Financial Freedom Podcast

Although unemployment is low these days, there are many that are warning that we are headed into a recession, and that not only will the hot job market cool, but that layoffs may be headed our way. In addition, many companies that have made offers have since withdrawn them, often with people who accepted those offers having given notice at their previous job. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about what you should do if you should lose your job, or how to prepare for it if you think it will be happening in the near future. In this episode you will learn about: How to negotiate your exit How to maximize your benefits before they end Networking and building job skills How to conduct an effective job search

At its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, Apple announced that it would be offering a Buy Now, Pay Later program as a part of its financial services to customers. This alternative form of payment for goods and services has had a resurgence during the pandemic, and Apple's announcement has put it in the news. But what is Buy Now, Pay Later, and should you be making use of it as part of your household finances and budget? In this episode, I will dive deep into this service and advise as to whether it is a good idea for you. In this episode you will learn: What Buy Now, Pay Later Is Its Pros and Cons How it Affects Your Credit Whether You Should Use It

Back in Episode 80 I talked about Health Savings Accounts in conjunction with some high deductible health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. An HSA is a great idea if you have one of these plans. However, since I have been talking about retirement planning and saving lately, I wanted to revisit this great savings option, as these accounts can serve two purposes: protect you from medial costs in a high deductible health plan and help you save for retirement at the same time. Find out how in this episode! In this episode you will learn: What an HSA is The pros and cons of having one Who can set one up Who can contribute to one (and how much) How an HSA helps with retirement planning Is one right for you? But to learn the most, talk to the HR person with your employer and/or a financial professional to get the right advice for you.

In the past two episodes, I have talked about financial education for our children and instilling them with a basic working knowledge and literacy when it comes to money. I also discussed in Episode 136 about how you should start saving for retirement in your 20s and how it can be done. But what if you started earlier than that? What if our kids started saving for retirement even before they graduated from high school? In this episode of the podcast, I will talk about how parents can help their children start saving for their retirement and get the earliest start doing it. In this episode you will learn: Why starting your child in saving for retirmenet is a good idea Why a Roth IRA is a better choice How to set up the IRA How to fund the IRA

In the last episode I talked with Jake Cousineau, a California educator who teaches financial literacy to high school students. But looking into this further I discovered that attitudes about money (called Financial Personalities) form way before a child reaches high school. Thus, teaching children from an early age (as I discussed in Episode 130) becomes very important. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Vince Shorb, a financial wellness advocate and educator, who has developed curricula to shape financial personalities early in a child's life. In this episode you will learn: What a Financial Personality Is When They Are Formed How Parents and Teachers Can Guide How They Are Formed Why People Make Financial Decisions That Don't Align With Their Goals About the Behavioral Aspects of Money

When I was growing up, the boys took shop, and the girls took home ec. The latter, as we would say today, stressed gender roles, and consisted of cooking, sewing, and the like. But real home economics should deal with household finances, budgeting, credit, and the like. It should help to prepare high school students for the real world. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about how that should change, and has been changing in some schools around the country. To that end, I invited teacher and author Jake Cousineau onto the show to discuss how he is accomplishing just that! In this episode you will learn: About how personal finance is taught in a high school in California About the importance of learning personal finance at an early age Why high schools should teach personal finance to seniors

There are many challenges that face people on the road to financial freedom, including credit card debt, student loans, and a loss of employment or reduction in income. Overcoming them can be a real struggle, but necessary in reaching financial independence. But women, particularly widowed or divorced women, face particular challenges that need to be addressed in order for them to get back onto their financial feet. That's why, in this episode of the podcast, I talk with Certified Financial Planner Maryann Keith on how she helps women with these issues. In this episode you will learn about: Why Designating a Deceased Spouse's IRA as Inherited is Important Dealing with Mortgages in the Deceased Spouse's Name Accessing the Pension of a Spouse that Dies Before Retirement Financial Planning for When the Alimony Runs Out Educational Planning for the Children After Divorce

