Finance

I set 2 money goals in 2023 to improve my finances. A major life event derailed my progress and changed how I think about money.

Published

5 months ago

December 24, 2023

I set 2 money goals in 2023 to improve my finances. A major life event derailed my progress and changed how I think about money.

At the end of 2022, I decided to set some money goals for myself.

One key takeaway after a nearly nine-year career writing about people who are good at managing money is that they have multiple income streams. While there’s a cap on how much you can save, there’s no limit on how much you can earn. The wealthiest individuals dream up ways to make more money, rather than think about how to tighten their belt.

With that in mind, I came up with two objectives for 2023: diversify my income streams (ideally, create at least one passive stream) and buy my first property (ideally, an investment property; at minimum, a primary residence that I could “house hack” to offset my mortgage). I even wrote about these goals to hold myself accountable.

In a perfect world, they would go hand-in-hand: succeeding at objective No. 2 would mean creating another revenue stream (in the form of rental income) and, therefore, achieving objective No. 1.

And so in January, overcome with that inflated optimism one feels at the turn of the year, I got to work: I spoke to multiple lenders, got pre-approved for a mortgage, found a realtor, started looking at properties, and continued putting cash into a savings account earmarked for my down payment.

Fast-forward 12 months and I’m still a tenant, I don’t own a primary residence or an investment property, and while I have multiple revenue streams, none of them are completely passive.

I could write 2023 off as a financial failure, but I’m an optimist (even after the new-year enthusiasm wears off) and refuse to frame it that way.

I learned a lot: getting pre-approved for a loan is a shockingly simple process; it really is difficult to buy a home in America right now; and having accessible cash savings for when life inevitably happens is exceedingly important. I also got closer to hitting my goals, which have evolved, as has my perspective on money.

How a cross-country move to NYC derailed my progress and affected my financial goals

The first half of 2023 was business as usual: I was renting an apartment in Los Angeles, splitting housing costs with two roommates, bringing in an extra thousand dollars a month from my side hustle (teaching tennis), and living well within my means.

My finances were on autopilot. I had money going into three different accounts for three time horizons: a 401(k) for long-term savings, an investment account for medium-term savings, and a high-yield account for short-term savings goals (including the investment property) that also acted as my emergency fund.

If January through June represented stability, July through the rest of the year was characterized by transition — or, perhaps more accurately, chaos.

In July, I moved across the country, from one expensive city to an even more expensive one: New York City.

A cross-country move, no matter how much DIY it involves, is expensive.

Courtesy of Kathleen Elkins

It was my choice — the impetus was to be closer to my family, who all live on the East Coast — and the optimist in me figured it wouldn’t change my financial standing or goals significantly. Sure, I wouldn’t be house-hunting in California anymore, but I could look at primary residences in New York or investment opportunities in Charlotte, where most of my family reside. I reached out to realtors in both areas.

In reality, the cross-country move was more of a major life event than I gave it credit for — and it completely derailed my financial goals.

For starters, a major move is a major expense, no matter how much DIY is involved. I didn’t hire movers — my dad and I packed up my 2007 Toyota and drove all of my belongings from one side of the country to the other — but I did get hit with a slew of moving-related expenses: furniture, miscellaneous items you end up buying during every move (shower curtain hooks, paper towels, a vacuum, hangers), and the gallons of gas required to drive 2,800 miles across the country.

Plus, since I was moving to New York City, I paid the inevitable and egregious broker fee (15% of my annual rent) when I signed a lease on an apartment. Along with the broker fee, I had to put down a security deposit and pay first month’s rent, meaning I was transferring nearly five-figures over the course of one week. I felt grateful I’d built up a decent cash cushion and never felt stretched but guilty for dipping into savings that could go towards a down payment.

That brings me to the next major change my personal finances underwent: higher fixed costs. Moving from a three-bedroom apartment with roommates in west LA to a studio apartment in Brooklyn doubled my rent. I couldn’t save nearly as much as I wanted to.

I should note that I sold my car after the move, which helped offset the moving expenses, and removed some transportation-related line items from my budget: gas, parking, and maintenance.

Perhaps what set me back even more than my moving costs and increased cost of living was the toll that comes with a major transition. I feel like I’ve been “settling in” to my new city for months, focusing on establishing a routine and finding communities in New York. Everything else, including my financial goals, has taken a back seat. I stopped looking at listings; I was slow to respond to my realtors; I was overwhelmed, lost momentum, blinked, and it’s nearly 2024.

A new perspective on money: There’s no one-size-fits-all path to wealth

To be clear, 2023 as a whole wasn’t a complete financial failure for me. I added a revenue stream by picking up a part-time, weekend job and even earned my first real-estate-related cash by subletting my apartment a few weeks while I was out of town. It was my first time having a “tenant” of sorts and gave me an idea of just how hands-on and “passive” the process really is.

My big takeaway, from my experiences this year and also from continuing to interview and write about so many financially independent individuals, is that there’s no cookie-cutter path to wealth.

Rent doubled for the author, upon moving from a three-bedroom apartment with roommates in west LA to a studio in Brooklyn.

Courtesy of Kathleen Elkins

Looking back, one mistake I made at the beginning of 2023 was fixating on real estate as the singular path to wealth. After all, most of the financially independent individuals I speak to have built wealth through some form of real-estate investing.

My mistake wasn’t necessarily selecting real-estate investing to pursue; it was assuming it’s the only way, rather than asking myself: What’s the best wealth-building path for me and my situation?

I would still love to own real estate in some way, shape, or form within the next couple of years — and I now know how to shop around lenders, how interest rates affect your mortgage payment, and that it’s generally not a good idea to buy while picking up and moving. However, as I learned by talking to more financially independent investors this year, there are more ways to create relatively passive income streams, from building an e-commerce business to franchise investing.

Heading into 2024, I want to home in on another goal I set last year and fell short of: having a specific plan for my money. I had a semi-plan — buy a property — but not a clear vision (Do I buy a home or an investment property in LA? Oh, now I’m moving to New York; should I buy there? I can’t afford to own in New York. What about an investment property in Charlotte?). I was all over the place, which made it difficult to execute much of anything.

As successful investors have told me, you won’t get anywhere fast without any direction. That’s why a lot of them set highly specific money goals — whether that’s acquiring a specific number of properties by a particular year or earning a certain amount of monthly income from their side hustle — and then piece together a plan that will result in them achieving that goal.

Of course, there’s a major difference between knowing what steps to take and actually taking action. You can spend hours self-educating but if you never put into practice what you learn, a year can pass and you find yourself in the exact same position.

Here’s to moving the needle in 2024.

<br />

Kathleen Elkins

Investing Correspondent

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Finance

The Joy Of Money: Embracing Financial Freedom And Fulfillment

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

The Joy Of Money: Embracing Financial Freedom And Fulfillment

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Money has a profound impact on our lives, and for many of us, money is very emotional. While it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, it certainly can provide the means to live a life of comfort, security, and fulfillment. Having money offers opportunities otherwise unavailable to you.

Understanding and embracing the joy of money goes beyond material possessions; it’s about achieving financial freedom and using it to enhance our overall well-being.

You will find me often encouraging women to build a positive relationship with money so that you can build your wealth and reap financial security. Having money is not greedy; it’s a means of self-care.

Financial Security: The Foundation of Peace of Mind

One of the most significant joys of money is the security it provides. Having a stable financial foundation means not worrying about unexpected expenses or emergencies. When your finances are in order, it’s easier to face life’s uncertainties with confidence.

When you have financial stability, you have peace of mind that allows you to put your attention on other things in life instead of being bogged down with financial stress. You can focus on more of the things in life that bring you joy, like relationships and pursuing your passions.

Freedom to Pursue Your Passions

Financial freedom opens doors to opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. Whether it’s traveling to new destinations, starting a business, or investing in hobbies, money gives you the flexibility to pursue your dreams.

This freedom isn’t about extravagance, rather it’s about having the means to make choices that align with your values and interests. The joy of waking up every day and doing what you love, without financial constraints, is immeasurable.

Generosity and Impact

Another aspect of the joy of money is the ability to give back. Financial abundance enables you to support causes you care about and make a positive impact on your community. Whether through charitable donations, volunteering, or helping a friend in need, the act of giving enriches your life and fosters a sense of purpose and connection.

