As I get old(er), I tend to reflect on my decisions more often. It is one of the ways I learn to make better decisions and learn from my mistakes. Yes, I make mistakes! If you are making decisions, you make mistakes. No one bats a thousand! You cannot avoid making mistakes, but you should make more good decisions than bad ones. Especially the ...
Keep Reading
Opening Investment Dollars By Changing Opportunity Cost Ratios!
Hey everyone, I'm Joshua Rodriguez. Thank you for reading my first article here on KRANTCENTS! Today's article is inspired by an article that was recently published here on April called “Why You Should Think Twice About Paying Off Debt”. It discussed opportunity cost and its association with paying off debt and investing. In the article, you ...
Keep Reading
Is There a Right Time to Buy Real Estate?
The real estate market is booming. Some prices are up to pre bubble prices. Is it too late to buy real estate? The short answer is no! My theory is prices are always higher than you like it. If you are one of those people who are looking to buy at the bottom, you missed your chance! Interest rates are the lowest in sixty (60) years. What are ...
Keep Reading
I Love Other People’s Money!
What is other people’s money? When you buy real estate, you usually get a mortgage which is other people’s money. It is a way of leveraging your down payment in order to buy an asset.  When you borrow money to buy a business, it is other people’s money. Whenever you borrow money to make an investment or financial transaction, you may be using ...
Keep Reading
It Is Not too Late to Do Tax Planning for 2013!
Did you do any tax planning for 2013? Probably not, you just finished your 2012 tax return and probably already received your refund. I bet it was big and you are using it to pay down debt, invest or just put it in savings. Some of you may even use it for fun things like a trip, shop or a few nice dinners.  If you are not aware of the tax ...
Keep Reading
I am Wealthy, so What?
I was reading The Millionaire Next Door again and found out that I am wealthy! The authors offer a calculation to determine if you are wealthy, just multiply your age times your realized pretax annual household income from all sources except inheritances. Divide by ten. This, less any inherited wealth, is what your net worth should be. Why does ...
Keep Reading
The case against paying off your mortgage!
Many personal finance experts suggest paying off your mortgage. I realize that interest rates are very low on savings, but mortgage rates are historically low too. If you itemize your income taxes, you can write off your mortgage interest and the government subsidizes your rate by giving you a tax deduction. The government is encouraging home ...
Keep Reading
Breaking Down Consumer Loans
In economics, consumer debt is outstanding debt of consumers, as opposed to businesses or governments. In macroeconomic terms, it is debt which is used to fund consumption rather than investment. It includes debts incurred on purchase of goods that are consumable and/or do not appreciate. Debts that are owed as a result of purchasing goods that are ...
Keep Reading
How Do You Prepare for the Unexpected?
Are you prepared for the unexpected? This past week saw unusual weather hit the East coast and devastate the Jersey shore. Too many people’s homes and businesses are devastated and will take a long time to rebuild. Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes destroy property and take an emotional toll on everyone ...
Keep Reading
Why Refinancing your Mortgage Can Be Beneficial
If you have been finding it increasingly difficult to pay the bills or have sudden expenses that have pushed you into further debt, it's time to start thinking about your financial options. One solution is to meet with experts at a firm such as Lombard Odier in order to restructure your assets and receive legal or tax advice. Homeowners also have ...
Keep Reading