PORTION OF MILLENNIAL GENERATION UNDER PERFORMING THEIR PARENTS IN MONEY ARENA

By Michael D.

At a time when big hair, leg warmers, and boom boxes were all the rage, parents were giving birth to now 30-somethings who would apparently not get enough nurturing in finances. This cohort of the millennial generation is pacing for a rough life with little hope of enough savings to support a retirement 40 years from now. 

The details in this new report titled "The Lost Generation?" and released by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, is a modern-day version of The Great Depression with questionable hope the millennial who are suffering will recover.  

The report concludes that the net-worth of a family headed by parents born in the 80's is 34% less than what was expected by now. What's even more interesting is this is the only sub-group within this generation to not recover from the recession between 2010 and 2016.  Other millennials did. 

But other generations are not off the hook. People born in the 60's and 70's also accumulated less wealth than expected, 11% and 18% respectively. 

WHAT WENT WRONG?

While most Millennials (and most other generations, for that matter) will complain they are being paid what they're worth or making the money expected, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis says income isn't the issue.  It's debt, a bulk of which is sitting inside loans where the purchases don't appreciate. Think cars, think education.  

Unlike home-ownership, there is no equity. The equity built into a college loan sits on the front end with a graduate's ability to get a job that would otherwise be unlikely without a diploma.  

ENOUGH BAD NEWS, WHAT NOW?

Packed into this doom and gloom is a savior - father time. This portion of the Millennial generation has time to develop a financial plan, get creative with budgeting and take up a side-hustle to reverse the damage. There's one other thing - this generation is the most educated.  They'll just have to brush up on math skills if they don't want their retirement accounts to be a fraction of what they could be.  

COLLEGE-BOUND? HERE'S HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATION

By Michael D.

First, congratulations to the graduating class of 2018! If you are hoping to continue your education either in or out of state, then you're probably trying to figure out how to pay for school or get help covering some of the costs. All the information you need is below.  

FINANCIAL AID SOURCES

Grants are a form of financial aid that may not need to be repaid. They’re usually need-based and are awarded from both the Federal and State Governments. However, you can also find grants at your college or from private or nonprofit organizations. To begin the process of securing a grant from the state or federal government, you need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Scholarships are another type of financial aid that don’t need repayment. Scholarships can be merit-based, which means you may need to meet certain criteria set by the scholarship-giver. Some may ask you to show that you’re a good student; others may reward scholarships based on athletic abilities or good deeds like volunteer work. You can find scholarships from all kinds of organizations. High school counselors are great resources for scholarship information.

Federal student loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Education, with limits on how much a student can borrow. To qualify for these loans, you must submit the FAFSA in time for the eligible school year. Some federal loans require students to show financial need to qualify, while others don’t. With federal student loans, you have flexibility when it comes time to repay them, including arrangements based on your income.

Work-study programs are offered at many schools. These programs may help you pay for school through community service work and work related to your course of study. Work-study also requires that your employer be considerate of your class schedule when assigning hours. Students who demonstrate financial need can qualify to work either on campus or off (at a participating organization). These programs are usually on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to contact your school’s financial aid office early to apply.

Private student loans can be a useful way to bridge the gap between other forms of financial aid and the total cost of attending college. However, it’s important to be selective when choosing a private student loan to ensure you find the best rate with features that meet your individual needs. Private student loans are a great way to supplement any gap you have after exploring federal loans and scholarships.

Lastly, congratulations to the more than 3,000 students who collected their diplomas, moved their cap tassels from one side to the other, and officially graduated from UNLV on Saturday! Stay tuned for our next blog about how to pay off your student debt.

HERE'S HOW CREDIT CARD DEBT AFFECTS YOUR WALLET

By Michael D. 

Here's the part that's comforting: nearly half of all Americans carry credit card debt. In fact, the average household owes about $6,000 according to CNBC. So how is it we rack up all of this debt? As it turns out, it's those interest rates that will get you and gouge you.

Just how costly is it? Personal finance site NerdWallet crunched the numbers and determined the interest costs of paying off debt. It assumed credit card debt of $6,081 and an interest rate of 14.99 percent.

Here's the breakdown of how much interest would accrue if you:

Just make the minimum payment: $4,064
Make double the minimum payment: $1,509
Make the minimum payment plus $100: $1,409

Essentially, you want to pay off the balance in full every month. That's not always doable, especially if you've needed to use the card for a costly emergency. However, even tacking on $50 to $100 extra per month will chip away at the balance.

NerdWallet also notes that only paying the minimum means you'll be in the red for years.

Here's how long it would take to pay off $6,081 worth of credit card debt if you:

Just make the minimum payment: 169 months (about 14 years)
Make double the minimum payment: 65 months (about 5.5 years)
Make the minimum payment plus $100: 41 months (about 3.5 years)
 

The sooner you begin paying off your credit card debt, the better. Carrying a balance not only grows interest, it also has a negative impact on your credit score. Avoid throwing away money on interest; your bank account (and your credit score) will thank you. Don’t spend 14 years in the red - start paying that debt off today!

6 WAYS KIDS CAN EARN MONEY THIS SUMMER

By: Michael D.

This is for you, kids!  No one is saying you have to work a 9 to 5 on your summer break from school. But, if you're getting to the age where your sole income from your weekly allowance just isn't cutting it anymore, it's time to get creative. We've helped you out by compiling this list of potential summer jobs that could earn you some decent coin. 

