Category Archives: Financial Independence

Barron's

The Financial Lesson in a $1 Hot Dog Barron's The value of financial independence. Instead of looking at saving as something you just have to do, start viewing it as an empowering way to eliminate your reliance on your family for gifts or loans. There's something about seeking financial ...

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The Financial Lesson in a $1 Hot Dog - Barron's

Rep. Kristi Noem, U.S. House of Representatives 11:02 p.m. CT April 3, 2017

For many, preparing for Tax Day only highlights just how much of a persons paycheck is redirected straight into the federal governments bank account.

The truth is our tax returns only tell part of the story. Federal regulations add thousands of dollars more in hidden costs every year for South Dakota families. Ive heard from many that enough is enough and I agree. So regardless of if its tax or regulatory reform, Im focused on giving you more financial independence.

One of the first places Im looking to save you money is on your taxes. Last year, I helped outline a simpler and fairer tax code. In totality, the plan is estimated to save the average family $4,600 per year, according to analysis done by The Tax Foundation. On top of that, they expect the plan would help grow the economy by 9.1 percent over the next 10 years, which translates into more jobs and higher wages.

The way were proposing to do this may save more than money. Under our plan, tax returns may be simple enough to fit on a postcard, hopefully saving taxpayers the 6 billion hours we collectively spend doing our taxes each year.

Like I mentioned before, there are also hidden costs the federal government imposes. Today, almost 25 percent of a new family homes final cost is dealing with regulations to build that home. Under Obama-era motor-vehicle regulations, the cost of a new car could spike almost $3,000 by 2025. Meanwhile, regulations on everything from lightbulbs to dishwashers could increase consumer costs by as much as $1,600. And it just keeps adding up from here!

Already, President Trump and Congress have worked together to delay, repeal or dismantle more than 90 regulations put in place by President Obama. But more must still be done. In addition to dismantling the unnecessary regulations piece-by-piece, Ive supported legislation to make it much more difficult to impose these massive regulations in the first place.

Just days into 2017, the House passed a bill I co-sponsored that would require any major regulation to be approved by Congress. If enacted, it would be an unprecedented check on federal bureaucracy.

After eight years under President Obama, I think too many have accepted a status quo that leaves less money in your pocket and puts more decisions in the governments hands. Whether its regulatory reform or tax reform, there is a path forward that gives you more freedom and financial independence. Ultimately, thats the path I will always pursue.

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Regulatory reform leads to financial independence - Argus Leader - Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Being financially independent is a goal that many high school students, like myself, want to achieve. The ability to pay for our college tuition, buy a house, as well as have enough money for retirement are some of the significant milestones in peoples financial careers. However, in reality, many struggle even to get food on their plate. Almost seventy percent of Americans do not have over a thousand dollars in the bank. More than half of American households do not even have a single penny in their retirement account savings. Five out of six Americans have admitted to purchasing an item based on impulse.

These alarming statistics demonstrate that most Americans are not fully educated on the topic of financial literacy, let alone know how to save a buck in the long run. College tuition has increased exponentially over the past couple of years and will continue to become more and more expensive. Therefore, it is mandatory that all students need to be aware of the financial liabilities that come with college. With college comes school expenses and necessary living expenses. For instance, the average price for tuition for a UC school is over 12,000. This is a significant financial liability that needs to be kept in mind as quickly as now.

As a Korean-American living under a roof of immigrant parents, this risk can also extend beyond dangerous levels. Most parents who were once foreign to the United States would have trouble understanding the complex college system, meaning that costs can spike at an all-time high. It is crucial for parents to remain heavily informed about the college system, in order to prepare the funds for their kids futures. Private colleges can skyrocket tuitions to over thirty-thousand a year, which can leave families completely bankrupt. One popular method to deter these costs is through the concept of financial aid. Financial aid ranges in a wide array of different forms, and most students tend to fill out the financial aid forms assigned by their colleges. However, students can take an extra step beyond this by filling out the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid.

