To achieve financial freedom, you need some strategic approaches to minimizing long-term student debt.
Welcome to the 12th FLA Guest Blog Post! Today, we provide some insight on reducing long-term debt for young adults. Thank you to Chelsea from Business POP for sharing this helpful article.
Chelsea is an experienced Marketing and Advertising professional with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry. Chelsea is especially skilled in Digital Media advertising, Events, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Microsoft Suite, Data Analytics, Adobe products, and Marketing Strategy.
The digital age has unquestionably arrived. Incorporating new technologies into business procedures will be critical for owners who want to grow their businesses.
Business POP will show you how to grow your business through innovation. It is aimed at small and medium-sized business owners and will offer advice on what digital enhancements to consider and how such changes can help them grow.
The issue of student debt is a growing concern that affects millions of people nationwide. With the rising costs of education, the financial burden of student loans often lingers for years, or even decades, after graduation.
Therefore, it’s crucial to adopt smart strategies aimed at minimizing long-term student loan debt. Courtesy of Fresh Life Advice, we will examine various approaches that can make a significant impact on your financial future.
Look Into Scholarships and Grants
Seeking scholarships and grants is a pivotal first step for students looking to reduce the burden of educational costs. These forms of financial aid don’t require repayment, setting them apart as superior ways to fund your education. Universities, private organizations, and government programs all offer a variety of scholarships for different types of students and different fields of study.
When looking for scholarships, it’s important to cast a wide net. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, even those with smaller award amounts; these smaller scholarships can add up and make a significant difference in your overall financial situation. The key is to not overlook any opportunity, no matter how insignificant it may seem at first.
In addition to scholarships, grants are another often-overlooked resource for free educational funding. Contrary to popular belief, grants are not always automatically awarded to eligible students. Many grants require a separate application process, distinct from that of the general financial aid application.
This means you should be proactive in conducting detailed research and consult with your school’s financial aid office to identify all grant opportunities for which you might be eligible. A well-informed approach to securing grants can help you tap into institutional or specialized program offerings that can significantly reduce your overall tuition and fees.
Start Your Journey at a Community College
Starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year institution can be a strategic way to reduce your overall education costs.
Community colleges typically offer lower tuition rates, allowing you to complete general education courses at a fraction of the cost. By doing so, you can save tens of thousands of dollars on tuition fees.
However, it’s important to ensure that the credits you earn will transfer to your desired four-year institution. Consult academic advisors at both schools to map out a clear transfer pathway.
This approach not only reduces tuition costs but also offers the possibility of adapting to college-level work in a less financially risky environment.
Saving Through Online Programs
Enrolling in an online degree program offers a cost-effective way to obtain a quality education; this may be helpful for those balancing other commitments like work or family. Online programs often have lower tuition rates and eliminate additional expenses such as on-campus housing.
Moreover, the flexibility of online courses allows you to work part-time or even full-time, thereby reducing your dependence on loans for living expenses. This provides a dual benefit: gaining work experience while studying, which can make you more marketable upon graduation.
Part-Time Work During School
Part-time work, while challenging, is a valuable strategy for managing living expenses as a student. Securing jobs on or near the campus can be particularly beneficial due to their convenient locations and class-friendly schedules.
By covering daily costs through employment, students can reduce the need for larger loans, thus minimizing long-term debt. The goal is to balance work without sacrificing academic performance.
To help students maintain this balance, many colleges offer work-study programs tailored to class schedules. These programs provide an opportunity for students to earn while they learn.
Beyond the financial benefits, these roles can also offer invaluable experience, especially if they’re related to a student’s field of study. Prioritizing such opportunities can lead to both immediate financial relief and long-term career benefits.
Creating a budget specifically designed for student life is a crucial part of managing your finances effectively. The first step is to identify all your sources of income and itemize your expenses.
By understanding your financial landscape, you can make informed decisions on where to cut costs—like opting for a more economical meal plan or sharing an apartment to reduce living expenses. A budget is the cornerstone of a solid financial strategy as a student.
To maintain your budget, consistency is vital. Utilizing budgeting apps or software can help you keep a real-time track of your finances.
As your financial circumstances evolve, make sure to adjust your budget accordingly. It’s essential to review your budget regularly and make small, incremental changes, as these can lead to significant long-term savings.
Leveraging FAFSA for Financial Aid
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for anyone seeking financial assistance for college. Through FAFSA, you gain access to federal grants, work-study opportunities, and subsidized loans. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth applying—you might be surprised by the aid you’re offered.
Your FAFSA results will outline your eligibility for different types of financial assistance. Subsidized loans, for example, are more favorable than their unsubsidized counterparts, as the government pays the interest while you’re in school. Work-study programs, too, offer a way to earn money for college expenses while potentially gaining experience in your chosen field.