Knowing that your financial contributions are making a difference can bring profound satisfaction and joy.

Personal Growth and Learning

Managing money effectively requires learning and growth. From budgeting and saving to investing and planning for the future, the journey to financial literacy can be incredibly rewarding. As you gain knowledge and confidence in handling your finances, you’ll find a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This personal growth extends beyond finances, as the skills and discipline you develop can be applied to other areas of your life.

Enjoying Life’s Simple Pleasures

Money also allows you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with loved ones, a relaxing weekend getaway, or indulging in a hobby, financial resources can enhance your everyday experiences. These moments of joy, often taken for granted, are made possible by the stability and freedom that money provides.

Embracing a Balanced Perspective

While it’s important to recognize that money isn’t the sole source of happiness, it undeniably plays a significant role in shaping our lives. Embracing the joy of money means appreciating the security, freedom, and opportunities it brings, while also recognizing the importance of using it wisely and generously. By fostering a healthy relationship with money, you can enhance your overall well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.

The bottom line is that it is key to strike a balance in your life. When you are enjoying the benefits of financial success while staying grounded in what truly matters is achieving balance. When you view money as a means to achieve your goals and enrich your life, rather than an end in itself, you unlock its true potential to bring joy and fulfillment.

Finance

Closed Your Chime Account? You May Be Owed $150

Published

10 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Closed Your Chime Account? You May Be Owed $150

If you closed a Chime checking or savings account since Jan. 1, 2018, and didn’t get your account balance within 14 days, the fintech company may owe you money — up to $150.

Chime customers who closed accounts waited three months or longer to get their refund, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The bureau issued an order that San Francisco-based Chime pay $3.25 million to the CFPB victim’s relief fund as a penalty and at least $1.3 million to affected customers — totaling over $4.5 million.

“Chime’s customers had to wait weeks or months for access to their own money and were forced to use alternative funds to cover their essential expenses,” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a press release.

Here’s what the violation means for you and what one of our CNET Money experts wants you to know.

What did Chime do wrong?

According to the CFPB, Chime was supposed to automatically refund money from closed checking and savings accounts by check if the remaining balance was more than $1. However, in thousands of instances, Chime failed to refund customers within 14 days and sometimes as long as 90 days.

A Chime spokesperson said that “the majority of the delayed refunds were caused by a configuration error with a third-party vendor during 2020 and 2021.”

Those delays could’ve created a critical financial hardship if someone needed the money in the account to pay for basic living expenses like groceries and housing, the CFPB noted. For some folks, the only alternative might’ve been to rely on payday loans or to carry a credit card balance, both of which can involve exorbitantly high interest rates.

How much does Chime owe you?

If you had a balance less than or equal to $10 and you didn’t receive your refund within 14 days of closing the account, Chime will refund you $25. If you had a balance of more than $10, your refund will be calculated at a 30% annual rate for the time between your refund’s due date and the day you actually received your refund, or $150.

Chime has 10 days to set up a $1.3 million fund for issuing the refunds. You should expect to receive a letter in the mail from Chime if you qualify.

If you’ve moved since closing your Chime checking or savings account and believe you qualify for a payout, it’s best to update your mailing address by contacting Chime’s customer service at 844-244-6363. Within the next seven days, the company is required to publish a telephone number, email and postal addresses specifically to field questions regarding the refund.

It’s worth noting that Chime isn’t a bank; instead, it partners with other banks to offer its products and services. However, its accounts are held by one of two partner banks covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

How to protect yourself from future banking woes

“To mediate risk like the one that has occurred with Chime, I would definitely advise people to consider having emergency savings at a separate bank from where they do their day-to-day banking,” said Bola Sokunbi, a Certified Financial Education Instructor and member of CNET Money’s Expert Review Board.

You may also consider having some money on a preloaded or prepaid card to have access to funds in case of a banking mishap or emergency, she added.

If you haven’t already started saving for the unforeseen, try to start now. Sokunbi recommends creating a line item in your budget to put money toward savings each time you get paid. “Ideally, you want to aim to save at least three to six months of your core or essential living expenses,” she said. That should include housing, transportation, core utilities and medication for you and your household.

