Banking & Budgeting

Banking & Budgeting Tips & Technology For Your Tomorrow

Look no further than your smartphone to find your new bank. The cost of a traditional bank has now become cost prohibitive. The same is now true for the traditional financial advisor who may not always have your best interest in mind. With the development of blockchain technology and Artificial Intelligence, the technology of today allows for better results for your financial future at a substantially lower cost.

Budgeting is one of those words that sounds overwhelming, confusing and boring but once you start you realize it is none of those things. In fact, a budget is proven to be the number one reason that people can eliminate their debt and never go back. Here you will find the latest tools, tips, and technology for using and budget and dealing with your debt.

What Percentage of U.S. Students Take a Personal Finance Course?

By Jeff McLean | May 19, 2022

The Visual Capitalist put out this excellent graphic showing “What Percentage of U.S. Students Take a Personal Finance Course?”

Best budgeting apps for 2022: Are they worthy of managing money?

By Fintech Freedom Editorial Team | Mar 30, 2022

What should you do to increase savings? Not just for saving, paying multiple bills can be a nightmare when a lot of necessary spending comes in your way. People struggling with their numerous debts only wish to know how to simplify their debt. They often consider bill consolidation programs to repay your bills. But this …

US 10-Year Treasury Yield

By Jeff McLean | Jul 25, 2020

US 10-Year Treasury Yield…July 1980: 10.1%July 1985: 10.5%July 1990: 8.5%July 1995: 6.5%July 2000: 6.0%July 2005: 4.3%July 2010: 3.0%July 2015: 2.3%July 2020: 0.6% — Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) July 23, 2020

College is expensive and growing costlier by the minute. As a result, more young adults are saying, “No thanks” to a four-year degree and finding more affordable ways to launch their careers. Instead of starting their adult life with nearly $30,000 in college debt, these financially savvy young adults are finding career paths that cost less to enter and offer a faster return on investment. Are you questioning whether college is right for you? Before spending thousands of dollars on a degree you’re not sure about, consider one of these alternative career paths instead. Join the Trades New college grads may earn more than newly employed blue-collar workers, but within ten years, tradespeople with at least a one-year certificate earn nearly as much as workers with four-year degrees. Not only that, but people who enter the trades start earning an income sooner and take on less debt at the start of their career. The average trade school degree costs $33,000 (in some cases, all you need is an apprenticeship). Meanwhile, a four-year degree from a public university costs $9,970 on average, and attending a private or out-of-state public university can be even more costly. Work in the Gig Economy When most people think of the gig economy, they think of side gigs like driving a rideshare or walking dogs. However, the gig economy encompasses far more than these part-time jobs. Designers, developers, handymen, IT technicians, caregivers, chefs, and more can find clients and earn high hourly rates. Popular gig economy apps have made it easier than ever to hire self-employed professionals. While working in the gig economy can be riskier than securing a full-time job, it’s a good fit for go-getters who value the freedom and flexibility to work wherever, whenever. Enter Public Service High student loan debt paired with low wages in the non-profit and public sectors makes it challenging for college graduates to afford a career in public service. While it’s possible to receive loan forgiveness in exchange for your public service, you have to make payments for 10 years before you can qualify. Even then, you might be denied. If you want to give back, there’s another way. High school graduates can join AmeriCorps, a national service program designed for young people. Unlike Peace Corps, most AmeriCorps programs don’t require a college degree to join. While AmeriCorps positions are time limited, graduates can use the professional experience they gain to advance their careers. AmeriCorps VISTA members also receive non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs following their service. Join the Military Whether you join the military for a few years to reap the GI bill benefits or stick it out until retirement, military service can be a smart way to start your career. There are drawbacks, of course, like the risk of deployment and not having control over where you’re stationed. However, for many young adults, that’s a fair tradeoff for a stable income, great benefits, and on-the-job training. If you don’t expect to stay in the service for the long run, choose a military career that readily translates to the civilian workforce. Listing your infantry job on a resume might not get you far in the civilian world, but including your military service in health science, cybersecurity, or human services may. If you’re interested in a career path that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, college is likely the right choice for you. Even then, it’s important to research job growth and salaries to make sure you’ll be able to pay off your student loans and afford a good quality of life. For everyone else? If you’re not confident college is for you, don’t go into debt just because it seems like the thing to do. There are a lot of ways to earn a great living without college, and if you do decide you need a degree, you can always go back to school in the future.

4 Options for a Great Career Without College Debt

By Jeff McLean | Aug 30, 2019

College is expensive and growing costlier by the minute. As a result, more young adults are saying, “No thanks” to a four-year degree and finding more affordable ways to launch their careers. Instead of starting their adult life with nearly $30,000 in college debt, these financially savvy young adults are finding career paths that cost …

Simplify & Automate Your Finances

By Jeff McLean | Jun 28, 2019

We have a habit of making our lives more complicated than they need to be. This includes our finances. The more I write the more I see how easy it can be to fall into the trap of complexity. This is especially true – although not always obvious – when it comes to our finances. …

How To Create A Budget

By Jeff McLean | Dec 24, 2018

There are likely a number of reasons for why you may want to start a budget. Perhaps, you just graduated college, got a new job, getting married, having kids, looking to retire, or wanting to purchase a home. These and other major life events might be the trigger but they are only a few of …

Get Rid Of Your Debt With These 11 Proven Steps

By Jeff McLean | Aug 1, 2018

Nobody wants to live life with debt even though approximately 80% of Americans carry some form of it. Debts are awful irrespective of type and amount. You can lose sleep at night all while being unable to secure your financial future. If you are in debt and want to become debt free on your own, then you should …