eFinPLAN Blog

Here you'll find no-nonsense advice to help you understand and manage every one of your pennies - from how to budget yourself out of debt to tips for selecting the right kind of insurance. We write every word ourselves so you'll know that the information you read here is accurate and practical!

12 Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid

Categories: Wills

Most common financial mistakes and roadblocks that hamper financial success In the last 40 years or so, financial common sense has flown out the window in our country. What happened? Our culture has changed. Today if we run out of money before the month ends, we charge our expenses, believing we’ll make it up next… Read More »

Part 3: How to Follow and Stay on Budget

Categories: Wills

Prior articles discussed 1.) Why you should have a budget  2.) What is a budget and how to get started. This article discusses how to follow a budget each month. Most people easily grasp the first two articles, but few people actually follow or stay on budget. For people who really need a budget but ultimately fail to stay… Read More »

What to do with Extra Paychecks

Categories: Wills

Many people are paid every two weeks, so August may be one of the two months this year you will get an additional paycheck. If you are married and your spouse works outside of the home and paid the same way, then that may mean 2 extra paychecks this month.  However, if you don’t plan, this money will… Read More »

Annual Cost of Gasoline

Categories: Automotive

With gasoline hitting or exceeding $4 per gallon in many parts of the country, it is important to consider your annual cost of gas when purchasing a new or used car. In 2009 gas was less than $2 per gallon, and it seems that we have gotten used to the current costs. With the price… Read More »

Personal Computer: Buy New or Repair?

Categories: Budget, Spend

You might wonder why an article about computer purchasing at a financial planning website. However, in the last 30 years your personal budget for electronic, such as laptops, smart phones, tablets and e-readers has probably expanded a lot; good decision-making is important.

Estate Planning for Your Digital Footprint

Estate planning attorneys are encouraging people to address digital property The death of old-school estate planning began with the advent of the internet. When people pass on today, they leave behind a digital landscape of property that is difficulty to deal with. It used to be your executor, attorney or trustee would compile all of… Read More »

Is I.D. Theft Insurance Essential?

I.D. theft insurance has been a big topic of discussion lately, since the Anthem cyber attack exposed nearly 100 million American’s personal information Here’s a review of how I.D. theft insurance works, other things you can do to protect yourself, and what to do if you are a victim of financial cyber fraud. The American population… Read More »

How to Save Money with Lower Gas Prices in 2015

Gasoline has dropped about $1.50 a gallon According to AAA the national average price of gas is $2.17 (1/9/15) per gallon, for regular. Gas Buddy reports that the highest average price in 2014 was about 3.70 in April. This $1.53  per gallon drop can mean a few extra thousand dollars in your pocket this year. These… Read More »

2015 IRA and Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

Categories: Retire, Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the updated new rules for contributions into retirement plans and IRAs for 2015. Some of these numbers have increased, and are good for you to know if you participate in IRAs (individual retirement accounts) or retirement plans like 401(k)s, sponsored by employers. The most an individual can contribute to… Read More »

How to Budget Easily with Mint.com

Categories: Budget

How to Use Mint To Create and Follow a Budget Preface: There are three basic tools to design a budget and to track spending. You can use an Excel spreadsheet, a free online app like Mint, or one you purchase like YouNeedaBudget.com, also known as YNAB. Many people ask me should if they should use Mint… Read More »

Financial News and Articles from the Web – Dec

Important and Interesting Financial News and Articles from the Web – Dec New homes built with solar panels, trend to help reduce energy costs SEC MLM warning; says to be aware of internet fraudulent multi-level marketing schemes 16 Rules for Investors to Live By – The Wall Street Journal 16 Rules for Investors to Live By Need a… Read More »

5 Common Investment Myths

Categories: Invest

Don’t be Fooled by These Common Myths A myth is something that most people believe, but after careful analysis of the facts, it’s not found to be always true. The investment world has several myths, or things that most people believe as conventional wisdom. 5 of the most common investment myths are: Myth # 1: Missing the 10… Read More »