Comparing 15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages for Homebuyers
Choosing between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage might seem like a simple numbers game, but this decision can dramatically shape your financial future. As a financial advisor who's helped countless…
Today’s Mortgage Rates and Home Ownership Decisions
The mortgage rate landscape in 2025 represents one of the most complex environments for homebuyers in recent memory. The Federal Reserve's recent 50 basis point rate cut signals a potential…
How to File Your California Statement of Information (Without Overthinking It)
If you just formed an LLC or Corporation in California (or you're a few years into running one), there's this little thing called a "Statement of Information" you need to…
7 Smart Ways to Boost Your Holiday Budget
The average American spends over $1,000 during the holiday season, creating financial stress for many households. While planning ahead is ideal, there are still effective strategies to build your holiday…
Why Home Ownership Still Makes Sense in Today’s Market
In today's housing market, aspiring homeowners face a challenging reality: the median home price has nearly doubled in the last decade, while interest rates continue to fluctuate dramatically. This leaves…
Moving Budget Tips: How to Save Thousands on Your Next Move
When I moved from California to Austin, I learned an expensive $12,000 lesson about moving costs. Like many people, I opted for what seemed easiest – a full-service moving company…
The Secret to Financial Growth: Best Saving Strategies Explained
In 2024, the average American spends nearly $3,381 each year (roughly $282/ month) on impulsive purchases, reveals a survey by Capital One. Unplanned spending thus makes up a staggering 21%…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Small Business Financing Secrets (Loans, Credit & Leases OH MY!)
Looking for small business financing options? This video highlights 5 main financing methods AND how they affect your credit. We'll go into detail on SBA loans, working capital loans, revolving…
3 Proven Ways to Qualify for a Mortgage with Low Income
"Your income is too low for mortgage qualification." These words have crushed the homeownership dreams of countless aspiring buyers. But here's what traditional lenders won't tell you: there are proven…
W4 vs W2 vs W9 vs 1099 Tax Forms: What Are the Differences?
W4, W2, W9, and 1099 are all tax forms, but they serve very different purposes. Let's compare. W4 vs W2 vs W9 vs 1099 Summary FormW-4W-2W-91099What It's ForTells your employer…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Financial Crimes Network (FinCEN): Beneficial Ownership Information Filing Walk-thru
In this video, I will walk you through filling out this new Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Beneficial Ownership form that you must fill out if you have an entity like…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Create and Manage Your Business (Properly) – 11 Steps
Whether you're setting up a new business or want to incorporate yourself to save money, this video will guide you through 11 essential steps. I'll cover everything you need to…
All You Need to Know about Subprime Personal Loans
Kate’s 540 credit score was holding her back. After losing her job during the pandemic and dealing with an auto accident that required major repairs to her car, she struggled…
Easy Guide to The What, When, Why & How of Bookkeeping and Accounting
In a recent study, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) discovered that nearly 60% of Americans feel overwhelmed at the thought of managing their finances. Deciding whom to turn to…
Smart Savings Strategy: Multiple Retirement Accounts
Smart Savings Strategy: Multiple Retirement Accounts Consider that, if you have an annual income in the range of $65,000 to $70,000, proper structuring of your retirement accounts can easily save…
Master Money Management: Simple Tips For Achieving Your Goals
A 2024 survey found that one out of two Americans (51%) do not think they will have enough money saved when the time comes to retire. What's more, the deficit…
What Every New Entrepreneur Should Know About Business Finances
Imagine starting your dream business—an innovative idea, a clear vision, and all the passion to bring it to life. But as exciting as this venture is, your success depends on…
Are CDs a Smart Choice for Retirement Planning?
