Today's Personal Finance Pulse
Young Canadians can grow wealth by automating savings despite high living costs
MoneySense advises that professionals should capture at least half of any raise and start modest contributions of $40‑$150 per paycheck. Automating transfers helps eliminate discretionary spending, while tax‑advantaged accounts such as TFSA and FHSA boost long‑term growth.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Reverse Mortgage in 2026?
The article outlines the typical 30‑to‑60‑day timeline for obtaining a reverse mortgage in 2026, detailing the five required steps from HUD‑approved counseling through closing. It highlights that well‑prepared borrowers can close in as little as 30 days, while common setbacks such as appraisal delays, property repairs, and missing paperwork can extend the process. A mandatory three‑business‑day rescission period follows closing before funds are released. The piece also compares reverse mortgage timelines to other home‑equity products, emphasizing the lack of monthly payments for seniors.
Prioritize Living over Maximizing Every Tax Deduction
Optimize vs. Maximize You don’t need to win every tax year. You need to win the life you’re living. Chasing every deduction. Timing every Roth conversion. Micromanaging every IRMAA bracket. At some point, maximizing starts competing with living well. That’s when strategy needs recalibration.
Crypto.com Launches Blended Crypto and Stock Retirement Accounts
Crypto.com has introduced a U.S. retirement account that lets investors hold both cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks within a single IRA. The product offers tax‑deferred or tax‑free growth, up to a 5% contribution match, and no account fees, positioning it as...
Vanguard’s Transfer on Death Plan Kit
Vanguard announced on September 20, 2025 that it now permits a Transfer‑On‑Death (TOD) designation for joint taxable brokerage accounts. The new option is accessed via an online request, a printable form, and a mailed signature, rather than a fully digital submission. Vanguard’s...
Why One Savings Account Isn’t Enough
If you only have one savings account… uummm yeah. You’re gonna want to read this. P.S: Go here for my favorite checking/savings account recommendation https://vist.ly/4tjz9
The States With the Least and Most Expensive Car Insurance
The article ranks the cheapest car‑insurance providers in each U.S. state, showing rates from $779 in Vermont (Union Mutual) to $3,059 in Louisiana (Louisiana Farm Bureau). It explains pricing drivers such as driving record, vehicle type, road conditions, traffic density,...
Only Log in to Buy, Not to Watch
Don’t even bother logging into your investment accounts if you’re not buying more stocks. You’re just going to make yourself feel worse and selling will only hurt you in the long term.
Ignore Market Noise; Stick to Long‑term Plan
If you're not retired: > stop obsessing over share prices, it's just noise > stop stressing about daily market moves, they don't matter > stop panicking over short term drops, they are normal Just stick to your long term plan. Stick to your allocation....
Poor Coordination Can Cost Couples an Average $14,000 in Retirement Wealth, Research Finds
New research in the American Economic Review shows couples who fail to coordinate retirement contributions lose significant wealth. By directing contributions to the spouse with the highest employer match, an average couple could add $750 per year and avoid a...
Never Trust Caller ID—Always Verify with Bank
My very smart friend got scammed yesterday. Because she's a smart cookie, the scammer only got $400 but it could have been so much worse. 1️⃣ When someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, thank them for the call and...
Robinhood Credit Card Turns Everyday Spending Into Instant Investments
I have lots of things to say about Robinhood Most of them aren't good. But the credit card is wonderful. Use it for health insurance, car insurance, rent (I sublease so the rent exclusion doesn't get triggered), and just about everything...
What To Do If You Can’t Afford Your Student Loan Payment
The article outlines practical steps for borrowers who can’t afford their student loan payments, starting with switching to income‑driven repayment plans that cap monthly outlays at a percentage of discretionary income. It highlights deferment or forbearance as short‑term pauses, while...
20‑Year Fees Can Erase Most Investment Gains
Most investors know they pay fees. Annual charges. Management costs. Platform fees. Almost nobody knows what those fees actually cost them over 20 years. The number is usually the most shocking thing I show new clients.
What We Still Don't Know About Trump Accounts, Ep#295
In this episode Ryan Morrissey explains the newly introduced "Trump accounts" (530A accounts) designed to help children build wealth, detailing eligibility, contribution limits, and the $1,000 government seed fund for births between 2025‑2028. He walks through the still‑unclear aspects such...
529 Plans: Tax‑Free Education Savings for Kids
If you have kids, please get a 529 plan: • many states have a tax deduction for investing • money grows tax free • tax free withdrawals for education (tutoring, college, private schools, certificates, etc) • could rollover up to $35,000 to their Roth...
Wealth Grows Through Small, Consistent Actions
Building wealth isn't one big "right" decision. It’s a series of small, repeatable actions that feel insignificant in the moment but lead to high-impact outcomes. Case in point: I’ve increased my investments by $100,000 in just the last 9 months. Here is the...
