YOUTUBE VIDEO: Can You REALLY Afford Housing Costs on Social Security?
In this video, I delve into the average 2024-2025 Social Security benefits vs housing costs, focusing on the average payout of around $2,000 a month. I compare housing costs in…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Building Wealth and Smart Money Moves
Hey there! In this video, I discuss the reasons why some Americans build wealth more successfully than others and share insights on smart money moves. I highlight the importance of…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: What’s Holding You Back from Achieving Financial Independence?
Hey folks, in this video, I delve into the concept of the Financial Independence (FI) ratio, a key metric in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. I explain how…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Tips to Manage Compulsive Online Spending
In this video, I discuss the dangers of compulsive spending, especially in the age of online shopping. I provide strategies like implementing time delays before purchases and seeking approval from…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Don’t Let Cash Gifts Ruin Your Holiday Cheer! Know the Tax Rules
Hey there! In this video, I delve into the best money gifts for holidays, discussing cash, stocks, and savings bonds. I explain how the choice depends on the recipient's age,…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Can You Live Off $500,000 for the Rest of Your Life?
Hello, it's Joe DiSanto discussing the adequacy of $500,000 for retirement and money management strategies. I emphasize understanding retirement needs, cost of living, and investment returns. I urge you to…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Will You Outlive Your MONEY? The Hidden Dangers of Longevity Risk?
Hello, it's Joe DiSanto. In this video, I delve into the concept of longevity risk in retirement planning. With advancements in medical care, we're living longer, posing challenges to sustaining…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Want College Savings Success? Watch This 529 Plans Guide
In my YouTube session, I discussed 529 plans, emphasizing that account ownership affects control and financial aid considerations. I advise considering alternatives like custodial accounts or irrevocable trusts for more…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Are You Prepared for the Next Economic Downturn?
Hey there! In this video, I discuss the idea of holding cash during a recession for financial security. I explore the importance of emergency funds and the balance between comfort…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: STOP Letting Holiday Spending Drain Your Home Equity
Hey there! In this video, I discuss the idea of using home equity to cover holiday spending. I explain when it might be wise to tap into home equity for…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Is Financing Holiday Gifts REALLY Worth the Cost?
In this video, I address the question of whether it's advisable to finance holiday gifts through methods like credit cards, buy now pay later, or personal loans. I emphasize the…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Real Estate in Retirement Planning
Hey there, it's Joe DiSanto. I discuss the pros and cons of including real estate in your retirement plan. Real estate can offer equity appreciation but may not provide reliable…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Understanding the Importance of Updating Beneficiaries on Your Accounts
As I discuss the significance of updating beneficiaries on accounts, I highlight the consequences of not having a designated beneficiary. It's crucial to ensure that your money goes to the…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Understanding the Role of Checking Accounts
Hi there! In this video, I share my personal approach to managing my checking account and how it fits into my financial strategy. I explain how I use my checking…
Financial Education Thoughts For Young Kids
A recent study by Capital One reveals that the average American spends over $3,300 annually on impulse purchases – habits that often start in childhood. Yet, only 23% of kids…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Credit Cards vs Debit Cards Making the Most of Your Purchases
Hey everyone, it's Joe DiSanto. Today, I delve into the debate of using debit cards vs credit cards based on a recent survey on holiday shopping preferences. I advocate for…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Maximizing Credit Card Rewards
Hey there, it's Joe D.! Today, I delve into the topic of using credit card points as cash for purchases. Did you know 29% of Americans use rewards points as…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: What You Don’t Know About Financial Fraud is Putting You at Risk
In this video, I delve into different types of financial fraud, focusing on fraud within accounts and on credit reports. I explain common signs of fraud, how to detect it,…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: The SMART Way to Build an Emergency Fund
Hey there! In this video, I delve into calculating the duration of emergency savings in case of income loss. I emphasize the importance of basing your emergency fund on actual…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: DON’T Get Caught in The Trading Volume TRAP!