The pandemic has been disruptive economically to many people, to say the least! Jobs have been lost, income has been scaled back, and as we come out of all this, people are looking to rebuild and get a fresh start financially. Part of this is rebuilding their credit. But there are those out there who will be hampered from the start because of all the misinformation and misconceptions out there about credit and how it works. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to bust those myths and give some accurate information on how to get back on your feet with, eventually, a 700+ FICO score. In this episode you will learn: Why carrying a balance can hurt, not help, your score How to get your credit reports (and scores) for free How canceling a credit card can hurt your score Why a higher income doesn't mean a higher score How to get a new credit card without hurting (and maybe even helping) your score

U.S. News reports that more than 50% of those who were infected with COVID-19 or who lost income due to the pandemic are now struggling with medical debt. Even as new infections wane, and it looks like we are coming out of the pandemic, it may still have a longer term economic effect on many Americans. That is why, even though I covered this topic in Episode 11, I wanted to discuss it again for those who may be struggling with it who weren't before. There are some things you can do about it, and you should know what they are. In this episode you will learn: Why you shouldn't assume the bill is accurate Why you should negotiate the balance early on About programs that can help you pay the bill About the new No Surprises Act How to plan to pay for future medical treatment

Tax time approaches as we head into spring, so it's a good idea to start thinking about what to do once your return is prepared and ready to file. Do you owe money? If so, are you able to pay it? On the other hand, if you're getting a refund, have you thought about what to do with it once it arrives in your bank account? So in this episode of the podcast I wanted to help you to answer these questions, so that when the time comes to either pay the piper or dance merrily to his tune you'll be prepared with a strategy in place. Think about these ideas and then take action. In this episode you will learn: Payment Plans with the IRS Offers in Compromise The Best Ways to Spend Your Refund Why Stopping the Refunds is a Great Idea

At this time of year, high school seniors are trying to select a college or university for their higher education. They've made their applications, filled out the FAFSA form, and are starting to get financial aid award letters. It's an exciting time! But the decisions they make now can have far reaching consequences for their future, either good or bad. So in this episode of the podcast I talk about things you can do to increase the likelihood of success after graduation, and decrease the likelihood of a future with debt! In this episode you will learn: How to evaluate school financial aid offers Whether Parent Plus loans are a good option How to choose an affordable school Whether you should take out private student loans

In Episode 136 I talked about how important it is to start planning and investing for your financial future as soon as possible, preferably in your 20s. In the last episode, Episode 144, I talked with Joe Okaly on the challenges families in their 20s and 30s face in achieving financial freedom. Certainly, the earlier you start, the better. But is it ever too late? What if you are in your late 30s or in your 40s? Is there still a way to invest and plan for financial freedom in retirement? So in this episode of the podcast I wanted to answer those questions and provide some ideas on how late starters can still live comfortably in retirement. In this episode you will learn: How to Leverage a 401K The Importance of Setting a Retirement Goal How Annuities Can Help Why Downsizing Might be a Good Idea

In Episode 136 I talked about how important it is to start planning and investing for your financial future as soon as possible, preferably in your 20s. Even if you can't put aside that much initially, that money has the maximum growth potential between now and retirement. But young families face some unique challenges that can make it difficult to "pay yourself first" (and not all the bills that fall due every month). That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Joe Oakley, a Certified Financial Planner with a young family to talk about how it can be done! In this episode you will learn: The Financial Challenges That Face Young Families The Biggest Financial Mistakes Families Make The Most Important Steps to Financial Freedom for Young Families The Importance of Life and Disability Insurance Why Financial Mindset is So Important

Once the holidays are over and our attention is drawn to the coming new year, it is inevitable that we start thinking about New Year's resolutions. How can we make 2022 better than 2021 as far as our financial freedom is concerned? That's why in this episode of the podcast, as in December podcasts in previous years, I wanted to talk about the resolutions you should be thinking about making in order to improve your financial situation and get that much closer to financial freedom. In this episode you will get tips for resolutions to: Control spending Be prepared for financial emergencies Create a financial strategy and long-term plan Build or rebuild your credit

These days, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency is in the news quite a bit. People are talking about using it for online purchases of goods and services, as well as investing. It is, in effect, becoming the "next big thing." Buy what is cryptocurrency, how do you get it, and how do you spend it? Plus, is it safe or even a good idea to use? So in this episode of the podcast I get into the details of cryptocurrency and answer those questions! In this episode you will learn: What is cryptocurrency? How does it work? How can you get it? How can you spend it?