That’s the power of compounding. And it doesn’t even need you to make high-stakes investments. Certificates of deposit (CDs) combine the power of compounding with guaranteed returns, offering a secure…
Retiring in Scottsdale AZ: Pros, Cons, Costs & More 2024
You're teeing off at a world-class golf course as the sun rises over the Sonoran Desert, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Is this a vacation fantasy…
How Risk Averse Are You? A Guide to Smarter Investing
First it was cryptocurrencies, then meme stocks, then NFTs. Back in 2021 it felt like everyone was taking enormous risks in the hopes of striking it rich. But even though…
Personal Capital Review 2024: Pros, Cons and Features
If you're looking for a tool that will give you Wall Street-like returns (without requiring you to live in New York), consider using Personal Capital. Created in 2009, Personal Capital…
Acorns vs Robinhood, Webull & M1 Finance: Best App in 2024
Are you looking to up your investing game? Do you want the stock market to make your money work for you? Are you sick and tired of sitting on the…
S Corp Filing Requirements by State: 2025 Update, 50 States
If you currently are a freelancer, sole proprietor, or independent contractor, you very likely could see some great tax benefits by switching to an INC or LLC that files its…
Retiring to Jupiter FL? 13 Facts to Know Before You Go
Jupiter, Florida: where golf courses outnumber traffic lights, and the Atlantic Ocean serves as your morning coffee backdrop. Tellingly, IRS data shows Jupiter's population growing 1.5 times faster than it's…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Investing for Beginners: Understanding Risk Tolerance!
In this investing for beginners video, I'll demystify risk tolerance and help you understand why it is KEY to understanding how to invest in the market. I define risk tolerance…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Start an S Corp with Bizee (Formerly Incfile)
Learn how to start an s corp using Bizee (formerly Incfile) in this easy step-by-step tutorial. I'll reveal why I use Bizee, and clarify the most confusing aspects of the…
60k a Year Is How Much an Hour? (And How Do I Budget for That Salary?)
60k a year is how much an hour? And how do you budget for a 60k salary? Let's find out. If you're a high school teacher, public relations specialist, zoologist,…
Retiring to Winter Haven: Pros, Cons & Costs in 2024
Imagine reeling in a trophy bass on a misty morning, then unwinding with lakeside yoga at sunset - not on vacation, but every day of your retirement. In Winter Haven,…
Renting vs Owning: Why Owning Your Home Is a Smart Move
Are you pondering the very often debated topic of renting vs owning a home? Well apparently so are a lot of people these days. I don't know about you, but…
Personal Finance 101: How Do You Do Personal Bookkeeping?
Let’s be honest: earning six figures doesn’t guarantee financial independence. Too many households making $100k or more are still living paycheck to paycheck. The missing link isn’t income. It’s control.…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance 101: What Crucial Info Do We Get From Bookkeeping?
In this video, I'll answer another of the top questions new clients always want to know: What crucial information do we get from bookkeeping?" Throughout my years as a business…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance 101: Why is Personal Bookkeeping So Important?
In this video, I'll answer 1 of the top questions new clients always want to know: Why is personal bookkeeping so important?" During my 25 years as a business owner…
Understanding the 1031 Exchange Timeline and Rules
A 1031 exchange timeline is worth investigating and enduring the hassle of abiding by. Here's why... When you sell an investment property at a profit, you typically have to pay…
Solo 401k vs SEP IRA: Best Retirement Plan for Self-Employed
Self-employment can offer an excellent work-life balance, as well as other freedoms and lifestyle benefits! Hahaha...wasn't that funny. Seriously though, self-employment will likely be the cause of you working 80…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: 3 Top Questions New Clients Ask About Bookkeeping and Quicken
In this video, I'll answer the 3 questions new clients always want to know: 1. "Why is personal bookkeeping so important?" 2. "What information can we learn from bookkeeping?" and…
Retiring in Panama City Beach FL? What You Should Know 2024
Sipping a margarita while watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico sounds dreamy, yet it's absolutely real for retirees in Panama City Beach. But here's the million-dollar question:…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Top 5 Personal Bookkeeping Software (And Why Quicken is MY Pick!)
In this video, I'll compare the top 5 personal bookkeeping software options, including Quicken (Quicken Classic and Quicken Simplifi), Mint, RoundAbout, YNAB, and Empower (formerly Personal Capital). Then I'll reveal…
Adobe vs Avid vs BlackMagic vs Mac: Top Video Editors for 2024
Adobe vs Avid vs BlackMagic vs Mac ...which one is best? With the abundance of websites and social media these days, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Videos…
Why Retirees Love Greenville, SC (And Why You Might Not)
Picture this: You're strolling down a charming Main Street, sipping locally roasted coffee, while the Blue Ridge Mountains paint a stunning backdrop. Welcome to Greenville, SC - a retiree's paradise…
MPI Account: The Golden Retirement Plan or Risky Gamble?
