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7 Health Care Sharing Ministries: Why One of Them Might Be Right for You

August 1, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 1 Comment

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7 Health Care Sharing Ministries: Why One of Them Might Be Right for You is a guest post from Jacquelyn Pica.

Health care is one of the most hotly debated and controversial topics in the country. It can be expensive and confusing, and — if we’re being honest — feel hopeless at times.

The high costs and frustration have caused many to turn toward an alternative to traditional health insurance: health care sharing ministries. These organizations are made up of members who share a religious belief or similar ethical values, and split the costs of medical bills.

How Do Health Care Sharing Ministries Work?

The ministries are owned and operated by non-profit religious organizations, which means members are exempt from the Affordable Care Act mandate to purchase health insurance (Note: This bill now removes that requirement for Americans). All members split medical costs, so consumers have much lower monthly payments than you would with traditional health insurance.

Typically, everyone’s monthly payments are pooled together into one large account, which is later allocated to cover medical needs as the ministry sees fit. This helps everyone save money. Each ministry has different lifestyle requirements, but most are in agreement that members must abstain from the use of tobacco and illegal drugs. [Read more…]

To Pay Off Debt Or Invest- Which One Is Best For You?

July 30, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 23 Comments

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Should you pay off debt or invest? This is a common question I receive, and it is a difficult one to answer because every situation is different.

You may have students loans, a mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, furniture debt, medical loans, or something else. Whatever your debt may be, I’m sure you are, hopefully, thinking about your debt payoff plan.

Paying off your debt is a great thing to think about. However, where does investing come in to your overall financial plan? Paying off debt may take what feels like forever, so you may not want to completely ignore saving for retirement and investing while you pay off your debt.

And, this becomes the really tough decision to figure out – should you pay off debt or invest? Should you do both at the same time? Maybe one slightly more than the other? [Read more…]

8 Steps I Took To Save $200,000 By Age 27

July 27, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 6 Comments

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Today, I want to introduce you to Sean. He is a financial analyst by day and money blogger by night. He saved over $200,000 by age 27 and plans to retire in less than 10 years. Enjoy!

No, that headline never gets any less surreal the more I read it.

And no, I wasn't a lucky lottery winner or a privileged trust fund beneficiary. (Unfortunately)

Instead, I got my money building start at the oh-so-glamorous position of digging ditches in the scorching Texas summers. When I eventually saved up a whopping $500, I opened my first savings account. From there, I took a few years working up the courage to invest in the stock market, and then I held my breath in terror, hoping I didn't lose everything during the recession. [Read more…]

How This 34 Year Old Owns 7 Rental Homes

July 25, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 26 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

My monthly Extraordinary Lives series is something that I'm really loving, and I’m back with another great interview. First up was JP Livingston, who retired with a net worth over $2,000,000 at the age of 28. Today's interview is with Paula Pant, a 34-year-old who owns seven rental homes, which last year grossed $125,000 and netted $43,000 after expenses!

You probably know her from the super informative blog Afford Anything. I've been a big fan of Paula for a long time, so I'm so happy that I was able to interview her.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How she got into real estate investing.
How she was able to afford so many rental units.
What she looks for in a rental unit.
The types of property she invests in.
How much time and money it takes to invest.
How she manages rentals in a different part of the country.
Her worst renter.
The sacrifices she had to make to make this all possible.

And more! This interview is packed full of valuable information!

She also created a freebie for my readers – download her free step-by-step guide! [Read more…]

What Is A Bad Credit Score?

July 24, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Hello! Today, I've partnered with Lexington Law to help answer the question “What is a bad credit score?“

People who are thinking about giving you a loan and other people who may be looking into your credit score usually have varying opinions about what a bad, good, or excellent credit score may be.

In general, a good credit score is usually 700+. The higher your number, the better your credit score.

But, what is a bad credit score?

Some may say that a bad credit score is anything that doesn't get you what you want in life. Others may say that you don't need credit to survive in life. However, remember, your credit score impacts so many things other than just a loan! Your credit score can impact you getting a job, your insurance rates, whether or not you'll get even a rental home, and more.

Due to this, knowing your credit score and whether or not you have a bad one is extremely important. [Read more…]

Want To Live Your Best Life? It Starts With Saving

July 23, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 31 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Let’s get this out of the way first – saving your money is one of the best things you can do for yourself. And, the financial security that comes from learning to save your money means you’re able to pursue your passions, try new things, and jump on whatever adventure comes your way.

So, why do some people think that if you live frugally and save your money, then your life must be boring?

Because that couldn't be further from the truth!

On the other hand, many think that satisfaction and enjoyment only comes from spending money. Sure, money can help improve your life, but it’s not everything. And, if not managed well, it can lead to debt, stress, and more.

Still, there are situations when people can’t save and may have to live paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet. However, living a frugal life doesn’t just help you save your money, it can help you prepare for extraordinary circumstances that can lead to debt and a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.

Learning how to save your money shouldn’t be what happens when you are out of options. It should be a lifelong practice that means you are prepared for the what-ifs, the emergencies, and a future free from the constraints of living a paycheck to paycheck life. [Read more…]

Getting A Loan To Buy A Pet Is Ridiculous

July 20, 2018 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 45 Comments

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Getting A Loan To Buy A Pet Is Ridiculous #petfinancing #buyingapet Recently, I came across the crazy world of pet financing.

From what I found, there are many, many pet stores out there that sell puppies and kittens that let you take out pet financing on them in order to “afford them.”

Monthly payments are usually a few hundred dollars, and because so many people can't say no to a cute little puppy or kitten, they bring their new furry friend home.

However, this is a disaster because, sadly enough, too many people do not read the fine print in the pet financing terms. Also, when you consider that people are actually taking out a loan means they most likely can't afford the pet.

I had no idea that people financed animals in order to be able to purchase them, but after thinking about it – of course they do! People finance everything in this loan-happy world that we live in. [Read more…]

How Do Health Care Sharing Ministries Work?

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