It appears to be an overlooked part of retirement planning. While we should always invest within our risk tolerance level we should also match our investment portfolios to the retirement cash flow plan. The plan gives the marching orders for each account. If you create a portfolio to plan mismatch, you could increase the risk of depleting an account too soon. On the other side if you are too conservative where an account has the […]

Recently, we’ve had eight of our grandchildren here at one point or another. Some stayed for a few days, some stayed for a week, and while it certainly made for a busy house, it also reminded me of something important about frugal grandparenting: Creating meaningful summer memories doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the cost of nearly everything going up these days, it’s easy to feel pressure to spend money on entertainment. Grandparents want […]

On my personal quest to see history and travel as much as I can, I can’t help but be drawn to historic places. Having visited South Louisiana more than 5 times, here’s a list of plantations you can visit so you can immerse yourself in the history (the good and the bad) of the area. It is nice to imagine being a Southern Belle, but also realizing that the wealth of a few was built on the backs of many. Most of these plantations are within the River Parishes except for Houmas House. The River Parishes are located around 40 minutes from the French Quarter and the New Orleans airport (more if there’s traffic). Looking for more Louisiana Travel? Click on the links below: One Day in Lafayette Louisiana (A History Tour) Things to Do in New Orleans with Toddlers or Babies How to Spend a Weekend in New Orleans (Itinerary) Complete Guide to New Orleans City Park Things to do in Kenner LA: Rivertown Plantations near New Orleans or Baton Rouge LA Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana Oak Alley Plantation: The Best Plantation in Louisiana Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090 Entrance Fee: $30++ per person The most visited plantation in South Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation, is known for its Alley of Oaks, which frames the big house in such a photographic way. If you imagine what plantation houses may be, it’s easy to think of Oak Alley. If you’re a millennial like me, you would remember this house was used as a filming spot for the movie “Interview with the Vampire” starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, not the TV series. Ever since I saw that movie, I knew I had to visit the plantation, and I finally had my chance. Even better, I got to stay in one of the historic cabins and got the iconic shot of Oak Alley without the crowds of people. And yes, anyone who can pay can stay in the historic or newly renovated cottages located on Oak Alley’s premises. It acts like a hotel where you can just pick the cottage you want, pay, and book. Since the restaurant is closed in the evening, you’ll get room service left on your cabin’s refrigerator (which you’ll get to pick before you check in). Undoubtedly, this plantation is the most expensive out of the ones I’ve mentioned below, but if you only have the money to visit one plantation outside of the New Orleans area, make it Oak Alley. Felicity Plantation: A Woman-Owned Plantation Address: 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090 Entrance Fee: $24 per person Focuses

There’s nothing wrong with buying secondhand. In fact, some of the best deals you’ll ever find come from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, and resale shops. I’ve bought used furniture.Used tools.Used sporting equipment.Even used cars. The trick is knowing the difference between a bargain and a future headache. Because while some items age beautifully, others hide problems you won’t discover until after you’ve handed over your money. And by then, it’s usually too late. […]

If you work in tech, there’s a good chance a meaningful portion of your income doesn’t show up in your regular paycheck. It shows up as RSUs. Stock options. ESPPs. Equity that may—or may not—translate into real wealth over time. And that’s where things get complicated. That’s because equity compensation isn’t just “extra income.” It’s a set of financial decisions with real tax implications, real risk, and real opportunity—especially in a place like Seattle, where […]

Living on your own comes with new expenses, so you must prepare your finances ahead of time. Independence is a fantastic thing, but enjoying that new freedom can be more expensive than you think. Here is how to prepare your budget for moving out. The post How to Budget Moving Out for the First Time appeared first on The Budget Mom.

I’m still doing a some catching up with sharing budget updates. Thankfully, I keep our budget pretty well up-to-date in YNAB even if I’m slow to post the updates on my website. We’ve had some financial challenges recently (with more on the horizon) that have had me feeling stressed. Still, the thought of facing these challenges without a budget would make my stress level go through the roof. In good times and bad, I thankful […]