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☆ I hired a life coach for $400 a month and finally understand what it means to 'invest in yourself.' It's the best money I've ever spent.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Hiring a life coach at age 31 and understanding what it means to 'invest in yourself'While I wasn't actively seeking advice in my 20s, my job as a personal finance reporter meant I was regularly surrounded by money, career, and life advice. My job involved talking to financial planners about smart money moves and to self-made millionaires about how to build wealth. Courtesy of Kathleen ElkinsIn August 2023, weeks after turning 31 and after a nine-year hiatus from having a coaching figure in my life, I hired a life coach. How is a life coach different from a therapist? It's the easiest money I "spend" every month because it doesn't feel like spending — it feels like (and is) an investment.

Persons: —, I'd, didn't, wasn't, It'll, Bill Gates, …, Kathleen Elkins, we've, He's, — aren't Organizations: Service, Business, IRA Locations: Boston

☆ A 32-year-old who started selling T-shirts in college with $500 upfront shares the 4 strategies he used to build a seven-figure online business from scratch
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Karthik Shanadi and Luke McGurrin did just that — and they started their brand, Greek House, out of their fraternity house with a slim $500 budget. Since launching Greek House in 2013, the cofounders have added three more apparel brands. Courtesy of Karthik ShanadiIt helped that Shanadi and McGurrin eventually expanded into what he considers a "high barrier niche": licensed merchandise. In 2016, about three years after starting Greek House, they received a notice from a licensing agency.

Persons: —, Karthik Shanadi, Luke McGurrin, Shanadi, McGurrin, Brian Chesky, Threadly, that's, We're Organizations: Service, Business, University of Florida Locations: Portugal, Philippines, India

☆ A millennial who achieved financial independence years ago through 'extreme' saving opens up about what he would do differently — and explains how millennials are hitting financial freedom without a '
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"On the road to financial independence, I was trying to save and invest as much as I could as early as I could," he told Business Insider. Related stories"A vast majority of the people that are pursuing FIRE or financial independence have a much more measured approach to the pursuit and are doing it on their own terms," he said. How to hit financial independence without a 'sacrifice mentality'A common misconception about the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement is that it requires immense sacrifice. "Younger people are now much more focused on the freedom component and being able to get freedom now while simultaneously pursuing financial independence." As opposed to aggressively saving 80% of their income and waiting 10 years to reach financial independence.

Persons: —, Grant Sabatier, he'd, he's, He's, there's, it's, Sabatier, Lauren, Steven Keys, Steven, you'll, We're Organizations: Service, Business, Financial Independence

☆ A couple that quit full-time work in their 20s share the money mindset that 'propelled' them to financial independence without altering their quality of life: 'We made zero sacrifices'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Lauren and Steven Keys built a million-dollar portfolio from scratch, which set them up to quit their full-time jobs in their 20s and pursue various side projects and creative work. "We made, honestly, zero sacrifices on our journey," Steven said, noting that they never budgeted or tracked their spending. The couple kept the cost of their hobbies in check and sometimes even found ways to monetize them. In fact, it made us significantly more money than it cost us in the first place," said Steven. Playing Magic: The Gathering, on aggregate over my lifetime, has actually made me money, not cost me."

Persons: Lauren, Steven Keys, Steven, we're Organizations: Business, Bureau of Labor Statistics — Locations: The Florida, United States

☆ A 32-year-old entrepreneur who built a seven-figure merch brand in response to a 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains how he finds opportunities — and the industries he'd focus on in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In July 2021, in response to the new NIL legislation, Shanadi and McGurrin created a fourth brand specifically for athletes, Athlete's Thread. Courtesy of Karthik ShanadiDespite being their newest brand, Athlete's Thread, which makes merchandise co-branded with the college and the athlete, is already their most lucrative. Athlete's Thread allows any college athlete to essentially launch a personal merch store for free. After they sign up on the platform, the Athlete's Thread team builds out their catalog. As of March 2024, Athlete's Thread is licensed with 150 colleges and has about 14,000 student-athletes on its platform.