Exploring Alternative Education Options
Traditional four-year college programs aren’t the only pathway to a rewarding career. Alternative options, such as online courses, competency-based education, and vocational programs, can offer quality education at a fraction of the cost. By exploring these paths, you can avoid the trap of believing that a more expensive program is inherently better.
Trade schools, apprenticeships, and certification programs are excellent alternatives that often require less time and money than a traditional four-year degree. These options can lead to high-paying jobs and offer the added advantage of quicker entry into the workforce.
Mitigating long-term student debt requires proactive planning and smart choices. From scholarships and part-time work to budgeting and alternative education paths, various strategies can help minimize the financial burden of obtaining an education. By implementing the approaches outlined in this article, you can pursue your academic and career goals without being shackled by crippling debt.
Conclusion
Minimizing long-term student debt will set you up for success. By chipping away at debt, you’ll be able to build a bigger nest egg for retirement.
Although saving and investing is not easy, it will all be worthwhile in the end. Paying off student debt will relieve an immeasurable burden off your shoulders.
Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.
Personal Capital: The Ultimate Tool to track your Net Worth, Budget and more.
What are your thoughts on long-term student debt? Let me know in the comments below.
To embrace affluence, you need some strategies to rewire your money mindset for a life of prosperity.
Welcome to the 11th FLA Guest Blog Post! Today, we provide some steps to financial independence for young adults. Thank you to Chelsea from Business POP for sharing this helpful article.
Chelsea is an experienced Marketing and Advertising professional with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry. Chelsea is especially skilled in Digital Media advertising, Events, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Microsoft Suite, Data Analytics, Adobe products, and Marketing Strategy.
The digital age has unquestionably arrived. Incorporating new technologies into business procedures will be critical for owners who want to grow their businesses.
Business POP will show you how to grow your business through innovation. It is aimed at small and medium-sized business owners and will offer advice on what digital enhancements to consider and how such changes can help them grow.
Most people do not have the money mindset needed to maintain a fruitful life of prosperity. This article, courtesy of the Fresh Life Advice blog, aims to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to embrace affluence.
From budgeting basics to smart education investments and emergency fund essentials, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to financial security and independence.
You Need a Budget
Your attitude towards money can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. A positive money mindset can pave the way for financial stability, enabling you to live a comfortable and rewarding life, and realize your aspirations.
Conversely, a negative money mindset often leads to unwise financial choices, stress, and a diminished quality of life. Developing a healthy money mindset is about more than just amassing wealth; it involves making intelligent decisions with the resources at your disposal.
In this article, shared by Fresh Life Advice, we will delve into seven vital strategies that can assist you in transforming your money mindset, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and fulfilling life. By embracing these practices, you will be well-positioned to attain financial stability, expand your wealth, and nurture a positive relationship with money.
Look Into About Investing
Shifting your perspective from saving to investing is one of the first steps towards transforming your money mindset. Instead of keeping all your money in a low-interest savings account, consider investing in assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate that offer potential growth.
Diversifying your investments is essential to minimize risk and maximize returns over time. Continuous evaluation of your investment portfolio and adjusting your strategy based on current market conditions will also help in achieving your financial goals faster.
Engaging a financial advisor can be beneficial in creating a customized investment plan that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. With a growth-focused mindset, you can put your money to work and generate passive income.
Find Ways to Leverage Your Home Equity
Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on it. Tapping into your home equity for strategic purposes, such as funding education, home improvements, or starting a business, can be a smart move.
However, it’s crucial to use this equity responsibly, as mismanagement can lead to financial difficulties or even the loss of your property. Consult with financial professionals to understand the implications of borrowing against your home equity and ensure that you’re making informed decisions that won’t jeopardize your property’s value.
Automate Your Finances
Automating your budgeting and investment processes is an indispensable strategy for maintaining financial discipline. By setting up automatic payments for your bills and investments, you not only streamline your finances but also prevent late fees and missed payments, which can have detrimental effects on your credit score.
Automatic contributions to your investment accounts also ensure that your money is working for you on a consistent basis, taking advantage of compound growth over time. With the plethora of online tools and apps available today, tracking your expenses, savings, and investments has never been easier. Automation also removes the element of guesswork and reduces the likelihood of errors that are often associated with manual money management.
Learn All You Can About Investing
Knowledge is indeed power, especially when it comes to investing. By educating yourself about various investment options, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and retirement accounts, you empower yourself to make informed decisions that are in line with your financial goals.
Engage in continuous learning by taking online courses, attending seminars, and reading financial blogs and books. This will not only enhance your investment knowledge but also help you stay updated on current market trends and opportunities.
Armed with the right information, you will find yourself more confident in making investment choices and better equipped to navigate the complex world of financial markets. Ultimately, this knowledge will serve as a valuable tool in your journey toward financial prosperity.
Financial planning involves creating a comprehensive plan that outlines your financial goals and the steps needed to achieve them. This includes considering factors like retirement, emergency funds, and major expenses.
