Net Worth

The Weekend Financial Wrap: Your Next Job, Your Home Values, and Your New Opportunity

March 20, 2021 By Max Erkiletian Leave a Comment

If you are unemployed, your chances of getting a job are improving; your house is probably worth more, and you now have an unprecedented chance to own a valuable collectible.

You may have thought the high cost of investing in collectibles, such as art, was too expensive. However, there is a new collectible market you can afford and it is booming. We are talking about NFTs.

What Are NFTs

An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) represents ownership of a unique item on a blockchain. They can be digital files, such as GIFs, JPGs, MP3s, videos, and more, representing art, music, sports cards, and other creative works.

NFTs have grown into a sizable market. Messari, an online database for the crypto industry, estimates NFTs sales for 2021 will exceed $1.3 billion.

This month digital artist Beeple (real name Mike Winkelmann) made headlines when his digital collage sold for $69 million at a Christie’s auction. The price tag not only set a record but signaled the arrival of NFT art in the mainstream.

NFT Opportunity

Don’t have a spare $69 million to layout on an NFT? Not to worry. The average price of an NFT is about $2,000. A few sales, such as Beele’s, drive the average up. Most NFTs can be purchased well under $1,000.

Some artists regularly sell NFTs for a couple of hundred dollars or less. Sports NFTs can go for six figures, but many can be had for under $10. Then there are brands. Taco Bell recently sold a drop of 25 product NFTs for $1.60 each. Within a couple of days one of those sold again for $20,000.

Hot To Buy NFTs

First, understand that when you invest in an NFT, you are actually purchasing a token that establishes your ownership. It’s like a title to your car.

Because they are part of blockchain technology, NFTs must be purchased on specific sites. Some of the most popular include:

Rarible – The world’s largest NFT platform. It sells mostly small pieces of digital art for hundreds of dollars and less.
OpenSea – Artwork here tends to be higher priced than Rable. It also sells trading cards and domain names.
VIV3 – Here you can find a variety of art in low to high price ranges and sports NFTs.

Bottom Line on NFTs

If you want a piece of the NFT market, look for quality and rarity. The best advice is to buy what you know. If you follow sports, but do not know anything about art – stick with sports reels and cards.

Your Home Equity Has Probably Increased

If you own your home, congratulations. One of your most valuable assets has probably increased in value. That is an additional resource that makes your financial life more secure.

Home equity is the amount you owe on your mortgage versus the current value of your home. Equity in the average home has risen 16.2 percent over the last year, according to CoreLogic, a real estate analytics company.

How To Determine What Your Home Is Worth

The traditional method for finding out your home’s value is to hire an appraiser. However, that is expensive and may only be necessary if you are selling.

There are several sites online for valuing your home. Some will ask for square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and similar information. Others will simply ask for your address.

Among the best of these sites are:

Redfin.com

Eppraisal.com

Ownerly.com

Greater Financial Security

This jump in home equity means your financial position is more secure. If you need more funds to wade through the pandemic, you could tap some of that increased equity.

This uptick in equity could moderate the recent downturn in refinancing. However, you can also use a HELOC or home equity line of credit, to access the money in your home.

Of course, if you are financially sound, you do not have to use the increased equity in your home. You can do nothing and just breath easier.

Update Your Resume

If the pandemic has put you into employment hibernation, it is time to wake up.

Jobs increased 379,000 in February, according to the Labor Department. That brought the unemployment rate to 6.2 percent. That is a small decline of .04 percent. However, economists and business consultants predict a further decline in March.

How To Stand Out in the Job Market

Increased vaccinations and reduced COVID-19 cases mean the economy is beginning to reopen. That means more jobs. Look for our article next week, “How to Make Your Pandemic Lay-Off a Plus”, for more.

One of the best ways to make your application stand out is to role-play. Put yourself in the position of the hiring manager. Ask yourself what he/she is looking for. That should be evident in the job posting.

If a job post lists specific qualifications, highlight those in your resume and cover letter.

To really stand out, Do not follow the crowd. Go directly to the decisionmaker. Try to send your cover letter and resume directly to the hiring manager’s email. To find that email, you can search a couple of Chrome extensions: Clearbit and AeroLeads, or LeadFinder.

One Million New Jobs

Ian Shepherdson, founder and chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, issued a note earlier this month stating the economy “could easily see a one million” increase in jobs.

“The core story here,” wrote Shepherdson, “is that the re-opening of services will be the dominating factor in payroll numbers over the next few months.”

Indeed, leisure and service jobs lead to February’s employment rise. The foodservice industry alone accounted for 286,000 more jobs. Manufacturing and retail are expected to follow.

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Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.

Recession Worries? What To Do

March 18, 2021 By Joe Wallace Leave a Comment

On January 28, 2021, the Washington Post ran a headline asking, Is The U.S. Still In A Recession?

