FIRE stands for “Financial Independence, Retire Early.” It’s a movement that’s gaining popularity among millennials who are planning to save large portions of their income in their 20s and 30s so they can retire early. The movement encourages a humble lifestyle to maximize the amount saved for retirement. On the surface, starting to save early and saving as much as… Read More
Author Archive
How Currency Exchange Will Affect Your Next International Trip
Last year, I flew to London, U.K., to see some old friends and travel a bit. As I walked out of the plane, one of the first things I saw was a currency exchange kiosk. When traveling internationally, I always make adequate plans to get the best deal with currency exchange. In the U.K., it’s simple for me since my… Read More
Cybersecurity Solutions to Protect Your Business and Family
Imagine putting a sign outside of your home that reads “Diamond Jewelry and 80-inch UHD TV inside, no security system!” Do you think a robber would target your home or the home next door that has a sign that says “Alarmed and Protected”? Similarly, cyber criminals target homes and businesses that have the lowest security and the highest amount of… Read More
Bring Financial Literacy Programs to Our Schools
When I was in school, I remember taking classes like Algebra, Chemistry, Art, Cooking, Physical Education, and English. No teachers taught me how to create a budget and stick to it. I didn’t learn what debt is and I didn’t know how a college loan would impact my bottom line once I graduated. No one at school taught me what… Read More
Why Do I Owe on My Taxes This Year?
The tax law saw a significant reform in 2018. Eighty percent of tax filers around the country will pay an average of $700 to $900 less in taxes in 2018 as compared to 2017. However, in our home state of Maryland, tax filers are estimated to owe more than the national average.[1] If you are surprised by your tax bill… Read More
What Are Auctions and Should You Go to One?
Alex Cooper is an auction house located in Towson, MD. The family business began in 1924 when a young Alex Cooper started the business to sell real estate, antiques and fine art. Over the past 95 years, Alex Cooper Auctions has stayed a family business, providing unique art, antiques, furniture, and real estate to shoppers, dealers, and collectors in the… Read More
LGBTQ Financial Planning
Since 2015, same-sex couples have been able to tie the knot legally in the United States. LGBTQ couples face a unique set of financial concerns as they plan for their future. Many couples have lived unmarried for many years and are now facing the questions of whether they should get married and what the legal and financial benefits and implications… Read More
The Power of Habits
This morning I woke up and made myself a cup of green tea with lemon. I then got ready for work in my usual routine – washed my face, brushed my hair, got dressed and I was out the door. I took my usual route to work – you know, the one where you can zone out and by the… Read More
Should You Let Your Kids Study Abroad?
I remember when I came home for the weekend my sophomore year of college and declared to my parents that I want to study abroad in the U.K. the following year. I was expecting to be met with excitement and a “go get ‘em!” attitude. Instead, 19-year old me was met with “How is this relevant to your future?”, “Is… Read More
Yes, We Can Pay Off Our Student Debt!
As another semester wraps up, about 4.5 million more students will have college degrees in the U.S.[1]. On average, graduates will have $37,172 in student loan debt, a number that’s up six percent from the graduating class of 2015[2]. Paying off this debt may seem like a monumental task, but do not worry! With quite a bit of student loan… Read More
What Happens to a 529 Plan if Your Child Doesn’t Go to College?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan that allows families to save for their children’s future education costs. Money that is deposited into the plan is invested and grows tax-free. With the rising cost of college education, starting to save early may be a key component to make college affordable for many families in the United States. Many… Read More
7 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
Do these rainy days have you dreaming up your next vacation? If you’re like me, after a long winter and (hopefully) a nice tax refund, you may be planning your next getaway. I have a thirst for traveling. I spent several years living abroad and traveling around the United States and Europe. As a 20-something millennial, this has been something… Read More
How to Be Healthy in Retirement
Retirement is an immense life transition and there are many positive aspects to look forward to. You may be eagerly anticipating more free time to take up a hobby, traveling somewhere new, spending more time outdoors, or maybe just enjoying things you haven’t had the time for in recent years. While your mind may feel the same as it did… Read More
Expressed vs. Unexpressed Wishes: Understanding What Your Customer Craves
Recently my husband and I went to Universal Studios Orlando – a magical place for adults and children alike. Although, we are big Harry Potter dorks and loved seeing the attractions, one thing we didn’t expect was the magic we’d feel. While we wanted the thrill of riding the grandest coaster and the delicious taste of our very first Butterbeer,… Read More
Can a Side Hustle Make You A Millionaire?
When you think of a side hustle, you may think of a 20 or 30-something millennial with a full-time job who also drives an Uber or mows lawns over the weekends. While this may not be the picture of a millionaire that you had in mind, you may be surprised to learn that side hustles are only limited by your… Read More