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Smart Start Money provides information on making smart money decisions. Providing tips, personal experiences, and opinions on saving smart and spending smart. Times have changed since getting a job and keeping the same place of employment for a lifetime. The average time spent with one employer is now three to five years. Companies are replacing workers with lean staff that previously held more people to accomplish the same tasks. This has resulted in periods of unemployment for many people making it challenging to save for retirement and stay debt-free. The rising costs of healthcare, consumer goods, and wages that often do not seem to keep pace with the cost of daily life make it more important than ever to make smart financial decisions. Millions of people struggle each day to get ahead. The intention of Smart Start Money is to not only provide insight into saving or spending but also open conversations. Discussions relating to the economy, employment, and even the occasional forbidden topic of politics are possible. If the subject matter has a correlation to helping people with their finances or questioning the so-called experts, it is open for dialogue. It has never been more important than ever to save and stay out of debt. No one has all the answers when it comes to personal finance. People come from all different backgrounds in life. The choices we make and the opportunities available are never identical. We can all learn from each other.
Episodes
Monday Dec 30, 2019
Why Saving for Retirement is Important?
Monday Dec 30, 2019
Monday Dec 30, 2019
Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial goals for everyone. If you are not going to be on the receiving end of a large trust fund or are not already wealthy, saving for retirement should be at the top of the list as a financial goal. Having concerns about retirement is something a number of people have. As we age there can be growing anxiety if there will be plenty of money available to live comfortably to the end of life.
Retirement years should be a time that is enjoyed. Yet, a large part of society does not plan properly for retirement income. Planning for a comfortable retirement is not an option to delay. Why is it so important to plan for the years when our working life ends?
This podcast episode looks at why it is more important than ever to plan for retirement.
Thursday Dec 26, 2019
Do You Need a Credit Score?
Thursday Dec 26, 2019
Thursday Dec 26, 2019
A credit score or otherwise known as a FICO score is a range that tells lenders how good you may be with borrowing money. Many lenders use this score when you apply for a mortgage or auto loan. Not having a credit score can hinder the ability to borrow money. But do you really need one?
This podcast looks at why most people need credit and why a FICO score is important.
Monday Dec 23, 2019
The Real Reason Companies Do Not Offer Remote or Telecommute Work
Monday Dec 23, 2019
Monday Dec 23, 2019
With today’s technology and an increasing number of companies competing globally, it only makes sense to offer remote work to employees. Yet, a majority of businesses small and large are still resisting the opportunity to offer employees the chance to work outside of a traditional office entirely or a percentage of the time. Moreover, some corporations that previously allowed remote workers are now calling them back to work in a physical office.
Employers often claim communication, collaboration and productivity can suffer from workers not be in a centralized location. However, studies do not show this is always the case. What is the real reason more employers do not offer remote or telecommute work?
This podcast looks at the true reason many employers still do not want workers away from the office.
Thursday Dec 19, 2019
10 Toxic Workplace Signs
Thursday Dec 19, 2019
Thursday Dec 19, 2019
With all of the issues in the workplace today it is not surprising that according to a Gallup poll 70% of people dislike their job. This does not come as a surprise with employers decreasingly treating workers fairly, paying a good wage, and providing a quality work environment.
Toxic work environments today seem to be growing with the push for the new business model of more with less to increase the bottom line on the balance sheet. People are working for more employers that consistently put profits above their employees. This is leaving many workers with a struggle to find a work-life balance. The result is stress and a work environment that could quite possibly be toxic.
This podcast looks at 10 toxic workplace signs. If all 10 of these things are on the list of the employer you work for, it might be time to look for another job. A toxic work environment can hurt your health and well-being.
Monday Dec 16, 2019
How to Deal With Debt Collectors
Monday Dec 16, 2019
Monday Dec 16, 2019
Debt collectors make phone calls every day to collect money that may or may not be owed. It is not uncommon for a person to have one of these collectors contact them at least once in a lifetime. It is estimated that 71 million U.S. adults have debt in collections. Having debt in collections does not make a person bad or irresponsible. It is just something that can either happen by chance or by error.
This podcast looks at what you should do if you receive a phone call from a debt collector.
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Does Everyone Need a Financial Advisor?
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Making investment decisions for retirement or opening a brokerage account to put your money to work can seem complicated. Getting advice from a professional financial advisor can be advantageous in the right setting, but it isn’t something everyone needs. The truth is that for most people the reasons to not have one will outweigh the thought of considering it.
This podcast looks at five reasons why everyone does not need a financial advisor.
Monday Dec 09, 2019
Why Profits, Greed and Cheap are Hurting America
Monday Dec 09, 2019
Monday Dec 09, 2019
There are not a lot of things made in America any longer. It seems America has lost its way at some point to put profits above people. Many consumer items are cheap to buy, but are people really saving money?
This podcast looks at how the quality of consumer items in America has declined over the years. Big discount retailers are importing most everything they sell to offer things cheaply and increase shareholder profits. The result is Americans are spending more money to continually buy disposable items. Are Americans being trained to buy throw away goods and spend more money compared to buying quality?
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Theme Parks are Outpricing the Middle Class
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Theme parks seem to be more about the money than the magic these days. The price of tickets and vacationing at popular parks around the country and world have been rising faster than inflation for decades. The rising costs are preventing many middle-income families from being able to afford a vacation at their favorite park destination.
This podcast episode looks at the rising costs of theme park vacations and how many middle-class families can no longer afford them. Even though many popular amusement and theme parks were built on the attendance of the middle class, many of them are shifting to a new business model.
Sunday Dec 01, 2019
Car Buying Tips
Sunday Dec 01, 2019
Sunday Dec 01, 2019
Buying a car can be like sitting down at a poker game. It takes patience and the ability to not give away your hand while negotiating for the best price. Following some simple car buying tips can save you thousands of dollars when the game is over.
This podcast covers some car buying tips to save money.