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After I sold my home and started renting, I learned that renting was not a waste of money. My advice: Don't rush into homeownership thinking it's the only way to build wealth. Building wealth does not have to include owning a home, and owning a home is not the only way to build wealth. Don't rush into homeownership thinking that it is the fastest way or the only way to build wealth. Here are a few things I learned after going from owning a home to renting.

Persons: —, It's, it's Organizations: Service, Census Bureau Locations: American

According to financial coach Hillary Seiler, you still need to spend less than you earn, even if that requires adjusting your budget. To make it from paycheck to paycheck, many are finding themselves spending more money and carrying credit card debt. "People never want to hear this one piece of advice, but it's important to spend less than you earn in any economic environment, but especially now." AdvertisementHere are three ways to start spending less than you earn:1. Review and adjust your spending habitsLook at how you spend your money. "You can earn more interest on your money now, and that will help it grow much quicker."

Persons: Hillary Seiler, Hilary Seiler, Seiler, doesn't Organizations: Business

Be on the lookout for new packaging, shop store brands, and keep track of the unit pricing to avoid losing money to shrinkflation. Buy store brandsStore brands typically have cheaper prices than the major brands that you find on store shelves. Think Kirkland brand at Costco or the store brands in Walgreens or Walmart. Because store brands are already generally the cheaper options, they will also be slower to repackage or downsize their products. For example, a 30-ounce jar of pickles that costs $8 would list a unit price of $0.27 per ounce.

Persons: Shrinkflation, Biden, shrinkflation, Kirkland Organizations: Costco, Walmart, Quicken Locations: Walgreens

Hillary Seiler works with NFL players to help them build solid financial habits and create wealth. AdvertisementPrioritize good credit so you can get the best interest rates and avoid obstacles to buying a home. Hillary Seiler, founder of Financial Footwork, helps clients improve their finances, including working with many NFL players to establish good financial habits and preserve their wealth. Seiler says the strategies she shares with NFL clients can be used by anyone to build wealth and financial stability. Prioritize a good credit scoreCredit has always been important, but now in a high interest rate environment, good credit is crucial.

Persons: Hillary Seiler, Seiler, Read Organizations: NFL, Business

Hillary Seiler, founder of Financial Footwork, says a personal loan can make sense if you want to consolidate debt. According to Hillary Seiler, a financial coach and founder of Financial Footwork, a personal loan could be a great option, depending on your situation. AdvertisementHere are 3 times a personal loan can be a good idea:1. You have multiple debts to consolidateDebt consolidation is one of the most popular reasons to get a personal loan. AdvertisementIf you have a payday loan, for example, it's likely to carry a much higher interest rate than a personal loan from a bank.

Persons: they're, Hillary Seiler, —, Seiler Organizations: Service, Consumers, Business

According to Certified Financial Planner Lauryn Williams, having good credit is more important than ever due to lingering inflation, higher interest rates, and layoffs. A good credit score, defined as 670 or above with the FICO credit model, is crucial if you want to qualify for the lowest mortgage rates, lower credit card interest rates, and more. Potential lenders are more likely to approve someone with a 700 credit score than a 550 credit score. It also positively impacts your credit utilization, which affects your credit score. Think about your credit report as a reference for the job you did handling your credit," Williams told Business Insider.

Persons: Lauryn Williams, Williams Organizations: Service, Business

Inflation is still having an impact, and consumers are definitely feeling it at the grocery store. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. I have seen this myself when I go to the grocery store and buy five items … for $65. They are typically going to be cheaper than the grocery store,” Seiler says. Check your pantry firstThis last tip is one that we all can and should do before even making a shopping list.

Persons: Hillary Seiler, —, Seiler, “, ” Seiler Organizations: Service, NFL, Business

One silver lining is that inflation generally corresponds with higher rates on savings accounts. CDs and high-yield savings accounts currently earn more interest on your money. AdvertisementHere are some smart moves you can make to get the most out of your money when inflation is high:Shop around for higher interest rates on savingsIncreased inflation generally corresponds with higher interest rates paid by high-yield savings accounts. High-yield savings accounts are designed to make your money grow in a way a typical savings account can't. Boost Your Savings Western Alliance Bank's savings account offers an industry leading APY.

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Many parents do try to anticipate and plan for the expected costs that come with raising a family like food and clothing, but other costs can come out of nowhere. Here are 4 unexpected expenses you should be aware of if you have a family or are planning on starting one:Advertisement1. Accidents and medical careFrom bicycle accidents as kids to car accidents when they start driving, children come with the potential for accidents. Raising a family may include broken bones, tonsil surgery, and appendectomies, kids can result in big medical bills. It's also best to start saving for college as early as possible, using a 529 plan or another savings account.