Nevertheless, in the end, the most efficient method to curb expensive college costs is to receive scholarships from applicable colleges. By studying hard and showing an extensive range of attractive skills, students can save hundreds of thousands of dollars for college. Above all interests of a high-school student, the first step to becoming financially independent will always be to study hard and demonstrate a successful secondary education career.

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The Struggle For Financial Independence - The Korea Times US

Yes, I am dedicating this post to the most epic TwitterNG Clap back which has been trending.

The tweets which deserve to be engraved in gold and put up in the museum of Women Empowerment (If there is any) ensued between a cheesy young man who took to Twitter to rant about being refused a chance at having a relationship with a young lady (with a self-esteem on fleek) whom he had taken out on a date. He referred to her as abroke ass hungry b*tch. The lady who identified herself as the object of contention, simply replied his tweet with a break-down of the expenses incurred on the date and a screenshot of a money transfer to the said guy as a refund + tip.

Can we all have a moment of silence in honour of this Miss Independent move.

You see, the young lady in question might not have a well-paid job or 30 billion for the account o *in Davidos voice*; she didnt even have to pay him back generously as she did, but I love that she didnt feel helpless or without a choice.

This brought to mind something that happened to one of my mothers friends some years ago. (Im sharing her experience with her permission of course.) She had been in a horribly abusive marriage for years. Her husband even had a long cane hidden behind the door in their room for when she misbehaved and wasted no time flogging her silly in front of their children. When the cane was not sufficient, he resorted to using his teeth. On one of such occasions, he bit one of her breasts and a chunk of her flesh was actually hanging on her chest.

My mother is a lawyer, but of what use was that, when her friend never wanted any help in that regard? Where will I go? she would often ask my mother. My mother spoke to her husband on multiple occasions, but his woman was quick to cover him up. Back to the vampire incident where the breast had been bitten; upon arrival at the hospital (you should know that this man never paid any of the bills arising from his violent outbursts) the doctor asked what could have caused such a fracas and my mothers friend said that she had slipped and fallen badly off the stairs. Of course, the doctors didnt believe her (Not with his teeth imprinted in her flesh), butcounselled her nonetheless.

A few years ago, this man gave his wife a date not when he would send her out of his home, but when he would actually kill her. She ran to my mother who advised her to get a job and earn some money no matter how meagre.

She did just that (against the wishes of her husband, who believed women should be full-time housewives) and that was the beginning of her freedom. Since the man always got angry when it was time to pay the bills, she started handling the bills. Unsurprisingly, he began to complain about how she didnt care about him or treat him like a man. He complained, but never lifted a finger tohit her again. Why? She now had her own money and could afford to leave him, if he abused her again. Soon enough, he was transferred by his company to work in a state that was 12 hours away from home. He hasnt come home visiting till this day.

And, youre taking things too far with this issue, you may say but I think not. We cant overemphasise the need for women to be financially independent. In fact, most of the problems we have in the world today stem from the poverty many women face because they cant or are not allowed or given opportunities to be financially independent. In many countries, including Nigeria, some cultures forbid women from owning or administering properties (this is one of the reasons why our gender equality bill must make a come-back in the Senate), denied employment because they will get pregnant and have babies and no one wants to pay for a breastfeeding or nappy changing vacation and yada yada.

Heres my take on the Twitter incident: taking a lady out on a date, buying her expensive gifts, or treating her to some privileges doesnt mean she must meet your expectations in return, or even pay you back in cash or kind. This is the grounds some men have ignorantly used to justify rape and forms of sexual violence. It is beyond sad. What if she was controlling you at the ATM or she bought the whole of Dubai mall using your credit card? Uncle, it still doesnt mean she must have a relationship or have sex with you. Recieve sense!