Persons: Karthik Shanadi, Shanadi, Luke McGurrin, McGurrin, LUKE SIRIMONGKHON, that's, he'd Organizations: Business, University of Florida, NCAA Locations: New York City

☆ An ex-consultant who quit to work for himself grew his income from $48,000 to over $300,000 in 6 years. He breaks down his revenue streams and shares the 2-pronged strategy he used to go from employee
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In 2018, his first full year as a self-employed freelancer, he took a few consulting gigs and brought in about $48,000 in revenue. He spent most of his time doing "creative work," he told Business Insider: blogging, starting a podcast, and building an online course. About 30% of his earnings in 2019 came from consulting, while the rest came from his consulting skills course, coaching, content, and affiliate marketing. The rest came from his online course, consulting training workshops, content, and affiliate marketing. Once his course took off, he could scale back on the consulting gigs.

Persons: —, Paul Millerd, Millerd, He's, Paul, doesn't Organizations: Service, Business, Millerd's, Freelance Locations: Taiwan, New York City, Asia

☆ A 32-year-old entrepreneur launched a clothing company in college with $500 and grew it to seven figures. He explains what type of business he would build in 2024 if he had to start over.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. The young entrepreneurs started "brokering deals through text messages," Shanadi told Business Insider. Related stories"We realized quickly that we have to invest in technology to support the growth of this business," he said. If he lost everything and had to start a business from scratch in 2024, he'd think about other industries that are underserved with regard to tech. The more people you talk to, the better you'll understand if it's a common industry problem, he noted.

Persons: —, Karthik Shanadi, Luke McGurrin, Shanadi, he'd, they're Organizations: Service, University of Florida, Business, House Locations: Bangalore

☆ 2 college friends who started selling custom T-shirts on campus with a $500 budget explain how they grew their fraternity-house merch project into a seven-figure business
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

By the time Shanadi started his freshman year at the University of Florida, he had nearly a decade of work under his belt. His first brand, Greek House, while "a little bit of an accident," admitted Shanadi, was set in motion. It allowed him and McGurrin to launch Greek House with the limited savings they had. They dedicated weeknights and weekends to growing Greek House. Quitting corporate America, living on $1,000 a month, and learning from a $33,000 mistakeIn 2016, Shanadi quit his job to go all-in on Greek House.

Persons: Karthik Shanadi, Shanadi, Luke McGurrin, Luke, McGurrin, We'd, LUKE SIRIMONGKHON, Brian Chesky, that's, we've, we're Organizations: Business, University of Florida, New, Amazon, House, of Florida, Follett, Dick's Sporting Goods Locations: Bangalore, India, Orlando, New York City, Florida, California, Bay, Los Angeles, America, Salesforce, LA

☆ How one millennial quit a corporate job, became self-employed, and set himself up financially to start a small business
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In 2017, Paul Millerd left his high-paying consulting job to work for himself. This article is part of "Unlocking Small Business Success," a series providing micro businesses with a road map to growth. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. In 2017, Paul Millerd walked away from a six-figure consulting salary. Since leaving corporate America in 2017, his revenue streams have included freelance consulting, coaching, online course sales, book sales, and affiliate marketing.

Persons: Paul Millerd, —, Millerd, didn't, Millerd didn't, spender, that's, Angie, doesn't Organizations: Service, America Locations: America, Taiwan, New York, Boston, New York City

☆ The average tax refund is $3,109. Here's where to save and invest your return right now.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The goal is usually to be as close to zero as possible: either a minimal return refund or a minimal tax payment. Where to save your money right now: high-yield or money market accountsOnce you've received your refund, a good initial step is to send that money from your checking account to a savings account. A few key differences: Your cash will be more accessible in a money market account, as you can write checks and use a debit card linked directly to the account. Note that money market accounts usually have a higher minimum balance requirement, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Interest rates are expected to drop in 2024, but you'll still earn more in these accounts than in traditional savings accounts, which typically offer rates under 0.5%.

