Tiffany’s Story: 100% Self-Made, Independent, and Proud of It
Meet Tiffany, an insurance company Customer Service Expert who lives in Michigan with her six-year-old son. What did your upbringing teach you about finances? I was always a hard worker and strived to make my own money. I’ve saved money to buy the things I wanted or felt I deserved. I pride myself on being…
Read MoreAllison’s Story: No Such Thing as Over-Prepared
Meet Allison, a Data Analyst who lives in Winooski, Vermont with her three roommates. What do you do? I am the Manager of Data Analytics for a home health and hospice agency. I’ve been here for a year and a half, and really love my job. I have a lot of autonomy, and I get…
Read MoreBuchi’s Story: Experiences Instead of Material Items
Meet Buchi, a self-employed bookkeeper who lives and works in San Francisco. What do you do? I’m disabled and I’m self-employed with bookkeeping. I do that on the side. It’s been good for these last 9-12 years. What did your upbringing teach you about finances? (laughs) Well, to manage money responsibly. Here in the US,…
Read MoreBarbara’s Story: A Penny Found is a Penny Saved
Meet Barbara, a happy retired grandmother who lives in Eugene, Oregon. What do you do? Before I retired, I worked as a cashier and gas station attendant. I also volunteered a lot. I have five grandkids and they all live in Eugene. They’re 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11. There are two boys and three…
Read MoreAndrew’s Story: The Pursuit of a Minimalist Lifestyle
Meet Andrew, a recent newlywed living in Daly City, CA with his wife and their 13-year old son. What do you do? I work for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in the Water Resources Department. I’ve been at this position for a little over three years, but I’ve been with the company for over…
Read MoreDaisy’s Story: Dreaming of a Purple House with Chickens
Meet Daisy, a part-time lecturer and breastfeeding peer counselor, living in San Francisco with her 5-year old daughter. What do you do for a living? I currently have two jobs and might pick up a third. I lecture a weekly class at San Francisco State University and I also have a part-time job as a…
Read MoreHow much should I put in my 401(k)?
If you’re fortunate enough to have an employer who offers a 401(k), you should seriously consider participating. A 401(k) allows you to lower your tax bill and potentially build wealth through the stock market. Here’s how to figure out how much you should contribute. The power of the employer match You should contribute at least…
Read MoreOmar’s Story: Establishing Credit is the Foundation of Wealth
Meet Omar, a full-time college student living in San Francisco, CA with his parents and 21-year old son. What do you do? I’m studying behavioral science and addiction counseling at the City College of San Francisco. I want to be a part of the solution of dealing with all the pain that’s in the world—or…
Read MorePashen’s Story: Lessons for My Boys
Meet Pashen, a Florida native currently living in Lake Wales with her three sons. What do you do? I’m a paraeducator at my local school district. I help my students who may have learning disabilities. What did your upbringing teach you about finances? As a kid, I was always worried if my parents were going…
Read MoreWhat is private mortgage insurance?
If you get a conventional loan and make a down payment of less than 20 percent of the home price, you are required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender (not you) in case you fail to make your mortgage payments. Banks, savings associations, credit unions, and mortgage companies make conventional loans…
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