By creating a well-structured plan, you can guide your financial choices, stay on track, and avoid making impulsive decisions that can derail your financial progress. Seeking the guidance of a professional financial planner can be beneficial in creating a customized financial plan that aligns with your unique circumstances and goals.
Develop a Spending Plan
A realistic spending plan is an indispensable tool for effective financial management. By meticulously categorizing your expenses into essential and discretionary buckets, you can clearly delineate between your needs and wants, enabling you to prioritize necessities over luxuries.
As you go through your expenses, identify areas where you can cut back on spending and allocate those savings more productively, such as towards investments or building an emergency fund. A well-thought-out spending plan not only helps you live within your means but also prevents you from falling into the trap of overspending that can lead to financial stress.
Consistency is key when it comes to following this plan; regular adherence will ensure that you save steadily over time. By staying committed to your spending plan, you cultivate healthy financial habits that contribute to long-term financial stability. Ultimately, this disciplined approach to managing your finances lays the foundation for a secure and comfortable future.
Consider Starting a Business
If you aspire to start a business, venturing into B2B entrepreneurship can be a viable option. Before starting, understand the fundamentals of business creation, including marketing strategies, identifying target clients, nurturing leads, and measuring success.
Take time to research the market, analyze your competition, and create a strong business plan (give this a view for more info). Starting a business involves risks, so ensure you have adequate savings and a fallback plan in case your business venture doesn’t pan out as expected.
Transforming your money mindset is a journey that requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn. By embracing and applying these seven key strategies, you can shift your perspective on money, gain greater control over your finances, and set the stage for a more prosperous future. This transformation is not just about accumulating wealth but fostering a positive relationship with money.
By consistently focusing on long-term financial goals and adopting a growth-oriented mindset, you can ultimately achieve a fulfilling and stress-free life. Remember, a healthy money mindset is an essential foundation for building a life of abundance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Doing this stuff is tough. It takes practice, and you’ll slip back into your old habits more than once. But you have to keep trying and trying. And trying.
If you’re struggling with one of the ways to rewire your mind, then look a little deeper into why that might be. But, over time, you’ll develop a positive money mindset.
Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.
Personal Capital: The Ultimate Tool to track your Net Worth, Budget and more.
What are your thoughts on prosperity? Let me know in the comments below.
Financial independence is the ultimate goal for most people. It’s critical to start saving as early as you can for most young adults to prepare for the future.
Welcome to the 10th FLA Guest Blog Post! Today, we provide some steps to financial independence for young adults. Thank you to Chelsea from Business POP for sharing this helpful article.
Chelsea is an experienced Marketing and Advertising professional with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry. Chelsea is especially skilled in Digital Media advertising, Events, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Microsoft Suite, Data Analytics, Adobe products, and Marketing Strategy.
The digital age has unquestionably arrived. Incorporating new technologies into business procedures will be critical for owners who want to grow their businesses.
Business POP will show you how to grow your business through innovation. It is aimed at small and medium-sized business owners and will offer advice on what digital enhancements to consider and how such changes can help them grow.
Embarking on the journey of adulthood is a thrilling adventure, filled with novel experiences and responsibilities. One of the most crucial tasks young adults face is navigating the complex world of personal finance. This article, courtesy of the Fresh Life Advice blog, aims to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to steer your financial ship confidently.
From budgeting basics and savvy shopping tips to smart education investments and emergency fund essentials, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to financial security and independence.
You Need a Budget
The first step toward financial independence begins with a well-planned budget, the cornerstone of sound financial management. Starting out, identify all your income sources and list your monthly expenses. This list should include everything from rent and utilities to groceries and transportation.
Once you’ve accounted for these essentials, allocate funds for savings and discretionary spending. Remember, a budget is more than just tracking your bills. It’s about understanding your financial habits and planning for both short-term and long-term goals.
Your Budget Will Change
Your financial situation can change over time due to income fluctuations, lifestyle changes, or unexpected expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect these changes.
Thankfully, there are numerous budgeting apps and online tools available to simplify this process. These platforms can help you track your spending, identify areas for improvement, and ensure you stick to your financial plan. With a solid budget, you’re well on your way to navigating the complexities of personal finance with confidence.
Higher Education Is an Investment in Your Future
Boosting your earnings often requires a strategic investment in your education. The long-term impact of going back to school can be substantial, leading to higher-paying job opportunities and greater financial stability. However, the thought of returning to school may seem challenging due to the perceived time commitment or cost.
This is where online degree programs can be a boon. These programs offer huge time savings and reduced financial burden, allowing you to learn at your own pace, eliminating commuting time, and often lower tuition costs compared to on-campus learning.
By furthering your education, you not only gain new skills and knowledge but also enhance your value in the job market. Whether it’s a new degree, a certification, or a skill development course, the time and effort you put into your education can pay off significantly in the long run by boosting your earning potential.
