I suspect everyone occasionally reaches a point where “something has to give.” Not the big life issues, but compounding niggling problems occurring at once, or too many items on your To-Do list. Like me, you might determine that you need to let something go – even if just briefly. With taxes due, among loads of other chores, I was feeling that way about this current blog. As a compromise (with myself), and with the theme of Taxes and Money weighing on my mind, I decided to offer a related post. I am sharing several websites and blogs I value. They deal with financial matters – ones that are practical and concise and not designed for mathematically-minded investors, who are keen to ‘invest’ more time into money than I am.
So here are a few quick preferences. [Can you pick out my two favorites?]
Vanguard Group Webcast Library
I happen to have a soft spot for Jack Bogle, who died early this year. He is the founder of Vanguard Funds. Why a fondness for a financial CEO type? Because he is credited with creating and developing the first Mutual Index Funds, which I view as a huge blessing to the common (wo)man. For that reason alone, I admire the idea of index funds, although ‘ease’ of investing is more important to most people. Bogle’s 1999 book about his financial philosophy (Common Sense of Mutual Funds: New Imperatives for the Intelligent Investor) became a great classic. His books became well-known and as welcomed as his philanthropy. Back to the current website and Webcast Library, which I am promoting here. Not all their videos are sufficiently detailed, but they still offer a quick and dirty rundown on many questions, and some are truly helpful. You don’t have to sign in or sign up to view them.
Your Money or Your Life Blog
While not always the most current, I must mention this blog. It’s based on an older book by the same title (Your Money or Your Life), which over the years changed my behavior; even if not to the degree I would like to claim. It’s been one of the most influential books of my reading life, although I wish I could better internalize their lesson of ‘wanting less’ stuff. Your-Money-or-Your-Life was one of the earliest systems with an approach that emphasizes and explores your relationship to money and how to get MORE LIFE out of your plans. I strongly recommend that somewhere along the way, you visit (or revisit) this book – or blog.
Can I Retire Yet.com
I have recommended this blog on Aging With Pizzazz in the past. It’s one I feel comfortable with since the originator is a friend and someone I genuinely trust. Can I Retire Yet has a good deal of info for those thinking about retiring, on those on the verge of retirement, or even those long since retired – as well as some fun ideas on how to spend those coveted non-working hours. In addition, they don’t forget health, spirit, fitness and health care costs. Kirkpatrick’s related books: Retiring Sooner and Can I Retire Yet are both ones I have shared with friends (and used myself). As an additional bonus, for those who aren’t well into retirement years already, the site has a planning App (Android only) that is extremely useful in estimating the bottom lines of our many possible life scenarios. Based on my results, or the numbers my husband has calculated, the App’s unseen, technical financial basis seems more down-to-earth than a lot of calculators from investment companies. You can use the free version to determine plenty of opportunities (both risks and benefits). Just as important, the experts at Can I Retire Yet.com also direct readers to other books, services and blogs, as well as accommodating the searcher with an index based on the subject you are examining.
Money Tips
Okay, so I am not that familiar with Money Tips and didn’t know about it until I started researching the changes we all faced on taxes this year. ‘Clicking around’ may be the updated and online version of what we (in our second half of life) used to call ‘hanging around;’ but clicking either gets you needed information or conversely, lost in a YouTube video world of latest gags. Clicking around on Money Tips is worthwhile. I learned that I like their approach and simple talk with lots of good solid info that I could easily search.
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The Motley Fool
Do I suggest them only because they are often on NPR? Perhaps. ‘The Fool’ information seems more centered on investments and sometimes too sophisticated for my taste. Other times I welcome their approach. Maybe it’s my mood – when I want to fool around, or not.
The Street
Sometimes the way a site looks and feels makes all the difference to me. However, my key issue is always how effective is the search tool and does anything look ‘fun.’ I found detailed info on various subjects at The Street, most searched effortlessly. Another plus is their videos. [Not all of them are what you would expect on a financial site, such as “The 3 Pillars for Happiness in Retirement,” which much to my delight were listed as Money, Health and Social Investment/Social wellbeing.] I value (quiet, non-shouting) videos that help me grasp an idea more quickly than my pick-and-choose reading on a subject, especially if my knowledge is so limited that my perusal misses vital pieces of information. The Street has good videos.
The Balance
One little plug for a site on personal finances that uses a lot of different experts. It’s worth a look.
JUST A THOUGHT
Admittedly, software programs like Turbo Tax, TaxAct, Tax Slayer or H&R Block (the one I use) have reduced high blood pressure during Tax Time. For me, that’s mostly because I no longer need to re-calculate 100 times due to small changes or forgotten entries. Certainly, I am thankful for these time-saving tools. Still, I don’t want to totally rely on a software tax program to answer questions or direct decisions. The sites I reference above are ones I have gone to frequently for that kind of thoughtful approach, and I appreciate what each has to offer. A myriad of financial resources dot the web, and I am not pretending to pick the best. Frankly, I don’t know enough to do that. Still, I feel comfortable with these sources and wanted to share them as I wrap up any thoughts about taxes (at least for another year), and get back some time for other activities.
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Credits: Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay
