Am I on the right track financially?
922819
Well, you're doing better than we are, I'll say that.\n\nAs for being on the "right track" it all depends on what your goals are. Investing and saving can get really complicated, so I recommend you talk to a financial advisor. They have alternatives for you that you hadn't thought before.\n\nMy manager was in a situation where she had an old 401k earning lousy interest (around 3%) for years, and is now making at least 12% on it. It's a higher risk, but she decided it was the best for her goals.\n\nAnother benefit right now is compeitions is pretty fierce for deposits, so if you do choose to go with your local bank or investment firm, chances are you can get a great deal.
1154873
Do you live in a community property state? That makes a huge difference. I believe 401Ks are safe, but you ought to check in your state.
612269
You should first make or get (probably better for you) a personal financial plan. It will consist (among other things) of an evaluation of your present situation, your plans, goals, demands and needs plus a risk profile determing what suits you best. Be sure NEVER to invest money that you cannot miss!
76121
In my opinion, you had better get a better plan.  I know another year of school sounds like a long time, but working from paycheck to paycheck for the next 40-50 years will be longer.  Perhaps you should look into a business that you can start in your spare time or learn how to trade the market.  Whatever you decide, good luck.
313030
To (hopefully) graduate from college by May of 2007.\n\nThen, I plan to be making good money working for a bank or managing a huge restaurant and making at least $50,000 a year.\n\nThe point of making good money is to support my mother.  My five year plan is *definitely* to get on the track to where I can pay off all of my bills, *plus* send money back home to help pay my mom's bills.  I am going to send checks to her heating company for sure, well I used to live in that town so it will be easy to just call and find out how much she owes because it's a small town and they will just tell me and let me send a check to pay for her heating bill.\n\nThat's my five year plan.  Support my mom and stepdad (they're divorced now, but he's still technically my dad to me anyways) because they spent all the money raising me until age 18, I want to give it back and I am going to, one way or another whether they like it or not.  lol
46757
depends on your income??  There are great loans that you can get for 100% financing.  That way you can keep those big bucks in your pocket for monthly payments!!  There are also 1% interest only loans.  Many financing options for working families today!!
213700
I don't know if there is a specific percentage that you should have, but it's never too early to start investing and saving for retirement through an account like an IRA or 401k, which are often available through your place of employment.\n\nI think it is important to consider the expense of living for a considerable amount of time with little to no income during retirement.  Other things to figure are inflation rates, longevity, and the quality of life you would like to maintain in retirement.\n\nI suggest you find a financial consultant to discuss your retirement plans.  They deal with planning people's investments day in and day out and may be able to better assist your in your inquiry.
1034769
You make 2000 a week.  Your mortgage is only about 1400.00 a month.  You should have tons of money unless you are living beyond your means, and aren't we all?  Keep the stock if doing well, if you sell you'll get killed with the capital gains, especially in your income group.  OR, sell the loosers or a portion of thes stock and put it into other vehicles.  Pay a couple extra dollars every month on the mortgage and it'll be paid off quicker.  Start saving something, even if only $1000 a month.  Try living a little simpler, and getting rid of some of those toys.  Yes, you can live without that big boat, some of us only have canoes, and you don't need the luxury sedan, they have all the same toys in cheaper cars.
212502
get financially stable first..then try to think afer marriage
636523
List your income.  Then subtract necessary expenses - shelter (rent/mortgage, utilities - gas, water, electricity, not cell phone, satellite, internet), food, clothing, transportation (gas, insurance, NOT auto loan), and emergency fund savings (more on this later).  Do you have money left over?  If yes, go on.  If no, you need to get a second job or do something (yard sale, eBay) to get more money.\n\nNext subtract discretionary expenses - life insurance (needed if you have dependents, not so important if you don't), auto repairs (oil changes, registration), home maintenance and repairs (if you own), cable/satellite, internet, cell phone.  Do you still have money?  Then keep going.  If no, is there anything you can cross off this list (cell phone, internet)?  Now do you have money left?  If so, keep going.\n\nFinally we get to debts - auto loans, credit cards.  List these in order from SMALLEST BALANCE to largest.  Put the minimum on everything except the smallest, and everything you have left on the smallest.  If you get to this point and the money's gone, you need to start making some calls.  Start with the credit cards - see if you can work out a deal for smaller payments or skipping payments for two months.  You may have to talk to a manager, but if you call before they start calling you, they're much more likely to work with you because it shows you WANT to pay.  Don't let them tell you what you need to pay - only YOU know what you can afford.\n\nDo you have an auto loan?  Could you sell the car, pay off the loan and get something CHEAP with the money left over, or are you upside down?  Either way, consider selling the car.  If you're upside down, paying off a part is easier than paying off the whole thing.\n\nAbout that emergency fund in savings - ALWAYS have money in savings for emergencies (like getting fired).  Bad things WILL happen (especially when you're down), so it's better to be prepared for them.\n\nI hope this helps.  If I can be of any more assistance, let me know.
791293
Michael,\ndo you have a cash reserve of 6 - 9mths to pay bills food rent utilities car note student loans insurance health car renters evening out money?\nyes - go for it if you would do it for free.\nNo - don't go for it cause you may spend that time working up to speed / cash . It is reality curve and industry attrition curve.
445442
Put money aside, 10% of your gross income. The word "fast" has more than one signification. I suggest to spend the least possible, as in "to fast."
1018435
The interest rate on the house is low.  I would not be in a rush to pay off the cheap loan that you are able to write off the interest payments on your tax return.  It sounds like you have already established a great plan.  Stick to it and your future will be solid.\nFor additional info on 529s - http://www.529s.com
435060
I would recommend books of Suze Orman. She is a very well know person in the personal finances. I Enjoy reading her books. The second link below will show you her books
919186
No. When it comes to money, there is never enough.\n\nRemember, whichever way the economy goes, the best possession to have is a loaded FDIC bank account. Plasma TVs and loud stereos don't hold a candle to savings accounts when the electric bill gets turned off.\n\nAlways save a percentage of your earnings for you and your future. And invest a portion into income generators (real estate, stocks, or your own business.) Good luck and may you prosper.
1180859
Yeah, sometimes. I'm 21, married, a dad, going to school and working full time. I have tons of debt piled up already b/c of student loans, but I'm studying to be an accountant, so I don't think I'll have a problem paying them back. Money, or the lack there of, is really the only thing that worries me. I hate being in debt though, so I think I'll manage.
344349
The question should be how much can you save per month.  To figure this out you need a budget.  Figure out where all your money is going now.  Then figure out where you can afford to cut back.  \nNext go to your bank and ask to speak to a financial advisor (this should be a free service).  They will go over your budget with you and help you to determine an affordable monthly amount you can invest safely (low risk).  I have an investment  (mutual fund) for my 10 year old that he contributes $25.00 a month to.  Your Financial advisor will be able to recommend investments some that can give you tax breaks if the investment is going towards the purchase of a first home.  We can't all be financial wizards so take advantage of the ones your bank offers, this is their job.  Good luck and believe me its not as hard as it looks (after one month you won't miss the money), plus you know you will one day own your own home.  \n\nMost places require 10% as a down payment although some places will offer no downpayment (usually though your interest rates are higher then).  You can ask your financial advisor about this as well.