Archive for posts by Kent Irwin

Article in the New York Times, covers the latest poverty statistics for people in the US using the new measure from the Census Bureau NYTimes.com.

The economics of America and the world are closely tied to our aging populations and to the entitlement programs designed to provide for their income and health care. Politicians of all colors talk out of both sides of their mouths, and it is hard to find truth in what they all say. Lately the AARP has been… Read More »

Most articles about college education planning provide valuable information for parents who are saving and investing for their children’s education, as well as various options for financial aid and student loans. However, what options are there for students that don’t qualify for aid and want to minimize student loans? This article in the Wall Street… Read More »

Dave Ramsey in his Financial Peace University class advocates that in order for people to pay off their non-mortgage debt like credit cards, car and student loans, that they should get the Gazelle mentality: temporarily cut back on all expenses, get second jobs, and stop funding their 401k and devote all disposable income to repaying… Read More »

Following Dave Ramsey’s “From Fruition to Tuition” class, people often ask me about the education savings accounts and 529 plans.  It seems there is a little confusion.  Briefly… The Education Savings Account (ESA) and the Coverdell Education IRA are one and the same. They are accounts that are set up specifically to fund college education. They are… Read More »

I admire creative people who can think of an easier way to do something and create a business out it. Even though the economy is struggling, there is always opportunity to find a better way. Sometimes it is simply improving what already exists, such as a vacuum cleaner or fan. That is why I found… Read More »

Obama mentioned that as of January 2012, student loan re-payments will be limited to 10% of income, and any left over balance after 20 years, would be forgiven. Sounds good, similar to the current plan that already exists for some loans and some non-profit employment situations after 10 years. So the new plan seems to… Read More »

Recently a small group leader of our current Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Class asked me: “I have been getting some questions in my group and I have been wondering myself, Dave is a big supporter of mutual funds for savings and I agree I have some myself; however, with interest rates being what they are, is… Read More »

1: Negative Spending Have you created a budget and do you stick to it?  If not, you may be spending more money than you make.  People who have created a budget have a good idea of their monthly income and expenses and can accurately diagnose their financial condition.  Other signs of negative spending include the… Read More »

A lot of people wonder what a financial plan really is. Not everyone knows what they are so I thought I’d write this post to cover it. A financial plan is a written document, compiled by financial planning software, that takes into consideration your present financial situation and your future goals. A financial plan serves… Read More »