James C. Molet's Blog, page 73

Spent

Online Game: Spent (2014). Created by the ad agency McKinney for Urban Ministries of Durham, this innovative game about surviving poverty and homelessness was named the best game or app at the 16th Annual Webby Awards. This online, simulation game strives to present the challenges of making money choices for those on the edge of, or mired in poverty. The setup is pretty straight forward. You have lost your job, you have a child to care for, you are a single parent and now you are down to your last $1,000.00. Read the Full Story

More Money Philosophies

Last week we looked at a couple of  philosophies – Do Not Loan Money and Do Not Raid Retirement Accounts – that I have adopted and have served me well. This week we look at two more philosophies that SavvyReaders might consider adopting as their own: Disregard the Naysayers Regardless of the endeavor you are undertaking, no matter what it is that you might be trying to accomplish, there are likely to be those that tell you that you cannot achieve, you will not achieve, or you should not pursue Read the Full Story

A SavvyInterview – Robert

Robert is a relatively new SavvyReader, making his first comment on the recent Multiply Your Income Streams post. I appreciated his enthusiasm and immediately inquired about his interest in doing A SavvyInterview. I’m pleased that he readily agreed and has taken the time to share his outlook on personal finance and retirement planning. What was the catalyst that started you on the road to fiscal fitness? After my wife and I got married in 2003, the realities of consumer debt, student loans, car payments and mortgages hit home hard. I Read the Full Story

A SavvyInterview – Jamal & Frenel

As SavvyReaders are well aware, I am a strong advocate for financial literacy and encouraging individuals to learn more, through as many mediums as possible, hence our SavvyRecommendations. I’m pleased that Jamal and Frenel, the CEO and President behind Freedom Quest, an experiential game focused on financial literacy, have agreed to sit for A SavvyInterview. What was the catalyst that sparked your interest in financial literacy? Frenel: It sounds terrible, but if my first job out of University was not as a Financial Advisor, I probably would not care as Read the Full Story

Paycheck to Paycheck

Documentary: Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life & Times of Katrina Gilbert (2014). The synopsis from the HBO page notes that this documentary is from Maria Shiver’s groundbreaking multi-platform project “The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink.” It tells the moving story of a year in the life of one mother whose daily struggles illuminate the challenges faced by more than 42 million American women and the 28 million children who depend on them. This unvarnished account of a single mom struggling to get ahead, but constantly getting Read the Full Story

Nominee for Broadband Networks’ Best Finance Blog of 2014 Award

I received incredible news today. This blog has been nominated for Broadview Networks’ Best Finance Blog of 2014 Award! If chosen as a Top Finance Blog, RetirementSavvy will be featured alongside some of the best financial-focused blogs available on the web recounting experiences in frugality, recommending financial tools to use, and general fiscal advice. Broadband Networks’ objective is to provide a comprehensive list, nominated by readers and staff, which will help their clients and partners glean the best financial information and advice on the web. As part of the nomination process, I Read the Full Story

Money Philosophies

In order to achieve success with any endeavor, whether it is mastering an instrument or managing money, certain philosophies or beliefs must be developed and turned into actions. Over the next two weeks, I will be sharing some of the philosophies that I have adopted, and that have served me well. The first two are noted below: Do Not Loan Money At first glance, that statement might strike you as miserly. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am not suggesting that you should never help friends and family Read the Full Story

A SavvyInterview – Jason

This week’s SavvyInterview is with Jason, a founder at Phroogal, and a fellow personal finance blogger I have known awhile, through Google+ and Twitter. Jason offers great insight on how to establish a healthy relationship with money. I’m pleased he has taken the time to sit for this SavvyInterview. What was the catalyst that started you on the road to fiscal fitness? How old were you at the time? I’ve had my struggle with spending and debt. For the first part of my adult life, I spent a good portion Read the Full Story

Living Frugally: Be a Smart Pet Owner

While you are certain to incur additional expenses as a pet owner – every day ownership and the occasional visits to the vet can be expensive – owning a pet does not have to be cost prohibitive. There are many actions you can take to be frugal pet owners, yet ensure your non-human family members remain healthy and happy. The first thing to consider is how a pet finds its way to your home. As with most things, the cost can range from $0 – hundreds of dollars. The SavvyJames Read the Full Story

Optimizing Social Security Benefits

Brief: When Should I Take Social Security Benefits? (2013). This brief from the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) notes that individuals can take retirement benefits at any time between ages 62 and 70. Authors Virginia P. Reno, Jasmine V. Tucker, and Elisa A. Walker note that if you are age 62 or older and need Social Security to make ends meet, you should take it. However, there are sound financial reasons to delay taking benefits, particularly if you have access to other financial resources. By waiting, your monthly benefits Read the Full Story