Americans’ total credit card balance is $1.031 trillion in the second quarter of 2023, according to the latest consumer debt data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This figure is double what it was in early 2000, roughly 23 years. As of December 2022, the national average balance outstanding was $7,279 and in Illinois …
4 Biblical Financial Principles
#1 - I am commanded to love God and to love others Matthew 22:36-40 - “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second …
Financial Coach or Financial Advisor?
64% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck (Lending Club survey 2022) 73% of Americans rank finances as their highest stress (CapitalOne survey 2021) 75% of Americans are managing their money on their own (CNBC survey 2019) It seems that most of us could use some professional financial help. So why are only 1 in …
Credit Scores – all you need to know
What is a credit score? Your credit score is a 3-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. It helps others better understand how financially risky it may be to do business with you. While there can be different scores companies use, the scoring model most will use when available to them is the FICO Score originally …
5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas
On March 11, 2022 we broke a national record for the highest gas prices of all-time at $4.33/gallon. Yay us!? This is up 53% from just one year ago. Here in Illinois, we are overachieving, paying on average $4.56 across the state. But of course, California leads the pack at an impressive $5.74/gallon! The poor …
Should You Save Or Pay Off Debt?
I was recently coaching someone who spent quite a bit of time excitedly talking about their savings and investment strategy. As we talked further, I came to understand that they have several pieces of debt, including car loans, student loans, and unpaid credit cards. Some of which they’ve had outstanding for many years. So, should …
3 Quick Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make in your life. It’s often described as the fulfillment of the American Dream. And, indeed what a wonderful thing it is…especially if you own your home with NO MORTGAGE hanging over your head! Two reasons that I hear some people give for not …
Continue reading "3 Quick Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early"
What’s your favorite “cash back” app? Mine is Ibotta
Everyone likes getting cash back for their purchases! If you aren’t familiar with , it is an app that will pay you back for the money that you’ve spent at the store. The amount of cash you receive is based on the offers available in the app at the time. You can scan your receipt when you’re …
Continue reading "What’s your favorite “cash back” app? Mine is Ibotta"
How to Make 2021 Your Best Money Year Yet
After a year like 2020, I think we all can use a fresh take on things. Think small but strategic changes. If we do this every year all those small things will add up to big results. The beginning of the year is a great time to focus on what’s going on with your money. …
Continue reading "How to Make 2021 Your Best Money Year Yet"
Give the gift of stock!
Need a last minute gift idea? Instead of a $25 Amazon gift card, how about giving someone $25 of Amazon stock?! That's right, in less than 5 minutes from the comfort of your home at www.stockpile.com you can get a "gift card" for any stock and any amount over $5 to give to someone. And …