Persons: babysit, It’s, It's Organizations: Service, Brookings Institution, Business, IRS Locations: United States

Many financial experts say you need $1.2 million or more to retire comfortably and for your retirement savings to last. But does that number include your home and home maintenance, insurance, dental work, and potential unexpected expenses? Future expenses can be hard to predict, but here are 3 steps you can take to avoid surprises when you plan to retire:Advertisement1. And don't forget about dental work. Dental work can be really expensive and dental insurance doesn’t cover nearly enough.

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Loud budgeting is a financial trend that has gone viral as people look to save money. CFP Chloe Moore says loud budgeting can help you spend on the things that really matter to you. According to Certified Financial Planner Chloe Moore , loud budgeting can be a great way to stick to your savings goals, set financial boundaries, and even reduce anxiety around money. AdvertisementHere are 3 ways Moore says you can incorporate loud budgeting into your finances:1. Set financial boundariesWhatever your budget is for entertainment, eating out, or clothes shopping, set it and stick to it.

Persons: Chloe Moore, —, ” Moore, Moore, don’t, SoFi, “, you've Organizations: Service, Finance

If you decide to wait to buy a home, there are still positive actions you can take with your money. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Here are 4 places you can put your money to maximize your return if you think mortgage rates are too high:1. If you don't transfer to a zero-rate balance card, another option might be to get a relatively low fixed-rate personal loan. The best personal loan rate you can get will depend on your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Persons: —, you've Organizations: Invest, Service

Despite mortgage rates hovering around 6%, homeownership is still a top priority for many Americans. Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending at Bank of America, says prospective homebuyers shouldn't try to time the market. Despite this, many prospective homebuyers are ready to act. According to Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending states at Bank of America, it's not worth waiting for rates to drop if you're otherwise ready to buy. For instance, approximately one-third of prospective homebuyers would consider starting an online store to sell handcrafted pieces (34%) or selling some of their belongings (31%) to save for a home.

Persons: Matt Vernon, shouldn't, —, it's, homeownership, Homeownership, Vernon, they'd, today's Organizations: Bank of America, Service, Finance

Ahead of tax season, keep an eye out for scams to steal your personal information and money. With the start of tax season comes tax scams aimed at stealing your identity and your money. Once a scammer has your SSN, they have everything they need to create a tax return and have your tax refund sent to them. Scammers will offer to file a tax return for you that will get you a larger tax refund — for a fee, of course. It is only a matter of time before the tax return is flagged and an audit is ordered, but by then the scammer will be long gone and you'll be left holding the bag for filing a false tax return.

Persons: —, Scammers, you'll Organizations: Service, Internal Revenue Service, Social, IRS

☆ Almost half of New Year's resolutions are abandoned in the first month. Make 4 adjustments to keep your money goals going strong in February.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewFebruary is almost here, and this is when many of us start to lose our grip on money resolutions. Pay off your credit card in full every monthThis is the no. Paying off your credit card in full every month has so many benefits. Because credit card interest rates are so high right now, paying off your credit card in full each month means you avoid that charge altogether. If you're paying off credit card debt, autopay lets you set up how much you can afford to pay towards that debt every month.

Persons: —, autopay Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Sephora

"It's important to be an educated and prepared borrower," Bank of America's Matthew Vernon told Business Insider. Having strong credit and getting prequalified are important to your homebuying process, he said. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Home affordability is more than the mortgage payment. It's important to look into the true cost of homeownership for any home that you're interested in buying.

Persons: Bank of America's Matthew Vernon, —, Matthew Vernon, Vernon, You've Organizations: Bank of America's, Business, Service, Bank of America Locations: Vernon

The best way to avoid identity theft is to be aware of common scams and their tell-tale signs. Online account tax scamsThe Internal Revenue Service has come out with guidance on this particular scam. It involves scammers who try to sell or offer help with setting up an online account with irs.gov , and it can subject your personal and tax information to identity theft. Make sure that any online tax account that you open begins at irs.gov. The most common one involves the supposed employer sending you a fake money order or fake company check to deposit into your bank account.