With all that has happened with the pandemic to date, holiday shopping this year will be a challenge to say the least. Between supply chain problems, inflation, and employment shortages at retail establishments, staying within your budget and still getting the perfect gift for everyone on your list will not be easy. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to give you a Top 10 list of tips (plus a bonus) on how to get through it all with the least amount of fuss and the most amount of holiday joy. In this episode you will learn: How to Deal with Supply Chain Issues Leveraging Loyalty Programs Using Social Media to Find Deals

When it comes to the job market and the economy, the pandemic has created an interesting and unusual phenomenon. Called The Great Resignation (or the Big Quit), it is an ongoing trend of workers quitting their jobs that started in the Spring of this year. Characterized by Wikipedia as being in response to the pandemic, the government refusing to provide necessary worker protection, and wage stagnation despite the rising cost of living. But those that quit still have to find another job to pay the bills, or they'll have an even bigger problem! That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Bonnie Negron, a certified career coach and resume writer, about the best way to succeed in this job market and find the perfect fit for a post-COVID life. In this episode you will learn: How to get clarity on the job and income you want Tips on preparing a killer resume Great ways to find, and apply for, the kind of job you want Preparing for the interview

In Episode 110 I talked about how to become a millionaire and discussed the book, The Millionaire Next Door by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley and Dr. William D. Danko. It showed that the vast majority of American millionaires are not who you think they are, and that becoming wealthy is something that can be done. But the path to wealth is a choice and a mindset. You have to think the right way about money in order to acquire and grow it. That's why I wanted to follow up on that topic in this episode by talking to my guest Tony Bradshaw about what he calls the Millionaire Choice and how you can make that choice with the right mindset. In this episode you will learn: Why mindset is important to becoming wealthy The Ten Keys of the Millionaire How to Make the Millionaire Choice How to Make the Millionaire Plan

In the last episode, Episode 137, I talked with Myles Gage about starting a business after graduation. We talked about whether you should take the entrepreneur path, what kind of business you should start, and how you should prepare yourself financially for this step. But starting a business is very risky, as most businesses fail. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to address that fact and look into the reasons why these businesses fail, and how you can try to prevent this from happening to you. To get those reasons, I spoke with CPA and entrepreneur Joe DiChiara. In this episode you will learn: The three questions you should ask yourself before starting a business The importance of positioning Why it's important to perfect your "message" or "pitch" to your audience What your key metrics are Where to spend, and more importantly not spend, your money

Those that graduate with a degree and enter into the real world face a challenge and a choice. How do they make a living? How do they start paying back their student loans? How do they make a successful start down the road to financial freedom? In this episode of the podcast, I address that issue and whether you should get a job and work for someone else or create a job and work for yourself by starting a business. To give some insight on this choice, and some tips on how to prepare financially for starting your own business, I invited Myles Gage of Rapunzl Investments onto the show. In this episode you will learn: How to Determine If You Have the "Entrepreneurial Itch" How to Decide on What Business to Start How to Start a Business and Still Pay the Bills How to Prepare Financially for Starting a Business

When it comes to saving for retirement, there is no better time to start than yesterday. The sooner you start putting money away, the sooner it has a chance to grow and ensure your financial future. But most people, fresh out of school and into their first job aren't thinking about something that will happen in 40 years or so. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about why it's always best to start retirement savings early and how starting early actually makes it easier to do and more likely to result in financial freedom in your golden years. In this episode you will learn: How starting in your 20s makes saving for retirement easier, not harder How to find money to invest What to do if you're starting after your 20s

