Things in life cost money, and sometimes the cost of the things we want, have, or need can have an influence on the decisions we make. Financial freedom is the ability to make choices across all areas of life without pressure from financial considerations. At Level 1 Life, your "Money Factor" is the number you … Continue reading The Money Factor

via CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/21/11-simple-money-habits-that-will-help-you-build-wealth-in-2017.html Incorporate some of these tips into your financial action plan for 2017!

Via http://www.cnbc.com - "Close to 30 percent of Americans don't even have a retirement account— such as an employee-sponsored 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account, according to a recent study by Personal Capital. As a result, about one in four U.S. workers expects to keep working through age 70, according to a separate survey … Continue reading Where in the World?

The Consumer Financial Protection Board's 2016 annual report offers findings related to credit cards, financial products, and trending data you may find useful as you educate your children or students: http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201612_cfpb_StudentBankingReport2016.pdf

"Remember, it’s likely that, at some point, 20,000 will be just another milestone in the Dow’s long history, Dowling said, so don’t make any decisions based on the number itself." Keep these things in mind as the Dow approaches 20,000 for the first time in history: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2016/12/10/4-things-consider-dow-rallies-20000/94908622/ via USA Today

Two terms that are used interchangeably, but what do they actually mean? Disposable money is the money you receive from your pay after taxes and deductions/contributions. This is your net income, or your take-home pay. Discretionary money is the money you have left after using your take-home pay and applying it toward all your fixed expenses (debt, … Continue reading Disposable vs. Discretionary

"If you buy things you don't need, soon you will have to sell things you need." -Warren Buffett  

Live on less than you make: Use a written budget every month. Avoid keeping up with the Jones's. Choose cost of living expenses that fit well within your budget and that allow you to have discretionary income left after covering necessities. Protect against emergencies: Have an emergency fund, not invested, available in a savings/money market … Continue reading Four Steps to Success

Your budget gives you permission to say "yes" to things you value or need. It also tells you how many times you can say "yes" for the month, taking the guesswork out of it! This is not an abstract concept - budgeting money is not just about managing little green slips of paper, it's about … Continue reading Permission to Say “YES”