John J. Bowman Jr. | John J. Bowman Jr

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August 31, 2021

How to Save an Appropriate Amount in Your Checking Account

We all want to save money. But how much of our paycheck should we put away for the future? Some people have a savings goal that leaves them with no spending money at the end of the month, while others can’t seem to set any amount aside. The truth is that it depends on your goals and lifestyle. Here are some guidelines that might help you make an informed decision:

Savings Goal:

If you don’t have a specific goal in mind or need more information, use this rule as a starting point: Aim to save enough so that after living expenses and debt repayment obligations, there’s still $500 leftover each month. This will give most people enough room in their budget to “play” with extras without jeopardizing their emergency savings.

Debt Level:

Consider your debt level when determining monthly savings. If you owe a significant amount on credit cards, medical bills, or student loans, consider saving 20% of your gross income or more until that debt is paid off. This will allow you to create an emergency fund and still have enough left over to meet your minimum monthly obligations.

Frequency of Expenditures:

Consider saving more than the bare minimum if you spend a lot more money each month on certain expenses, such as eating out and going to the movies. Try saving enough so that those expenses take up no more than 10% of your income or less.

House and Car Payments:

If your home or car payment is coming out of your checking account each month, consider saving the full amount you can reasonably afford to keep those payments in check. Otherwise, creating a cushion will help you avoid dipping into savings when unexpected expenses arise.

Current Deductions:

Take a look at how you are currently spending money on an ongoing basis, such as gym memberships, newspaper subscriptions, and magazine purchases. Consider cutting back or canceling those expenditures to free up some cash for savings.

Social Security:

If you have access to social security, consider putting what you qualify for into your retirement account. Doing so will put away that money tax-free, which is much better than just dropping it into regular savings or investment accounts.

August 30, 2021

When to Claim Social Security

Social Security is one of the major components of a successful retirement plan. This benefit is not likely to fund a comfortable retirement on its own. However, it can provide a nice supplement to other retirement options. Americans can apply for their Social Security benefits at any age between 62 and 70, and this causes many people to wonder when to claim their benefits.

Benefit Levels

Retirees can start to take their Social Security at age 62. This is actually considered early retirement, and the government will cut benefits by 30% for those who start drawing them at this age. Full retirement age varies based upon the year of a person’s birth. Those born between 1943 and 1954 can earn the full benefit beginning at age 66. This age increases by two months for those born in each year between 1955 and 1960. Those born in 1960 have a full retirement age of 67, and this is the same full retirement age for anyone born after 1960.

Those who wait to draw Social Security until age 70 will see an increase in their benefit levels. This will add 24% to their total payout each month when compared to those who file at their full retirement age. Overall, a person who decides to file at age 62 could lose more than half of the maximum payment they might receive each month.

When To File

When looking at the increased payments for those who wait until age 70 to draw Social Security, it might seem that this is the best time to claim benefits. However, those who have a sizable nest egg might want to start drawing as soon as possible. Those who do not file before they die will not earn a penny. Therefore, it can make sense to enjoy the extra money even if it’s not needed. Also, those who have health issues might that necessitate retirement might need the money on short notice. On the other hand, those who are healthy and enjoy their work might want to hold off on filing until the last possible minute to maximize their monthly payouts. Personal finance is personal. Therefore, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before deciding when to file.

August 2, 2021

What to Know About Taxes and Retirement Income

Taxes are one of the most important things to consider when saving for retirement. The way you are taxed depends on the instruments you’re using to save. Sometimes, savers are taxed at the time they put money away. At other times, their contributions are tax-free, but taxes are scheduled to be collected when they’re distributed down the line. It’s important for people to understand a little about how this all works. It can prevent unpleasant surprises in the future.

Former federal employees will find that their FERS annuity is taxed like regular income at the federal level. Depending on the state, it can be taxed at that level, too. Over 80% of retirees’ Social Security payments are also taxable as ordinary income. People can elect to have taxes withheld from their payments, but that doesn’t happen automatically. If not, they will have to pay at tax time. People should make this decision carefully, ideally after talking with a financial advisor.

Retirement accounts that people may contribute to taking different approaches to taxes. With a Roth IRA, account holders pay taxes upfront, when they make deposits. Later, their withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. This is essentially the opposite of a traditional IRA. Contributions are tax-advantage, but distributions are taxed later on. Some people maintain both types of accounts, in order to reap the tax advantages on both ends.