An MPI (Maximum Premium Indexing) account combines life insurance and a retirement plan. It's pitched as having the ability to compound your wealth at a higher-than-average rate while protecting your…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Is the New Bull Market Here?
Are we officially in the next crypto bull market (as of March 2024)? In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll examine charts on https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/ and discuss the rising trends. If…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Confusing Key Terms Explained!
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll clear up the confusion surrounding the terms "cryptocurrency" vs. "digital currency," "coins" vs. "altcoins," and "blockchain." Some of these terms are used interchangeably…
Best Business Credit Cards That Don’t Impact Personal Credit
If you’re a business owner of any type, then you should have a business credit card. It’s a great tool to help with day-to-day operations, manage cash flow, and even…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Altcoins & Web3
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll explore the evolution of Bitcoin, and the creation of the Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon blockchains. This brief history will help demystify these key…
Big Picture Investing 101: Why You Should Care in 2024
If you have been poking around my blog, you’ve probably figured out that my ultimate goal is to help you reach some version of "financial independence" (or even just plain…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Bitcoin and Blockchain
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, I'll introduce you to Bitcoin! When it was created between 2008 and 2009, Bitcoin was worth next to nothing. Currently, the highest price paid…
Personal Budget Categories: How to Decide +Free Template (GSheets & Excel)
Do you want to maximize your income and invest your savings in order to increase your net worth and maybe even retire early? Well then, it all starts with a…
Retiring in Flagstaff AZ: Pros, Cons, Costs & More, 2024
Would you be surprised to find that Americans looking for retirement destinations search for Flagstaff, Arizona, more than 33,000 times each year? (2024 Semrush search volume data) That’s not a…
17 Mindset Differences: How the Rich Think vs The Poor
I hate to put things in terms of the rich vs poor, but when it comes to amassing and keeping money, wealthy people do think inherently differently from poor people.…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Top 12 Investing Terms For Beginners!
In this video, I am going to run through a glossary of common investing terms. I cover the following terms; stocks, bonds, EFTs, mutual funds, REITs, market index, risk tolerance,…
Independent Contractor VS Employee: The Smart Guide for Wealth Builders
If you’re building wealth through a business, side venture, or investments, the line between an independent contractor and an employee isn’t just a legal formality. It’s a decision that shapes…
PODCAST: Wellness Mama, Working Toward Financial Independence and Time Freedom With Joe DiSanto
Today we’re talking about an often overlooked aspect of health, which is financial health. Statistically, financial woes are one of the top five stressors for many Americans. And we know…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Invest in Stocks for Beginners (7 Modern Approaches)
In this "How to Invest in Stocks for Beginners" video, I'll give an overview of the 7 modern methods or philosophies of investing that you should understand when investing money…
The Best Way to Invest in the Stock Market for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btIUCgka0rk In 2024, the S&P 500 delivered an average annual return of 10.47% — far outpacing the 0.55% interest most savings accounts offer. That’s the difference between growing your…
Personal Bookkeeping Mastery: Budgeting, Tracking, Tools, and Techniques
According to a survey published in 2024 by leading financial analyst The Motley Fool, nearly 91 million Americans say that they’d have a hard time raising $400 in a pinch.…
Quickbooks vs Freshbooks, Xero & Quicken: What to Use in 2024
If you are just starting a business, or even if you've been in business for a while, you need to compare QuickBooks vs Freshbooks vs Xero vs Quicken Home &…
Navigating Your Business Journey with a Business Coach and Mentor
Embarking on a business venture can be an intimidating journey. While your innovative ideas hold the potential to revolutionize industries, the absence of strategic planning and the support of a…
How Do Credit Cards Work
Credit cards are convenient for consumers who want to make purchases without cash. However, there can be hidden costs to using credit cards. Cardholders must understand how credit cards function…
How to Set Up A CA EDD Employer Tax ID Number
If you're planning to run payroll in California, even just to pay yourself through your S-Corp, you’ll need a CA Employer Account Number from the Employment Development Department (EDD). It’s…
Easy-to-Follow Gusto Setup Walk-Through Updated for 2024
If you're running an S-Corp and paying yourself a salary, payroll isn’t optional, it’s required. Gusto makes it simple, especially for solo owners who want to stay compliant, minimize admin,…
What Bank Does Cash App Use?