Even saving a small amount can help bridge the gap if there’s a temporary issue with your current bank. To be on the safe side, consider keeping this money at a separate high-yield savings account that lets you earn interest and offers easy access to your money.

Finance

Russian court seizes assets worth €700mn from UniCredit, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank

Published

17 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Russian court seizes assets worth €700mn from UniCredit, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank

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A St Petersburg court has seized over €700mn-worth of assets belonging to three western banks — UniCredit, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank — according to court documents.

The seizure marks one of the biggest moves against western lenders since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine prompted most international lenders to withdraw or wind down their businesses in Russia. It comes after the European Central Bank told Eurozone lenders with operations in the country to speed up their exit plans.

The moves follow a claim from Ruskhimalliance, a subsidiary of Gazprom, the Russian oil and gas giant that holds a monopoly on pipeline gas exports.

The court seized €463mn-worth of assets belonging to Italy’s UniCredit, equivalent to about 4.5 per cent of its assets in the country, according to the latest financial statement from the bank’s main Russian subsidiary.

Frozen assets include shares in subsidiaries of UniCredit in Russia as well as stocks and funds it owned, according to the court decision that was dated May 16 and was published in the Russian registrar on Friday.

According to another decision on the same date, the court seized €238.6mn-worth of Deutsche Bank’s assets, including property and holdings in its accounts in Russia.

The court also ruled that the bank cannot sell its business in Russia; it would already require the approval of Vladimir Putin to do so. The court agreed with Rukhimallians that the measures were necessary because the bank was “taking measures aimed at alienating its property in Russia”.

On Friday, the court decided to seize Commerzbank assets, but the details of the decision have not yet been made public so the value of the seizure is not known. Ruskhimalliance asked the court to freeze up to €94.9mn-worth of the lender’s assets.

The dispute with the western banks began in August 2023 when Ruskhimalliance went to an arbitration court in St Petersburg demanding they pay bank guarantees under a contract with the German engineering company Linde.

Ruskhimalliance is the operator of a gas processing plant and production facilities for liquefied natural gas in Ust-Luga near St Petersburg. In July 2021, it signed a contract with Linde for the design, supply of equipment and construction of the complex. A year later, Linde suspended work owing to EU sanctions.

Ruskhimalliance then turned to the guarantor banks, which refused to fulfil their obligations because “the payment to the Russian company could violate European sanctions”, the company said in the court filing.

The list of guarantors also includes Bayerische Landesbank and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, against which Ruskhimalliance has also filed lawsuits in the St Petersburg court.

UniCredit said it had been made aware of the filing and “only assets commensurate with the case would be in scope of the interim measure”.

Deutsche Bank said it was “fully protected by an indemnification from a client” and had taken a provision of about €260mn alongside a “corresponding reimbursement asset” in its accounts to cover the Russian lawsuit.

“We will need to see how this claim is implemented by the Russian courts and assess the immediate operational impact in Russia,” it added.

Bayerische Landesbank and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg both declined to comment. Commerzbank did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Italy’s foreign minister has called a meeting on Monday to discuss the seizures affecting UniCredit, two people with knowledge of the plans told the Financial Times.

UniCredit is one of the largest European lenders in Russia, employing more than 3,000 people through its subsidiary there. This month the Italian bank reported that its Russian business had made a net profit of €213mn in the first quarter, up from €99mn a year earlier.

It has set aside more than €800mn in provisions and has significantly cut back its loan portfolio. Chief executive Andrea Orcel said this month that while the lender was “continuing to de-risk” its Russian operation, a full exit from the country would be complicated.

The FT reported on Friday that the European Central Bank had asked Eurozone lenders with operations in the country for detailed plans on their exit strategies as tensions between Moscow and the west grow.

Legal challenges over assets held by western banks have complicated their efforts to extricate themselves. Last month, a Russian court ordered the seizure of more than $400mn of funds from JPMorgan Chase following a legal challenge by Kremlin-run lender VTB. A court subsequently cancelled part of the planned seizure, Reuters reported.

Additional reporting by Martin Arnold in Frankfurt