Although we are slowly coming out of the pandemic, nobody knows when it will be over, especially with the delta and lambda variants out there. People are still hurting economically, especially couples with children. Even if they're back to work, childcare costs can really eat into the increased income. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about two tax breaks for families that can really ease the financial burden until we are fully out of the pandemic. Whether you need the money up front, in a big refund, or in a tax credit, these breaks can help! In this episode you will learn: How the Enhanced Child Tax Credit can help you How to get the money if you don't file a tax return Why you may want to opt out How to leverage the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

One of the most stressful parts of back-to-school season is making sure your children get everything they need, while spending on a budget and within your means. Teachers today seem to request more and more supplies than ever before. Whether physical or electronic, it's a tall task to find and purchase the items at a reasonable cost. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to give you some tips and ideas on how to save money while ensuring that your children are well-equipped for the school year to come! In this episode you will learn: How to Save Money on Back to School How to Save Money on Back to College How to Save Money at the Drug Store

It's been a rough 17 months with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it looks like we are finally coming out of it. One sign that it is ending, though, are all of the end dates of CARES Act programs that have been helping people through the economic crisis, with two of them coming up at the end of this month! That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about how to plan for this shift back to normality. What can you do to plan for these changes? How can you get ready for a post-pandemic economy? Let's get some answers together! In this episode you will learn: What assistance programs are ending and how to plan for them What to do if you still can't pay your bills How to increase your credit score for post-pandemic life

There's been quite a bit of talk in the media about how we are heading into inflation. With demand for goods being lower during the pandemic, a surge in demand could cause prices to soar. But how do you deal with this? What can be done to plan for inflation? More importantly, how do you maintain your financial freedom and retirement plans with this on the horizon? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about both short term and long term strategies for keeping inflation from threatening your financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: Short Term Strategies for Handling Increasing Costs Cutting Costs in Your Budget Long Term Investment Strategies for Inflation

There are only so many hours in a day. So, if you want to increase your income, but don't have the time to work a second job, what do you do? How do you generate that income to meet monthly expenses, save for emergencies, and invest for retirement? The answer is: passive income! I talked about this in Episode 91 but wanted to take a deeper dive into the subject. That's why my guest on this episode of the podcast is Eric Martel, who has developed a turnkey system for generating passive income and getting you the money that you need! In this episode you will learn: The Best Investment Vehicle for Passive Income How to Select Your First Investment Property How to Reduce the Risk of Investment

For some reason, parents seem to have difficulty talking to their children about money. The mindset of good money habits doesn't seem to get passed down to the next generation. This is why 7 out of 10 American millionaires are first generation. That's why in Episode 97 of the podcast I talked about this subject at length. However, as this topic bears repeating, I have brought on to this episode of the podcast Derrick Kinney, a fellow financial freedom advocate to share his thoughts on the subject. In this episode you will learn: The 3 Beliefs About Money No One is Teaching Their Kids How to talk to young children about money The pre-teen conversation about finances How to prepare your teenager to leave the financial nest How to launch your adult child into the world

Investing and saving for retirement is something that the earlier you do it, the better! But getting involved in the stock market (or even just mutual funds) can be an intimidating prospect, and many people end up putting off doing it for that reason. But where do you go to learn about it? How can you get the information you need to feel confident and competent in investing for your future? To answer those questions, in this episode of the podcast I talk to stock trader Markay Latimer about how she can help you get started! In this episode you will learn: Classes on investing in stocks The difference between investing and trading How you can "rent out" your stock to make money How to do this without making it a second job

The impending divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates has been in the news a lot lately, and journalists have been discussing whether or not they should have gotten a prenuptial agreement before getting married. I remember thinking at the time of the wedding that I hoped that he had one, but apparently not. So with so much attention being drawn to the subject, I thought I would discuss in this episode all about what a prenuptial agreement is, the pros and cons, whether you might need one, how it might help you, and how you can go about getting one. In this episode you will learn: What a Prenup Is The Pros and Cons of Having One Whether You Should Have One Whether You Should Hire a Lawyer to Draft It

