Our Weekend Word

The last installment in our recent series about using debt wisely is to talk about another key difference you’ll see among types of loans: the interest rate. There are two main types of interest rates you may run into on loans: fixed and variable.

Last week we talked about different ways to look at your debt and how not all debt is equal. This week we wanted to talk about ways you can organize your debt to put yourself in a better financial situation without necessarily paying any of it off. One way to do this is using secured debt to consolidate any unsecured debt you may have.

Debt is not typically looked at as a good thing in the world of personal finances, but the reality is that whether it’s using a credit card, or buying a house, managing debt is an important part of managing your overall finances.  After all, there are only two things on our balance sheet: assets and liabilities. We put a lot of effort into managing the assets, but managing the liabilities column can be just as important for getting you and your family where you want to go.

Last year started a whole bunch of things that we were kind of counting on being over by now, among those was a massive global supply chain disruption. And not only is it not going away, but it looks like it’s actually getting worse.

Earlier this month El Salvador made headlines by being the first country to officially accept Bitcoin as legal tender. This would seem like a great thing for the overall value of Bitcoin, but strangely the price dropped 10% on the announcement.

For many Bitcoin investors an event like this would seem like the ultimate proof of concept that the cryptocurrency has a permanent place in world finance. However, many challenges still remain for widespread adoption acceptance of the currency even after hitting this milestone.

As summer vacation season comes to a close, many of us are fighting off thoughts of colder months with the fresh memories of our recent getaways. And for some, those glowing images of our favorite places may bring about an urge to make sure those good times continue by buying a vacation home.  Although the idea of having a permanent “home away from home” may sound appealing, purchasing a vacation property isn’t something to be entered into lightly. If you’re considering this major commitment, here are some important questions to ask yourself.

Most people carry some amount of debt, whether in the form of a student loan, a mortgage, or a car loan. Indeed, making large purchases using someone else’s money is often a smart financial move. Borrowing is convenient, allowing you to purchase big-ticket items with less out-of-pocket cash. And, with today’s attractive interest rates, it’s relatively low cost. But taking on any amount of debt comes with risk. A financial setback can reduce your ability to repay a loan, and any amount of debt may prevent you from taking advantage of other financial opportunities.

The Olympics in Tokyo this year have all eyes on Japan, bringing the island nation’s culture into the global spotlight.

One of the amazing things about Japanese culture has always been their devotion to process and discipline. It seems that there is a well-thought-out, agreed upon way to do almost everything in life from running a business to folding laundry. Fortunately for our financial lives, this includes a Japanese method of budgeting called “Kakeibo”.  

A joint account may seem like a quick and easy way to be able to help out a parent or grandparent with their finances or work toward a common goal with a significant other. Despite the convenience, however, joint ownership of assets can have some pretty serious pitfalls if you chose this route in the wrong situation. Here are some of the most common situations where joint ownership can hurt more than it helps.

Whether or not people can get their hands on fireworks this year, I’m sure we’ll find an appropriate way to celebrate in the U.S. of A. These issues in the global supply chain, however, may not be so easy to work around.