401(k) and 403(b) are popular retirement plans that are offered by employers to their workers. 401(k)s are generally available from for-profit companies, and 403(b)s from charities and religious organizations. These plans offer tax benefits upfront. Employers take money from each paycheck on a pre-tax basis and place it in a plan where the money grows for the account holder. Generally, 401(k) distributions are taxed as normal income. There are Roth 401(k) accounts available, and contributions to those are taxed.

Retirement planning is complicated. It’s important that every worker keeps one eye on the future and considers what they want their retirement years to look at. Being more aggressive, and taking advantage of some Roth-style accounts, can be a good idea for many American workers. Speaking with a financial advisor about these decisions can be prudent.

August 1, 2021

Four Purchases That Should Never be Made With a Debit Card

Although debit cards are extremely convenient, they aren’t always the right choice for payments. Under some circumstances, it’s actually more beneficial to use a credit card. Here are four things that should always be paid for with a credit card instead of a debit card.

Furniture and Appliances

Large home purchases, such as furniture and appliances, should always be made with a credit card. These purchases are large enough that a mistake by the delivery team or the manufacturer can cost buyers thousands of dollars. With a credit card, it’s possible to dispute the charges, even if the seller isn’t willing to arrange a refund directly. In addition, the size of these purchases means that even 1-2 percent cashback will add up to a considerable sum of money.

Car Rentals

When renting a car, it’s almost imperative to use a credit card. Even if the rental company will allow renters to pay with a debit card, they should expect to pay a large additional fee in order to do so. Rental car companies also tend to run credit checks on renters who pay with debit cards. This, in turn, can cause damage to the renter’s credit score by adding an unnecessary hard inquiry. To avoid this hassle and expense, anyone renting a car should be prepared to pay with a credit card.

Recurring Payments

People with memberships and subscriptions often make the mistake of billing their bank accounts directly through their debit cards. While there’s little risk of losing money this way, credit card rewards on these recurring payments can add up over time to significant amounts. Points, miles, and cashback rewards can all be built on recurring payments with no extra effort. Given this fact, it rarely makes sense to make these recurring payments using anything other than a credit card.

Online Purchases

Unfortunately, online scams are everywhere these days. Sellers who bait and switch their buyers or fail to deliver at all are quite common, even on major online platforms. Credit cards offer a degree of protection against this kind of behavior by allowing buyers to dispute charges and get their money back.

While debit cards certainly have their place, they aren’t for everything. These four types of purchases are generally best made with credit cards, as debit cards introduce higher risks or lower rewards in these cases.

November 9, 2020

The Best Holiday Shopping Budget Tips

Holidays are a time for giving, but giving too much can also put you in a huge financial hole. If you don’t want to end up having to dig yourself out of a shopping deficit at the end of December, follow these holiday shopping budget tips.

1. Set an overall budget.

Think about what you’re really able to spend overall and stick to that amount. What you’ll spend on each individual can fluctuate within that amount, but the overall budget should remain the same to avoid overspending.

2. Make a list of gift recipients, then trim it down.

Your second cousin whom you haven’t seen in 10 years probably doesn’t need a new set of dinner plates. Stick to the closest family members and friends for gift giving. If you still want to send something to long-lost relatives and acquaintances, a holiday photo card is a nice, inexpensive idea.

3. Use cash for purchases.

Credit cards can make it much easier to overspend. Instead, put cash aside at the beginning of the holiday shopping season and use that money to make purchases. If you prefer online shopping, create a separate account for your holiday shopping money, or be extremely disciplined in sticking to your budget.

4. Take advantage of free shipping.

Online shopping is convenient, but the shipping costs can really add up. Take advantage of free shipping days by making several gift purchases at once. Most retailers offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount.

5. Start shopping early.

Waiting until the last minute can cause you to overspend. Starting your holiday shopping as early as September or October is a good idea because you can shop a little bit at a time. Everyday deals are often better than Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals anyway, and you’ll be more likely to score the big-ticket items that might sell out on these busy shopping days.

6. Think quality, not quantity.

One thoughtful gift is more appreciated than several random items. Homemade gifts are also a good idea as they come from the heart. The best part is, they’re also less expensive.

Stay on budget with these holiday shopping tips and enjoy the season!

