I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: 3 Things To Stop Buying That Are a Waste of Money

Andrew Lisa   Wed, November 13, 2024  GOBankingRates

Part of the reason so many lottery winners and heirs blow their windfalls shortly after getting rich is that they never learned the skills to manage, guard and grow that kind of money. The other reason is that they never had to sweat, sacrifice and risk the fortunes that fell in their laps.

But self-made millionaires know just how hard it is to build riches worth seven figures — and they’re in no rush to return to where they started. Toiling your way to wealth tends to breed financial discipline, which means passing on things that you might want and can afford. That’s how you turn a small fortune into a large one.

6 Things You Should Never Put in a Living Trust

Preston Hartwick Tue, November 12, 2024 GOBankingRates

Estate planning provides for the smooth handling of your assets after death. However, only around 32% of American adults have a will, indicating that most people haven’t taken the appropriate steps to prepare for the management of their estate, according to LegalZoom.

One essential tool for estate planning is a living trust. It allows your assets to bypass the lengthy, costly probate process and maintains your financial privacy.

Since a living trust can be amended or revoked at any point during your lifetime, it also serves as a flexible way to control your assets, avoid family disputes and ultimately provide peace of mind knowing that your estate will be managed according to your wishes.

5 Money Moves Wealthy People Make Before the Start of Any New Year   

By Laura Bogart  October 25, 2024

There are certain traditional ways people ring in the new year. Some clink glasses at midnight, or go in for a lucky kiss. Others meditate. And, let’s be real, plenty are already in bed. Wealthy people may be among those celebrating at parties, on the yoga mat, or off in dreamland — but they’re also a little different. They know that part of embracing the new year means setting themselves up for success.

While you may think the financial moves of the wealthy would be like moving mountains for your own humble accounts, the truth is, a lot of these tips are easy enough for everyday people to follow — including you.

The 5 Most Expensive End-of-Year Money Mistakes, According to Financial Advisors

By Laura Bogart  October 25, 2024  GoBankingRates

These days, you might feel inundated with messages about your resolutions for the New Year before pumpkin-spice season even ends and Mariah Carey breaks out her high note on that iconic holiday classic. You get advertisements for gym memberships, meditation apps and green-eating meal plans — the same stuff you see every year. But you’re determined not to let next year be just like the last.

You’ve decided that this is going to be the year you get everything together, body, mind, and wallet. That’s admirable. While the will to change is a fantastic first step, you’ll go farther — and stay on your journey longer — if you understand the behaviors you don’t want to repeat. This includes the money mistakes that end up costing you big bucks every year — money that’s better where it belongs, back in your wallet.

I’m a Money Expert: 4 Reasons You Should Stock Up on $100 Bills Before the Winter

Joel Lim  Sat, November 9, 2024    GOBankingRates

Digital payments are expected to reach $11 trillion in 2024. That’s a lot of virtual money changing hands.

But what if something goes wrong? It happens all the time. Banks close, digital payment platforms fail, or you lose your debit card. While an increase in spending during the winter months is predictable, the unexpected events are, of course, unpredictable.

So, one thing is clear — there are many things could happen that prevent you from using your hard-earned money. So, is it a good idea to stock up on $100 bills now? Waiting could mean your money gets tied up, and you miss out on your planned purchase.

30 Scam Phone Numbers To Block and Area Codes To Avoid

August 22, 2024  by Joshua Rodriguez

Scams are becoming more and more prevalent, and simply blocking unwanted calls doesn’t always do the trick. They’re so common that experts have coined the term “scam economy.” Unfortunately, it’s easy to change a phone number, and scammers often do so to avoid getting caught or having their call blocked. The good news is that scams operate in many known area codes, so you can avoid being the next victim simply by honing in on the list of scammer phone numbers.

Quick Take: List of Scammer Phone Numbers

Wouldn’t it be great to have a list of scam phone numbers handy to avoid them altogether or at least have 1-888 scammer numbers be clear in their intention on the caller ID? Short of never answering the phone or putting yourself on every national “do not call” list, there are some red flags you can alert yourself to before accidentally giving out your Social Security number or being a victim of identity theft.

I’m a Bank Teller: 6 Top Ways You Can Keep Your Checking Account Safe

November 7, 2024 Written by Sean Bryant

According to a 2023 study by the American Banking Association, only 9% of people still take care of their banking needs in a physical brand location. Instead, they’re relying on the accessibility of online banking and banking apps. Another study by Chase found that 87% of Americans use their banking app at least once per month.

However, with the rise of online and mobile banking also comes an increase in cybercrime. According to the FBI, over $4 billion was lost to cyber criminals in 2020 alone. This means it’s more crucial than ever to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your money.

Thanks to Fraud, Big Banks Might Not Let You Make Your Normal Mobile Deposit

Chris Ozarowski   Thu, November 7, 2024  GOBankingRates

Do you use mobile check deposits to put your paycheck into your bank account? If so, you may be forced to change your habits in the future. Due to a wave of mobile check scams, Fidelity Investments has begun to limit some check deposit features, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Other organizations that have been similarly affected may soon follow suit.

If you’re worried about financial scams, learn the red flags you should look out for to protect your money.

Ramit Sethi Says This Is The Biggest Red Flag of All When It Comes to Money and Relationships

Mary Green  Wed, November 6, 2024   GOBankingRates

Most people look for a romantic partner who shares their financial values and has similar life goals, whether that means living a life of luxury or embracing a minimalist existence. Incompatibility in these areas is often a deal breaker or “red flag.”

Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi says there is an even bigger red flag that people tend to overlook. The number one financial red flag isn’t having different values — it’s being unable to talk about money at all.

“If your partner simply will not talk about money, you have a huge problem,” Sethi explained in an interview on Instagram.

4 Money Mistakes the Wealthy Never Make

Adam Palasciano  Thu, November 7, 2024 GOBankingRates 

It should come as no surprise that wealthy people — or people striving to join them — are constantly paying close attention to the economy, legislation and various markets. They are also always analyzing how these factors can and will affect their finances.

Here are four financial mistakes the wealthy never make whether times are tough or relatively smooth sailing.

9 Ingenious Places To Hide Spare Keys

Don't get locked out of your house when you use these best places to hide a spare key

Anika Gandhi  Anika’s DIY Life  Mon, October 28, 2024

For decades, people have been stashing spare keys outside their homes to avoid the dreaded lockout. With how often it happens, it only makes sense to have an accessible backup! But the classic “under the doormat” hiding spot? That’s the first place a potential intruder will check.

Say goodbye to predictable hiding spots and discover more secure ways to keep your spare key accessible without sacrificing safety. These unexpected yet clever spots will make finding your key challenging for strangers and easy for you when you need it most!

5 Effective Ways To Stop Impulse-Buying And Save Money

Learn how to shop more intentionally (without feeling deprived)

Shira Gill | Organizing Expert

These tips will help you slow your roll when it comes to impulse buying, live more sustainably, and save a boatload of money. File that under #winwin.