Category: Money Management

Money Management

The Top 5 Money Tools I'm Using Most in 2024

by Kyle BurbankJan 16, 2024

Over the past several years, I've reviewed countless apps, platforms, and other tools related to personal finance. Often, I've also taken to naming some of my top picks for each year. Originally, this list featured apps that I was bullish on before transitioning to a collection of what I thought were the "most fascinating" startups. Well, unfortunately, the FinTech market has seen several casualties along the way, wiping out some...

Money Management

5 Ways My 2024 Finances Will Look a Lot Different From 2023

by Kyle BurbankDec 26, 2023

With Christmas 2023 now in the rearview, it's basically 2024 already. In turn, as one does, I've been thinking a lot about the new year and what changes I can expect. So, rather than discussing my money goals for the new year, I simply wanted to share some ways our finances will differ in 2024. My 2024 Financial Changes Mortgage instead of rent By far the biggest life change my...

Money Management

Comparing Cashback Portals: What's the Best Tool for Holiday Shopping?

by Kyle BurbankDec 12, 2023

If you're buying anything online, the biggest tip I have is always the same: try a cashback portal. Of course, with the number of these platforms growing, the question becomes, "Which one is the best?" Unfortunately answering that isn't so easy. Luckily, I had an idea: compare some popular cashback tools using a set of real-world parameters. In other words, what types of cashback rates can you get on select...

Money Management

Cutting the Cord Again: 5 Free Streaming Services to Try

by Kyle BurbankDec 5, 2023

Remember when the hot trend was "cutting the cord" and canceling cable? At the time, this strategy allowed consumers to save a lot of money. Alas, as more streaming services have hit the market, many viewers may once again be spending more than they'd like on entertainment. But there's good news as there are now several free services where you watch movies, TV shows, and more without spending a dime....

Money Management

Why I'm Changing Wireless Providers (Again)

by Kyle BurbankOct 10, 2023

Four years ago, I wrote a post sharing how I was saving money thanks to moving to T-Mobile (from AT&T) at the time. Well, now my wife and I have once again changed wireless providers. This time, we've landed at Verizon. But why? Well, let me explain how this came to be, how we'll be saving, and what I'll miss about being a T-Mobile customer. Why We've Switched from T-Mobile...

Money Management

A Practical Renters Guide From a Lifelong Renter

by Kyle BurbankSep 22, 2023

For those of us who can’t afford to buy a home, just don’t want to buy a home, or who enjoy the freedom to move around as we please, renting can be a great option. According to Census Bureau data, 35% of U.S. households rent — including 61.5% of those living in apartments and 26.7% of those in houses.  This means that, for a huge portion of Americans, renting is...

Money Management

My Biggest Personal Finance Flaw

by Kyle BurbankSep 12, 2023

Last month (actually just a couple of weeks ago) marked seven years since I started writing about personal finance. Over that time, a lot has changed for me personally, professionally, and — most relevant to this writing — financially. Namely, the more time I've spent covering money topics and apps, the greater understanding I've gained of financial topics while also discovering helpful tools. Thus, it's easy to say that I'm...

Money Management

Should You Accept an Early Inheritance? What to Consider

by Kyle BurbankAug 29, 2023

In his book Die With Zero, one of the topics Bill Perkins explores is the idea of giving early inheritance. As he notes, giving your children funds when they're in their 20s or 30s may make more sense than making them wait until their in their 50s or 60s. After all, during those youthful years, they may want the money to buy a house, allow compound interest to work its...