October 12, 2020

How to Start Building Your Emergency Fund

As the name implies, emergency funds offer some degree of comfort and peace of mind during times of crisis. Alarmingly, 45 percent of people in the U.S. claim that they do not have enough money to cover three months’ worth of expenses if they suddenly lost their source of income. To avoid being included in this statistic, here are four tips on how to start building an emergency fund:

Start Small

You don’t need to go from zero to sixty when building an emergency fund. Starting small by putting $5 a day in your fund can help your fund grow to a significant size over time. It’s also easier to build habits if you make it effortless to perform said habits every day. Start with a $500 emergency fund and then gradually increment it every time you hit your target amount.

Keep Your Emergency Fund Separate

An emergency fund should be easily accessible in tough times, but it should not be mixed in with your checking or savings accounts. These everyday money accounts put your funds at risk of impulse withdrawals. You can put your emergency funds in a separate high-interest savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit or a mix of these three investment products.

Make Automatic Payments

Just as you would a 401k or any retirement account, it’s essential to deposit money into your emergency fund first before spending the money on other purchases. Allocate a monthly percentage of your income to your emergency fund. If the funds are stored in a savings account, you can set scheduled automatic deposits, so you don’t have to manually transfer the money to your fund every month.

Cut Monthly Expenses

An imbalance between monthly expenses and income is the most common cause of why people can’t build their emergency fund. By cutting down your monthly fees, you’ll have more money to invest in appreciating assets as well as savings. Trim the monthly content subscription services and the costly name brand clothing.

Final Thoughts

Building an emergency fund starts with awareness of one’s finances. Many people underestimate the likelihood of an emergency that costs them money; hence they don’t realize the importance of having a rainy day fund.

October 4, 2020

Four Questions Prospective Homebuyers Should Ask

It could be argued that owning a home is the American dream. But that dream can rapidly become a nightmare if you buy before you’re ready. Are you prepared to buy a home? These four questions will help you decide.

How’s Your Credit Score?

If it’s below the mid-750s, you have some work to do before you’re ready to buy a home. One of the first things lenders research is a prospective homebuyer’s credit score. They like numbers in the mid-750s or higher.

While you can get a loan if your score is lower, you won’t be allowed to borrow as much money, and your interest rate will be higher. That will make your monthly payments higher; over the life of your loan, you may spend thousands of dollars in extra interest.

Before you apply for a mortgage, bring your credit score up, even if that takes a couple of years.

Can you afford the down payment?

Take a look at your savings account. Do you have enough money for a down payment, closing costs, and insurance? Will there be enough money left for repairs and renovations you want to do right away? If there’s not, amp up your savings practices before you start looking for a house.

Can you afford the monthly obligations?

Predictions are difficult in these uncertain times. But you’ll be ready to buy a home when you’re confident you can make the monthly mortgage and interest payments and pay for homeowners’ insurance, property taxes, homeowner association fees, utilities, trash pickup, and water and sewer charges. Your car payments and insurance need to enter into these calculations, too.

Also, think about your lifestyle. If you love traveling, dining at pricey restaurants, or have an expensive hobby, make sure there’s room in your monthly budget for those, too.

Are you ready to stay put?

Experts suggest living in a home for at least four years before selling it. It can take that long to recoup the upfront costs of buying the house. Of course, you could rent it. But being a landlord isn’t easy. And if your tenant can’t pay the rent, you’re stuck with two mortgages.

If you’re thinking about changing jobs or leaving the area where you live now within a few years, you’re not ready to buy a home just yet.

September 15, 2020

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Certificates of Deposit For Investing

Certificates of deposit are a less exciting investment than the stock market or other investing methods that gain more attention, but they’re also a durable option that many investors appreciate. Like any investment, CDs have pros and cons worth considering before deciding what’s best for your financial needs.

The Benefits of Certificates of Deposit

They offer better returns than a savings account. Even with a high-yield savings account, you can often find certificates of deposit (CDs) with higher return rates for your money.

Your returns are predictable. One of the comforting advantages of a CD is that you will be locked into the term’s interest rate. When you invest in the CD, you will know exactly how much money you’ll be getting back at the end of the terms.

You have a lot of options. There are certificates of deposit available at financial institutions everywhere so that you can shop around for the best deal. This means looking at the highest interest rates for your return. It also means that you can find the timeline that works best for your needs.