Persons: —, scammers Organizations: Service, Federal Trade Commission, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Revenue Service, IRS, Valentine's Locations: irs.gov

Start a nest egg or emergency fundNow is the time to build a nest egg or emergency fund , whether you're starting from scratch or need to beef yours up. A nest egg puts your mind at ease because whatever happens you will be prepared," says Moore. A nest egg also keeps you out of debt . Start saving money right now so you can see great progress by the end of the year. Building a nest egg is a major step towards financial stability that really pays off down the road.

Persons: Chloe Moore, Moore Organizations: Business, Quicken, Finance

Certified Financial Planner Chloe Moore says that there are three common mistakes she sees people make that leave them cash-strapped and under financial strain. "You have to look at more than just the monthly payment," Moore states. Don't create another bill for yourself that will take money away from saving and other expenses," Moore states. Check your everyday spending at the grocery store and on monthly expenses like utilities and gas. I can bet that it's to those everyday expenses that have increased over time," Moore says.

Persons: Chloe Moore, Moore Organizations: Business, Finance

☆ 3 reasons why a financial planner advises against using buy now, pay later, even though it's practically everywhere
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Buy now, pay later plans — installment loans that allow you to spread out payments over time — aren't exactly new, but they've seen explosive growth over the last several years. AdvertisementBut Chloe Moore , a certified financial planner based in Atlanta, Georgia, says that buy now, pay later is still debt and that most people should steer clear of it. Here are three reasons why she advises her clients against using buy now, pay later:1. Since buy now, pay later is so easy to use, some consumers have multiple installment plans that they are paying in a month. If you have multiple installments that you are paying with a buy now, pay later plan, you may be eliminating any breathing room in your budget.

Persons: BNPL, Chloe Moore, —, Moore Organizations: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, PayPal, Finance Locations: Atlanta , Georgia

☆ A financial behavior expert says ignoring your money always makes things worse, but 3 steps can help you regain control
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Financial behavior expert Stacey Tisdale says feeling overwhelmed leads people to ignore their finances and makes things worse. Make money management less stressful by using a budgeting app or hiring a financial advisor. According to financial behavior expert Stacey Tisdale , this is the main reason people ignore the hard truths about their finances. Related storiesHere are three steps you can take to stop ignoring your finances and get your money back on track:1. Build your financial competence over time, and understand that financial stability is a journey and not a race."

Persons: Stacey Tisdale, —, Tisdale Organizations: Service, Finance

It's important to start saving for retirement as soon as you can and plan for healthcare expenses as you grow older. These challenges can put your retirement savings at risk and make the quality of your retirement uncertain. AdvertisementHere are three risks to your retirement savings you may not have considered. However, procrastinating with your retirement savings means losing time and money you will never recover. Outliving your moneyThere is a risk that you could outlive your retirement savings.

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According to TransUnion , 168.6 million consumers carried a credit card balance at the end of September. With higher interest rates affecting credit card balances, the cost of buying gifts this year, or even everyday essentials, is higher than ever. If you can pay off your credit card balance in full every month and take advantage of rewards and perks, the use of a credit card can be beneficial. Here are three steps you can take right now to avoid being shocked by your credit card bill in January:1. If you can pay your existing credit card bill off in full, great … but if you cannot, prepare to make a hefty payment so you don't incur high interest charges or have a credit card bill that lingers well into the new year.

Persons: Uber Organizations: Service, Business, Quicken Locations: TransUnion

She advises not to wait to learn about credit and debt, to save for retirement, or to sign up for a 401(k) if you can. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Cox shares three areas where procrastinating with your money goals can cost you down the road. "Take the time to educate yourself on how credit works (payments, late payments, credit scores , credit mix, utilization ) before you get a credit card ," Cox says. When you miss out on saving for a decade of your life (your 20s), you may need to win the lottery to make up that time in saving," Cox told Business Insider.

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☆ Gen Z wants to retire early, but an expert who has helped people with money for 20 years says 3 things could stand in their way
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Gen Z is the youngest generation in the workforce and many members want to retire early. Gen Z is in the workforce … and they are already looking for the exits. Gen Z is starting out with less money, more expenses, and higher costs." Here are a few issues Tisdale says Gen Zers could see impact their early timeline for retirement:1. What might help Gen Z reach their goal"It's important for Gen Z, since they are just getting started, to learn business basics and educate themselves on entrepreneurship, side hustles, and investing," Tisdale told Personal Finance Insider.

Persons: —, Gen Zers, Stacey Tisdale, Gen Z, Tisdale, Zers, Gen, Robinhood, Z Organizations: Service, Transamerica Center, Retirement Studies, Finance

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