General Personal Finance Blog

Is it better to live in rent to own homes, rent, or buy our homes outright? The answer, like many questions of this nature, depends on a lot of things. Everyone’s personal circumstances are different and the rent vs buy decision should always be made on those circumstances.

While eating a burger at a local burger joint, here’s what a sheriff friend recently told me:

“I think I need to buy a home. I’ve been renting for a while, but feel like I’m wasting money each month on rent.” 

He’s in his early 20’s itching to live the “American Dream” but doesn’t realize that homeownership is a bit more complicated than that (we’ve been homeowners for over fifteen years).

[Read more…] about How do Rent to Own Homes Work?

The term “fiscally responsible” is usually associated with government and politics. Politicians and government officials use the word when discussing the national budget and how they are using taxpayer dollars. However, the term applies to more than just government, the act of being a fiscally responsible person is important in your personal finances too.

Being fiscally responsible, or financially responsible, involves taking ownership of your personal finances.

Below, you’ll learn more about what it means to be fiscally responsible, and get the 10 steps it takes to become a fiscally responsible person.

[Read more…] about 10 Steps to Become a Fiscally Responsible Person

I love absolutely love reading! I am a real bookworm, and I continually search for the best ways to get free books online.

Why?

Because books can be expensive!

I have a Kindle, which I love. While there is something about reading physical books, a Kindle or an e-reader has so many perks that makes it a great thing to own.

Imagine its late at night, and you want to read a book, maybe an investing book written for beginners, but you never made it to the library. With a kindle, you can get all the books you want on the spot without having to leave your house during business hours. Nor do you have to wait for a delivery from a bookstore.

[Read more…] about 20 Awesome Ways to Get Free Books Online

Are you wondering how to get motivated for your next big goal? Do you feel like you need motivation? Here are nine tips to get motivated and four tips if you lose motivation. Let’s go and achieve your goals!

Motivation is a powerful way to reach your goals. When you’re motivated, you can move mountains and feel like you’re on top of the world. Other times, when motivation is hard to find, you find yourself laying on the couch binging on your favorite show for hours (or days).

I’ve experienced a lack of motivation for the last couple of weeks. In this post, I’ll share all about how I’m picking myself back up again, and how to get motivated. We’ll also talk about how to stay motivated months from now.

[Read more…] about 9 Tips on How to Get Motivated

Going through the financial planning process is a good way to get your personal finances in order. In fact, few things will end up having as much impact on your financial life as having a financial plan.

The process of planning your finances allows you to immediately assess your current financial picture and prepare for your future financial situation.

A proper financial plan will also cover everything in between the now and retirement. It serves a personalized roadmap to financial security, covering everything from investment goals to ensuring you have the right insurance in place.

[Read more…] about Financial Planning Process: 8 Steps to Build a Personal Financial Plan