Why do so Many Americans Rely on Social Security?

Written by on September 9, 2011 · 29 Comments
government herd

As I checked up on Twitter Thursday morning I noticed that “social security” was a trending topic. Very rarely do you see a trending topic that has any real life value, so it was for this reason I decided to see what all the fuss was about. You don’t have to be Democrat or Republican to know that Social Security is bankrupt. This is a non-partisan issue, or at least it should be. Some seem to believe that reform is not only needed but necessary, while others think it should just be left alone. Regardless of which side you tend [...] Read more »

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Financial Planning for Retirement – Be Conservative, Responsible, Realistic, and be Successful

Written by on June 1, 2011 · 6 Comments
Nest Egg

Not long ago I had the good fortune to gain insight with respect to one family’s financial planning that was centered around retirement. This had been a young couple with children, with both the husband and wife having lived through the Great Depression and bleak economic times surrounding World War II. Talk about a life lesson in stretching a dollar! What struck me as unusual was the constant focus, from the very beginning, on retirement and taking care of their children. It was unusual in a very good way. This couple knew that the future was coming. They knew that [...] Read more »

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Mortgage Free – Why This is Essential for Traditional Retirement

Written by on May 20, 2011 · 5 Comments
retirement house

Who in their right mind would argue that being mortgage free is the only way to be if you expect to retire in some traditional way, with a house of your own? That would be me. As they say, "opinions vary" and "results vary." But, if you pay off the mortgage before you retire, that eliminates a large financial obligation essential for living - someplace to live. That's one of the big reasons it makes sense to me. From my vantage point, as an early self-retired individual, I see being 100% debt free as an essential part of having peace of mind when you retire, and I'm up on my soapbox to explain why. Gather 'round my financially fit friends and lend me your ears. Read more »

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Should You Take Care of Your Parents Regardless?

Written by on May 16, 2011 · 9 Comments
retirement

Should you feel obligated to support your parents at or before retirement — regardless of circumstances? That is the question a caller asked Dave Ramsey on the radio last week. Here was his situation. His spouse’s family wanted to put together a fund that would support their parents for the next 25 years. He and his spouse were obviously affected differently by this question but ultimately agreed that it was not their responsibility to totally care for them financially, especially since the parents said they weren’t willing to go to work. They weren’t unable to work, they just didn’t want [...] Read more »

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Why I Hate Free Money

Written by on August 5, 2010 · 5 Comments
401K

Hey guys! I was planning on writing a post for you today, but as I started writing a really bad thunderstorm hit us. My power is flickering and there’s no telling whether or not we will lose our power. Instead of taking a chance I thought I would share this great guest post from my buddy Chris Moore from Fickle Finance. I am back from vacation and our family has finally fully recovered from bronchitis so I am hoping to post a little more regularly. Things have been crazy to say the least. Show Chris some love and I will [...] Read more »

Investing For Retirement – Do It Your Way!

Written by on August 11, 2009 · 8 Comments

Funding Your Retirement Should Be Exciting You have climbed the mountain and are at the top!  You have eliminated your debt and now have your fully funded emergency fund in place.  When life happens to you, you will be ready!  I am proud of your persistence and determination because most people either cut corners, or decide to do nothing at all.  Not you though!  You are on a roll, and since momentum is on your side, there are some things you need to start doing to be ready for retirement. As some of you know, Dave Ramsey suggests that you [...] Read more »

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Million Dollar Club

Written by on July 29, 2009 · 4 Comments

I decided to join J. Money’s Million Dollar Club.  Setting goals is the way to put your plans into motion.  Brian Tracy says that a goal not written down typed out, is just a dream because it has no energy.  You are definitely more likely to accomplish your goals if you put them down on paper.  It gives you something to follow and each time you scratch an accomplishment off of the list, you gain motivation.  Hmmm, that sounds familiar right?  Your Total Money Makeover is the same kind of plan.  You do each baby step, one step at a [...] Read more »

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Invest Your Dollars Wisely Without Fear

Written by on October 25, 2008 · 4 Comments
stressed-investing

Are You A Nervous Wreck? No matter where you go it is impossible to avoid the dreadful banter regarding the economy. The television is loaded with reasons to be fearful of your life coming to an end, because of the falling market. It's no secret that one reason for this is due to the upcoming election. After all, both sides have only a little time left to convince you that they are the one that is going to make everything all better. (Just lay back, dry your thumb, and prepare to be coddled. Oh, and here is your free Government pacifier!) Read more »

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