What Bank Does Cash App Use? was written by Latoyia Downs and originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. Latoyia is a travel enthusiast and founder of the travel blog, The Impulse…
Small Business Ideas That Can Be Very Profitable
Are you wondering if starting a new business is a good idea? The pandemic drove thousands of companies all over the world to their knees. This left entrepreneurs wondering if…
How To Ask For A Raise: Strategizing Your Approach To Success
How to ask for a raise? The hesitation to request a raise, even when warranted, is often due to underlying anxiety. This apprehension may arise from feeling it's too big…
Square Payroll vs Gusto Payroll vs ADP: Choosing The Best Payroll Software
In 2023 alone, the IRS collected approximately $8.6 billion in penalties on incorrectly filed employment taxes. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that an SMB with roughly 100 employees…
Hire a Fractional CFO to Maximize Business Growth
Ever stood at the crossroads of a business decision, longing for expert guidance? Enter the Fractional CFO. A trusted ally who guides your ship through turbulent financial waters. They are…
10 Best Jobs for Teens To Make Some Money
10 Best Jobs for Teens To Make Some Money was written by Latoyia Downs and originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. Latoyia is a travel enthusiast and founder of the…
How Can I Manage My Finances? Your Path to Prosperity!
Do the anxiety-inducing questions, “How can I manage my finances better?” and "Where do I even begin?" constantly plague your thoughts? You're not alone. More than half of Americans are…
J.K. Rowling Net Worth: Spoiler Alert, It’s A lot!
When it comes to having a highly lucrative writing career, only a few writers are lucky enough to reach the same level of success as J.K. Rowling. As the renowned…
Richest Person in the World (And the 9 After Them): How They Got There and What They’re Doing Now.
Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is that more evident than in the ranks of the world's wealthiest persons. From tech tycoons to retail magnates, the world's richest…
What Is Annual Income? Significance and Calculation Insights
'Annual Income' is widely recognized as the most valuable metric for quick and comprehensive calculations, whether for reporting taxes, applying for loans, or making a budget, whether on a personal…
R Kelly Net Worth – How He Lost His Fortune
R Kelly was one of the U.S.A.'s most popular and prominent artists. He is an American songwriter, singer, and record producer. His work has won him much praise from critics…
What Is Master P Net Worth
Master P (real name: Percy Robert Miller) is a famous American rapper, businessman, and philanthropist. Due to his many prosperous business dealings in the entertainment, media, sports, and fashion industries,…
What Is A Pension Plan? A Comprehensive Guide to Retirement Security
Retirement planning is critical to ensuring financial stability in our golden years. Among the various retirement options available, a pension plan is a reliable and valuable tool for securing a…
Cardi B Net Worth: How Wealthy Is The Female Rapper?
American rapper and hip-hop artist Cardi B's current net worth (as of February 2023) is $40 million. She is a former stripper and social media icon. She is originally from…
10 Brilliant Movies About Money on Netflix
Netflix is home to some great stories and movies about money that show how it can have an enormous influence on people's lives. From documentaries to feature films, these movies…
Net vs Gross Income: Traversing the Economic Maze
In finance, few concepts are as fundamental as net vs gross income. Both serve as crucial threads in the complex web of personal and business finances, tying together the facts…
“We Don’t Want Your Kind Here” Only “Elites” Live In These 10 States
The United States of America is a wonderland of diversity, with each state boasting distinctive charm and impressive advantages. From the mesmerizing natural beauty of some states to the exceptional…
Gen Z Is Lonely Thanks to “Flexible” Remote Work, Falling Behind
Let's face it. Remote work brings strong emotions from both sides. Those who are in favor say it will help with work-life balance, save on commuting costs and a net…
The Rise of Audiobook Narrator Jobs: What’s in for You in the Fast-Rising Digital Goldmine
Stories have been shared before men began observing time on a wall clock, but the way we tell them is constantly changing. The rise of audiobooks is leapfrogging how we…
Average Salary in the US (And The Most Available Jobs)
The average salary in the US continues to climb, signaling a workforce expansion boom thriving independent of inflation and changing economic climates. The latest data released by the Bureau of…
5 Types of Small Business Loans to Consider For Your Company
Small businesses are responsible for 44 percent of all economic activity in the United States. The percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) this accounts for has decreased over the past…
A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Write a Check
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to write a check but feel uncertain about how to do it properly? Writing a check may seem like…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Renting vs Owning: Are You Making the Right Choice? (Answered Using Actual Math!)
