages and Sayings (Part 2: Investing)
In a previous post from September, we covered some famous adages and sayings from the world of personal finance. In this post, we go over other adages and sayings, but this time from the world of investing. These timeless investment adages serve as guiding principles, offering simple yet profound advice for navigating the complexities of financial markets. Each saying offers a unique perspective, but together, they emphasize the importance of discipline, patience, and an informed approach to investing. Integrating these principles into your own strategy might not guarantee success, but they provide a solid foundation for making smarter, more resilient financial decisions. Remember, investing is a journey, and the best strategies are those aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market understanding.
Valuable Life and Money Lessons from our Recent Family Vacation in Florida and Cruising the Caribbean
We recently returned from an incredible vacation, spending a week aboard the stunning Wonder of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, along with a few days exploring Florida before and after the cruise. While in Florida, we were fortunate to enjoy some beautiful beaches, explore Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, and even had…
Self-Managed vs. Directed Investing: Choosing the Right Path for Your Financial Goals
If you’re new to the world of investing, you’ve likely encountered terms like index funds and ETFs, which have recently gained significant popularity. These are examples of “directed investments,” appealing for their hands-off approach, low costs, and other benefits. On the other hand, there is the traditional method of investing, where individuals research and select…
I asked Generative AI to Pretend to be my Investment Advisor and here are the Results
As part of my investment strategy, my portfolio is spread across several accounts, including a work-funded account and others where I pay no transaction fees. Additionally, I set aside a fixed amount each week, and once it reaches a certain threshold, I use that money to purchase new investments, such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs….
Saving for a Sunny Day: Reframe Your Financial Mindset for Freedom and Security
Ever considered saving for a sunny day, instead of the old adage about saving for a rainy day? And I mean this literally—saving for that sunny day at the beach, or whatever your version of sunny is. If saving for a rainy day sounds dull and uninspiring, why not reframe it into something more positive…
Want to Retire Early? Discover the Simple Wealth-Building Secrets I Wish I Knew in My 20s!
The formula for becoming wealthy and financially independent is fairly simple, though applying it can be challenging. It goes like this: save and invest as much as possible, starting as early as you can. If you begin in your early-20s, you could achieve your wealth goals by your mid to late 30s, rather than having…