Love cant be forced, and relationships are not legal tenders for dates. If either of the parties on a date is not feeling any chemistry or seeing any possibilities, they have a right to step back. After all, many of us have been on dates with people who have treated us very nicely, but with whom we had no relationships we had the right to, for whatsoever reason.

More than anything, this particular twitter thread should be empowering to ladies. Dont be intimidated. What if he takes you out and spends more than you can afford and behaves this same way, dont feel like you have to pay anyone back for a date they invited you to. Theres a price to be paid for everything in this life including time spent with other people on dates. Hold your head up high; let your No be your No and your Yes be your Yes.

This is not a call to war, I simply mean that you have a choice! Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com

AnuOluwapo Adelakun is a passionate girl child and women rights advocate working on issues affecting marginalized girls and women in Nigeria. She's a UNICEF Voices of Youth alumni, Carrington Youth Fellow of the US Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria and a UN WOMEN/Empower Women Global Champion for Change who grooms and mentors girl leaders across the globe.

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AnuOluwapo Adelakun: Of Epic Twitter Comebacks & the Importance of Financial Independence for Women - Bella Naija

One of the first places I'm looking to save you money is on your taxes. Last year, I helped outline a simpler and fairer tax code. In totality, the plan is estimated to save the average family $4,600 per year, according to analysis done by The Tax Foundation. On top of that, they expect the plan would help grow the economy by 9.1 percent over the next 10 years, which translates into more jobs and higher wages.

The way we're proposing to do this may save more than money. Under our plan, tax returns may be simple enough to fit on a postcard, hopefully saving taxpayers the 6 billion hours we collectively spend doing our taxes each year.

Like I mentioned before, there are also hidden costs the federal government imposes. Today, almost 25 percent of a new family home's final cost is dealing with regulations to build that home. Under Obama-era motor-vehicle regulations, the cost of a new car could spike almost $3,000 by 2025. Meanwhile, regulations on everything from lightbulbs to dishwashers could increase consumer costs by as much as $1,600. And it just keeps adding up from here!

Already, President Trump and Congress have worked together to delay, repeal, or dismantle more than 90 regulations put in place by President Obama. But more must still be done. In addition to dismantling the unnecessary regulations piece-by-piece, I've supported legislation to make it much more difficult to impose these massive regulations in the first place. Just days into 2017, the House passed a bill I co-sponsored that would require any major regulation to be approved by Congress. If enacted, it would be an unprecedented check on federal bureaucracy.

After eight years under President Obama, I think too many have accepted a status quo that leaves less money in your pocket and puts more decisions in the government's hands. Whether it's regulatory reform or tax reform, there is a path forward that gives you more freedom and financial independence.

Ultimately, that's the path I will always pursue.

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NOEM: Fighting for financial independence - Daily Republic

Kiplinger Personal Finance

5 Action Strategies for Financial Independence - Kiplinger Kiplinger Personal Finance Even those close to retirement can make a few simple moves to secure their futures. From HSAs to creative mortgage-payoff plans, every little bit helps. and more »

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5 Action Strategies for Financial Independence - Kiplinger - Kiplinger Personal Finance

Financially savvy readers and anyone who wants to learn more about money management shouldpay close attention to the advice of WNDs newest columnist, Jody Tallal. After all, for most of his professional career, he was paid to give valuable financial advice to clients. And now Tallal will be giving weekly advice to readers for free.

Personal financial manager Jody Tallal Jr.

Jody Tallal Jr. is a man of many talents and interests. A personal financial manager to wealthy professionals, Tallal became one of the first fee-only advisers in the 1970s. His success led to development of a money-management course to train medical professionals at Baylor Medical School, University of Tennessee Health Sciences and Tulane Medical School.

Tallal has been named an honorary citizen by several city mayors nationwide and also received the Presidents Medal of Merit from former President Ronald Reagan. In 1981, he served on the Chairmans Committee of the United States Senatorial Business Advisory Board.

