Beware of the Financial “Expert”

We all search for people to learn from that we hope to eventually know, like, and trust. Especially when it comes to the complex financial world we live in. Instead of trying to figure it all out ourselves, it makes all the sense in the world to seek out experts who can help us understand the financial world around us. As a result, many of us develop an affinity to these so called financial experts. They are people we’ll never…

View Post

Ten Rules To Build Wealth

One of the great benefits of living in the 21st century is the plethora of information that we literally have at our fingertips. However, there’s a downside to that as well: it’s called information overload. With so much knowledge out there, it can be hard to wade through what’s important and what you can (and should) ignore. That’s especially true when it comes to money. Which is why I’ve created a new video on my Ten Rules To Build Wealth….

View Post

Are Credit Scores Sexist?!?

I was hanging out with a friend recently and they asked me a question I had never considered before: Are Credit Scores Sexist? I did some research on the subject and this is what I came up with: What do you think? Are credit scores sexist? I’d love to hear from you – respond on the video or send me an email: scott@dev-forthrightfinances.pantheonsite.io And before you go: Are you looking to have a better relationship with money? Do you struggle…

View Post

Your Credit Score Is Overrated. Focus On This Instead.

We hear so much commentary about our credit scores. Hacks to get a perfect credit score. Why your credit score is oh so important. Why your credit score will make you a happier person. After a while, it’s easy to fall into the hype and start obsessing over your credit score. Now, there is some merit in the importance of your credit score. It helps you secure better borrowing terms for loans, lowers your insurance premiums and opens up opportunities…

View Post

Don’t Mix Politics And Money

Let’s face it: we live in a hyper-political world.  Everything and everyone seemingly wants to bring up the latest political news.  So it’s easy to think that politics is all-encompassing. It’s in the news, of course.  But it’s also in sporting events, talk shows, and even comedy shows.  It’s everywhere. But even if politics is everywhere, there’s one part of your life where it should be avoided at all costs: Your Money. Mixing your money and your politics is one of…

View Post

Treat Debt Like An Emergency

Why You Should Treat Debt Like An Emergency Whenever most people talk about their finances, they’re interested in investing in the stock market or real estate.  It’s fun and exciting to be an investor. After all, who doesn’t want to have their money making them more money? But as the legendary college football broadcaster Lee Corso says, “Not so fast, my friend” The reason to slow down is that when I get to know more about someone’s financial situation, I…

View Post

Decrease Expenses or Increase Income?

Throughout most of my 20’s, I was a massive cheapskate.  I would do (almost) anything to save a buck. It was almost like a game to me, and I was committed to always finding ways to decrease expenses. Even if that meant a lesser product or quality of life for myself.  There’s a quote by personal finance guru Clark Howard that pretty much described my thinking: “I will always take a lower quality product for a much lower price.”  …

View Post

Not Making Financial Progress? Try This

Are you not making financial progress? If you’re like most people, you’ve got numerous things that you want to achieve with your finances.  Maybe it’s buying a house, starting a business, saving up for a honeymoon or wedding, or something else.  With all that you’re trying to achieve, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So how do you do it all? With Two Simple Steps: Prioritizing Your Goals Focus On One Thing At A Time I know some people might be…

View Post

Why I Don’t Budget And What I Do Instead

It might be odd to hear that a Financial Advisor doesn’t budget.  Kind of like hearing that the butcher doesn’t eat meat. It makes you pause for a second.  Do they really believe what they say? Do they eat their own cooking? And it’s true, I don’t budget.  At least not in the traditional sense of the term.   I used to have complex spreadsheets in Excel that tracked everything that I spent.  And I looked at it every month to…

View Post

Make The Most Of These Employees Benefits

Whenever we talk about our compensation at work, it’s really easy to focus on our income.  But that income comprises only 70% of your total benefits.  The remaining 30% comes from other types of benefits that your employer offers.    And some of these benefits aren’t automatically given to you.  Instead, they require you to know that they actually exist, and then sign up for them.  Sadly, too many people aren’t aware and taking action to ensure they get the…

View Post