People that are in debt are in a difficult situation when it comes to planning for their financial future. It can be difficult enough to amass enough disposable income to pay down their debt, let alone have any left over to put towards retirement! But if they concentrate on paying down the debt, they delay their retirement investing, which puts that retirement at risk! That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk to Jerry Fetta, a financial expert, who helps people to make and save money, even while they are paying down debt. In this episode you will learn: Negotiating Techniques with the Banks How to Leverage Life Insurance to Pay Debt Ways to Free Up Disposable Income

In many states, including New Jersey, the car insurance bill can amount to quite a bit every year. It can be a struggle to pay, and many Americans either get the bare minimum coverage or don't get it at all, hoping that they never need it. But having good car insurance is not only key to your financial freedom, in New Jersey and other states it is mandatory, and serious penalties can occur if you go without. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about tips for reducing the cost of your car insurance so that the savings can be put to better use towards your financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: How DUIs and Other Traffic Tickets Affect Your Rates Tips on How to Reduce Insurance Costs Why Your Credit Score Matters Why Bundling Coverage May Make Sense to You

When it comes to retirement, the focus always seems to be on the saving and investing part of it. Will you have enough money to retire? Although this is a very important part of the process, and should not be taken lightly, it is not the only thing you should be thinking about when it comes to that topic. Many people retire and are comfortable financially but are then at a loss as to what to do. Their jobs and commitments up to that point had given their lives meaning, but now what do they do? That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about that other part of retirement planning: How to enjoy it once you get there! In this episode you will learn: How to find meaning for your retirement How to develop a retirement mindset Ways to spend an enjoyable retirement

If you work for someone else, your income is what they pay you, unless you get a raise or a promotion that pays more money or get a better job. But if you own your own small business, your household income rises and falls with the profits of that business. So, if you want a raise, you have to do it yourself by increasing profits. One way to do that is to learn from others and how they did it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with business coach and podcaster Joe Pardo on how he helps small business owners to give themselves a raise and be more successful in their businesses! In this episode you will learn: Why "Knowing Your Numbers" is Key to Profit Growth The Importance of Building a Good Team Why You Need to Perfect Your Offer, Messaging, and Positioning How Optimizing Your Process Pays Dividends

As the pandemic continues to drag on, even though people are starting to receive a vaccine, lots of folks here in New Jersey and the nation are still suffering financially. Congress and the President are currently working on more economic relief, but as of this episode, nothing is definite. As listeners may have a lot of questions about the relief currently being discussed, any long term strategies being planned by the President, and the tax implications of what has happened so far, I wanted to discuss those in this episode, so that you will be better informed and be able to make your own plans accordingly. In this episode you will learn: What Congress is planning in future COVID Relief Whether you can expect to receive any of it What the tax implications may be for relief already received Long term plans of President Biden

One of the budget line items I often discuss with my bankruptcy clients is their utility bill. The gas, electric, water, and sewer bills can get out of hand and threaten their fresh start after they get their discharge. But even if you aren't filing bankruptcy, getting a handle on that expense can help balance a budget and free up funds for more long-term financial goals. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about ways in which you can get these numbers down. I wanted to provide guidance on how to negotiate your bill as well as how to implement some tips and tricks around the house to reduce usage, and therefore your bill. In this episode you will learn: Tips on Negotiating Your Bill Home Tweaks and Hacks Tips on Lowering Your Water Bill

In Episode 96, I talked about getting your money ready for marriage. But what if you're already married and have been for years? If you are both of the same mind when it comes to money, then great! But what if you have different money mindsets? What if you are having trouble coming to agreement on spending? That is why, as we round out a series of episodes on preparing personal finances for 2021, I wanted to address this issue and discuss ways in which you can come to an agreement going forward and end up going in the same direction together. In this episode you will learn: The Importance of Communication in Financial Decisions 7 Great Tips for a Healthy Financial Relationship Whether You Should Split Finances or Keep Them Joint How to Reconcile Your Spending Differences

