January 23, 2020
Q: I have job offers from two tech companies. One is in San Antonio and pays $55,000 a year, while the other is in Silicon Valley making $100,000 a year. My friends are advising me to move to California, but I feel like I’d have more money in my ...
Q: Would it be okay to go on a tenth anniversary honeymoon while we’re working on our debt snowball? A: I don’t think so. I mean, it’s not against the law or anything like that. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. I wouldn’t do it, and I ...
Q: My husband died several years ago. He always worked very hard, and we did very well financially. I am now 48 and have $3.8 million in assets. I’ve found a wonderful man who is very stable and loving with a good job, and we’re considering ...
Q: I know you recommend that no more than 25 percent of your take-home pay should go toward rent or a mortgage payment. Should taxes and insurance be figured into this amount? A: Yes, they should. Mortgage companies will qualify you for twice as ...
Q: Is it possible to book a hotel room without a credit card? A: Absolutely, it is. Just use a debit card. I don’t have a credit card. When it comes to finances, the only pieces of plastic you’ll find in my wallet are two debit cards—one for my ...
Q: I know you hate payday loan companies. Do you feel the same way about check-cashing companies? A: Check-cashing companies are not a good deal, but they’re nowhere near as bad as payday lenders. All check-cashing businesses do is charge a fee ...
Q: I’ve heard you say to never give collectors access to your checking account. Does that include payments with a debit card too? A: Absolutely! If you’re doing something like scheduling utility payments to come through your debit card or out of ...
Q: I have a lot of student loan debt, and I can’t afford the payments right now. Should I send them what I can, even if it’s not the minimum payment, or should I not send anything at all? A: They’re not going to stop bothering you no matter ...