For many young adults, dining out can become a frequent indulgence. However, this habit can quickly put a serious dent in your budget. Conversely, cooking at home emerges as a cost-effective and rewarding alternative. Not only does it help you save money, but it also offers you complete control over the ingredients you use, making it a healthier choice overall. By swapping a few restaurant meals with home-cooked ones each week, you can significantly cut down on your food expenses.
Dive Into New Culinary Adventures
Starting your culinary journey doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Begin with simple recipes that require a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques. As you gain confidence, gradually expand your culinary repertoire by trying out more complex dishes.
Investing in essential kitchen appliances and pantry staples is key to making this transition smoother, and often you can find affordable deals through sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing meals that not only rival those of your favorite restaurants but are kinder to your wallet as well.
Tamp Down Impulse Buying, Shop for Deals
Impulse purchases can quickly derail your budget. To avoid them, adopt a mindful shopping approach. Ask yourself if you truly need the item or if you’re simply attracted to the novelty or sale price.
Implement a waiting period for significant purchases. Giving yourself 24 hours to think it over can help you distinguish between wants and needs, preventing unnecessary spending.
Shop Mindfully
When it comes to shopping, especially for big-ticket items, never settle for the first price you see. This is where savvy shopping comes into play. It’s all about doing your research, comparing prices from different sellers, and hunting for the best deals. Sales and discounts are a great way to stretch your dollars further. In addition, many stores offer loyalty programs that can give you access to exclusive deals and rewards.
In recent years, online shopping has become increasingly popular due to its convenience. You can compare prices, read product reviews, and even score better deals all from the comfort of your home. However, it’s important to be vigilant when shopping online. Always ensure you’re buying from reputable websites, check product reviews from other customers, and ensure secure payment options to protect yourself from online scams.
Avoid Overspending with Credit Cards
While credit cards can be beneficial for building credit history, they can also lead to overspending. If you choose to use a credit card, ensure you pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Consider using cash or a debit card for everyday purchases. This method helps you stay within your budget since you can only spend what you have.
Avoid Payday Loans, Build an Emergency Fund
At first glance, payday loans might seem like a quick fix during a cash crunch. They offer immediate access to funds when you’re in a bind and can’t wait until your next paycheck. However, these short-term loans often come with high-interest rates and fees that can quickly add up. If not managed properly, they can trap you in a cycle of debt, where you’re constantly borrowing to pay off previous loans.
Grow an Emergency Fund
Instead of relying on payday loans, focus on building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Start by setting a goal to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This might seem daunting, but even small, regular contributions can add up over time.
Having an emergency fund provides a financial independence safety net, giving you peace of mind and reducing the need to resort to costly payday loans. By prioritizing savings, you’re investing in your future financial stability.
Conclusion
Achieving financial independence as a young adult involves proactive planning, informed decision-making, and disciplined spending. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to protecting yourself and your wallet.
Remember, the financial habits you form now will set the tone for your financial health in the future.
Disclosure: Fresh Life Advice is an opinion-based website. I am not a financial advisor, and the opinions on this site should not be considered financial advice.
Personal Capital: The Ultimate Tool to track your Net Worth, Budget and more.
What are your thoughts on recessions? Let me know in the comments below.
As the holiday season is finally here, Fresh Life Advice is giving you all presents. I present to you my favorite top 10 best money blogs to improve your personal finance knowledge.
Collectively, these best money blogs incorporate topics on investing, retirement, estate planning, budgeting, saving, estate planning, mortgages, and many more money related subjects. Their articles are packed with information that keep you stimulated throughout your own personal finance journey.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
-Isaac Newton, Mathematician
What was Newton referring to?
He had the brilliant idea of using knowledge bestowed upon him by great thinkers of previous generations and utilizing their fundamental principles to propel his own understanding to a higher level.
We can apply this same philosophy to personal finance. As you read about me, you know that I’m always looking to learn and advance. Consistent success and growth stem from constant self-improvement.
As you follow FLA through my expedition to early retirement, I will make plenty of mistakes. Inevitable mistakes.
The wise ones with plenty of experience are aware that the path to success is not a straight line. It’s a zig-zag, circular, loop-de-loop type of path that will lead to failure after failure after failure. But the successful ones do not succumb to such intimidating obstacles in their way. They continually battle and never give up. This has been one of the most important lessons I have ever learned.
As I’m always learning and reading, I would like to share with you some of my favorite finance and money blogs that I religiously read. Some of these people have already achieved financial freedom. They represent role models that show you early retirement has been done before or will be completed. Myth debunked.
Fresh Life Advice, on the other hand, is trying to give you a perspective of the beginning of the journey. I want you to learn from my mistakes so you don’t make the same ones.