In this video, I discuss whether using trading volume as a criterion for investing in cryptocurrencies is a good strategy. I explain why I personally wouldn't rely on trading volume…
17 Top Retirement Planning Courses 2025: Pick Right, Live Well
A recent survey found that 20 percent of Americans above the age of 50 have no retirement savings, and more than half are worried they will not have enough money…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken for Mac Tutorial: Menus Overview
Learn how to use the various menus in Quicken for Mac. I'll explain the important features of each menu, as well as how to customize and get the most out…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance Insights
In this video, I discuss common personal finance advice and whether it still holds true, especially in unique scenarios like the impact of COVID-19. I question the effectiveness of traditional…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Understanding Social Security Benefits
In this video, I discuss important factors that can impact your social security benefits, such as early withdrawal implications, working while receiving benefits, disability considerations, legal implications, and how your…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: End of Year Planning Thoughts for Small Businesses
Hey there, it's Joe DiSanto. In this video, I discuss crucial end-of-year tax planning for small businesses, focusing on tax considerations, deductions, and retirement savings like the Solo 401k. I…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: 4 Types of Tax Professionals You Can Hire
In this video, I discuss the four main ways to get your tax return done, ranging from self-filing to working with different tax professionals. I highlight the importance of choosing…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Wealth-Destroying Mistakes
Hey there, it's Joe DiSanto. In this video, I discuss common wealth-destroying mistakes, emphasizing the importance of early financial planning, asking for raises, learning about investing, and working with investment…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Budget Calendars Explained
In this video, I delve into the significance of budget calendars as essential tools for managing finances effectively. I explain how budget calendars serve as cash flow projections, aiding in…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Financial Stability for Retirees
In this video, I address the question of how retirees experiencing financial instability can build an emergency fund. I emphasize the importance of understanding and managing expenses to ensure a…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken for Mac Tutorial: Account Bar Walk-Thru
Learn how to properly use the account bar in Quicken for Mac. I'll teach you how to add and accurately read the data in the account bar, such as your…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: 9 Tax Savings Opportunities for Everyone
In this video, I discuss various tax-saving strategies for individuals, including utilizing 401k contributions, considering home ownership for tax benefits, and exploring the tax advantages of getting married and having…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Strategies for Credit Card Balance Transfer
In this video, I discuss strategies for paying off one credit card with another, specifically focusing on balance transfer options.
How to Cut Down on Fixed and Variable Expenses (Without Feeling Deprived)
Saving money can feel like a monumental task, but with a few clever adjustments, you can make significant dents in your monthly expenses—without feeling like you’re missing out. Here’s a…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Understanding Credit Card Disputes 💳
In this video, I discuss types of credit card charges you can dispute with your credit card company, such as fraud and incorrect charges. I explain the process of disputing…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken for Mac Tutorial: How to Add Bank Accounts
Learn how to add bank accounts in Quicken for Mac. I'll walk you through the process of setting up your accounts. Then, I'll explain how to work with your accounts…
FSA vs HSA: A Complete Guide to Understanding Your Healthcare Savings Options
Managing healthcare costs effectively is a challenge for many, but Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer valuable tools to help. These accounts provide tax advantages that…
Understanding the Impact of Prime Rate on Borrowers
In the past year alone, millions of American borrowers have seen their monthly payments increase - some by hundreds of dollars - due to prime rate changes. With most credit…
CD Rates Guide: When to Lock In High-Yield Savings for Better Returns
In today’s evolving financial landscape, the appeal of high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit rates (CD rates) has significantly grown. With interest rates shifting frequently, these financial tools present…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken Tutorial: “Bill Pay” vs the Bill Module
In this video, I will discuss the distinction between Quicken BillPay, an additional, extra-paid feature, and the BillPay module, which is just part of the software.
Credit Card Statement Management: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Finances
Credit card statements are a crucial tool for managing your personal finances. They provide a detailed record of transactions, balances, and payment statuses, making them essential for financial organization and…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Financial Planning Thoughts for Gen Xers
In this video, I discuss how Gen Xers can simultaneously balance the financial pressures of supporting aging parents, children, and themselves. I share budgeting strategies and emphasize the importance of…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: 29 Great Movies About Money
In this video, I list a bunch of great films that are, in one way or another, about MONEY! When you have BIG money goals, it helps to watch films…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: What Is 401k Vesting?