In previous episodes I've talked about budgeting and how it's important to have one to keep your spending in line with your income and help you towards your long-term financial goals. I also discussed in the last episode setting goals and being more strategic in how you handle your finances. In the process of researching that episode, I ran across personal finance coach Tim Jordan who, by his own admission and branding, takes an atypical approach to the subject with his clients. After learning more about what he does, I knew I just had to have him on the show to talk about why you should be atypical in handling your finances. In this episode you will learn: The 5 Best Budgeting Methods Why No One Budgeting Method is Right for Everyone How to Pick the Best Budget How to Think About Your 2021 Financial Goals

As the year 2020 comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about our financial goals for 2021. This year has presented some challenges and shown us how important it is to plan for bad times, so that when they come, we are ready, and our financial freedom isn't threatened. That's why in this episode of the podcast I step you through what you need to do to look over this past year, learn from it, and use that information to create a solid financial plan going forward. In this episode you will learn: Strategies and Goal Setting for 2021 The Importance of "Finding Your Why" in Your Finances Tips on Reducing Income Taxes in 2021 Tips on Increasing Income

In Episode 114 I started a series of episodes around reducing expenses in your budget in order to help you live within your means and have money left over to save for the future. It was also in follow up to Episode 113 in which I talked with "Tightwad Todd" Miller about living below your means. That's why in this episode of the podcast I take on that expense that seems to get bigger, your cell phone bill. It's a budget line item I discuss a lot with my bankruptcy clients, and one that can be tough to keep under control. But with these tips and tricks, you should be able to tame that beast. In this episode you will learn: Ways to reduce the monthly payment with your carrier Smarter strategies for getting a new phone How changing your usage can save you money

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have lost their jobs because their employer had to close up shop; the work could not be done remotely. Some of them were able to pivot successfully to other jobs or transfer their skills to one that can be done from home. Unfortunately, many others are still looking. That may be because they haven't been able to figure out how to apply their skills in a different context, or they aren't looking in the right places. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about where to look for remote work, who's looking for remote workers, how to handle the application process, and how to succeed at that job once you get it. In this episode you will learn: Where to Look for Work from Home Jobs What Kind of Jobs Are Available How to Apply for Them How to Succeed at Them

Way back in Episode 13 of the podcast I did a review of an app from personal finance guru Dave Ramsey called EveryDollar. It is an app my wife and I have been using since then, and it's great! But there are a lot of other apps out there that can help you keep your finances straight, and one of them might be better for you than EveryDollar. Which is why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to look at three other apps that might be more up your alley: Pocket Guard, YNAB (You Need a Budget), and Personal Capital. There are even more out there, and that could be the subject of another episode, but hopefully one of these will be just right for you! In this episode you will learn about: Three different personal finance apps of varying complexity and sophistication How to choose a good personal finance app

People trying to achieve personal financial freedom are often initially struggling with debt and trying to get out of a financial hole. They are getting letters from collection agencies and law firms that are demanding that the debt be paid. They have to get out of debt before they can ever hope to achieve their goal. But people in debt, in my experience, are often dealing with collection lawsuits that result in judgments, and these judgments can be very problematic when the lawyers who obtained it start trying to enforce it. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about the three biggest collection tools the lawyers have, and what you can do once they start to use them. In this episode you will learn: What an Information Subpoena Is and How to Deal with It How to Fight Back When Your Bank Account is Levied How to Deal with a Wage Garnishment

In Episode 113 of the podcast I talked with "Tightwad Todd" Miller, a personal finance consultant and coach on the subject of spending below your means. I did this because reducing spending as much as possible to free up money to save and invest for the future is a key part of achieving long term financial independence and freedom. So, I thought it might be a good idea to follow up with some episodes on how to reduce spending in various budget categories. One big one is the cable bill, and with a technological revolution going on in how we consume video content, there are lots of opportunities to cut costs while not sacrificing entertainment value. In this episode you will learn about: Hardware Options (Smart TVs and Boxes) Cable Replacement Services Streaming Services Sports Watching Options

Achieving financial freedom in the short term requires living within your means. In other words, your monthly expenses need to total no more than your monthly net income, so that you don't sink into debt. But achieving long term financial freedom requires even more discipline; you need to live below your means. By doing this you generate unused income every month to put towards savings and long-term investing, so that you will have a net worth to support you in retirement. But how do you do that? To give you some tips, I brough personal financial services consultant Todd Miller onto the show to tell you about them. In this episode you will learn: Ideas on setting up a budget How to cut your expenses How to handle unexpected expenses How to track your spending to stay on budget How to resist the "urge to splurge"

