The sooner you and your spouse can agree on where the family money goes, the better. The best time to figure out finances is before you’re married when both of your money is separate.

I’m getting married in November. The shared finances discussion has begun. It will continue for the next few months until we’ve covered all of the ground rules. These premarital financial discussions should minimize the fights while we’re married.

[Photo Credit]

[Read more →]

Today’s open mic question:

Completely subjective question: How much money do you personally need to retire?

Leave a comment. The commenter’s URL doesn’t have the “nofollow” tag. That means Google juice for everyone!

Here are the rules:

• No spam.
• I reserve the right to delete spammy or trolly comments.
• Comments close at the end of the day (or whenever I feel like it).
• Say anything about anything.

[Read more →]

Take all you can get from your employer if they offer matching contributions on your 401(k). Contribute to your 401(k) up to the full company match. It’s not often someone gives you free money. Don’t turn it down.

Matching contributions work like this: You put a dollar into your 401(k) retirement account. Your company puts a dollar into your 401(k) account. That’s it. Keep in mind that there is usually an upper limit to the company match.

[Photo Credit]

[Read more →]