All Activity – SUM180

Josh Johnson – Ambassador started the topic Paying Off Credit Card Debt in the forum Manage your debt 7 years, 2 months ago

Going into the new year it was a goal of mine to consolidate debt and work to pay off my credit cards one at a time. I’m down to three with balances, two of which are my travel cards which I use every month to book travel from flights to hotels and cars so their balances will always be coming and going. The third though.. one that I’ve been…[Read more]

Josh Johnson – Ambassador started the topic Buying A Home While Self-Employed in the forum Buy a house 7 years, 2 months ago

Making the big jump, finally, after my lease is up this summer and beginning the process of purchasing my first home. I know that even signing a lease for a new apartment while self-employed can be a little arduous as you can’t show guaranteed income. So I can only imagine how much more strenuous this process will be when it comes to buying a home…[Read more]

Sum180 Lead Coach wrote a new post, Unlocking Financial Well-being with AI 7 years, 3 months ago

Hey Sum180, can I buy this dress?

It should be that easy.

With widespread financial insecurity in the U.S. continuing unabated, it’s time for us to consider a hard possibility. If people are struggling, b […]

Nancy Holloway replied to the topic Unexpected Labor & Delivery Costs in the forum My journey 7 years, 3 months ago

Hi Kayla,

Labor and delivery can be a real shock, even when you think you are prepared. I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time. Is she home yet?

Here are some suggestions to make things easier for you now or if she ever is hospitalized again:
1. Babies often go to the NICU right after birth is they have trouble breathing or have a buildup of a…[Read more]

Sum180 Lead Coach wrote a new post, You have student debt — will you still be able to buy a home? 7 years, 3 months ago

At any given time, most of us are juggling multiple financial goals: for example, paying off student loans, managing credit card debt or a car loan, setting aside a down payment for a home, or saving for […]

Donald Crawford started the topic Pet insurance that covers your dog in Office in the forum Grow your savings 7 years, 3 months ago

Hello,

I am re-homing an ex military dog and i would like to know what insurance companies (in the US) cover for animals in the workplace, as i would like to take her to work with me.
i have rung many different companies from http://www.justmoneysaver.com/insurance/pet-insurance/ and they say they do public liability cover, but if you take your…[Read more]

Sum180 Lead Coach wrote a new post, Freelancer? Saving for retirement is easier than you think! 7 years, 3 months ago

Saving for retirement is as important for independent contractors or freelancers as it is for regular employees. Don’t put it off because you don’t know how to start.

The fact is, setting up retirement accounts […]

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Renting vs owning a car in the forum Manage your debt 7 years, 3 months ago

I’ve been leasing a car for almost 3 years now, and I love it – personally. But I’m also self employed and able to write a portion of that off on my taxes because I travel often for work! I’d check with your CPA to see which option may benefit you more in the long run. Just be aware that if you drive tons for work, especially long distance, that…[Read more]

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Is a Cash-out Refinance a Good Idea? in the forum Manage your debt 7 years, 3 months ago

I know some friends that have done this when they sold a previous house and bought a new one! They were then able to invest the money from that cash out into things they needed for the new home, like a roof and new furniture.

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Savings Challenges For The New Year in the forum Grow your savings 7 years, 3 months ago

Love the idea of this! Definitely going to have to look into it. I’ve for sure saved money from being on Whole30, but that’s just a by product of everything else I’m doing.

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Making saving sexy in the forum Grow your savings 7 years, 3 months ago

I’m definitely not the best at saving! But I find that inadvertent saving, like being on Whole30, has been a great way for me to save more than usual and allow me to make bigger purchases to outfit my house and things of that nature. Where as before I was spending the money on foods and drinks when I have plenty of food and drinks at home!

Josh Johnson – Ambassador started the topic Gym Memberships in the forum My journey 7 years, 3 months ago

In line with my last post about Whole30 I also joined a gym at the beginning of the year, and while there are definitely cheaper options, like running outdoors for free, but I’m loving the group mentality of going to the YMCA.

I’ve actually sold several friends on the idea because of the added value of a membership at a Y. Our Downtown location…[Read more]

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Whole30 Savings in the forum My journey 7 years, 3 months ago

Couldn’t agree more Kathryn! It’s been such a great journey so far. Can’t wait to see how the next few weeks go.

Josh Johnson – Ambassador replied to the topic Is Couponing Worth It? in the forum Grow your savings 7 years, 3 months ago

Coupons, no not in my opinion. But checking the sales for local grocery stores before heading out to shop? For sure!

My friends and I are on Whole30 right now, and we check the ads for all our frequent grocery stops to see where we can pick up staples for cheaper.

Josh Johnson – Ambassador started the topic Whole30 Savings in the forum My journey 7 years, 3 months ago

In typical New Years’ fashion I took on a new diet at the begin of the year, Whole30, and so far it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. Not only for losing weight (which has definitely happened), but for a multitude of reasons. Like challenging and changing my relationship with food, as well as helping me saving some serious dough as I’m…[Read more]

David Nash replied to the topic Is a Cash-out Refinance a Good Idea? in the forum Manage your debt 7 years, 3 months ago

Consolidating your debt into a lower interest / lower cost situation can make sense. You should think about several things before doing this however. First, what are the upfront costs of the refinance? If you are paying points to lower the interest rate, that just adds to your debt. A home equity line of credit might make more sense. Less…[Read more]

Lisa Talley commented on the post, 3 Ways to Right-Size Your Spending 7 years, 4 months ago

Good advice. This year I’m “deleting” the expense of buying new wardrobe items simply because they’re “trendy.” Goal: a minimalist wardobe of timeless pieces. We’ll see how much I can save!

Lisa Talley replied to the topic Making saving sexy in the forum Grow your savings 7 years, 4 months ago

For me I think it takes a shift from thinking “saving => spending” to “saving = freedom”. I used to have the right mindset but over time I’ve fallen into the trap of focusing on what I can spend instead of on the freedom to do what really matters most to me.

Lisa Talley replied to the topic Year of Intention in the forum My journey 7 years, 4 months ago

Mine is similar: MINDFULNESS. I’ve been on autopilot for a long time and it’s time to be more – like you said – intentional about my choices! 🙂