And in February 2021, FoxBusiness.com ran a headline stating, US Economy Poised To See Historic Gains In 2021 After Covid. Yet another headline, this one from March 2021 on Yahoo!Finance, stating, The 2021 Recession Will Be Long And Lingering.

That’s a lot of worry in those headlines. There’s just one problem with skimming headlines like these–context is EVERYTHING. For example, the “long and lingering” recession mentioned in the Yahoo!Finance headline above? If you felt a wee bit of panic after reading that, know that this particular headline refers to AUSTRALIA’s economy.

And that is one reason why I continually advise people who worry about their finances in the troubled economic times we’re experiencing in 2021 to take a deep breath, avoid panic, and examine the facts.

Diversify Your Savings And Investing Plans

And what are those facts? Those who want to save money and secure their financial futures know or will soon learn that diversity in their economic plans is key. If you do not have a diversified financial plan for your income and debts, one that does not rely on a single factor or a small number of steady factors to maintain the status quo, you are at a disadvantage with or without a recession. What does this mean? Let’s examine the panic-inducing word “recession” first.

The National Bureau of Economic Research defines “recession” as follows:

“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.” In the context of this definition, a recession starts after a peak of activity and ends “as the economy reaches its trough.”

And what do people do when these economic conditions hit? They shift their priorities to being more frugal. Eating in restaurants drops in a recession, the interest in buying new vehicles and other high-dollar items diminishes…people simply start trying to hang on to their money. Why?

What It Means To Be In A Recession

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics these measures are taken because consumer priority shifts in a recession to a conservation of cash. Scarcity of disposable income forces consumers to revise their indulgences, their long-term plans, etc. Manufacturers and consumer goods companies may hold off on investing in infrastructure and other areas as they wait out the recession and hope for rising sales in the future.

What should you do in anticipation of or in mitigation of a recession? The “don’t panic” advice is sound, as is all the other advice you have read on this blog about cutting corners, reducing indulgences in favor of long-term savings plans, etc. are all sound advice.

Don’t rush into brand new austerity plans for your personal finances–examine what you are doing RIGHT NOW and see how you can up your game from where you are currently at. It may make sense to revise your financial plans if you don’t really have them well thought out or organized, but if you are already following some saving advice, make sure you really need to alter that plan first–you may just need to add some tweaks.

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Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.

Where to Get Free Turkey’s for Thanksgiving 2020

November 18, 2020 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

For many, it isn’t Thanksgiving without a turkey dinner. Often, the bird is the star of the meal, but it’s also the most expensive part to buy. For ten people, a Thanksgiving meal usually costs about $49, and that’s more than some households can shoulder. However, if you manage to get a turkey for free, you may be able to cut that amount in half, give or take. If you are wondering where you might be able to get your hands on a free turkey, here’s what you need to know.

Grocery Stores Holding Free Turkey Promotions

Many grocery stores hold free turkey promotions to entice customers into shopping there for the holiday. Precisely how they work can vary, though most involve minimum purchase amounts or BOGO arrangements.

For example, some stores have given shoppers a turkey for free (up to a certain weight) after spending a minimum dollar amount – such as $100, $150, or $200 – in a single transaction (after all discounts and with certain exclusions applying). For example, Just for U Safeway coupons for a free Honeysuckle Turkey (up to 16 lbs.) after spending $100 or more are available to members in specific states.

Others have given away a free turkey with a ham purchase. This can be ideal if you want to get a turkey for Thanksgiving and have a ham ready for Christmas or another event.

Finally, stores with loyalty points systems may have ways for shoppers to use their points to score a free turkey. This could include general dollars-off rewards that are large enough to cover the cost of a turkey or reward program free turkey offers that require the spending of points to unlock.

If you’re part of a grocery store’s loyalty program, keep an eye open for deals like those mentioned above. There are fairly common, though the exact nature of the deal will vary depending on the store and where you live and shop.

Ibotta App Free Turkey Roast

For 2020, Ibotta and Walmart got together to make Thanksgiving more affordable for families. Through Ibotta, you can find rebates for many Thanksgiving dinner staples, including one that makes a 3-pound Butterball turkey roast absolutely free. If you prefer a whole bird, you’’’ get a rebate for $9.98 off instead, which is still a great discount.

To access the deal, you need to sign up for Ibotta and download the new browser extension along with the app. Once there, you can unlock the Thanksgiving rewards, including the turkey deal.

Food Banks Offering Free Turkeys

Many food banks are working diligently to ensure that families in need can have a great Thanksgiving meal this year. At times, this includes providing households with free turkeys, along with other staples for an exceptional holiday dinner.

Now, free turkeys are usually only available to people who live in a specific area. Other restrictions may also apply, such as a demonstrated need. If you are wondering if you may qualify, you’ll need to contact your local food bank directly.

