Here are my favorite personal finance and fintech posts from the month of August. Before we get into the posts just a quick note that FinCon is now less than a month away! I am excited to be joining and meeting so many other bloggers in Orlando later in September for my very first FinCon!
Blogging
101+ Things I Do As A Full-Time Blogger from Fitnancials
This is a comprehensive list showing the many, many tasks that go into blogging. I found it helpful and I am sure other bloggers will as well! Thank you, Alexis!
Books
The Simple Path To Wealth by JL Collins
This is one of the many books recommended on the Rockstar Finance directory of Money Books that I have been wanting to read. I am now almost finished reading it and it certainly did not disappoint! In a nutshell, the book can best be summed up as “Spend less than you earn-invest the surplus-avoid debt” In addition, keep investing simple! Great book for any level of knowledge on personal finance and investing. Would highly recommend! P.S. If JL happens to read this I would love to treat you to a beer or coffee anywhere in N.H. as a fellow granite stater! Jeff at fintechfreedom.com 🙂
Budgeting & Debt
US Household Debt Hits Record $13.3 Trillion from Zerohedge
As the article states “the total is now $618 billion higher than the previous peak of $12.68 trillion, from the third quarter of 2008.” Some might say debt is good – this is not a sentiment that you will find this website ever agreeing with.
The anti-dollar awakening could be ruder and sooner than most economists predict from CNBC
In general, I like to stay away from both mainstream media articles as well as those that can be viewed as having a political nature but this article I wanted to share because it was both well researched, informative and isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility. But as JL Collins states…ignore it because when it comes to investing you have to be right not once but twice when it comes to investing!
1 in 3 Americans have less than $5,000 saved for retirement–here’s why so many people can’t save from CNBC.
Okay, I said I would stay away from mainstream media but this one needs to be shared. The content of the article was generated from a recent Northwestern Mutual study which looks closely at individual consumer financial statistics.
FinTech
How Fintech is Disrupting the Modern Workplace from Finovate
This is just a few of the ways fintech companies are changing how we work. Speaking of the many ways Fintech is having an impact…take a look at AirTM which is tackling the problem of currency inflation. (See anti-dollar awakening post above)
Investing
Best Index Funds and ETFs at Fidelity – Harry over at The Finance Buff
A great explanation on the best index funds and ETFs over at Fidelity and worth a look for any investor who is currently investing with Fidelity.
The Difference Between an HSA and an FSA from The Financial Advisor
An often overlooked but an important topic…what are the differences between a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA). And here is another significant tax benefit to an HSA!
8 Alternative Investment Ideas For Further Research from Retire Before Dad
Today, there are so many amazing new ways almost anyone is able to invest. However, investing in alternative sectors such as art and music was never possible unless you were networked with certain groups of people or had enormous personal wealth. This article gives a good snapshot into the growing field of alternative investments.
Are Bonds for Losers? from Value Stock Geek
The bottom line is that bonds are important even in a rising interest rate environment. Here are a few lines from the article that I thought was particularly useful…
“The question I wanted to answer was how bonds held up during the Great Inflation of the 1960s and 1970s, which is the worst case scenario for interest rates rising. From 1960 to 1981, the prime rate rose from 4.5% to 20%. My instincts told me that bonds must have been completely crushed during this time period. They weren’t crushed. However, in inflation-adjusted returns, they barely kept up. In nominal terms, they performed surprisingly well. There was only one down year (1969) in which the bond market experienced a 1.35% decline.”
6 Ways to Brace Your Investments For Inflation from Investor Junkie
Inflation will likely continue to rise just as it almost always does. Learn the ways you can prepare. Great read!
Personal Finance
89 Personal Finance Tips – from Making Momentum
I just discovered Making Momentum in August and the content is great! This article has a number of great tips almost anyone can and should follow!
Real Estate
11 Best Mortgage Lenders to Buy a Home in 2018 from WellKeptWallet.
Let’s face it – there are countless places to get a mortgage these days! Good or bad can be argued both ways but if you are in the market for a mortgage the options can be overwhelming! This article goes into great detail about options you can find online and what to look out for.
How to Buy a House and Pay Off the Mortgage in Less Than 10 Years from ESI Money.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t strive to be like everyone else when it comes to buying a home. As Dave Ramsey often says…Don’t Be Normal, Normal Sucks!
How to List a House on Zillow from FitSmallBusiness
Let’s face it – technology is a tool that should be used to increase efficiency and reduce cost! This is happening in nearly every industry sector and has finally just now started to happen in real estate. This article does a great job of showing you how you can list and sell your home for sale by owner with easy to follow steps!
Retirement
Can You Contribute to a 401K and an IRA? From Well Kept Wallet
This great article answers many common questions that I hear on retirement investing.
How to Save For Retirement When You’re Self Employed from Chelsea over at Mama Fish Saves
If you want to learn more about individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and in saving for retirement this is the article for you!
Roth IRA vs. 401K How To Retire Rich over at WellKeptWallet
This is one of the most in-depth articles on this topic that I have read! Think you know all the differences? This article will show you even more advantages and disadvantages to both!
Saving
How Debt Spurs Economic Growth from The Wealthy Accountant
The bottom line is you should avoid debt at all possible costs! As a society, we have almost become numb to taking on more debt. This article from Keith does a great job explaining why becoming numb to debt is costing anyone who goes in the direction of debt.
92 Painless Ways To Save Money from DoughRoller
Detailed list of ways to save money well organized and comprehensive! Anyone can benefit from this amazing list!
10 Mint.com Alternatives from Club Thrifty
Mint just this past week updated their app but I’m still concerned they are in the past when it comes to what consumers of today are looking for in a budgeting and financial app. This list showcases some of the best alternatives.
The Benefits of Moving Next to Work and Getting Rid Of Your Car from The Budget Boy
The title is quite clear! This article covers everything you should consider and more!
Taxes
Section 199A – The Tax Break of the Century from the Mad Fientist
This article is by far the best article I have seen written on the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 as it pertains to small business owners, LLCs, and sole proprietors. I had a number of emails with my bookkeeper and accountant on this topic prior to reading this article. In short, this tax break is a great benefit for many and well worth the read for small business owners, LLCs and sole proprietors as you prepare your 2018 taxes.
The next post will include highlights from FinCon! Looking forward to seeing and meeting so many great bloggers!
Speaking of FinCon…For a look at other amazing content from the personal finance, community be sure to check out Rockstar Finance.
To see previous months I have listed the top picks from all months on the top posts page.
