life.stocks

So what are stocks anyway?
In essence, buying a stock is buying a portion of a business. A really really small portion. If you were to buy stock in Disney, it would be like going to Disneyland and finding a rock- thats your portion (not literally, but you get the picture).


Why should I buy stocks?
To make money... you hope at least. 
Think of stock prices like gas prices. They are fickle- they go up and down like crazy! Your goal is to buy low (think buying something on sale) then sell high (when your stocks are worth the most amount of money). 


In addition, some companies offer dividends (aka they pay you a small amount of money on a regular basis so that you will buy there stocks and keep your money invested in their company). Personally, I love dividends! 


Where can I buy stocks? 
Generally, most banks have an investment section of their company and their are many financial advising firms out there too. The problem with both of these options is that most people who work at these places are commission based employees- meaning they make most of (if not all of) their money by selling- NOT advising. 


If you decide that you would just rather buy stock on your own then have to deal with sales people then you are in luck! Their are a few online legit places to buy stock.  My favorite is Charles Schwab. 


Thats all for now. And don't worry, it only gets more complicated ;) 


Nicole 

{Source}

life.spending

Many people hark over themselves to get their finances in order. You hear that Starbucks is costing you hundreds of dollars every year and you worry about getting out of debt or saving up for retirement/house/car/college. Basically life sucks and you should feel bad about spending money on that extra latte. 

Here's my point: We need a new outlook. Finance is 99% how we value money. What do you value? Is it your car, the gym, shopping, coffee, books, saving? There is no wrong answer. You get to decide how you spend your money based off of your values. 


The problem comes when we become unconscious of our spending habits, then later when we get the credit card bill we hitting our head against the wall. Every time you swipe your card, you are making a choice. For me, I realized that I was spending a ton of money eating out- and mostly because I was lazy and didn't pack myself a lunch. I realized that I would much rather keep that 5-10 dollars a day and spend on something that I actually want like my awesome (and expensive) gym membership. 


Bottom Line: Spend money on what you value, and cut back where it doesn't matter. 


Homework: Make a top five list of the things that you want to spend your money on, then check your spending for the past month. How does it match up?