One of the most expensive line items in a lot of people’s budgets is the health care category. Whether you’ve got a lot of health issues and just end up paying a lot of money, or if you have high ticket health care insurance, the costs can be quite high. Because the costs are already […]
There Are Times When Your Finances Take A Back Seat. Be Prepared With A Contingency Plan
Just over one week ago we had our first child, little Carter John. Ever since the day he was born, we have been focusing only on the baby – feeding him, changing his diapers, getting used to his schedule – and trying to stay sane. One thing we’ve learned in the past week is just […]
Our Baby Boy Was Born Yesterday!
Our little baby boy Carter John Anderson was born yesterday evening at 8:33 pm, weighing in at 8 pounds even, 21 inches in length. It was a bit of a tough delivery, with the cord wrapped around his neck twice, and then getting his shoulder stuck on the way out, but in the end he […]
The Financial Checklist For Newlyweds
First things first, congratulations to anyone who has recently married or is getting married. I wish you the best of luck. Once you get married, a lot of things change real quick. One area of change that takes some time to get used to is in your personal finances. Even if you decide not to […]
The Benefits Of Being A Stay At Home Mom Versus Being A Working Parent
This week is quickly turning into babies and family week. I’m sorry but I just can’t help myself, I’ve got nothing else on my mind lately, understandably. By this time next week I’ll be changing diapers and staying up nights with our new son. One topic that has been close to our hearts these past […]
What Expenses Should I Expect When Having A Child?
As my wife and I prepare for our journey into parenthood, one thing we’ve slowly realized is just how expensive it can be to have children. There are a host of big and small baby expenses that you may not have even considered, and as time goes on they slowly add up to a pretty […]
Things You Do That Could Cost You Money When Buying A Home
The last few years have been tough ones for the real estate market, and especially for the banks who have watched as thousands of their home loans have gone into default, and homes into foreclosure. Because the lending market has become so tough, lending guidelines have already started changing, making it tougher for some people […]
Devotional: Blessed Are His Sons
This father’s day, as we close in on just over a week until our son is born, I’ve been thinking a whole lot more than I usually do about what it means to be a father. It’s a scary thought and an exciting one at the same time. There are times that I think that […]
The Bush Tax Cuts Are Expiring. Will The 2011 Tax Hikes Bring On A Double Dip Recession?
At the end of the 2010 there will be a tax increase for all taxpayers, if something isn’t done. Back in 2001 the Bush administration helped to get an across the board tax cut passed that effectively lowered the marginal tax rates for all people paying taxes.  (If you didn’t pay taxes, it doesn’t matter […]
Will There Be An Extension Of The June 30th Closing Deadline For The First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?
The homebuyer tax credit closing deadline has been extended until September 30th, 2010 for those who were under contract by April 30th, 2010. Details here. Over the last year or so we’ve had a lot of talk on this site about the homebuyer tax credit. It helped to spur activity in the real estate markets, […]
When Will I Get My $250 Medicare Part D Donut Hole Check?
Earlier this week President Obama spoke with seniors at a town hall meeting in regards to the Medicare Part D prescription benefit, and talked about how many of those seniors would be receiving a $250 check in the mail as a result of the health care reform passed earlier this year. Today I thought I […]
Devotional: The Source Of Happiness
This past week I read several posts in the personal finance blogosphere that talked about how having more money can lead to living a happier life. While I do believe that having enough to keep ourselves out of poverty is a desirable thing, I don’t think having money or any material thing is what can […]
Should I Pay Off My Home Mortgage Early Or Invest?
In the past couple of years my wife and I have been able to dig our way out of debt – and a couple of years ago we paid off our last debt, a student loan for my college education. It was an amazing feeling being able to do that – it was a weight […]
Obama Administration Urges Congress To Pass Another $200 Billion Stimulus Package
As the effects of the $787 billion stimulus package of last year begin to wear off, the Obama administration is now looking at the option of passing yet another “limited” stimulus package to help dig the economy “out of a deep valley”. Without it they fear that the slow gains our economy has made this […]