Tallals first column, 5 questions that reveal whether youre living in financial denial, debuts Monday on WND.

He has also written a cutting-edge book, Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Success, offering an easy-to-read financial primer couched in a fanciful tale of success and discovery. In fact, Billionaire Cab Driver reveals all the secrets of personal financial planning that should have been taught to everyone in school.

Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Successis an easy-to-read financial primer from a man who revolutionized the personal financial management industry. Jody Tallals Billionaire Cab Driver offers timeless lessons for financial success, no matter your occupation, salary or personal savings.

So how did a cab driver from the small, fictitious Polynesian island of Kiki Loa become worth more than $20 billion?

That is what one of Tallals main characters, Dan Langston, and hundreds of other reporters, all wanted to know.

Langston won the rights from cabbie Mr. Kane to report his remarkable life story, and Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Success is the result.

Set for publication April 18 by WND Books, its a fantastic story in which ancient wisdom meets modern-day techniques. Billionaire cab driver Mr. Kane drives reporter Mr. Langston around the island for a full day as he explains the secrets to building personal financial independence using examples already present in nature. By the days conclusion, the cab driver has revealed all of the major principles necessary for building a successful personal financial plan, including:

Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Successis an easy-to-read financial primer from a man who revolutionized the personal financial management industry. Jody Tallals Billionaire Cab Driver offers timeless lessons for financial success, no matter your occupation, salary or personal savings.

Designed to create a paradigm shift in the way people think about and relate to money and the ability to use it in a way to achieve their financial dreams, Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Success is organized in a captivating parable format that makes it easy for anyone to understand how to become financially independent. Readers understanding of financial concepts grows a layer at a time, and by the end of the book, they enjoy a fantastic story and develop a strong, new foundation of knowledge concerninghow to take charge of their financial future.

Praise for Billionaire Cab Driver: Timeless Lessons for Financial Success:

Link:

Priceless financial tips from 'Billionaire Cab Driver' money guru - WND.com

For many, preparing for Tax Day only highlights just how much of a persons paycheck is redirected straight into the federal governments bank account. The truth is our tax returns only tell part of the story.

Federal regulations add thousands of dollars more in hidden costs every year for South Dakota families. Ive heard from many that enough is enough and I agree. So regardless of if its tax or regulatory reform, Im focused on giving you more financial independence.

One of the first places Im looking to save you money is on your taxes. Last year, I helped outline a simpler and fairer tax code. In totality, the plan is estimated to save the average family $4,600 per year, according to analysis done by The Tax Foundation. On top of that, they expect the plan would help grow the economy by 9.1 percent over the next 10 years, which translates into more jobs and higher wages.

The way were proposing to do this may save more than money. Under our plan, tax returns may be simple enough to fit on a postcard, hopefully saving taxpayers the six billion hours we collectively spend doing our taxes each year.

Like I mentioned before, there are also hidden costs the federal government imposes. Today, almost 25 percent of a new family homes final cost is dealing with regulations to build that home.

Under Obama-era motor-vehicle regulations, the cost of a new car could spike almost $3,000 by 2025. Meanwhile, regulations on everything from light bulbs to dishwashers could increase consumer costs by as much as $1,600. And it just keeps adding up from here.

Already, President Trump and Congress have worked together to delay, repeal or dismantle more than 90 regulations put in place by President Obama. But more must still be done.

In addition to dismantling the unnecessary regulations piece-by-piece, Ive supported legislation to make it much more difficult to impose these massive regulations in the first place. Just days into 2017, the House passed a bill I co-sponsored that would require any major regulation to be approved by Congress. If enacted, it would be an unprecedented check on federal bureaucracy.

After eight years under President Obama, I think too many have accepted a status quo that leaves less money in your pocket and puts more decisions in the governments hands. Whether its regulatory reform or tax reform, there is a path forward that gives you more freedom and financial independence.

Ultimately, thats the path I will always pursue.