Top 10 Best Money Blogs
Hopefully, I will be able to collaborate and work with these bloggers in some type of way in the future. The old adage claims that two heads are better than one. Without further ado, below are some of the best money blogs:
My Money Wizard commenced in 2015, and I’ve been an avid reader ever since. Sean works as a financial analyst so he does have a background in economics. Whether it’s touting index funds or analyzing the optimal order in which to invest your money, I see many parallels between FLA and The Money Wiz. Sean’s been tracking his net worth every month and is on track to retire by age 35. My Money Wizard is one of the most humble and down-to-Earth blogs you will see in the Personal Finance blogosphere.
J. Money was one of the first in the game to publicly track his net worth in 2008. With such transparency, this best money blog allows you to track your own net worth alongside J$ to see if you are on pace for your own goals. J. Money made downloadable Excel spreadsheets that will aid with budgeting and net worth tracking. In 2019, J. Money sold the attention-grabbing blog Budgets Are Sexy to The Motley Fool.
Joel has now taken over the blog in 2020 and is one of the most dedicated bloggers I’ve read. Joel wakes up every single day, weekday and weekends, at 5 AM to seize the day. Although this lifestyle may not be for everyone, including his own wife, Joel’s productivity in Los Angeles is through the roof.
Grant’s incredible claim to fame was going from being broke with a balance of $2.26 in his bank account to saving over $1 million in less than 5 years. Grant was earning $50,000 a year in his day job and saving about 20 percent, but he knew it wouldn’t be enough. So he launched a side hustle building websites for law firms, and invested the vast majority of what he made in index funds. Now, Millennial Money has appeared on every major news outlet, and Grant has even gotten to hang out with Rachel Ray to promote his book Financial Freedom.
In 2009, Sam began writing Financial Samurai. Sam did not graduate from any Ivy League school, but he still managed to outwork his competition and got a job for Goldman Sachs out of college. In 1999, he made a $3,000 investment in VCSY and was blessed with a 5,000% return from the Dotcom Bubble. Part of it was luck, but he had done his research, and the big risk paid off immensely. From there, Sam never looked back. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and became a Vice President of his company by age 27. After saving more than 70% of his after-tax income, he was able to retire at age 34 in San Francisco with a net worth of over 2 million dollars. Sam now writes via Financial Samurai for an audience of over 1 million readers every single month. As an expert in negotiating and wealth management, Sam always generates profound posts that make you truly think.
Mr. Tako is one of the wealthiest bloggers that discusses money. Despite what you would assume, his wife and him did not work on Wall Street, receive a large inheritance, sell stocks before the financial crisis of 2008, or flip real estate. No, in fact, Mr. and Mrs. Tako have just been disciplined investors that have weathered the uneasy storm of harsh financial markets and have worked hard to retire at the age of 38. They now enjoy cooking delicious meals and homeschooling their 2 sons in their home in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Mr. Tako often provides insightful commentary and predictions about individual equities. His whole reason for writing Mr. Tako Escapes is to document financial independence and provide a resourceful guide for both of his sons to use when they grow older.
Jacob is not only the creator of Early Retirement Extreme but also seems to be the founder of the FIRE movement altogether. Mr. Fisker is one of the most frugal people you will read about with expenses so low that he will make you question your own annual purchases. After living a thrifty life as a PhD astrophysicist and biking to all of his destinations, he was able to free himself of Corporate America by the astounding age 33. In his book Early Retirement Extreme, he explains how his smart financial choices and simple living brought him financial freedom at such an early age.
Another one of the best money blogs is Get Rich Slowly, authored by J.D. Roth. He is a self-proclaimed “professional nerd, accidental personal-finance expert, dog lover, and whiskey drinker.” With so many personal finance sites on the web, J.D. stood out by documenting his struggles to get out of debt in 2006. The idea behind Get Rich Slowly was to convey that there are no shortcuts to achieving wealth. Everyone wants a get-rich-quick scheme, but J.D. exalted the idea of delayed gratification.
When people think of the FIRE movement and best money blogs, usually Mr. Money Mustache is the first person that comes to mind. Many note Pete’s blog as the first website that got them hooked into the pursuit of Early Retirement. MMM developed an iconic yet simple chart that showed if you started saving more money, you’d be able to cut down your working years by a significant amount of years. This, in turn, saved many people the headache of continually slaving away in the office. Pete was a software engineer who reached total financial independence at the ripe age of 30. After he promptly quit his job, he started a side construction business as a hobby. The man with the wacky blog name now enjoys his freedom fully with his wife and son.
Jeremy and Winnie were able to hit financial independence in their 30’s. Go Curry Cracker and his wife pride themselves on traveling and exploring the world. The Go Curry Cracker site has many travel hacks, tax tips, and great insight to get you the best bang for your buck. By saving and resisting the splurge on unnecessary purchases, this couple now enjoys more annual vacations than they could ever imagine. With a playful yet analytical tone, Go Curry Cracker shows you how you can make the world your adventure too.
