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…
Author: budgetsense
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…
Wise Words for Wealth: Must-Know Financial Proverbs, Adages and Sayings (Part 1: Personal Finance)
When navigating the realm of personal finance, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of terms, adages, and sayings. While some may be immediately clear, others can be more nuanced. Understanding the meaning and intent behind these phrases can significantly enhance your ability to manage your finances effectively. After all, enduring proverbs and sayings…
10 Life-Changing Books on Wealth and Personal Growth: Discover the Secrets Behind Their Impact (Part 2)
Following on our original post on ’10 Life-Changing Books on Wealth and Personal Growth: Discover the Secrets Behind Their Impact’ , here are some lesser-known but impactful books on wealth and personal development, along with their key theses. I would like to confess to have never read number 2 and 7 on the list, but…
How AI Helped Me Sell my Item in 24 Hours: A Personal Experience with ChatGPT
In today’s fast-paced world, everyone is looking for ways to save time and make the most out of their resources. As someone who runs a budgeting and finance blog, I’ve always been interested in finding innovative ways to optimize financial outcomes. Recently, I had an experience that showcased how AI can transform even the simplest…
Live Life Now, Build Wealth Later: Striking the Perfect Financial Balance
How do you achieve financial freedom and independence? Should you sacrifice it all now in order to have a better life down the road? Truth of the matter is, you can actually do both! The key is to balance aggressive saving with intentional spending to live your life while building for the future. In a…
FOMO vs. Financial Freedom: Navigating Travel Expenses
I recently came across an eye-opening article titled “‘I don’t have a budget’: Why people are going into debt to travel,” which left me both shocked and reflective. The article explores a troubling trend where 25% of Americans are willing to go into debt to fund their vacations. This behavior is influenced by societal and…
The Astonishing 15-Year Quest to Unveil the Hidden Potential of Index ETFs: Revelations and Happy Surprises
I’ve been actively investing—and even dabbling in stock trading—for over 15 years. Yet, in a twist that surprises even me, it wasn’t until this year that I finally ventured into the world of index funds, those elusive ETFs I’d somehow overlooked for so long. Why did it take me so long? And more importantly, what…