andrew

About andrew

Andrew is the author behind Dollar After Dollar, a blog that teaches you how to build wealth and gain financial freedom. Andrew is the host of The Personal Finance Podcast, a show that is changing the way you think about your money. His primary goal with the podcast is to bring as much value as possible to his listeners. Andrew's favorite free financial tool he's been using since 2014 to manage his net worth is Personal Capital. Each month he uses their free Investment Checkup tool and Retirement Planner to track his investments and ensure that he's on the fast track to financial freedom. His favorite investment platform is M1 Finance, a site that allows him to build a custom portfolio of stocks for free. It has no trading fees and is his preferred way to invest without having to lift a finger.
bathroom in modern resort house
If you are in the market for your first home, an FHA loan may be on your radar. It is an excellent option if you don’t want to put a massive down payment on your mortgage.  Who is eligible for an FHA loan? The FHA loan is a type of mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This type of loan allows the borrower to finance their home […]

Who is Eligible for an FHA Loan?

 in Blog
How to write a check
If you are filling out a check for the first time in awhile, don’t worry we have your back. You may have questions such as where to sign, how to write out a check, and what the memo is for, or how to write a check with cents. Whether your check is $10, $100, or $1000, the practice is still the same. Here is an example of a perfectly written […]

How to Write a Check: A Step by Step Guide (With Examples)

 in Blog
person holding blue ballpoint pen on white notebook
The Steps to Buy a Vanguard Index Fund  You can invest through the 401(k) provider as well as choose any of the two following options: Purchase directly from Vanguard Open a brokerage account  You will need to decide which account type to choose from, such as a taxable, traditional, or Roth IRA account. You will have to look at different index fund portfolios and depending on how much you want […]

How to Buy Vanguard Index Funds

 in Uncategorized
woman in white blazer holding black smartphone
Acorns has turned the age-old saving loose change into a piggy bank into a modern, efficient, way to invest your change. It allows you to round up your purchases and invest the change. For example, if you spend 22.47 on groceries, Acorns will add $0.53 to your investment account. It is a fantastic option for anyone who struggles with savings or just wants another way to invest more money. Sign […]

Acorns Review: Automatic Investing And Banking

 in Blog
working macbook computer keyboard
It happens to all of us. You are busy at work, home, or with the kids. The month flies by and you forget to pay your credit card bill. You feel a rush of anxiety, and run over to your computer to pay off your bill. The question lies in the back of your head.  Will your credit take a hit? How much does one late payment affect your credit […]

How Much Does One Late Payment Affect Your Credit Score?

 in Blog / Credit
white apple keyboard near white cup
Improving your credit score is one of the pillars of personal finance. Maybe you want to buy a house or car and need to improve your credit score to ensure you get the best interest rate possible. Or, maybe you need to improve a credit score that is a little lower than you like. Taking steps to improve your credit score today will benefit you forever. We are going to […]

How Long Does It Take To Improve Your Credit Score By 100 Points?

 in Blog / Credit
I was recently talking to a group of friends having some freshly brewed Florida IPA’s. One of them posed the question “I wonder how much money I have spent in my lifetime on alcohol?” It is one of the oldest bar discussions in the book. “I would be a millionaire if I stopped drinking booze” Or, “I wonder how much money you would save if you stopped drinking alcohol.”   Well, […]

How Much Money Would You Save if you Stopped Drinking Alcohol

 in Uncategorized
The HSA is one of the most amazing, efficient, and effective places to save your money for retirement. The irony is, it’s not even a retirement account! It has mind-blowing benefits that are fantastic for those who qualify.  As you will soon see the HSA is the most powerful savings account because it has triple tax savings. Let’s dig into the massive tax benefit of this super retirement account.  What […]

The Amazing Benefits of a Health Savings Account (Super Retirement Account)

 in Blog / Retirement
A few years back I decided I wanted to invest in rental properties.  I quickly realized that the best properties were scooped up before I could get my realtor to schedule a time and open the door.  So, I decided to get my license.  It would be a win-win for me. I make a little commission to put into fixing up the property and I am able to look at […]

How I Made $20K In One Month as a Realtor (On the Side)

 in Blog
If you are looking to lower your student loan interest rate, refinance your mortgage, or transfer over a credit card balance. Credible is the best tool for the job. What is Credible? Credible is a great platform where users can compare loan offers personalized to their needs. Think of it like the Expedia of loans. You can choose from multiple vetted lenders, ensuring that you have the confidence and resources […]

Credible Review: Refinancing and Student Loans

 in Blog  tagged student loans
The 401(k) is one of the largest retirement platforms in America, and for good reason. It allows you to invest your hard-earned salary tax-free upfront. Then, you pay taxes as you take money out in retirement.  These tax benefits cause a compound effect. It allows you to plow more money into your account (because taxes don’t take away a chunk), so it can grow faster in the long run.  It’s […]

The Average 401k Balance by Income Level

 in Blog / Invest  tagged retirement
401K Millionaire
You may be realizing that you need to start saving for retirement. But, there are a ton of options out there.  The 401(k) is a wonderful way to save for retirement. In fact, the number of 401(K) millionaires has reached an all-time high.  Surging markets and a booming economy may have something to do with it. But, the many Americans who have achieved the impressive million-dollar club, also have practiced […]

How to Become a 401(k) Millionaire

 in Blog / Budget / Invest  tagged retirement
One of the best ways to save for retirement is a 401(k). You do not have to pay taxes when you contribute to your account and can defer those taxes until later. Meaning, you can throw more cash into your account to allow compound interest to get to work.  Checking to see the average balance of 401(k) will give you a starting guideline. It is a way to see how […]

What is the Average 401k Balance by Age? (See How You Compare)

 in Blog / Invest  tagged retirement
Lidestyle Creep Avacado Toast
Lifestyle creep is a silent thief. It is the biggest problem with your money. If you are not careful it can destroy your finances.  It is why the high-income earners still live paycheck to paycheck. Or, why you see athletes who have made 100 million dollars in their career go broke.  If you fall victim to lifestyle creep you will probably feel like you’re successful. You will have a nice […]

Lifestyle Creep: What It Is and How to Avoid It

 in Blog / Budget  tagged saving
Most millionaires are made from investing in real estate. The reason is due to the 5 ways that rental properties will make you a millionaire.  As we already know, investing is by far the best way to build wealth.  Why not invest in an asset that produces cash for you each month while providing someone with a place to live?  Real estate investing is a win-win. You can run a […]

5 Ways to Become a Real Estate Millionaire with Rental Properties

 in Blog / Budget / Invest  tagged real estate
When it comes to investing your money, you want to make sure it is easy, safe, and with no extra fees. M1 finance provides you all of that. As one of the best brokerages out there, M1 finance combines a brokerage, Robo-advisor, and a bank account all in one. The question then becomes, is it right for you? Let’s find out. What is M1 Finance?  M1 Finance is a great […]

M1 Finance Review: Everything You Need to Know (Is it Legit?)

 in Blog / Budget / Invest