In this video, I'll discuss the age-old question of whether it's better to rent or own and use actual math on a spreadsheet to show why I believe owning is…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Renting vs Owning: Are You Making the Right Choice? (Answered Using Actual Math!)
In this video, I'll discuss the age-old question of whether it's better to rent or own and use actual math on a spreadsheet to show why I believe owning is…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Renting vs Owning: Are You Making the Right Choice? (Answered Using Actual Math!)
In this video, I'll discuss the age-old question of whether it's better to rent or own and use actual math on a spreadsheet to show why I believe owning is…
The Financial Planning Process: Your Route to Financial Independence!
The financial planning process is all about "planning" for your retirement far before your arrival there. You need to think of retirement as a destination. I like to call it…
W2 vs 1099 Pros and Cons: What are the Differences for Employers
In the past, the most common type of work was 9-5 work, where employees would work a set schedule for big corporations. With the explosion of the gig worker economy…
9 Ways You Can Use Graphs To Enhance Your Business
Graphs have been a staple of business data analysis for decades but are not universally used. According to Analytic Insights, a study of global businesses cited that only 26 percent…
W2, W4, W9, 1099 Tax Forms: What’s the Difference? (And Which One Do You Need?)
Tax forms aren’t just paperwork, they’re levers. If you’re earning $100k or more and trying to optimize your income, save on taxes, or reach financial independence faster, you need to…
How to Make Your Money Work for You: 7 Modern Methods for Investing in “The Market”
You work hard for your money – but does your money work hard for you? No one wants to work until they die, right?If you feel like you never have…
The 5 Critical Components of Real Estate Investing Returns
Real estate investing is a big piece of my financial pie. I think about real estate investing in the same way I think about public markets investing: I look at…
The Ups and Downs of Reinventing Your Life At 43 With a Kid
So...Hello! We are Joe and Kristin DiSanto, a former executive producer/business owner and a former film/commercial editor from Los Angeles. Since meeting and marrying in Los Angeles, we spent many…
A Robo Advisor Comparison: Can A.I. Get You to the Promised Land?!
I wanted to create a distilled robo-advisor comparison for you to check out. Mainly because they are cool, but also because they are (potentially) a great step closer to financial…
H&R Block vs TurboTax vs an Accountant: 3 Easy Ways to Do Your Taxes
You've tried both H&R Block and TurboTax, and you're still scratching your head. Why? Choosing between tax softwares shouldn't feel like decoding the tax code itself. Imagine spending hours preparing…
How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
Buying a home is one of the largest investments most individuals will make. While no single item can guarantee a completely stress-free home purchase, a home inspection can provide some…
7 Habits of Highly Effective Remote Workers
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, life changed seemingly overnight. Gone were nights out with friends, happy hour after a long day of work, and the new normal left…
The Difference Between Crypto Lending and Crypto Staking
With stocks, investors can earn passive income via dividends. For the longest time, something similar was unavailable in the crypto world. This situation changed when crypto lending and crypto staking…
Real Estate Strategy 101: Learn the Basics, the Lingo, and the Opportunities
Investing in real estate is well-known as one of the most effective ways to increase wealth. It also can have the added benefit of generating passive income, which allows you…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken Tutorial: Set Up Your Brokerage Account!
In this video, I'll be giving another Quicken tutorial, this time covering how to set up a brokerage account in the program. I'll also go over some of the specifics…