Making Cents Sense

Picture this: you're about to embark on a journey to save money, but you're not sure where to start. You know you need a savings account, but with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? The good news is that finding the best savings account for you doesn't have to be a daunting task. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best savings account, from understanding the different types of accounts to evaluating interest rates and fees. Whether you're saving for a rainy day, a big purchase, or your future retirement, the right savings account can help you reach your financial goals faster. So let's get started! Understanding the Different Types of Savings Accounts Before you can choose the best savings account for you, it's important to understand the different types of accounts available. Here are the most common types of savings accounts: 1. Traditional savings accounts: These are the most basic savings ac...

Money can be a tricky subject. It can be hard to know where to start when setting financial goals for the future. However, having a plan in place can help you achieve your financial dreams and live the life you want. Whether you want to save for a down payment on a house or pay off your student loans, setting financial goals is the first step towards making those dreams a reality. In this article, we will discuss how to set financial goals for your future and achieve the financial freedom you desire. Identify Your Financial Goals The first step in setting financial goals is to identify what you want to achieve. Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish financially in the short-term and long-term. Short-term goals may include paying off credit card debt, saving for a vacation or building an emergency fund. Long-term goals may include buying a house, saving for retirement or starting a business. To identify your financial goals, ask yourself the following questions: What ...

Let's face it, we've all been there. The moment when you realize you are in a financial jam and don't know how to get out of it. Maybe you've lost your job, had unexpected medical expenses, or simply overspent. Whatever the reason, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. But don't worry, there are ways to get back on track. In this post, we'll explore five methods for getting out of a financial jam. Before we dive in, it's important to note that not every method will work for everyone. Each person's financial situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, by exploring these methods, you can gain a better understanding of your options and find a solution that works for you. So, without further ado, let's get started. Create a Budget The first step to getting out of a financial jam is to create a budget. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it's surprising how many people don't have a bud...

It's that time of year again - tax season. And while some people may dread it, others take it as an opportunity to maximize their refund. With the advancement of technology, filing taxes has become easier than ever. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to file your taxes is by using tax software. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've done the research and compiled a list of the best tax software of 2023. TurboTax TurboTax is one of the most popular tax software options on the market. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of packages to choose from based on your tax needs. Whether you're filing as an individual, a small business owner, or a freelancer, TurboTax has a package that will fit your needs. Additionally, TurboTax offers free filing for simple tax returns, making it an affordable option for those who qualify. One of the standout features of TurboTax is its ability to import your ...

If you're looking to improve your personal finances, you might be wondering where to turn for advice. With so many self-proclaimed experts out there, it can be tough to know who to trust. That's why we've put together a list of eight personal-finance influencers who have proven themselves to be knowledgeable, trustworthy, and helpful. From budgeting to investing to debt reduction, these influencers cover a wide range of topics and can provide valuable insights and guidance to anyone looking to improve their financial situation. Dave Ramsey When it comes to personal-finance influencers, Dave Ramsey is a name you're likely to hear again and again. Ramsey is a personal-finance expert, radio host, author, and motivational speaker who has helped millions of people get out of debt and build wealth. His approach to personal finance is based on seven baby steps, which include getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, and investing for the future. Ramsey's advice is p...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by debt and don't know what to do? Do you want to get out of debt and achieve financial freedom? If you answered yes, then you need to understand your options and the consequences of debt relief. Debt relief is a term that covers different strategies to help you manage or reduce your debt. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from one or more of these options: - Debt consolidation: This involves taking out a new loan to pay off your existing debts, ideally with a lower interest rate or a longer repayment term. This can simplify your payments and save you money on interest. - Debt management plan: This is a program offered by credit counseling agencies, where they negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and monthly payments. You make one payment to the agency, which then distributes it to your creditors. This can help you pay off your debt faster and avoid late fees and penalties. - Debt settlement: This is when you or a company...

It's never too early to start thinking about financial education. In fact, the earlier you start, the better off you'll be. For many Americans, high school is the last time they'll receive any formal education about personal finance. As a result, it's important that high school students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their finances responsibly. Here are some financial lessons that all Americans should know before leaving high school. Lesson 1: Budgeting A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It's important to create a budget so that you know exactly where your money is going. A simple budget should include your monthly income and expenses. Your income should include money from your job, any allowances, and any other sources of income. Your expenses should include things like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. Once you've created your budget, it's important to stick to it. This means keeping...