In this video, I explain what 401k vesting is, how to determine your vesting schedule, and whether you should stay at a job until your 401k is vested. I cover…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Quicken for Mac Tutorial: Settings Overview
Learn how to navigate Quicken for Mac with this tutorial on settings overview. I'll explain which settings should be turned on or off and WHY to help you understand the…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Mortgages 15 Year vs 30 Year Comparison (On 200K loan)
In this video, I discuss the key differences between 15-year and 30-year mortgages (for a 200k example loan). I explain how economic factors influence mortgage rates, the impact of loan…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Mortgage Rates and Home Buying Decisions
In this video, I discuss the current mortgage rates and their impact on buying a house. I share insights on potential rate changes, the effects on monthly payments, and the…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to File Your CA Statement of Information
In this video, I walk you through making either an initial statement of information filing or a renewal filing for your entity. I discuss the differences between filing it for…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Increase Your Holiday Budget! 👻 🦃 🎁
Hey there! In this video, I share some tricks and tips to prepare financially for the holiday season. I discuss the importance of budgeting in advance, cutting unnecessary expenses, and…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Why Are Homes So Expensive? And Are They Worth It?
In this video, I discuss some factors affecting home prices today and why they have risen so high. I also give my opinion on whether or not it is still…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Essential Moving Budget Tips
In this video, I discuss things to consider when planning your budget for moving. I review common considerations and things you may not think about.
YOUTUBE VIDEO: S Corp vs LLC vs Sole Proprietorship – Which Do I Choose?
My clients frequently ask me, "What is an S Corp vs LLC and which one is best?" There's a lot of confusion surrounding this topic. First of all, a limited…
The Secret to Financial Growth: Best Saving Strategies Explained
In 2024, the average American spends nearly $3,381 each year (roughly $282/ month) on impulsive purchases, reveals a survey by Capital One. Unplanned spending thus makes up a staggering 21%…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Small Business Financing Secrets (Loans, Credit & Leases OH MY!)
Looking for small business financing options? This video highlights 5 main financing methods AND how they affect your credit. We'll go into detail on SBA loans, working capital loans, revolving…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Surprising Ways to Qualify for a Mortgage With Low Income
In this video, I discuss a few ways to buy a home if you don't have enough income to qualify for a mortgage.
W4 vs W2 vs W9 vs 1099 Tax Forms: What Are the Differences?
W4, W2, W9, and 1099 are all tax forms, but they serve very different purposes. Let's compare. W4 vs W2 vs W9 vs 1099 Summary FormW-4W-2W-91099What It's ForTells your employer…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Financial Crimes Network (FinCEN): Beneficial Ownership Information Filing Walk-thru
In this video, I will walk you through filling out this new Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Beneficial Ownership form that you must fill out if you have an entity like…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Create and Manage Your Business (Properly) – 11 Steps
Whether you're setting up a new business or want to incorporate yourself to save money, this video will guide you through 11 essential steps. I'll cover everything you need to…
All You Need to Know about Subprime Personal Loans
Kate’s 540 credit score was holding her back. After losing her job during the pandemic and dealing with an auto accident that required major repairs to her car, she struggled…
Easy Guide to The What, When, Why & How of Bookkeeping and Accounting
In a recent study, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) discovered that nearly 60% of Americans feel overwhelmed at the thought of managing their finances. Deciding whom to turn to…
Smart Savings Strategy: Multiple Retirement Accounts
Smart Savings Strategy: Multiple Retirement Accounts Consider that, if you have an annual income in the range of $65,000 to $70,000, proper structuring of your retirement accounts can easily save…
Master Money Management: Simple Tips For Achieving Your Goals
A 2024 survey found that one out of two Americans (51%) do not think they will have enough money saved when the time comes to retire. What's more, the deficit…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: What to Know About Business Finances (For New Entrepreneurs)
In this video, I talk about business finance basics and the critical importance of starting bookkeeping early.