Persons: Grant Nieland, you've, you'll, You'll, Roth, Nieland, we're Organizations: Business, Carson Wealth, IRS, Wealth, Roth IRA

☆ Most Americans are missing out on 'free money' by not saving in a high-yield account. A financial planner explains 3 factors to consider when choosing and what to do if interest rates fall.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This type of account offers a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. That's assuming you have it sitting in a traditional savings account earning little to no interest rather than in a high-yield account earning 5%. If that money is not in a high-yield savings account, that's $2,500 a year that you're giving up." If the Federal Reserve does start cutting interest rates, which is expected to happen in 2024, high-yield savings account rates will also drop. Of course, you'll still earn much more in a high-yield account than you would in a traditional savings account, noted Weiss.

Persons: —, Brent Weiss, Weiss, That's, Ally Bank, you'll, it's, Ally, SoFi, Marcus, you've, they're Organizations: Service, Business, CNBC, Ally Bank, Ally, Federal Reserve

☆ Employees are building 'F-you funds' before quitting their jobs. Here's what it means and how to build one.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Souffrant set out to save enough so they could cover one year's worth of expenses between Woody's salary and her savings. How to build your own 'F you fund' in 2 stepsAnyone can start an "F you fund" like Soufrrant and Shah did to create more options for themselves. Souffrant kept hers in a high-yield savings account. That way, the money was still accessible but earning more interest than it would if it was sitting in a traditional savings account. If your number is $200 per month, have that amount lifted from your checking account and deposited into your "F you account" each month.

Persons: Jamila Souffrant, Souffrant, Nischa Shah, Nischa Shah Nischa Shah, it's, Shah, Woody Organizations: Business, America, Investment

☆ A millennial who quit her corporate job to work for herself explains the 2-part strategy she used to 'supercharge' her side hustle and turn it into full-time income
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

All I do know is that the way I am making money at the moment isn't bringing me happiness." "It was like an escape from my day job, a creative outlet for me." Maintain your day job and use a portion of your income to invest in your side hustleRelated storiesShah believes in maintaining your day job for as long as possible while simultaneously building your side hustle or business. "I couldn't have done that if I didn't have my day job. The way she sees it, the longer you can maintain your day job, the more money you'll have to grow your side hustle to a point where it eventually overtakes your day job income.

Persons: Nischa Shah, She'd, Shah, I've, she'd, It's, she's, it's, Shah didn't Organizations: Business, YouTube, Investment Locations: London

☆ An accountant who has read dozens of money and investing books shares her top 3 picks, including 'one of the least boring financial books you will read'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewNischa Shah says she has read many books about money, from the classics that cover the fundamentals like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" to more mindset-focused texts like "The Psychology Of Money." The Richest Man in BabylonAdvertisementShah's top pick is George S Clason's "The Richest Man in Babylon." He becomes the richest man in the city by following simple money-making principles that still hold true today, from paying yourself first to controlling your spending and putting your money to work. Related storiesThis book boils down what it takes to build wealth "in a way that is not boring and mundane," said Shah.

Persons: —, Shah, Dad, She's, George S Clason's, it's, Rich, Napoleon Hill's, Michael E, Gerber Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Babylon

☆ I opened an account that the wealthy like to save and invest in, thanks to its major tax benefits. It was a smart money move, but I made 2 mistakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But I let my money sit in the non-bearing cash account for two years. The author started investing her HSA money in 2024. That number looks very different if I chose to leave the money in the cash account for those 26 years: It would amount to about $112,000. Touching the HSA money also cost me. Now that I've spoken with Weiss, I'm building my cash balance up to the one-year deductible amount before I invest more.

Persons: —, they're maxing, Brent Weiss, That's, Weiss, Kathleen Elkins , me Organizations: Service, Business, Vanguard

☆ An accountant and former investment banker shares an underlooked way to invest your first couple thousand dollars: 'The return you can get completely outweighs the 7% return you're going to get in the
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

When you think about the different ways to invest your money, things like the stock market or real estate may come to mind. "Investing at its core is about committing resources to achieve future benefits," accountant and former investment banker Nischa Shah says on her YouTube channel. However, "when you invest in yourself, you're essentially increasing your earning potential and creating more opportunities for yourself." Because the return you can get in your own investment completely outweighs the 7% return you will get in the stock market over the next 30 years." You don't want to get to the point where you're looking back and thinking, "'I wish I just started.

