Category: Advice

Create a Strategic Plan for a New Career

I’ve heard every excuse in the book for people not leaving jobs they hate. No matter the excuse, it always comes down to fear and doubt—fear of failing, fear that time has passed them by, fear of what others will say, and doubting they have what it takes to succeed in something different. But it’s time…


You’re in Good Shape Either Way

Dear Dave, I can’t decide whether to sell or keep a rental property. Except for the property in question I’m debt-free, and I make $90,000 a year. I owe $20,000 on the property, and it is worth $65,000. What do you think? George Dear George, You’re in pretty good shape financially, and you could probably…


Being on the Same Page Is Vital to Your Family’s Future

Dear Dave, My wife and I are in our 20s, and together we make about $80,000 a year. Our first baby is due in early 2022, so being debt-free has become a top priority in my mind. Right now, we have two cars. The one I drive is paid off and has a lot of…


Clarifying Benefits for Wives

Several weeks ago, I wrote a column explaining benefits that are payable to spouses. And by spouses, I almost always am referring to a wife and the benefits she might be due on her husband’s Social Security record. And whenever I write such a column, my inbox is immediately flooded with emails from women who…


Is Your Teen Financially Fit?

Dear Parents of Teens: The pandemic has changed our everyday reality in so many ways—financially, educationally, and socially. Money may be tighter. Kids may be doing online school. And we’re all spending a lot more time at home. But for all the changes in our lives, according to a recent Schwab survey, there’s one thing…


More Than Any Amount of Money

Dear Dave, My husband and I are both 29, and we have good jobs that allow us to bring home $100,000 a year combined. Recently, we began talking about starting a family. We live on a budget, but we still have about $15,000 in credit card debt and student loans we’re working hard to pay…


What Happens to Your Social Security Check If You Live Abroad?

Maybe it’s because COVID-19 restrictions are easing up a bit. And some people probably have a bad case of wanderlust. I’m sure others are just thinking about retiring and returning to their homeland. Or perhaps still others see some of the same websites I do that entice you with headlines similar to this one I…


1/3 of Americans Are Losing Sleep Over Money

Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Or do you bolt awake at 2 a.m. every morning with a racing heart? According to a recent survey from our research team at Ramsey Solutions, you’re probably worried about money. In the first quarter of 2021, Americans listed “personal finances” as their top stressor. In fact,…


Tips for Teaching Your Kids About Money

Dear Readers: Moms these days can fill a lot of roles—from nutritionist to chauffeur to nurse to counselor. We’re called on to be experts in everything from caring for physical wounds to healing broken hearts. On top of that, many of us hold down full-time jobs! Now I’m going to add one more responsibility to…


Don’t Most People Already Know?

Dear Dave, You talk a lot about budgeting, and how important it is in getting control of your money. But don’t most people already have a good idea of what they’re spending, and how much they have in the bank, without going through all the time and trouble of developing an actual budget? Carter Dear…