Social security has decided to offer a COLA of 2.3%. It will mean an extra $24 per month in the average check. The cost of living adjustment means that the monthly benefit for the typical retired worker in 2008 will go from $1,055 currently to $1,079 next year. The average retired couple, both receiving Social Security benefits, will see their monthly check go from $1,722 to $1,761, an increase of $39. The standard SSI payment for an individual will go from $623 per month to $637. The average monthly check […]

I just read an incredible article in Kiplinger’s personal finance magazine that really drives home what we try to teach you, our students, you can become financially independent regardless of your circumstances. The story was about a remarkable man named Earl Crawley who is 69 years old and has never earned more than $20,000 a year as a parking-lot attendant. What makes Earl so unique is that his net-worth is quickly closing in on one million dollars. Earl built wealth by avoiding debt and investing in publicly held businesses. In […]

The trials of working for someone else can be a real challenge. Answering to someone else, jumping through hoops and the commuting are tough enough. Maybe it is time to think about working for yourself with a home based business. Working from home has some distinct advantages; You can set your own hours, work from the comfort of your own home and have more free time to spend with your family and friends. What’s more, you can minimize or eliminate several household expenses. The fip side is that there is […]

New sociological studies are suggesting that we tend to emulate our peers when it comes to habits. I was reading an interesting article the other day that basically said “two birds and a feather flock togetherâ€?. You are likely to gravitate to those with similar habits as yours. A new study is being worked on which shows that if you affiliate with those who save and invest, you are likely to do the same. On the other hand, if you are surrounded by people who like to spend, spend, spend, […]