Laura Smith – SUM180

Laura Smith started the topic Small Savings For Daughter in the forum Grow your savings 8 years, 3 months ago

We have been putting a small amount into a savings account for my daughter for a few years. It is not much but we figured it would be her graduation present for a used car or similar. Is this the best way or should I put it into another type of account?

Laura Smith replied to the topic Is it wise to escrow your real estate taxes? in the forum Manage your debt 8 years, 3 months ago

We have ours escrowed so we do not have the pain. It shows what portion goes to the escrow. The disadvantage would be you do not have use of the money and you do not receive interest on that money. To me it is worth not having that big bill twice per year. Also I never have to worry that something major happened and I might not be able to pay them.

Laura Smith started the topic Savings While Paying Down Debt? in the forum Grow your savings 8 years, 3 months ago

How can I increase my savings while paying down our credit card debt? I realize I need to do both but I almost feel that it is more important to get rid of the debt.

Laura Smith started the topic Before Retiring in the forum Plan your retirement 8 years, 3 months ago

When my husband retired he had a few extra bonuses that help him retire early. He was paid for his 10 weeks of paid vacation he banked. He also had a loan against his 401k when then came due or was recorded as income. I tried to warn him and he would not listen to me. So when it came to tax time he did not have enough withheld so we had to pay…[Read more]

Laura Smith replied to the topic When I knew I needed a financial plan in the forum My journey 8 years, 3 months ago

It can be overwhelming. I was an accountant so I know exactly what I need to do but doing it is another thing. Having the plan and some directions of where I needed to go is really helping me get started.

Laura Smith replied to the topic Finding money in new and interesting ways in the forum My journey 8 years, 3 months ago

I have garage sales each year. We have been able to contribute over $1,500 towards our debt payoff selling things we no longer used. It can be a big job but really worth it in the end. I also donate the rest and can make a list so I can get the best value for taxes, which saves us more. I have also found local groups on facebook that post…[Read more]

Laura Smith replied to the topic Can you talk your credit card company into giving you a lower APR? in the forum Manage your debt 8 years, 3 months ago

I had luck a few years ago. Discover was the easiest to work with me. Also if you offer to freeze your balance, not use the card, they are more willing to work with someone.

Laura Smith started the topic Getting Spouse On Board in the forum Manage your debt 8 years, 3 months ago

How can I get my spouse to start thinking differently. He is 73 and I am 53. He has always made good money and is now retired and still does very well. But he continues to use credit cards when he has excess cash in his wallet. I have tried for years to make him understand but he just gets upset. Any ideas on an easy way for him to understand…[Read more]

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