Persons: Nischa Shah, it's, that's, Shah, Nischa, —, who's, she'd Organizations: Service, YouTube, Business

☆ A tax expert shares 3 little-known concepts every real-estate investor should know about, including one that could eliminate capital gains taxes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

"It's section 1250 in the tax code, and that tax rate is 25% at the federal level, regardless of whatever marginal income tax bracket you're in." In addition to owing capital gains tax on the $500,000 of appreciation they experience, they're also subject to depreciation recapture tax. As a DST investor, you essentially own fractions of the investment properties, typically high-grade institutional properties, owned by the trust. A step-up in basis can reduce or eliminate capital gains taxesA "step-up in basis" can help heirs reduce or even eliminate capital gains taxes. That means, if the surviving spouse wants to sell, they can save big on capital gains taxes.

Persons: —, Austin Bowlin, they're, Bowlin, aren't Organizations: Service, Real, Business, IRS, Midwest, Investors Locations: Delaware, Texas, Arizona , California , Idaho , Louisiana , Nevada , New Mexico , Texas, Washington, Wisconsin

☆ A former investment banker shares the strategies she's using to build long-term wealth, including 3 mental tricks she used to save six figures
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

It also helped that she'd built six figures in savings, according to screenshots of her savings and investing accounts viewed by BI. She elaborated on her stock market and real estate investing strategies. While anyone can invest in the stock market starting with as little as $1 thanks to micro-investing platforms, owning real estate typically involves bigger upfront costs. "I could put down a 20% deposit, and then the bank will lend me 80% to buy this asset," she said. The cash flow you can generate from real estate is "far greater than what you'll get from most other investments," said Shah.

Persons: Nischa Shah, Shah, she'd, she's, It'll, —, — Organizations: Business, YouTube, BI, Fidelity, Vanguard Locations: London, Real

☆ I finally invested my HSA money after writing about millionaires who take advantage of a 'triple tax threat strategy.' I could pocket an extra $233,000 by the time I retire.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. I happily used my HSA money to cover the $1,075 bill. An even smarter move would have been to invest my HSA funds (which I eventually did) and not touch them until age 65. I was relieved when Weiss told me that he also invests his HSA money in a retirement date fund. I asked about how often I should be transferring money from my cash account, where my HSA funds land automatically, to my investment account.

Persons: I've, Brent Weiss, Roth IRAs, HSAs, It's, Weiss, Max, don't, Kathleen Elkins, —, I'm Organizations: Business, Vanguard, IRS Locations: That's, Epsom

☆ Real-estate investors are using a little-known tax strategy the IRS approved in 2004 to exchange properties for a more passive investment while deferring taxes indefinitely: 'Most people don't even kn
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Austin Bowlin, a CPA and partner at Real Estate Transition Solutions, is finding this out among his investor clients. "But a 1031 exchange in and of itself isn't the sole answer because now they have to figure out, 'What would I exchange into?'" If they buy another investment property, they're back where they started: actively managing a different property. And, thanks to a 2004 ruling by the IRS, DSTs are 1031 exchange eligible. That said, "most of those risks are what the owners are accustomed to, having owned and managed investment real estate.

Persons: —, It's, Austin Bowlin, they're, He'll Organizations: Service, Business, CPA, Real, Delaware Statutory Trust, IRS, SEC Locations: California, Delaware, Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada

☆ Entrepreneurs without business or finance backgrounds share 3 non-business-related tactics that are helping them bring in millions in revenue
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewAs entrepreneurs and small-business owners have shown, a traditional business or finance background isn't a prerequisite for success. The owner of two bustling Brooklyn locations told Business Insider: "I didn't go to business school. Advertisement"I think we both have strong entrepreneurial instincts, but we don't come from a finance or a business background," said La Tejana cofounder Gus May. Each of these entrepreneurs has evolved alongside their businesses and become more and more business savvy through trial and error.