J.L. Collins is a FI blogger that is most noted for The Stock Series. Starting out selling flyswatters door-to-door, he is now an accomplished consultant, speaker, and author of one of the best money blogs. J.L. is also an avid index fund investor and world traveler. Based off of his blog, he’s written a book The Simple Path to Wealth, which chronicles his rags to riches life. J.L. Collins discusses controversial dollar cost averaging (DCA) and other interesting investment strategies on the honest best money blog.
Moreover, the Internet is a vast endless space so this list is ever-growing as I read and find more interesting sites along my journey. I’m always looking for new recommendations because an important part of life is the continual pursuit of education and self-growth. With that being said, I cannot limit the list to only 10 websites, so I must also present the honorable mentions for the best money blogs.
The story of Chris and Jenni stems all the way back to middle school, when they first met. After going to high school and college together, they eventually got married with similar financial goals. Chris and Jenni reached FI at age 33 to retire early at 35. Their goal became a reality. Chris and Jenni offer principals they learned along the way that readers could adapt to their own lives. They even started a Reader’s Fund, which generously donates monthly to non-profits of the blog readers’ choice! This Donor-Advised Fund is something FLA hopes to start too and something other best money blogs should mimic for the greater good.
Impersonal Finances is written by a man in his 30’s living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite what you may have predicted, he does not work in the tech industry. His blog chronicles how it’s possible to live in one of the most expensive areas in the U.S. but still retire early through consistent investment and constant saving. IF has one of the best senses of humor around that makes personal finance enjoyable to read.
Noel is 2nd generation Chicano union carpenter with a lot of soul. He is not only a veteran of the Iraq War but also has backpacked around the world…twice. Is there anything this blogger can’t do? His travel has given him and his wife a taste of retirement. The site Happily Disengaged talks about consumerism, the corporate rat race, and anything to do with commuting on a freeway. With the eventual dream of living in Spain full time, Noel writes this blog to make both of his daughters proud.
If you have a career as a physician, then the Physician on Fire site is for you. Even if you are not a physician, you can learn so much from Lief’s approach towards money and his financial independence journey. He is an anesthesiologist by day, but he makes sure family comes first. PoF is definitely not afraid to speak his mind, and that’s exactly what you want in lieu of the slimy financial advisors that beat around the bush to make a quick buck off of your ignorance. All in all, Lief covers topics from income earning to credit cards and much more. You can look forward to his weekly series The Sunday Best, where he features other refreshing reads from around the personal finance blogosphere.
Founded in 2016, Kelan and Brittany have a mission as The Savvy Couple to help families learn how to budget their money, organize their life, and unlock the freedom to do more of the things they love! This pursuit is simple yet very admirable. Once children are introduced into the mix, expenses and budgeting are thrown to the side, but Kelan and Brittany are there to keep you in line using tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix, automating systems, and outsourcing menial tasks.
Financial Fred is written by who else, but Fred himself! As a millennial in these fast-paced times, Fred advocates that everyone should become more financially responsible. He loves to read and write about finance, economics, and how emotions affect our decisions. Currently working on his CPA designation, he’s had several management and executive roles within the field of finance. Thus, you can trust that Fred knows what he’s talking about.
In 2016, Graham took a year off from working as a stock broker in Toronto, Canada. He mused and took time to prioritize his financial goals in life. From then on, Reverse The Crush was born. If you’re looking to build income streams through blogging and dividend investing to reach financial independence, then Reverse The Crush is the place to start.
No, Sean and Simone do not currently own a farm. But the name Our Intentional Farm is “about planting seeds of intention to reap a well-balanced and joyful life.” With the hopes to inspire and encourage others in similar financial situations, Sean and Simone show you how to keep track and rid yourself of debt. These are compelling articles that are not hypothetical situations. Instead, they represent real-life struggles to learn how to manage finances. The style is relaxed, while the content is rich.
The Working At Home Man name is pretty self-explanatory. Matt has been working from home ever since 2017 only to discover that working from home has many more benefits to working in the office. If you’re looking to live a similar lifestyle, then Matt has plenty of resources to help you on your path to financial independence. The Working At Home Man also publishes monthly updates along with his portfolio progress.
Common Cents Lifestyle came to life after Ashley found her passion in helping others with personal finance. She currently holds an MBA and has spent her expansive career in the world of finance. Ashley has a great understanding of retirement accounts, insurance, and general business. She even has a successful track record of growing several small businesses to medium-sized business. In her free time, Ashley loves to travel and ski. Not a bad way to spend your free time.
21. Max Out of Pocket – Max
Max Out of Pocket is not just a fun pun. In truth, Max created this blog with a wealth of knowledge from both the healthcare industry and the personal finance space. Armed with answers to every medical question you may have, Max shares information from his experience of working more than a decade in the American healthcare system. Knowing how the corporate world can be rewarding, toxic, and addictive, Max is here to help make your mental and physical life easier.