Kristi Noem represents South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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NOEM: Fighting for financial independence - Rapid City Journal

Augustine Alegeh, Former NBA President

Falana accuses senior lawyers of corruption

A former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN) has called for an urgent amendment of the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary.

He said the present situation where the executive arm of government still controls the finances of the judiciary is a dangerous signal for the countrys democracy.

Alegeh spoke at a lecture titled Strengthening democracy in Nigeria: The role of the judiciary, at the first Founders Day lecture of the Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State yesterday.

The provisions are supposed to give judiciary financial autonomy and full control over its own funds. However, these provisions appear couched in a manner that creates issues of compliance. Financial autonomy of the judiciary is the bedrock for a dynamic and pragmatic judiciary. The Executive is advised not to engage in any action that would undermine the financial autonomy of the judiciary to work out a practical way of ensuring financial autonomy of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, a senior advocate of Nigeria and former President of the West Africa Bar Association, Mr. Femi Falana, yesterday berated the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), saying many senior lawyers have acquired reputation for corruption.

Falana, who was a discussant at the 10th Kehinde Sofola (SAN) memorial lecture in Lagos said the body has not done much to defend the rule of law. He also criticised the government for disobeying court orders.

28 mins ago Nigeria

1 hour ago World

4 hours ago Nigeria

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NBA ex-president seeks financial independence for judiciary - Guardian

The time it takes for young Italians to reach financial independence is steadily increasing, with today's children unlikely to be economically secure before their 50's, a study has warned.

By 2020, the average 20-year-old Italian will have 18 years to wait before living independently, researchers estimated. The milestone of 'independent living' was measured by a number of factors, including having a home, steady income, and the ability to support a family.

The figures come from a report by the Bruno Visentini Foundation, 'Generation gap, from conflicts to solidarity', presented at Luiss University on Wednesday morning.

Researchers said that Italians who had turned 20 in 2004 could expect to be living independently within ten years. However, that figure has increased steadily and is set to reach 28 years by 2030.

In other words, today's children can only expect to have 'grown up' once they're nearing their 50's. According to the foundation's research, the generation gap in Italy is the second-worst in Europe, beaten only by Greece.

The study's authors presented some possible solutions to the crisis, including an overhaul of the tax system and extra funds for youth policies.

They called for "a pact between the generations", which would require around a million elderly Italians - those receiving the most generous pensions - to make a "solidarity contribution". This money would go to help 'Neets', the Italian term for young adults who are neither employed nor enrolled in a study programme.

Together with more tax incentives for the young, and "the creation of financial instruments which can multiply the effect of the solidarity pact", these measures could help millennials on their way to financial independence sooner.

According to the researchers, such a change is necessary "not just for ethical reasons, but also for socio-economic ones."

They estimated the cost of young adults, aged between 15 and 29 who are neither studying nor working, to the Italian economy to be 32 billion each year - a figure which has risen sharply from 23.8 billion just under a decade ago.

READ ALSO: Italy passes law to tackle poverty: Five key things to know

Italy's youngest generation has been disproportionately affected by the economic crisis and ongoing employment crisis.

Last year, for the first time, the millennial generationbecame the poorest, data from Caritas showed. This rise in poverty has been linked to a number of other trends, such as the slowing birth rate and the rise in the average age at which youngsters fly the nest.

Eurostat statistics in October 2016 showed that less than a third of under-35's in Italy had left their parental home, a figure 20 percentage points higher than the European average and surpassed only in Slovakia.

Young Italians were famously branded 'bambiccioni' (big babies) by ex-Italian finance minister Tomasso Padoa-Schiopa in 2007 - a term which has stuck. However, in addition to economic worries, economists have argued that clingy parents are actually to blame for the high rate of young adults living at home.

READ MORE: Italians are not lazy: Misconceptions and marginalization in Italy's job market

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Italian millennials 'won't reach financial independence until age 50 ... - The Local Italy