#149 Holiday Hustle 10 Ways to Boost Your Finances

#149: Holiday Hustle: 10 Ways to Boost Your Finances –

The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, and the busy holiday hustle.

Covering unexpected expenses this holiday season might be challenging, but the holiday hustle doesn’t have to drain your wallet. 

You can enjoy the festivities without compromising your financial goals with a little planning and creativity. 

Ideally, the holiday season is a time for you to enjoy more time with loved ones, the magic of the season, and look forward to a bright new year to come.

It might be a stressful time of year, but there are ways you can strategize and plan to make it a wonderful time of year for yourself and your loved ones.

This article is designed to help you holiday hustle your way to financial success. So if you’re ready, here are 10 tips to support your financial future this holiday season.

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#148 A Holiday Guide for FIRE Tools for Financial Freedom

#148: A Holiday Guide for FIRE: Tools for Financial Freedom –

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while you’re busy buying gifts for loved ones, a holiday guide for FIRE may be a great gift for yourself. Or perhaps it may inspire other gift ideas for your loved ones.

The holidays bring fun and a season of magic, but these times can also be stressful. With frequent activities and a shopping list that seems to never end, you might feel overwhelmed.

If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed this time of year, take time for self-care. Perhaps you want to reassess where you stand on your FIRE goals, or maybe you’d rather relax and enjoy the holiday season with a new FIRE resource.

Regardless of where you stand this holiday season with goals or self-care, this holiday guide for FIRE will give you a list of valuable resources and tools to explore. Use this upcoming holiday guide to help you stay on track with your FIRE journey, or to help a loved one as they begin to explore a similar path.

In this article, I’ll share a list of some of my favorite FIRE tools and resources. This list includes books, courses, software, communities, and other valuable tools to support a FIRE journey.

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#139 Is Transferring Colleges Worth It

#139: Is Transferring Colleges Worth It? –

You’re about to make a major choice, but you ask yourself for the hundredth time, “Is transferring colleges worth it?”

You’ve debated your options, weighing the pros and cons. You’ve consulted with a few trusted friends and advisors, yet you’re still unconvinced.

You know you started your college career where you’re at for a reason, but it no longer feels like the right place.

Let’s face it, we’ve all made a choice we regretted at some point or another. But making an expensive choice, like going to the wrong college feels more painful.

So what do you do? Do you tough it out for a few more semesters? Or do you pack up your things and hope to roam on greener pastures, wherever you go?

I once found myself faced with a similar choice after I started my freshman year of undergrad. Eventually, I did transfer, but I’ll get into that later.

The choice wasn’t easy for me, and I doubt it’s easy for you. Your future is at stake, after all, so it’s a scary choice to make. What if you choose wrong?

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you can confidently answer the question, “Is transferring colleges worth it for me?”

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#133 Is It Worth It to Live in a High Cost of Living (HCOL) Area (1)

#133: Is It Worth It to Live in a High Cost of Living (HCOL) Area? –

The allure of a bustling high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area is undeniable.

You gain access to trendy restaurants, world-class museums, and various other entertainment options. The career options are extensive as well.

If you’re seeking a vibrant lifestyle and a dynamic job market, life in an HCOL area might be appealing.

But the name implies a question: is the high cost of living worth it?

In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of living in an HCOL area to help you answer this question for yourself. We’ll also explore some alternatives that may be worth your consideration.

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#128 How to Increase Your Net Worth 5 Tips for Success (psst... buying a house isn't one of them!)

#128: How to Increase Your Net Worth: 5 Tips for Success (psst… buying a house isn’t one of them!) –

If financial independence (or freedom) matters to you then you should consider how to increase your net worth.

Financial independence can give you the freedom to live life on your terms, free from the constraints of a paycheck (unless you love your job).

But how do you achieve financial freedom?

This is where the concept of net worth comes in.

Financial independence conjures up images of early retirement, pursuing passions, and freedom from the daily grind. But how do you achieve this elusive state? The answer lies in your net worth, and you’ll soon find out why.

In this article, you’ll learn how your net worth is tied to your ability to achieve financial independence. You’ll also learn some simple ways that will explain how to increase your net worth.

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#127: Is Buying a House Worth It? Unlock the American Dream or a Financial Burden –

The question, “Is buying a house worth it?” echoes throughout the minds of countless individuals. 

Homeownership has been viewed as a symbol of stability and success. But is buying a house worth it in today’s world? The answer, like most things in life, is a complex “it depends.”

The American Dream has long been defined by homeownership, often believed to be a pathway to stability and wealth creation. But in today’s ever-changing economic landscape, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it once was.

No doubt, owning a home has the potential to be a fantastic way to build your net worth. Over time, as you pay down your mortgage, you gain equity in the property. 

Ideally, as the market appreciates, the value of your home increases as well. This can be a significant financial boon to your net worth, but there’s a big caveat: it’s not guaranteed.

Unexpected housing repairs, property taxes, and homeowners insurance can eat away at your profits. Additionally, economic downturns can cause home values to stagnate or even decline, like what happened during the 2008 housing crisis.

While homeownership can be a path to wealth building, luck can play a significant role.

In this article, we’ll evaluate the pros and cons of homeownership. You’ll also get a set of decision-making criteria so that you can decide once and for all “Is buying a house worth it to me?”

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#118 Netflix Is It Worth It How to Stop Wasting Money on Subscription Services

#118: Netflix: Is It Worth It? How to Stop Wasting Money on Subscription Services

In today’s age of endless streaming options, the question “Netflix: Is it worth it?” is more relevant than ever. 

With a plethora of services vying for your attention (and your hard-earned cash!), navigating the world of streaming can feel overwhelming.

The world has come a long way since the golden age of cable, and while it’s nice to have the ability to choose, the seemingly endless choices can make it difficult to keep your monthly subscriptions to a minimum.

By all means, spend your hard-earned cash on the entertainment options that make sense for you. But be cautious about trying to maintain all of it every month. Before long, you may find yourself spending far more than you budgeted for.

So if you’re ready to stop wasting money on subscription services and want an answer to the “Netflix: is it worth it?” question, then keep reading on. This guide will help you make an informed decision about whether or not you should maintain a Netflix subscription, while also providing you with a framework you can use to evaluate other subscription services.

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#113 Is a Tesla Worth It How to Make Empowered Financial Decisions

#113: Is a Tesla Worth It? How to Make Empowered Car-Buying Decisions

It might be the latest craze, but have you ever actually asked yourself, “Is a Tesla worth it?” Admittedly, this isn’t a straightforward answer for most people.

Regardless of whether you’re all in on Tesla or couldn’t imagine ever owning one, you have to admit that it IS a symbol of innovation and a future powered by clean energy.

But is it the right choice for you

As a proud Tesla owner, I can tell you it’s an incredible car, but it’s not a fit for everyone. You have to consider your situation, priorities, and finances first.

In this article, I’ll share some factors you should consider before you make your next vehicle purchase. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have an answer to the question, “Is a Tesla worth it to me?”

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