Are CDs a Smart Choice for Retirement Planning?
That’s the power of compounding. And it doesn’t even need you to make high-stakes investments. Certificates of deposit (CDs) combine the power of compounding with guaranteed returns, offering a secure…
Using Roth Conversions to Get the Most Out of Your Retirement Savings
Even the best-laid retirement plans can unravel when faced with unexpected tax burdens. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are a prime example, forcing retirees to withdraw significant sums from their traditional…
Retiring in Scottsdale AZ: Pros, Cons, Costs & More 2024
You're teeing off at a world-class golf course as the sun rises over the Sonoran Desert, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Is this a vacation fantasy…
How Risk Averse Are You? A Guide to Smarter Investing
First it was cryptocurrencies, then meme stocks, then NFTs. Back in 2021 it felt like everyone was taking enormous risks in the hopes of striking it rich. But even though…
Personal Capital Review 2024: Pros, Cons and Features
If you're looking for a tool that will give you Wall Street-like returns (without requiring you to live in New York), consider using Personal Capital. Created in 2009, Personal Capital…
Acorns vs Robinhood, Webull & M1 Finance: Best App in 2024
Are you looking to up your investing game? Do you want the stock market to make your money work for you? Are you sick and tired of sitting on the…
S Corp Filing Requirements by State: 2024 Update, 50 States
If you currently are a freelancer, sole proprietor or independent contractor you very likely could see some great tax benefits by switching to an INC or LLC that files its…
4 Acts to Unlock Early Financial Independence and Living Your Life
You're probably living your life in "3 Acts"---so were we. (This may sound a bit esoteric right now, but just bear with me.) When we finally realized that life was…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Start an S Corp with Bizee (Formerly Incfile) rev
Learn how to start an s corp using Bizee (formerly Incfile) in this easy step-by-step tutorial. I'll reveal why I use Bizee, and clarify the most confusing aspects of the…
Retiring to Jupiter FL? 13 Facts to Know Before You Go
Jupiter, Florida: where golf courses outnumber traffic lights, and the Atlantic Ocean serves as your morning coffee backdrop. Tellingly, IRS data shows Jupiter's population growing 1.5 times faster than it's…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Investing for Beginners: Understanding Risk Tolerance!
In this investing for beginners video, I'll demystify risk tolerance and help you understand why it is KEY to understanding how to invest in the market. I define risk tolerance…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: How to Start an S Corp with Bizee (Formerly Incfile)
Learn how to start an s corp using Bizee (formerly Incfile) in this easy step-by-step tutorial. I'll reveal why I use Bizee, and clarify the most confusing aspects of the…
Asset Protection Strategies: How to Safeguard Your Wealth
What do we mean when we say "Asset Protection"? To answer that, we first need to understand to what “assets” we are actually referring. Over the course of your life,…
60k a Year Is How Much an Hour? (And How Do I Budget for That Salary?)
60k a year is how much an hour? And how do you budget for a 60k salary? Let's find out. If you're a high school teacher, public relations specialist, zoologist,…
Retiring to Winter Haven: Pros, Cons & Costs in 2024
Imagine reeling in a trophy bass on a misty morning, then unwinding with lakeside yoga at sunset - not on vacation, but every day of your retirement. In Winter Haven,…
Renting vs Owning: Why Owning Your Home Is a Smart Move
Are you pondering the very often debated topic of renting vs owning a home? Well apparently so are a lot of people these days. I don't know about you, but…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance 101: How Do You Do Personal Bookkeeping?
In this video, I'll answer one of the most frequent questions I get from new clients: How do you do your personal bookkeeping?" (Hint: It involves Quicken!) Throughout my years…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance 101: What Crucial Info Do We Get From Bookkeeping?
In this video, I'll answer another of the top questions new clients always want to know: What crucial information do we get from bookkeeping?" Throughout my years as a business…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Personal Finance 101: Why is Personal Bookkeeping So Important?