Silicon Valley Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States, providing financial services to the technology, healthcare, and other innovative industries. The bank was founded in 1983 and has since grown to become a significant player in the banking industry. Silicon Valley Bank operates in over 35 locations worldwide, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The bank's focus on technology and innovation has made it a popular choice for startups and venture capitalists. Silicon Valley Bank has a reputation for providing financial services that are tailored to the needs of technology companies. The bank offers a range of services, including commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. Recently, Silicon Valley Bank has been making headlines for its continued growth and expansion. The bank's success has been driven by its focus on technology and innovation, as well as its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its customers. In this blog post, we...

Are you curious about how much money you would have made if you had invested $1,000 in Netflix stock 20 years ago? Well, wonder no more. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Netflix and see what your investment would be worth today. Netflix was founded in 1997, and it has grown to become one of the most successful streaming services in the world. The Early Days of Netflix When Netflix first launched, it was a DVD rental service that competed with companies like Blockbuster. In 2002, Netflix went public, and its stock price was just $15 per share. At that time, Netflix was still a relatively unknown company, and its stock price was not very high. However, the company's founders had a vision for the future of streaming media, and they were determined to make Netflix a success. Over the years, Netflix continued to innovate and expand its offerings. In 2007, the company introduced its streaming service, which allowed users to watch movies and TV shows on their ...

  As the year 2023 approaches, it's important to be aware of the upcoming tax deadlines to avoid any potential penalties or fees. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets the tax deadline each year, and it's important for taxpayers to be aware of this deadline to ensure they file their taxes on time. In this post, we'll discuss the tax deadline for 2023 and other important tax-related information. When is the tax deadline for 2023? The tax deadline for 2023 is April 17th. This date is two days later than the traditional April 15th deadline due to Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in Washington D.C. on April 15th. However, it's important to note that if you are filing for an extension, you must still file by the original deadline of April 17th. Filing for an extension only gives you more time to submit your tax return, not to pay any taxes owed. It's important to file your taxes on time to avoid any potential penalties or fees. If you owe taxes and fail to file by ...

Are you convinced that your house is haunted, and now you want out? If so, you’re not alone. From reports of ghostly apparitions to the eerie feeling of being watched, many people experience the feeling of a haunted house. Author Grady Hendrix has written several books on the topic, including  Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of ‘70s and ‘80s Horror Fiction  and  Horrorstör , a novel about a haunted IKEA-esque furniture store. Here’s what he has to say about selling a haunted house. Be Upfront About the Paranormal Activity Hendrix suggests that the best course of action is to be up front and honest about the paranormal activity in the house. He admits that it might not be easy to do, but it’s the only way to ensure that the prospective buyers know what they’re getting into. By being honest, you can avoid potential legal issues such as buyers filing a lawsuit against you for failing to disclose the supernatural activity in the house. Hendrix also suggests that...

Introduction Woke corporations are companies that have taken a stand on social and political issues, and are dedicated to making a positive impact in their workplace and the world. While there are numerous benefits to this type of corporate behavior, there are also potential risks that must be considered. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of woke corporations and consider who should decide how woke a company should be. Definition of Woke Corporations The term “woke” is a slang term used to describe a person or organization who is aware of and actively engaged in issues of social justice. In the corporate world, it has come to refer to companies that have adopted a pro-social stance on a range of issues, from environmental sustainability to gender equality and racial justice. Woke corporations make a conscious effort to promote positive change in their operations and their communities. Who Decides How Woke Corporations Should Be? There are a number of stakeholde...

  Money is an essential part of our lives, and it's crucial to understand some key financial concepts to make smart decisions about our finances. Here are nine important money numbers that everyone should know: Net worth: This is the difference between your assets and liabilities. It's a measure of your overall financial health. Credit score: Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness. It affects your ability to borrow money, the interest rates you're offered, and more. Debt-to-income ratio: This is the percentage of your income that goes toward paying off debt. It's an important metric that lenders use to evaluate your ability to repay a loan. Emergency fund: An emergency fund is money set aside to cover unexpected expenses, such as a medical emergency or job loss. Retirement savings: This is the amount of money you've saved for retirement. It's important to start s...