Personal Finance
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Since 2009, Kevin Mercadante has been sharing his journey from a washed-up mortgage loan officer emerging from the Financial Meltdown as a contract/self-employed “slash worker” – accountant/blogger/freelance web content writer – on Out of Your Rut.com. He offers career strategies, from dealing with under-employment to transitioning into self-employment, and provides “Alt-retirement strategies” for the vast majority who won’t retire to the beach as millionaires.
Kevin frequently discusses the big-picture trends that are putting the squeeze on the bottom 90%, offering work-arounds and expense cutting tips to help readers carve out more money to save in their budgets – a.k.a., breaking the “savings barrier” and transitioning from debtor to saver.
Articles by Kevin Mercadante
A Timeline of the Biggest Stock Market Crashes in U.S. History
As bad as the current stock market downturn feels, it’s hardly one of the biggest market crashes in U.S. history. There are strategies to survive and thrive in whatever happens with the market.
What is a Mutual Fund Expense Ratio and What is a Good One?
Buried deep in your investment funds are costs known as expense ratios. If you understand what they are and how to minimize them, you can improve your investment performance dramatically.
Can You Pay A Car Loan With A Credit Card?
Can you pay a car loan with a credit card? It’s possible, but only in limited circumstances. Here are the few situations where the practice makes sense.
Best Merrick Bank Credit Cards 2024
If you have bad credit or little credit, Merrick Bank might be able to help you. This bank offers three different credit cards specifically designed to build or rebuild credit.
5 Best Long Term Investments To Add To Your Portfolio in 2024
Will the 2024 investment picture look like 2023? If not, you’ll need to be positioned in the best long-term investments for 2024.
Inherited IRA: All You Need To Know
Inherited funds from a tax-sheltered retirement plan are treated differently from other inherited assets. Here’s a look at how inherited IRAs work.
Does a Balance Transfer Hurt my Credit Score
Used the right way, a balance transfer with a 0% APR is one of the best tools to reduce or eliminate high-interest credit card debt. But can balance transfers hurt your credit?
OneMain Financial Personal Loans Review 2024
OneMain Financial is one of the best sources for personal loans if you have bad credit. Learn more in our OneMain Financial review.
What Is Annual Percentage Yield (APY) And How To Calculate It
There are two interest rates posted with nearly every interest-bearing instrument: interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY). APY is the most important to you as an investor. Here’s why.
Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses for Beginners
Mutual fund fees and expenses are confusing. Funds with the lowest fees can improve your investment performance by thousands of dollars.
How Much Is Your Car Worth and What Are Your Options After Appraisal?
Ever wondered how much your car is worth? You can find out in a matter of minutes with an online car value estimator—they are quick, easy, and free to use.
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