The ETF Scam: Beware of Misleading Financial Advice

Avoid investment scams and know your investment options to create financial freedom. Manage your money by investing in simple investments like no-load, broad-based index funds. No financial expert required.

Simplify Your Life for Less Stress and More Money

If you’re like most Americans, simplifying your life may well be a treasure-trove of opportunity just sitting there waiting for you. I first learned this truth back in the late 1980s when I lived out of a suitcase for over a year. What a wonderful surprise that turned out to be, as it opened my […]

It’s Almost April 15th – Who’s Doing Your Taxes?

March is coming to a close and it’s almost April, you know what that means…..it’s time to do your taxes.  I know that many people wrestle with the choice of doing their own taxes, going to a tax service, or hiring a local professional. I have found that most people’s taxes fit into three categories: […]

Make Your Donation Count: Helping the Japanese Relief Effort

The earthquake, and the Tsunami that followed, in Japan were terrible and unfortunate events.  As I see the images on TV and the internet, I ask myself what I can do. How can I help?  Anyone who has read Money Smart knows I believe in giving back.  I am a firm believer in giving and […]

When “Friendship” Costs You Money

I recently came across a blog post that offered such valuable advice I simply have to comment on it here. Thanks to the folks over at brokeprofessionals.com for sharing the story about a parent being duped into overpaying an exorbitant amount of money for insurance—a policy sold to them by a “friend.” This situation happens […]

The Charlie Sheen Trend: Common Sense Vs. Crazy

Anyone sick of Charlie Sheen yet? I’ve watched with amazement at the media blitz on this troubled actor and at the rate that everyone, EVERYONE seems to be talking about it. I’ve got to admit it made me wonder, when did we embrace the crazy and forget common sense? Is following Charlie Sheen’s troubles as […]

Save Money AND Eliminate Debt? Yes, If You Know How to Prioritize

Everyone wants to be both debt-free and financially secure, but how do you prioritize the two? Is it best to hold-off with aggressive saving until you are debt-free? Or is having a savings cushion more important than getting rid of debt?  It’s critical to pay down your debt, but it’s critical to create a plan […]

Is College Really Necessary?

It is certainly possible that a four-year academic education can offer a better life through superior jobs, more money, and a life-enriching experience. But is it necessary? Is it worth the crippling debt-loads parents and students must often take on these days in order to get it? Most importantly, is it the best route to […]

10 Insurance Rip-Offs to Avoid

Insurance. It seems like there is an insurance policy for everything these days. Although it is important to have insurance for your family’s future, many of the available policies are a waste of money. Here are 10 of the most common offers you will encounter and should try to avoid. Life insurance for children– The […]

Is This the Year? Eliminate Debt Once and For All

For many American’s debt seems like a way of life. For over fifty years the relentless message that debt is “normal” and “acceptable” has brainwashed the public to believe that to achieve the American Dream it’s okay to go into debt. Nothing could be further from the truth. These have been tough times for many […]