It’s a safe option. Investing in the stock market comes with all kinds of risks. A certificate of deposit is done at a federally insured institution and is a predictable and safe way to invest your money.

The Drawbacks of a CD

Your money will be temporarily inaccessible. When investing with CDs, you are locking your money into the certificate of deposit until an agreed-upon date. While you could cash out in an emergency, this takes time and loses your returns. With a high-yield savings account, you can still have access to your money at any time.

Returns are low compared to other investment methods. The risk is also lower, but CDs are not the best option if you’re looking for significant returns.

There is a risk of inflation. If you put money into a five-year CD, it is possible that the low interest rate on your returns could be less than the inflation rate. Ideally, this won’t be true, but it happens.

August 17, 2020

How to Choose a Credit Card

There are hundreds of credit cards on the market today. Some of these are tied to regional banks, but the most popular come from some of the biggest banks in the United States. With so many options, it’s important to know which card will provide the most benefit before applying.

Check Your Credit

Before researching credit cards, it’s a good idea to get a credit report. A credit report will provide a record of any open accounts and usually includes a credit score. Banks will run a credit check before extending credit to consumers. Those with a low score will be limited in the types of cards they’ll be able to access.

Decide What The Card Will Be Used For

Will the card be used for everyday spending? Is it intended to transfer an outstanding balance on another card for an interest-free introductory period? Does a card pay out a hefty signup bonus? The reason a person needs a card should influence the final choice they make. If a person is looking for a card that provides cash back on everyday spending, a card without an annual fee that pays out at least 1.5% per dollar spent would likely be best. When getting a card for a cache of travel points, it’s a good idea to identify a card that has vendors that operate in the intended vacation destination.

Consider The Annual Fee

Many cards come with an annual fee. The high-end cards can come with a fee of $500 or more each year. It’s important to assess whether the card provides enough benefit to justify paying the fee. It might be a good idea to get a card and hold it for a year if the bank waives the fee for the first year. Those looking for cash-back cards can opt for a card that charges no annual fee. There are plenty available.

Getting a credit card is a big financial step to take. It provides credit, but it also requires a great deal of discipline to avoid going into debt. Credit cards come with high interest rates, but those who pay off their cards each month will avoid these charges. For those who have the discipline to avoid spending more than they can pay off, credit cards can provide some impressive rewards.

August 17, 2020

When is a Financial Risk Worth Taking?

Every single day, there are many risks that we must face. Each risk poses a reward, and usually, the higher the risk, the greater that reward. Financial risks are among the most common risks that we face in our day-to-day lives. Everyone can make a risky financial decision, even if that means losing a bit of value in your investment.

While financial risk may lead to bankruptcy, it is not worth taking it. While leaving savings in a bank account may seem overly cautious, there are times when losing that money can be devastating. When is it appropriate to pursue a monetary risk? Which risks pose the most significant rewards without sacrificing your financial security?

Starting Your Own Business

Some people don’t consider entrepreneurship to be the best venture, but in reality, it is the best opportunity to utilize the resources you have. Such resources include work experience, education, unique skills, and the desire and ability to be your own boss. In fact, successful entrepreneurship can lead to incredible gains—if you own a business, you may see higher earnings throughout your life!

Going Back to School

Some opportunities, whether those be professional or financial, require finely-tuned skills. And, some of those skills can only be learned from field or industry experts. Going back to school will help you gain more knowledge, thus allowing you to acquire new skills and improve upon existing ones. Whether you want to finally earn your undergraduate degree, or have always dreamed of pursuing a Ph.D., going back to school can reap incredible rewards.

Professional certificates are an alternative to higher education. For instance, accountants can enroll for management skills and human resource training to expand their job opportunities and build upon their current skills.

Buying a House

Purchasing a home for your family is another great investment. It may not seem like an investment, but being a homeowner means investing in a neighborhood and the future of your spouse and children. In urban areas, monthly rent for apartments is the standard. However, if you move out to the suburbs, you’ll want to look into pursuing a mortgage. Once the mortgage is paid off, you can rent or sell the home. If you’ve kept up with the home through repairs and additions, you may be able to sell at an increased price!

Be persistent and think less about failure

While some of the above financial risks might bring short-term losses, be patient and have faith that temporary losses will lead to future returns. When you put more effort and focus on succeeding, success will follow. At the end of the day, persistence is what matters—not failure.

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