IRS Posts Form for Claiming New Tax Deductions
The IRS has issued a new Schedule 1‑A and updated instructions to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax breaks for 2025, covering tips, overtime, car‑loan interest, and senior‑citizen deductions. The tip deduction allows up to $25,000 per taxpayer, with a phase‑out beginning at...
Crypto Gives Everyone Global Access to Financial Tools
You have zero control over where you're born, yet billions of people in the world are shut out of accessing financial tools because of it. Finally, this is changing with crypto. Getting access to sound money, loans, stocks, etc from your...
Free 24‑Hour Money Makeover: Find Breathing Room
That answer sat with me. Because at this point it’s not even about luxury anymore... It’s about having enough money to simply live. If this is where you are right now, I'm so sorry. It's affecting so many of us right now... but...
I Earn $130,000 but Am Terrified of Layoffs. Should I Stop Funding My 401(k) to Pay Off My Mortgage?
A 28‑year‑old earning $130,000 is considering cutting his 401(k) contributions to make extra mortgage payments amid fears of AI‑driven layoffs. Financial experts advise against the move, emphasizing the importance of liquidity and the long‑term benefits of retirement savings. They recommend...
2025 Portfolio Review: Hits, Misses, and Dollar Lessons
My annual portfolio review is one of my most read posts of the year. The 2025 edition is now live 📊 Did I hit my goals? 👉 The Good, The Bad and The Dollar 😉 Check it out here: 🔗 https://europeandgi.com/inspiration/2025-dividend-portfolio-review-the-good-the-bad-and-the-dollar/ Share ⏩ &...
Small Monthly Investments Build Powerful Compounding Habits
Many people think it's pointless to invest $100-200/mo. But: 1. It's better than $0/mo 2. You let your money compound instead of wasting it on useless things 3. You form a habit of investing, which could be even more valuable than the initial...
Indiana Adopts No Tax on Tips, Overtime Only for 2026 Tax Year
Indiana lawmakers approved a one‑year tax exemption for tips and overtime earnings in the 2026 tax year, aligning state law with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The measure is projected to reduce state and local revenue by up to $237 million, a shortfall...
Amazon Engineer Earns $405K + $9K Monthly Side Gig
Amazon employee Makes $405K/year in California including RSUs and another $9K/month in 1099 consulting income that he picked up in June of 2025. Here's everything we are looking at and why:
Historic Fear Index Low Signals Bitcoin Buying Opportunity
The fear & greed index on #Crypto. It has hit rock bottom in previous weeks. Uncertainty and fear have gone through the roof, with all the geopolitical uncertainty, the AI boom, and more. Now, this is a great opportunity for investments in...
Scott Adams: Cartoonist, Divisive Commentator, Scourge of Active Managers
Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, used his globally‑read comic strip to launch a sustained critique of active fund management, portraying it as a costly scam through the character Dogbert. His personal experience—losing money to a Wells Fargo‑managed portfolio that invested...
Buy Bitcoin Now, Outperforms Gold’s Safe Haven
Forget chasing gold or silver at all-time highs. The real opportunity is buying Bitcoin in the buy zone. While gold and silver are safe havens, Bitcoin offers a better risk-reward, especially with potential S&P drops on the horizon. #Bitcoin #Investing...
Ask an Advisor: How Does Inheriting an Annuity Work? Can I Roll the Funds Into My IRA?
A spouse inheriting a non‑qualified annuity cannot roll it into an IRA because the contract was funded with after‑tax dollars. Instead, the inherited annuity retains its own tax treatment, with gains taxed first and distribution schedules dictated by the contract...
Garry Marr: Bad News, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 Guy Is Still Working in His 60s and You Will...
Garry Marr notes that a CIBC poll shows Gen Z expects to retire at 59, millennials at 61, while baby boomers target 63. Yet many Canadians, including former insurance executive Alf Goodall, are working well into their 60s, reflecting a shift...
03.02.26 Buy Now, Pay Later Aka Pay-In-4 / Ask Your Pharmacist
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners about the dangers of Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later (BNPL) schemes, especially the "pay‑in‑four" model that has spread from Australia to the U.S. He explains how the psychology of four easy installments can lead consumers to overspend,...
Robinhood HOOD Rewards Season 2026 Promos: Up to 3% ACAT Transfer Bonus
Robinhood has launched its HOOD Rewards Season, running Feb 19‑Mar 25, 2026, offering up to a 3 % bonus on ACATS transfers. Taxable‑account transfers earn 2 % for Robinhood Gold members, rising to 3 % when a $10,000 margin balance is present; IRA and 401(k)...
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Compared: Benefits, Annual Fees, and How to Choose the Right One
Marriott Bonvoy now offers seven co‑branded credit cards—four through Chase and three via American Express—each with distinct annual fees, welcome bonuses, and automatic elite status. The Chase lineup ranges from a fee‑free Bold card to the premium Ritz‑Carlton card, while...
