The economy is in shambles. Companies and, in some cases, entire industries are going under. What does this mean for you, your investments, your job, your income? Let’s discuss some of the possible economic areas yet to fall that might be likely. Let’s also discuss the best way to survive and even thrive during this time.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I have asked myself numerous times in the few years since I graduated college whether or not I should get an MBA. I’ve even signed up for a GMAT class and started studying for it. After I quit my job at a large Corporation and joined the family small business, I decided I probably didn’t need an MBA. Now I’m reconsidering, not because I’m planning to re-join Corporate America, but because I want the skills I can gain from the MBA.

Popularity: 3% [?]

On Free Markets

American Politician: Free markets are important and crucial to the long term economic health of our country; unless, of course, our economy is in a correction as a result of over-leveraging, over-spending, or an unbalance of risk and debt. I would sacrifice the long term health of our economy for a short term increase in jobs, because I realize if people have jobs, I will get re-elected. If more jobs six months from now means a huge increase in debt for future Americans to pay off, a move closer to socialism, or America losing its long term competitive advantage in the global marketplace, so be it.

Average American Citizen: Free markets are fantastic when they allow me to have a job and to buy houses that I wouldn’t normally afford. I also love being able to cash out my equity that I have earned due to a housing bubble so that I can buy more stuff like boats and cars and iPhones. When the housing bubble collapses and I owe more than my house is worth, then I hate free markets and I demand more regulation! Wall St. greed and corruption is at fault for duping me into high levels of debt. I want more regulation from Washington, less pay for CEOs, and money from the government to pay off my debt!

On Taxes

Popularity: 10% [?]

This is the first post in a series from Jason, a new 20smoney writer. Jason is a fellow 20-something with experience on Wall St., day trading, sales and even some entrepreneurial activity. He offers some valuable insight into a variety of pursuits, all from the eyes of a 20-something. His continuing story is both fascinating and a great example of ambition to succeed at a high level. I hope you enjoy learning from his successes, mistakes and overall experiences.

I have known Kevin since middle school and consider him one of my best friends. With regards to finance and business, he has no real education but is one of the smartest people I know and more importantly has been blessed with an incredible writing ability. What does that matter to you? His advice is well based and will absolutely help you if you follow it. For the past several years we have had countless conversations on topics ranging from finance to startups, and I am so pumped he has decided to put it out there for the world to see and learn from.

For these reasons I am truly excited to be a part of 20smoney and really look forward to adding my thoughts. In my column I am going to talk about my journey, my ups and downs (Kevin knows well) and everything in between. I have a feeling most people will relate to me and be able to learn from me.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Many people struggle with getting promotions and raises in their career, even more struggle to build up a secondary source of income while still working a full time career. What if you could do both in a single effort? What if you could take responsibility that increases your stature and position in your company while at the same time earns you more money? I’m not talking about a raise either. I’m talking about an income stream independent of your salary (which should increase as well).

Popularity: 30% [?]

Many of the recent books I have been reading talk about ways to build wealth. Just about all of them have similar views on salaries: it is near impossible to become rich on a salary. While most people do not learn this lesson until years of determined effort to do just that, it is my hope that myself and other 20-somethings learn this lesson early and shift their focus to other wealth building opportunities.

Popularity: 24% [?]

As readers of this blog know, Apple is my favorite company. I love the products, the vision, the management and the stock. For years, the company has been outperforming through innovation and an incredible strategy. Today, I want to look at two major components of Apple’s strategy and what we should learn from them with regards to our individual financial plans.

Popularity: 34% [?]

I am a firm believer in learning by examples. Today, I am starting a series called “Profiling 20-Somethings Who Pursue Wealth.” In this series, we will look at numerous real people in their 20s doing various things to get ahead in the road to riches. Hopefully, these examples will help provide some direction in your brainstorming and planning.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Work/life balance is a concept that gets a great deal of attention these days.  Companies preach about their fantastic work/life balance opportunities when recruiting season rolls around.  I know I fell for it at my first employer.

You should be the one dictating what your work/life balance should look like.  Determine what you want for your life.  Then go get it.

Popularity: 23% [?]

I love traveling. At 25 years of age, I have by no means broken any records with my traveling but I have most definitely been blessed with several trips overseas and travels all over the United States including a 10 day trip to Hawaii. Overall, not bad. Not bad, however, is not good enough.

A huge driving factor in most of what I talk about on this blog regarding financial freedom is my desire to travel and to have the means to travel. Furthermore, I talk at length about establishing a form of passive income on this blog. The best part of a passive income is that it is passive. This means that I could have cash flowing in while I’m traveling! What would be better than that?

Well, until you or I get to that point, what about the idea of traveling the world while working a regular job? Is that possible? Well, in my last job, I lived a very close version of this reality. It’s time for me to share my experience and share what I learned in order to potentially help you make this happen in your life.

Popularity: 26% [?]