by Silvana Jimenez | Oct 17, 2016 | Blog
Do you have an old tax debt lurking in your past? If you’re interested in settling it, consider these tips. You may be able to settle an old tax debt without paying the entire amount! Try these techniques: Find out the exact amount. The amount you owe will include fees and interest. The IRS or other taxing authority that the debt is owed to should provide you with documentation that shows the amount of back taxes you owe and the fees or interest. Consider an Offer in Compromise. The Offer in Compromise is also known as an OIC and can help reduce the amount you owe to the IRS. An Offer in Compromise can be a complex process, and it’s not a guarantee that the IRS will reduce the debt. However, if you want to settle, then it’s important to try it and see if it works. read...
by Silvana Jimenez | Oct 12, 2016 | Blog
You have a limiting financial belief if you’re earning less than you’d prefer. It’s that simple. Limiting financial beliefs restrict your ability to create and maintain wealth. Addressing your beliefs is a good first step if your financial situation is less than amazing. Changing your beliefs allows your true potential to be utilized. Here are a few of the more common limiting beliefs regarding money: Rich people are bad in some way. You may have the belief that rich people are greedy, selfish, or duplicitous. It’s easy to talk yourself out of wealth when you believe these things. Belief that your earning capability is limited. You may believe that the lack of a degree or the right connections places a ceiling on your earning potential. This ceiling can be challenging to overcome. Making a lot of money requires a lot of risk and time. Do you believe that making a lot of money will require too much time away from your family or force you to risk everything you already have? “I’m not good with money.” Such a definitive statement can limit your ability to earn and retain money. These are just a few examples. Any belief that limits your ability to earn more and grow your wealth is a limiting belief. Make a list of your beliefs that limit your financial resources. read...
by Silvana Jimenez | Oct 5, 2016 | Blog
Saving money isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be painful. It’s not easy to increase your income significantly, but you can realize a significant savings in many areas of your finances with a little work. Just a little sacrifice in several areas will lead to more money in your bank account. A few options might actually be more enjoyable than your current situation. Save money each month by cutting your expenses in several areas: Health Club membership. How often do you really use your gym or health club? How much does each trip cost you? If you’re paying $75/month and only use it three times a month, you’re paying $25/visit. Could you stay at home, use your running shoes, a jump rope, and some second-hand dumbbells, and get the same results? Taking a family of four to a movie can cost $40 or more, and that doesn’t include the incredibly over-priced snacks. A streaming service will only set you back $10/month, and you can watch all the movies you can fit into your schedule. The snacks are less expensive at home, too. Everything is cheaper at home. Depending on where you live, public transportation can be much less expensive than driving, especially if you normally pay for parking. If public transportation isn’t an option, share a ride. Each day you share with another person will save you roughly 20% on your gas expense. Add another person into the rotation and you’ll save 40% Are you certain you have the best auto insurance rate? Have you checked lately? The difference in rates charged by different companies can be staggering....
by Silvana Jimenez | Aug 31, 2016 | Blog
Whether you get into an accident or put your vehicle through a lot of wear and tear, you’ll eventually need car repairs or maintenance. Replacing damaged parts, getting new brakes installed, or replacing your tires are common repairs that can get expensive. Avoid waiting too long if repairs are needed for your vehicle. Things will only get worse and more parts could be damaged and need to be replaced. Your vehicle could break down or you could get a ticket for a correctable violation. It’s possible to save money by performing maintenance and small repairs yourself if you’re comfortable with working on cars and have the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to do a professional job. read...
by Silvana Jimenez | Aug 29, 2016 | Blog
There are so many financial ratios, it’s challenging to know which of them matter the most. Understanding a few of the most basic ratios will allow an investor to determine if additional scrutiny is warranted. Fortunately, all financial ratios use simple arithmetic learned by second grade. The key is understanding the message a particular ratio delivers. The entire story of a company is never revealed by the numerous financial ratios, but a lot of valuable information can be discovered and applied to make a final investing decision. read...
by Silvana Jimenez | Aug 22, 2016 | Blog
It’s quite easy to become a 401(k) millionaire if you get started early enough. It’s also important to avoid making silly mistakes. Fewer people are able to retire at 65 than at any time in recent history. 30.8% of those over the age of 65 are working to make ends meet. With a 401(k) and some diligence, you can avoid becoming one those forced to work in your senior years. Become a 401(k) millionaire by following a few simple rules: Get the full company match. Every company is different. Some match 50% of the first 4% of your income contributed to the 401(k) plan. Others might match dollar for dollar on the first 5%. Ensure that you’re at least getting the full match amount. It’s free money, so ensure that you get it. Maintain your job. It can take a few years to be fully vested. So the money that your company contributed to your 401(k) in the last couple of years probably won’t be yours if you leave for another company. Of course, if a new job provides a greater income, a lower cost of living, or a more generous 401(k) program, it’s worth considering. Pull out your calculator and do the math before you take a position with another company. Take everything into account. Time is the deciding factor. There’s a limit to how much you can invest in a 401(k) each month. And unless you have a high income, it’s unlikely you can reach the contribution limit of $18,000 or $24,000 if you’re over age 50. That means that getting started early is important. Becoming a...
