I am rereading Essentialism right now and the thing that sticks out to me the most so far is the importance of deliberate choice. If you are not deliberate about how you choose to spend your time, someone else will choose for you. In other words, you have to have the strength to say no…
The Learning Log
How to Save: The Power of Percentages
How do you work towards financial goals of saving, paying off debt, and investing while still having money for things like cars, vacations, and updates to the house? We have found that saving in percentages has a powerful impact on our short-term and long-term financial goals. A lot of people already think this way for…
Two Reasons to Invest in a Roth IRA That Most People Overlook
Most people will tell you to choose a Traditional vs. Roth IRA based on what your expected tax rate will be now vs. when you retire, but there are other reasons to go with a Roth IRA: 1) There are no required minimum distributions from a Roth IRA. You must withdraw funds from a 401(k)…
Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of Gross or Net Income for Retirement?
After you pay off your debt and fill up an emergency fund of cash, Dave Ramsey and many other suggest that you invest 15% of your income into retirement accounts (401k, IRA, etc.). I always forget, however, what counts as the 15%. Do you invest 15% of your salary (gross income) or 15% of your…
Sugar and Sin
Eating sugar is not a sin, but it has many similarities to the experience of sin: You have a desire for it. It feels great during and for a very short time afterwards. After awhile you feel worse than you did before. If you are not careful, you will become addicted to it. The more…