Invest $145 Weekly, Retire with $1.4 M
The Roth IRA limit is $7,500 for 2026. That's $145/week. If you invest $145/week in an S&P 500 index fund for 30 years, you'll spend $225,000 of your own money. But at retirement you should have $1.4 million. That’s the power of compound interest.
AI Finds Coupons, Saves $100 in Minutes
Was buying a small grill for outside. Used AI and said “find me coupons for this brand” It found a “BLACKDOGBBQ20” coupon code for 20% off Easy $100 in savings for 5 minutes of effort Use AI to search coupons whenever you are buying...
30% Transfer Bonus From Capital One Miles to Preferred Hotels I Prefer
Capital One is running a limited-time promotion that adds a 30% transfer bonus when moving Capital One miles to Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer. The bonus changes the conversion rate to 1,000 miles for 2,600 I Prefer points, up from the standard...
Built $500K Portfolio by Age 36
I'm 36 with $500K invested. Most of this happened in the last 8 years. Here's how:
T‑Bills Avoid State Taxes, Boost Long‑Term Returns
Interest from HYSA is taxed at federal AND state/local level. But interest from T-Bills is only taxed at the federal level, saving you anywhere from 0-13% in state/local taxes. T-bills also generally have better yields. Small adjustments can make a big difference over...
Helping Adult Children, Pt. 2
A family gathered after a grandparent’s death to discuss the adult children’s desire to buy a home. Leveraging lessons from the HumbleDollar community, the parents offered financial support, citing an upcoming inheritance intended for grandchildren. The conversation balanced respect for...
3 Luxury Purchases You May End Up Regretting
The article warns that splurging on luxury items such as high‑end cars, oversized homes, and exclusive club memberships can quickly erode savings and hinder long‑term financial goals. It outlines how each purchase brings hidden costs—depreciation, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and lack...
‘Why You Should Mix Bitcoin and Gold’
The piece advocates pairing Bitcoin with gold through the Bold index, a risk‑weighted, monthly‑rebalanced strategy that exploits their low correlation. Bitcoin is currently deeply oversold while gold enjoys strong bullish momentum, creating a diversification opportunity. Bold is offered as the...
JL Collins Goes Global - And Why That Feels Familiar
JL Collins, author of *The Simple Path to Wealth* and long‑time advocate of a single‑fund U.S. strategy, announced a shift to include Vanguard's Total World ETF (VT) alongside VTI. The change moves his allocation from 100% U.S. equities to roughly...
Early 401k Withdrawals Penalty‑free with Smart Strategies
Early in my career, I didn't want to max out my 401k… I was worried about liquidity for early retirement. That quickly changed as I learned about: • 72t SoSEPP • rule of 55 • roth conversion ladder All of these allow you to pull from...
Why Getting a Digital Wallet Is a Smart Financial Move
Digital wallets have shifted payments from physical cards to smartphones, with services like Apple Pay and Google Pay gaining mainstream traction. By leveraging tokenization and encryption, they protect card data better than traditional chip cards. Consumers can store multiple credit,...
Everything You Need to Know About Roth IRAs in 2026
Roth IRAs let individuals contribute after‑tax dollars and withdraw earnings tax‑free in retirement. For 2026 the contribution cap is $7,500 ($8,600 for those 50+) and eligibility phases out between $153,000‑$168,000 for single filers and $242,000‑$252,000 for married couples. Unlike traditional...
Focus on After‑Tax Return, Not Just Tax Minimization
The goal isn’t to minimize taxes. The goal is to maximize after-tax return. Say you have $100k in 0.1% savings account. You earn $100 interest, pay $24 of tax. Now say you have $100k in 3.5% savings account. You earn $3.5k interest,...
Holding Cash Guarantees Inflation‑Driven Underperformance
Sitting in cash is the opposite of investing, and invites long-term, dramatic underperformance. Holding cash is basically begging the Fed and Congress to light your money on fire via inflation. https://t.co/QMd0bkOkkZ
Navient Borrower Compensation Payments Begin In 2026
The episode explains that Navient borrower compensation checks, funded by a $100 million settlement with the CFPB, will start arriving in early 2026 after a lawsuit alleging the servicer steered borrowers into costly forbearances instead of income‑driven repayment plans. Listeners learn...
HSA Tips
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a rare triple‑tax advantage—deductible contributions, tax‑free earnings, and tax‑free withdrawals for qualified medical costs. For 2026, contribution limits rise to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families, with a $1,000 catch‑up for those 55+. Savvy...
Lifehacker Deals Live Blog: The Best Tech Sales, All in One Place
Lifehacker has launched a live‑blog that aggregates the best daily tech deals in a single, continuously updated page. The platform uses price‑tracking tools to differentiate genuine discounts from hype, ensuring readers see real savings. All affiliate links are disclosed, maintaining...
Do You Have to Report Inheritance on Your Taxes? Rules for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries generally do not report an inheritance as income on their federal tax return, but any income the inherited assets generate—such as interest, dividends, rent, or distributions—must be reported. Cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and retirement accounts each have distinct...