D4J has one of the most creative names on the list. Some live and die by stock dividends. Dividends have yet to fail D4J. D4J writes the Divs4Jesus blog, including some pretty good stuff about investing. I’ve learned a thing or two from reading this blog, which means it definitely merits inclusion into the best money blogs honorable mentions. He shows how a diversified portfolio of 33 stocks and bonds can provide considerable passive income. For those of you who didn’t know, Jesus’ age at the time of his death was also 33.
GenY Money a fun site that’s chock-full of great material to help you manage your finances. As you probably have guessed from the site name, GYM is a member of Generation Y. She’s here to prove that Gen Y is not entitled, spoiled, and lazy after all. Gen Y can be very good with money, and GYM has all the tips for you to learn. In her 30’s and living in one of the most expensive cities in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, GYM shares net worth updates along the way to the target $1 million goal by age 40.
Jordan is the creator of FIRE Your Own Way. Discovering FIRE is life-altering for many, and the story was no different for Jordan. She was able to save over $200,000 by age of 30 and is now well on her way to retire by 40. As a fellow proponent of experimentation and optimization, Jordan continues exploring for different ways to Financial Independence. Whether you want to retire early or retire eventually, Jordan is there to shed light on the process.
Mr. Robot is not actually a robot. Artificial Intelligence running personal finance blogs may become the norm, but humans are still generally the faces behind these sites. Financially free in 10 years is exactly what it sounds like. A Dutch man in his mid-30’s using the pseudonym Mr. Robot works in IT by day and runs this blog at night. Mr. Robot aims to retire at age 55 to enjoy the most of his freedom with his wife Mrs. Robot and child Lil’ Bot in The Netherlands. Like FLA, Mr. Robot also enjoys sports and movies in his free time. Without fail, Mr. Robot is the go-to guy for an obscure movie reference or sound personal finance advice.
When I read Kevin’s story, what struck me was the mentality he adopted to take control of his money. That is, he decided to look at his personal life as a business. He looked for ways to lower expenses, increase revenue, and pay down debt. It’s inspiring to read, and he continues to write insightful posts.
Fresh Life Advice will keep a running list of the best money blogs that will be continually changing, as this list is not intended to be comprehensive.
Fortunately, I have come to known some of these sites’ creators on a personal basis. I can assure you these people truly do want to spread financial knowledge to as many readers as possible. Readers that are earnestly searching for personal finance knowledge. All of these best money bloggers have a passion for helping others navigate the often confusing world of personal and business finances.
The aforementioned blogs should make for plenty of reading material to keep you busy during the holiday season! I really hope you learn something interesting from reading all of those amazing money, investing, and personal finance blogs!
If you have any websites or niches that come to mind, please include them in the comment section below. I cannot promise to add them, but I can guarantee I will check them out and read as much as I can.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
What does your ideal day of retirement look like? What’s the perfect day of leisure that you envision?
Early retirement, and retirement in general for that matter, is the dream we fantasize about every so often. Some even obsess over it. Guilty as charged…
The underlying idea is that we may be trying to escape from reality. Maybe it’s that soul-crushing 9-5 job or that abusive relationship or even that condescending boss. Whatever the case may be, you’ve most likely thought about retirement.
It’s human nature to stress over the future. We ultimately want to be happy, each and every single one of us.
But we generally overlook the present. If you were to retire right now, what would it look like? Yes, walk through the scenario with me:
You’ve just handed in your resignation letter to your boss [yes, in this hypothetical you’ve already given your 2 weeks’ notice].
Your coworkers celebrated with cake [yes, they enjoyed the cake more than the speeches about you].
You’ve said your final goodbyes [yes, you’ll only keep in touch with the people who truly matter to you].
Really take a second to imagine. What would your ideal day of retirement look like? Most have the cliché fantasy of lavish vacations to the Bahamas or extravagant parties on yachts. If you can actually afford those without putting yourself into debt, then you certainly do not need to be reading this blog.
A perfect day doesn’t actually cost millions to achieve or require much to make it happen. Contrary to popular belief and how most of the lottery-hungry population makes it out to be, you don’t need to spend money to be happy.
Before we start, I’d like to disclose that I’m a night owl. 80% of the population find themselves as intermediate with minor preference for mornings or evenings while the remaining 20% of the population are either true morning people or true night owls. Night owls habitually get a bad rap for being lazy for sleeping in. To my fellow night owls, this is disparaging criticism does not hold much merit because night owls are awake just as long as morning people. The only difference is our body clocks are shifted a couple of hours behind. This stems from genetics, age, and environment.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way…
10:00 AM – Wake up after a full night’s sleep.