Additionally, it’s important to note that not all food banks may be providing free turkeys. Food banks rely on donations and, if they don’t get many (or any) turkeys, they may not have any to give.

Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving Assistance

Some Meals on Wheels providers may have Thanksgiving assistance available. While Meals on Wheels usually doesn’t deliver hot food on holidays, some are able to provide the ingredients for a Thanksgiving dinner in advance.

Only individuals who qualify for traditional Meals on Wheels services are usually eligible for the Thanksgiving Assistance program. Additionally, not all providers may be offering such a program. If you want to find out if one is available in your area, search for a provider near you and find out what options are available.

Area Non-Profits and Religious Organizations

Other non-profits or religious organizations in your area may also be offering free turkeys to local residents in need. Usually, these programs focus on low-income households in the immediate area that the group serves, such as a specific city or county. However, some may be broader, as each organization can set its own requirements.

If you want to find out about these programs and attend services at a local religious facility, that could be a good place to start your search. You could also reach out to the United Way to see if there may be organizations in your area offering Thanksgiving assistance.

Local Radio, Television, and Store Promotions

In some cases, radio or television stations give out turkeys to some lucky listeners or viewers. Usually, these take the form of contests or sweepstakes. For example, you might have to fill out a form on the channel’s website or call in at the designated time and be the right caller number. If you’re chosen or have good timing, you can pick up a free turkey from the station.

Additionally, some local stores may have their own unique free turkey promotions. For instance, some tire dealers have given away turkeys with the purchase of four new tires in the past. You usually learn about these kinds of deals through local advertising, in-store signage, or website announcements. If you happen to spot one and need the items that would trigger the free turkey deal, this approach could work well for you.

Do you plan on trying to snag a free turkey for Thanksgiving? Have any tips that can help people save on their Thanksgiving meal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How To Check The Value Of Your Gold Accessories

June 24, 2020 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

During global recessions and when markets fail you, you might have already heard that gold will save you. Because gold’s price only appreciates, many people choose to invest in gold for security especially in times of crisis. To be certain that the gold you’ve bought is your true safety net, you must determine the value of gold with an authentic method. Here are just some ways to verify and check the value of your gold accessories. [Read more…] about How To Check The Value Of Your Gold Accessories

6 Proven Ways to Build Wealth in Your 20’s

March 29, 2020 By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

You can’t get ahead. The system isn’t set up for millennials to win. There’s no way to escape debt and enjoy financial freedom.

These are the lies that people tell and, unfortunately, far too many believe them.

And while it’s definitely challenging to become financially successful in today’s world of high student loan debts and low entry wages, it’s far from impossible. Many are even finding a way to do it while still in their 20s.

Stop Being Like Everyone Else

If you look at the statistics, you’ll come away with the notion that people in their 20s can’t be financially successful. Consider that:

20 percent of Americans don’t save any of their annual income.
Only 60 percent of Americans have more than $10,000 set aside when they retire.
56 percent of millennials have zero dollars saved for retirement.
Two-thirds of Americans have trouble scraping together $1,000 for an emergency.
Only 24 percent of millennials can pass a basic financial literacy quiz.

While these statistics are eye-popping and slightly depressing, they don’t have to be your story. For every statistic, there are people on the opposite side. That can be you. And you don’t have to wait until you’re 40 or 50 to get your financial act together.

6 Ways You Can Build Wealth Before the Age of 30

Contrary to popular belief, young people can build significant wealth. It all starts with some simple foundational principles and smart decision-making. Here are some suggestions:

Increase Your Income

This may seem overly simple, but the best possible thing you can do is increase your income. Don’t wish you were making more money, but actually go out there and proactively grow your income. This might look like working more hours, asking for a raise, adding a side hustle, or starting your own business.

Get Control of Your Spending

Once you feel good about the amount of money you have coming in, you need to get control over how much of that money you’re spending (and what you’re spending it on).

You don’t have to live on rice and beans for your whole life, but you should strip away superfluous expenses and be diplomatic about how you spend, save, and invest. Being able to set aside 50 percent of your income to go towards cash savings, paying down debt, and investing is a good rule of thumb. If you aren’t there yet, you need to increase your income and/or be smarter with your spending.

Invest in Retirement

There’s no better time than the present to invest in your retirement. While 60 or 65 might seem like an eternity away, your early investments will yield massive dividends in the decades to come. Just check out this article to understand how significant investments can be when made in your 20s.

Buy a House and Build Equity

Home ownership needs to become a goal of yours. While it comes with additional expenses and responsibilities, home ownership also gives you an opportunity to build some serious equity.

The beauty of home ownership is that you can build equity through two different methods: (1) paying down debt, and (2) watching as your property value increases. When both of these are working, your net worth can increase dramatically over the course of just a few years.