In this video, I'll answer 1 of the top questions new clients always want to know: Why is personal bookkeeping so important?" During my 25 years as a business owner…
Understanding the 1031 Exchange Timeline and Rules
A 1031 exchange timeline is worth investigating and enduring the hassle of abiding by. Here's why... When you sell an investment property at a profit, you typically have to pay…
Solo 401k vs SEP IRA: Best Retirement Plan for Self-Employed
Self-employment can offer an excellent work-life balance, as well as other freedoms and lifestyle benefits! Hahaha...wasn't that funny. Seriously though, self-employment will likely be the cause of you working 80…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: 3 Top Questions New Clients Ask About Bookkeeping and Quicken
In this video, I'll answer the 3 questions new clients always want to know: 1. "Why is personal bookkeeping so important?" 2. "What information can we learn from bookkeeping?" and…
Retiring in Panama City Beach FL? What You Should Know 2024
Sipping a margarita while watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico sounds dreamy, yet it's absolutely real for retirees in Panama City Beach. But here's the million-dollar question:…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Top 5 Personal Bookkeeping Software (And Why Quicken is MY Pick!)
In this video, I'll compare the top 5 personal bookkeeping software options, including Quicken (Quicken Classic and Quicken Simplifi), Mint, RoundAbout, YNAB, and Empower (formerly Personal Capital). Then I'll reveal…
Adobe vs Avid vs BlackMagic vs Mac: Top Video Editors for 2024
Adobe vs Avid vs BlackMagic vs Mac ...which one is best? With the abundance of websites and social media these days, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Videos…
Why Retirees Love Greenville, SC (And Why You Might Not)
Picture this: You're strolling down a charming Main Street, sipping locally roasted coffee, while the Blue Ridge Mountains paint a stunning backdrop. Welcome to Greenville, SC - a retiree's paradise…
MPI Account: The Golden Retirement Plan or Risky Gamble?
An MPI (Maximum Premium Indexing) account combines life insurance and a retirement plan. It's pitched as having the ability to compound your wealth at a higher-than-average rate while protecting your…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Is the New Bull Market Here?
Are we officially in the next crypto bull market (as of March 2024)? In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll examine charts on https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/ and discuss the rising trends. If…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Confusing Key Terms Explained!
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll clear up the confusion surrounding the terms "cryptocurrency" vs. "digital currency," "coins" vs. "altcoins," and "blockchain." Some of these terms are used interchangeably…
Uncovering Good Cap Rates: My Easy Cap Rate Calculator
You may have an understanding that real estate is a solid investment choice. You may even be at the point where you have started looking! But once you find an…
Best Business Credit Cards That Don’t Impact Personal Credit
If you’re a business owner of any type, then you should have a business credit card. It’s a great tool to help with day-to-day operations, manage cash flow, and even…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Altcoins & Web3
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, we'll explore the evolution of Bitcoin, and the creation of the Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon blockchains. This brief history will help demystify these key…
Big Picture Investing 101: Why You Should Care in 2024
If you have been poking around my blog, you’ve probably figured out that my ultimate goal is to help you reach some version of "financial independence" (or even just plain…
YOUTUBE VIDEO: Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Bitcoin and Blockchain
In this cryptocurrency for beginners video, I'll introduce you to Bitcoin! When it was created between 2008 and 2009, Bitcoin was worth next to nothing. Currently, the highest price paid…
Personal Budget Categories: How to Decide +Free Template (GSheets & Excel)
Do you want to maximize your income and invest your savings in order to increase your net worth and maybe even retire early? Well then, it all starts with a…
Retiring in Flagstaff AZ: Pros, Cons, Costs & More, 2024
Would you be surprised to find that Americans looking for retirement destinations search for Flagstaff, Arizona, more than 33,000 times each year? (2024 Semrush search volume data) That’s not a…
1099 vs W2 Tax: Estimate Taxes as Contractor or Employee
Chances are you're reading this because you're an independent "1099" contractor and want to know how much tax you'll need to pay. Or, you're a full-time "W2" employee and want…