If you are considering applying for a major line of credit, one thing you should be doing in the weeks and months leading up to that application is using credit resources to improve your credit and keep track of it. I’ve found that it does NOT pay to be in the dark about your credit scores or the contents of your credit report. Why? Because you want to see what your loan officer will see BEFORE she does. You need to think like a lender to make … [Read more...]
Is Patreon Money Taxable?
Is Patreon money taxable? Before reading any further, be advised that this article is NOT tax advice, nor should it be construed as such. Consider this some basic information that is meant to help you ask the right questions of a tax professional or help you in your own research of official IRS publications that address the issue or the state equivalent of such taxation resources. What Is Patreon? Patreon is a crowdfunding platform. The … [Read more...]
What Makes a Costco Executive Membership Worth It?
What makes a Costco executive membership worth it? Naturally much depends on how much you plan to use your Costco membership, but there are other factors to consider. Do you want loyalty program-type rewards for using your membership? Are you hoping to get perks on your travel purchases? Do you like other rewards like discounts or special access to identity protection or similar incentives? Do You Need A Costco Executive Membership? The … [Read more...]
Build Your Own Money Challenge
Want to build your own money challenge? If you enjoy internet memes, being frugal, and participating in online challenges this might be a fun way to encourage yourself and others to save more. Lots of people enjoy them, and while not as many are into money challenges there is a unique opportunity to save and potentially go viral by creating your own version of popular online money challenges or modifying existing challenges (usually not tied to … [Read more...]
Are You Newly Frugal?
Are you new to being frugal, saving money, and conserving resources? There are plenty of articles online about being newly frugal but unfortunately, they are often filled with non-specific advice like “Eat your own food” and “Don’t be afraid”. But what about some SPECIFIC advice to save money? Here are some of my own personal go-to tricks to save money and live better. Grow Your Own Microgreens What are microgreens? These are basically spouts … [Read more...]