Every business should have a web site to promote its goods and services and attract new customers, especially as more of them are functioning virtually. Despite this, so many of them don't have a web presence, or just have a domain name for e-mail. By not having one they are leaving money on the table and passing by an opportunity for growth. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about getting on the web with a great site and using it to attract and covert new customers for your business. These tips can help you grow your business and help ensure your personal financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: The first thing you need to do to get started The biggest mistakes made with DIY web sites How to choose a web design company How to turn web site visitors into customers

With the COVID-19 pandemic going into its sixth month, many businesses have either filed bankruptcy, closed for good, or have shed employees to slim down. No matter the cause, a lot of people are now out of work and looking for a new job. This has become especially urgent with the end of the supplemental unemployment benefits under the CARES Act. Looking for a job during a pandemic presents a special challenge. That's why in this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about some tips and ideas to increasing your chances of employment and getting back on your financial feet. In this episode you will learn: How to Network Online How to Prepare for an Informational Virtual Interview How to Boost Your Job Skills and Showcase Your Strengths How to Create a Job Hunting System

A major part of the American Dream is to strike it rich, to become a millionaire. However, for the vast majority, that is just a dream. 3.5% of our population holds nearly half of our wealth. Back in 1996, a couple of Ph.D.s, Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, decided to do some research into America's millionaires. The surprising answers they got are reflected in the title of their book, The Millionaire Next Door. That book provides all sorts of great information about what millionaires look like, how they got to be millionaires, and why so few of them successfully pass on their wealth to their children. That's why in this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk about this book (which has been updated over the years), how it lays out how these people became millionaires (or at least wealthy), and how you can use this information to become wealthy (and maybe even a millionaire) as well! In this episode you will learn: What an American Millionaire Looks Like What Does It Take to Become a Millionaire? How to Know If You Are Wealthy How to Pass Wealth On to Your Children

The COVID-19 pandemic has now reached over 3.9 million cases in this country (with over 179,000 in New Jersey) and has caused over 144,000 deaths (with over 15,000 in New Jersey). Even those who have survived the illness have had a tough time, with many having lengthy hospital stays. This taste of our own mortality has been sobering for all of us; something like this hasn't happened for over 100 years! But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for its eventual arrival. Way back in Episodes 18 and 21 I talked about the importance of having an estate plan and how to go about doing it. But with all that is going on in the world today, I thought I would revisit the subject, as the pandemic has emphasized its importance. In this episode you will learn: Why it is important to have an estate plan The documents you need to create to have one What you need to think about to prepare them Federal and NJ tax issues

Due to the pandemic, lots of people are either working from home or have lost their jobs because they cannot be done from home. Those in the latter group may be looking for a job that allows them to do so. On the other hand, many small businesses are looking for help, but are unsure whether hiring someone (and taking on the payroll and other administrative tasks that go along with doing so) is the right move. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk with Connie Gray, the owner of Virtual Solutions 4U on how to be a virtual assistant, whether that's the right career for you as an employee, and whether taking one on is the best move for your small business. In this episode you will learn: Things you should consider in whether to hire a VA or an employee for your business The tasks that VAs can perform for your business The skills you should have if you want to become a VA

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law to help people deal with the devastating economic effects of the coronavirus. Many of the provisions help student loan borrowers, and while they provide some welcome relief, the law doesn't address all of the problems that student loan borrowers face. In addition, these provisions are set to expire on September 30, 2020, so the relief is a short-term solution. Therefore, anyone with student loans, whether they are federal, state, or private, need to act soon to have a plan by the deadline. That's why in this episode of the podcast I talk about some strategies you can look into to use this breather as an opportunity to get your loans back on track! In this episode you will learn: Ways to get out of default on federal and NJ CLASS student loans How to get an affordable, income driven loan repayment plan How to pay off your loans sooner if you are a public employee