Pay off mortgage, Save Money
Why would anyone ever want to write a book?
I’ve asked myself that question, numerous times. In school, when the teacher told us to write a paper, it was like torture. It was Mrs. Durham, just trying to make life miserable for us. Nobody would ever write if they didn’t have to write.
I guess that’s the answer. You write a book because you have to write a book. Continue Reading
While Benjamin Franklin’s writings are replete with nuggets of wisdom for his day, I think they are more applicable for today’s day. Take this one for example:
He that would catch fish, must venture his bait. Benjamin Franklin
You’re not going to catch fish without a line in the water. You’ll never know until you give it a shot. Fish, or cut bait.
If you decide that you want to start saving money, BEWARE! Saving money can be extremely dangerous. The reason: if you start saving money, you might start having money. And when you start having money, you might start spending money. If you only save money to buy nice things, then you’ll likely need more money for more nice things. It’s a vicious cycle! And it’s a reason why many don’t really have any savings. Here’s a secret: if you want to save a lot of money, pay off your mortgage early.
I have a great job. I’m a REALTOR®. I help people with one of the most important decisions they will make in their lives. I help people pick a place to live, a place where they will make a family, make friends, make a community, and make a home. Is there anything more important in this entire world than a home?
While buying a home impacts all aspects of life, buying a home also happens to be the biggest financial decision of most people’s lives. I have a great job, and I take it seriously.
As a REALTOR®, I have been trained that I don’t necessarily offer any specific advice. I provide general information, and I can point you to experts who specialize in roofing, foundations, concrete, plumbing, etc. We’ve even been taught that we don’t offer financial advice, but we can refer you to an accountant or a financial adviser.
That being said, every day when I pick up the phone, I am asked:
Are there any good deals out there?
How’s the market?
What do you think my home is worth?
Is now a good time to buy?
What could I do to help my home sell?
Aren’t these all questions essentially about finance? Each and every one of these questions are directly asking my opinion on the biggest financial decision they will make in their lives. Their home. I’m a financial advisor. I don’t directly handle money, make investments for my clients, or give tax or legal advice, but as a REALTOR®, I am giving very specific financial advice. While I can’t predict future values of the market, and while I can’t guarantee that their home will appreciate 3% or 6% over the next 4 years, I can help my clients manage their life’s most important investment. Continue Reading