Creating a vacation budget that allows for a fun time while saving money may sound like too complicated a task. But follow these simple tips to make sure your bank account doesn’t suffer while you’re unwinding this summer. (more…)
Managing federal student loan debt is complicated enough. But as many people have learned the hard way, navigating the world of private student loan debt can be quite a bit worse. Particularly if we’re talking about Sallie Mae private student loans.
The good news is I’ve had multiple clients successfully lower their monthly payments, as well as their interest rates, for their Sallie Mae private student loans. The process is definitely not easy, but it does seem to work for those who persevere. If you’re one of the unlucky college graduates dealing with Sallie Mae’s nonsense, there may be some degree of hope. Here’s a step-by-step plan for regaining control of your Sallie Mae private student loans. (more…)
Many freelancers and small business owners simply outsource their taxes to an accountant. But when it comes to taxes for the self-employed, a DIY approach can have exponential benefits.
Then again, perhaps I’m biased. In doing my own taxes, I’ve learned how to keep better records and how to maximize methods to reduce the amount of taxes I pay. And it’s not as hard as you might think. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or just earned a little extra income on the side this year, follow these tips to master your own taxes. (more…)
via Salon.com
Income Based Repayment (IBR for short) is one of the most underutilized tools available to recent grads overwhelmed with student loan payments. Navigating the confusing world of repayment options coupled with unhelpful customer service reps often prevents borrowers from choosing the plan that is right for them.
No matter how overwhelming the process may be, it’s worth taking the time to find out if IBR is right for you. Depending on your situation, you might be able to save yourself thousands of dollars (or at least reduce your current financial stress).
Log into the National Student Loan Data System and keep reading to figure out what makes the most sense for you. (more…)
Hanging out with friends almost always involves spending money–whether it’s grabbing dinner or drinks, seeing a movie, or a weekend shopping trip. When you’re on a tight budget, those activities can really add up. If you have a group of friends that regularly spends outside of your comfort zone, the pressure to keep up can be a little overwhelming.
Follow the tips below to save money next time you’re hanging out with friends. (more…)
Meeting new people is one of my favorite pastimes. If I could get paid simply to chat with strangers, I would. It’s not that I love small talk or am on a quest to hear my own voice. It’s that I am genuinely interested in other people’s stories, and intrigued by each person’s unique life experience. Which perhaps explains why I’ve been told more times than I can count, “I can’t believe I just shared that with you. I’ve never told anyone that story before.” I learn a lot by doing, but I also learn a lot by listening.
Professionally, this tendency could be called networking. (It could also be called being that person in the office who distracts everyone else from actually doing work.) But, like it or hate it, building a successful career truly does depend on who you know. (more…)
Trying to save money on food in New York City can seem like an uphill battle. Almost every client I work with has a monthly dining budget in the 4-figures. The occasional splurge can be a luxury worth experiencing, but it should be just that: an occasional splurge. Given the fact that New Yorkers are hardly ever home and social time happens at a restaurant or bar, choosing an affordable spot without sacrificing quality can be a challenge. Here are my top picks for the best cheap eats in New York City. (more…)
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