Say No to (Bad) Debt

Nothing will set your personal financial picture back quite like bad debt in your 20s. Whether it’s piles of student loans, credit card debt, or a car loan, these payments eat away at your income and limit your flexibility when it comes to saving and investing. Stay away from bad debt at all costs. Home ownership, real estate investment loans, and smart small business loans are really the only kinds of debt you should consider at this point in your life.

Live Well Below Your Means

This isn’t a sexy tip, but it’s a necessary one for you to hear. Living below your means is simple, yet difficult to follow. It means buying less of something than you can afford – less house, less car, fewer extravagant vacations, etc. In doing so, you cultivate self-discipline and bolster your cash savings and investments.

Adding it All Up

Don’t wait until your 30s, 40s, or 50s to get your finances in order. When you’re in your 20s, time is on your side. Save, invest, and spend wisely. Wealth will eventually follow.

What’s ‘Deadpool’ Star Ryan Reynolds’ Net Worth?

May 17, 2018 By David Robson Leave a Comment

With Deadpool 2 opening in wide release Friday, May 18, star Ryan Reynolds seems set to continue his streak of starring in wildly successful movies. But what is Ryan Reynolds’ net worth?

Ryan Reynolds’ net worth has been estimated at a whopping $75 million.

Early Years

Ryan Reynolds was born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia. His earliest acting roles were on television, including a leading role in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside (known in the U.S. as Fifteen.), two younger sisters, and a large number of foster siblings who exposed Glover to a wide array of worldviews.

Guest spots on U.S. TV shows followed, including The X-Files and The Outer Limits. He became a lead character on the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl, which aired for four seasons before its cancellation in 2001.

Reynolds on Film

Two Guys and a Girl established Reynolds as a solid comedic actor, and he made the transition to movies. Reynolds played the title role in the funny, raunchy National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, a cult favorite which took in $38.3 million at the box office.

Other comedies featuring Reynolds’ talents include The In-Laws (total box office: $26.9 million), Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (total box office: $23.9 million), and the very raunchy cult comedy Waiting (total box office: $18.6 million).

But Reynolds began branching into more serious, action-driven movies while retaining the charm cultivated in his comedies.

He was a Federal agent in the character-driven shoot-em-up Smokin’ Aces, which grossed $93 million; played the lead in the Amityville Horror remake (total box office: $108 million); and got buff for the superhero sequel Blade: Trinity (total box office: $128.9 million).

Although he was ideally cast as the lead in Green Lantern, it turned out to be a rare superhero dud, even with $219.9 million coming in at the box office.

Deadpool

The Deadpool movies are the movies for which Reynolds will probably remain best known. Created in the early ’90s by writer Fabian Nicenza and writer and artist Rob Leifeld, this Marvel Comics character quickly became a cult sensation thanks to his perverse sense of humor, his habit of breaking the fourth wall to address the reader directly, and his capacity for extreme and cartoonish acts of violence.

Reynolds may well be Deadpool’s biggest fan, considering he spent nearly 11 years and much of his own money to bring the character to movies. He first appeared as Deadpool (or, more accurately, as Deadpool’s other identity, mercenary Wade Wilson) in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Although the movie earned $373.1 million at the box office, it was not a critical success, nor was it particularly liked by anyone who starred in it.

Most critical of the movie’s naysayers were Reynolds himself, who worked even harder (and spent millions of his own money) to bring Deadpool to his own movie, costume and foul mouth intact.

The movie Deadpool was a gamble, bringing raunchy R-rated sex and violence and wildly irreverent humor to the superhero movie.

But the result was the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, bringing in $783.1 million at the box office and bestowing upon Reynolds a fat $10 million paycheck.

Ryan Reynolds’ Personal Life

Reynolds is married to actress Blake Lively, who also starred in Green Lantern. They have two children and lives in a $2.3 million house in Bedford, NY.

Reynolds is active on behalf of a number of charities. He’s best known for his work with the Make A Wish Foundation and befriended his 13-year-old Canadian fan Connor McGrath through the foundation.

Before McGrath’s death in 2016 Reynolds raised money for his treatments, and brought a video of the just-completed Deadpool during a visit, making McGrath the first fan to see the movie.

Reynolds has used his high profile on social media to raise funds for those affected by hurricanes throughout the U.S. O

Lessons From Ryan Reynolds’ Net Worth

As clichéd as “follow your dreams” has become out of the mouths of millionaires, it’s proven ridiculously true in Reynolds’ case. He has attained a high level of success in Hollywood while keeping his feet on the ground and has provided a stable and loving home for his family.

And the phenomenal success of Deadpool makes it easy to forget how unlikely a success it was, and how much of it rested both on Reynolds’ passion for making it happen and on his cultivated charm and star power.

Are you going to see Deadpool 2 opening weekend? Which Ryan Reynolds performance is your favorite? Tell us in the comments section beneath this post.