Persons: —, Jon Neeter, Adah Fitzgerald, Cosmetologist Martha Ellen Mabry, Gus May, Ana, Maria Jaramillo, Fitzgerald, Noble, We've, Jaramillo, It's, Martha Ellen Mabry, Headchop, Samuel Robert Bullen Mabry, " Jaramillo, Neeter, everybody's Organizations: Service, Independent, Business, Barnes Locations: Los Angeles, New York City, Brooklyn, La, Pleasant

☆ 'Super savers' are spending little to no money on housing to free up extra cash. Here are 3 strategies they use to lower their rent or mortgage payments.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Heilbron, along with other "super savers" — individuals who save more than half of their incomes — have found creative ways to lower (or eliminate) the biggest expense Americans face: housing. US Bureau of Labor StatisticsHere's how the experts save on rent or mortgage payments, listed in order of simplicity. Courtesy of Karina MejiaIf you can live with family, that's another way to save on housing. But, especially if you're based out of a major city, the further you go away from the city center, the more affordable space you're going to find. While it is perhaps the most effective way to lower housing costs, it is also the most complex in that it requires owning a home.

Persons: you'll, Avery Heilbron, Steven Keys, Lauren, Karina Mejia, Ali, Josh Lupo, Todd Baldwin Organizations: Business, Consumer, Bureau of Labor Statistics, of Labor Statistics Here's Locations: Boston, Augusta, San Francisco, Orlando, New York, Seattle

☆ A couple that quit their jobs in their 20s explains why the 4% rule of early retirement is overrated — and why they felt comfortable quitting before they reached 'full financial independence'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It can help prospective early retirees figure out how much money they can spend in retirement without running out. When Lauren and Steven Keys set out to achieve financial independence and allow themselves the freedom to quit their 9-to-5s, they kept this formula in mind. But then they did an early retirement "test run" of sorts in 2015: They quit full-time work and traveled to Hawaii for six months. What they realized is that early retirement doesn't necessarily mean they'll never work again. Lauren and Steven Keys quit full-time work in their 20s.

Persons: Lauren, Steven Keys, Steven, Stephen, you'll, We're, I'm, we'll Organizations: Financial Independence, Business, National Parks Locations: Hawaii, United States, It's, Gainesville

☆ A financially independent real-estate investor explains the strategy she used to 'exchange' investment properties and sidestep capital gains taxes indefinitely
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The real-estate investor, consultant, and author of "30-Day Stay" explained how and why she did a 1031 exchange. How a 1031 exchange worksWith a 1031 exchange, you're essentially selling one property, purchasing another, and avoiding capital gains taxes in the process. There are ways to reduce your capital gains tax liability, like deducting your property's depreciation. But, with a 1031 exchange, you can sidestep your capital gains taxes indefinitely and continue reinvesting in more profitable properties and growing your wealth. However, real property in the United States is not like-kind to real property outside the United States."

Persons: —, Zeona McIntyre, McIntyre, St . Louis, Louis —, you'll, There's Organizations: Service, Business, IRS Locations: Boulder, St ., St, Florida, United States

☆ A millennial without a business or finance background skipped college to open her first hair salon at age 21. She shares 2 keys to bootstrapping a successful small business.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewMartha Ellen Mabry remembers getting her hair cut as a kid at the local salon one of her neighbors owned. AdvertisementHere are two principles the entrepreneur followed that helped her build two thriving businesses without a business or finance background. Mabry launched her basement salon Headchop on a shoestring budget. Mabry didn't spend a dime on marketing Headchop. Advertisement"What makes a business truly work for a long time is the care that goes into it," Mabry said.

Persons: —, Martha Ellen Mabry, Mabry, Alisha Wetherill Mabry, she's, that's, I've, Michelle Iorio, Hayley Carloni, they're Organizations: Service, South Carolina, Business Locations: South, Brooklyn , New York, NYC, Williamsburg, DevaChan

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