10:00 AM to 10:20 AM – Mediate and repeat some positive affirmations. Journal and jot down some goals for the day (i.e. write a new blog post). And of course, make my bed. This small accomplishment always propels the momentum for the day into full swing.
10:20 AM to 11:00 AM – I’m a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I routinely rotate between French toast, eggs, and oatmeal with fruit.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Cross off a couple of goals by crafting new FLA blog posts. My mind will be energized from a hearty breakfast so this should be relatively fulfilling.
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Work out. I enjoy weightlifting 4-5 times per week, even with a full time job. Without a full time job, I’ll be able to sleep and recover more to build stronger muscles. On this blog, we talk about money a lot… At the end of the day, money doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t healthy enough to live long and enjoy your luxurious life. Make your health a priority.
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM – As you’ve noticed, I eat quickly just by force of habit. I would take this time to eat an enjoyable lunch. Besides the quintessential bodybuilding chicken, broccoli, and brown rice meal, I frequently like to switch out the proteins and carbs for alternatives like salmon, tuna, steak, and sweet potato, butternut squash, chickpeas and black beans, respectively.
1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – I’ve really never been a big proponent of napping throughout my life. But I’ve come to learn the human body was meant to have a midafternoon nap, according to a new consensus among sleep researchers who are studying the biological rhythms of sleep and alertness. This stems from evolution, where our ancestors would take turns sleeping to always allow someone to be awake to keep the tribe safe from predators. Theoretically, I will be sleeping much more during early retirement, but I’ll just have to experiment to see if naps improve my quality of life.
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM – While the sun’s still out, I’ll go for a walk. Walking is an extremely underrated activity. Recent studies show that walking as little as two hours per week can help you live longer and reduce the risk of disease. You’ll clear your head, enjoy nature, and also burn calories without even breaking a sweat.
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Free time! I will most likely snack on some kind of fruit like an apple, banana, or kiwi while challenging my mind to a puzzle, game of chess, or even Sudoku. Whether it’s learning a new language, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or playing an instrument, I’d like to reserve this time slot for self-improvement.
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – I enjoy cooking and would love to try out recipes I’ve read about in various cook books. A cook follows a recipe, while a chef creates a meal on the fly. I’d work on transitioning from a cook to a chef. This hour would be solely dedicated to dinner.
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM – As readers of FLA know, I’m a movie buff. I’ve seen over 100 movies in 2020 alone with newfound quarantine time. My favorite genre of movies is thrillers, but I’m always open to seeing obscure titles most people would never think of viewing. This would be classified as time to unwind.
10:00 PM to 11:00 PM – Some of the smartest people on the planet attribute to their success to the books they’ve read. This last hour of the day would be dedicated to reading anything off my book shelf. Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep ironically helps put me to sleep.
Will every day look like this? No, of course not. But it’s a day I am proud of and would be happy to live many times.
When I reveal my plan for early retirement, the number one response I hear from friends, family, and strangers is:
“Wow, I could never retire early. I would be so bored.”
Well, take a look at my ideal day. I don’t see any boredom. In fact, I see days filled with opportunity and freedom.
When I think of boredom, I think of number-filled spreadsheets, monotonous status update meetings, and microwaved lunches. This is synonymous with the 9-5 corporate life.
Hey, maybe the daily grind is for you. No judgement whatsoever. But I know for a fact that it’s not for me.
Cost of Ideal Day of Retirement
Did you notice how little I spent in my hypothetical perfect day of early retirement?
The small things in life consistently make us the happiest. Those mansions, yachts, and fancy cars will inevitably leave you empty on the inside. We wonder why celebrities develop drug addictions and have messy divorces. That’s another story, but the ones we idolize don’t have it figured out. I’m here to remind you to try different things in your own life to make you happy.
I started a list of all the things I would do with unlimited time and some money. I’m always baffled by people who say they are bored. Even with unlimited freedom, I still feel like I wouldn’t have enough time to do everything I want.
Here are some ideas to fill your early retirement days:
Teach your kids everything – math, science, finance, programming, hardware, woodworking, cooking, hunting, writing, art, music, etc.
Build businesses partner, friends, or even with your kids [I know what you’re thinking – No, I do not condone child labor.]
Vacation with your partner – luxurious ones that he or she deserves
Act in a play
Camp in the outdoors
Canoe trips
Hunt
Start a band – try out a new instrument whether it be guitar, piano, or clarinet
Volunteer to help disadvantaged youth
Get into woodworking
Build and ride old motorcycles
Try Brazilian jiu-jitsu – it’s never too late to procure a black belt
Work out every day
Enter a bodybuilding or powerlifting competition
Complete a triathlon
Take surfing lessons
Become a part time Little League Coach
Help any family that is struggling with your time, give them a leg up, but also stick around to guide them
Whatever happens after you achieve financial freedom is ultimately up to you.
It’s a tough question to ask yourself but absolutely necessary:
What will you do during your ideal day of early retirement?