1. More chores at home.
   Surely there's a project around the house that dad started, but never finished. Ask if you can lend a hand. Or, find some other odd jobs at home like cleaning or organizing the garage, basement, or attic. You get the idea... think of other areas where you can help out.
2. Yardwork.
   Maybe you have a neighbor whose yard could use a good spring clean-up? Offer to mow lawns (if you live in a neighborhood that still has grass). Maybe there are some weeds that need pulling? Or, maybe they have other odd jobs that need attention. Make flyers and drop them off at houses in your neighborhood. 
3. Wash cars.
   Your driveway, soap, water and a few signs pointing to your direction could turn the front of your house into a neighborhood car wash on the weekends. (Check with your HOA first and use a bucket instead of a hose to conserve water.)
4. Babysitting.
   Make sure you're legally old enough and Red Cross trained.  When you are, there are plenty of parents looking for a qualified sitter.
5. Dog-walking.
   Fido always needs a friend. Offer to watch, walk or play with dogs. There are apps that allow people to do this now, but you can easily bypass that with a few door-knocks and some ingenuity. 
6. Yard sales.
   All those items that are collecting dust in your home can turn into another person's treasure. Set up a rummage or yard sale. Used toys and clothes for kids can be hot commodities. Make sure you talk this out with your parents first. 

Debt and Money Management are Big Problems in Las Vegas

By Stephanie Mevius

Las Vegas Valley residents rank among the bottom of the nation for debt ratios, financial literacy, and money management skills, according to new data. In a recent report released by personal finance website WalletHub, Las Vegas and its neighboring cities (Henderson and North Las Vegas) all rank near the bottom out of 2,572 cities in terms of debt ratios, credit scores, and financial management skills in the U.S. Residents were found to have mortgage-to-income ratios upwards of 400%, an average of 4 late payments, and median credit scores ranging from 632 (North Las Vegas) to 646 (Las Vegas) to 684 (Henderson).

These bottom of the barrel scores indicate a serious problem in the Valley’s financial education system. More importantly, they indicate a lack of financial education in a state which already ranks at the bottom for education (in fact, WalletHub ranks Nevada as the 7th least educated state) in general.  When we look on a more narrow scope, the state of Nevada is ranked 50th out of 51 states overall in terms of financial literacy.

What must be looked at now is what can be done to improve the financial literacy of our community. Andson is making great strides in the effort to empower through education with our Andson Money, Andson Academics, and Piggy Bank programs. We serve thousands of students (68,000 since our start) across Clark County and find proven results from our work. Still, the fact remains that there is much work to be done to educate and better our community in a lasting way. It is thanks to our donors and community partners that we have achieved our success so far, and we look eagerly toward a better, more financially-literate future.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT MONEY AT EVERY AGE

By Michael D.

If you’re just forking over an allowance to your kids once a week or every two weeks, then they understand the “income” part of money. But how to manage that money is an entirely different beast. Financial guru Dave Ramsey suggests tips for parents but conveniently breaks it down by age group to make sure the information is retained and relevant. 

Kindergarten/Elementary

1. Use a clear jar to save. The piggy bank is a great idea, but it doesn’t give kids any visual. When you use a clear jar, they see the money growing. Yesterday, they had a dollar bill and five dimes. Today, they have a dollar bill, five dimes and a quarter! Talk through this with them and make a big deal about it!

2. Set an example. Little eyes are watching you. If you’re slapping down plastic every time you go out to dinner or to the grocery store, they will eventually notice. If, at the end of every month, you and your spouse are arguing about money, they’ll notice. Set a healthy example for them, and they’ll be much more likely to follow it when they get older.

3. Show them that stuff costs money. You’ve got to do more than just say, “That pack of toy cars costs $5, son.” Help them grab a few dollars out of the jar, take it with them to the store, and physically hand the money to the cashier. This simple action will do more than just a five-minute lecture.

Tweens

4. Show opportunity cost. That’s just another way of saying, “If you buy this video game, then you won’t have the money to buy that pair of shoes.” At this age, your kids should be able to weigh decisions and realize that each decision has a consequence.

5. Give commissions, not allowances. Don’t just give your kids money for breathing. Pay them commissions based on chores they do around the house like taking out the trash, cleaning their room, or mowing the grass. This will help them understand that money is earned—it’s not just given to them.

6. Stress the importance of giving. Once they start making a little money, be sure you teach them about giving. They can pick a church, a charity or even someone they know who needs a little help. Eventually, they’ll see how giving doesn’t just affect the people they give to, it affects the giver as well.

Teenagers

7. Give them the responsibility of a bank account. By the time your kid is a teenager, you should be able to set them up with a simple bank account if you’ve been doing some of the above all along. This takes money management to the next level, and it will prepare them for (hopefully) managing a much heftier account balance when they get older.

8. “Help” them find a job. Teenagers have plenty of free time—fall break, summer break, winter break, spring break. If your teen needs money (and what teen doesn’t need money?), then help them find a job. Who knew that working was a great way to make money?

9. Teach them the danger of credit cards. As soon as your kid turns 18, they will get hounded by credit card salesmen—especially once they’re in college. If you haven’t taught them why debt is a bad idea, they’ll become another credit card victim.

Should your kid have a credit card? A reason to say "YES"

By: Michael D. 

Sure, your 16-year-old is probably not going to be buying a house or a car tomorrow, but when that time comes, wouldn't it be great if he or she had a stellar credit score? Parents: while that may be the best reason to consider adding your kid's name to your account, it should also come with an explicit set of rules.

1. The card is used for emergencies, such as car repairs or educationally related purchases.

2. The minimum amount or more must be paid on time. 

3. A job must be maintained in order to pay for the purchases.

The average credit score in America is 695, but the highest possible FICO (credit scoring service) score is 850. So, there's room for improvement among our nation's citizens and improvement comes with knowledge. 

Another reason to consider adding your kid to your credit card account is that it opens the door to begin the ongoing financial literacy conversation. They should know the ways a negative or poor credit score could impact their future lives. Rejection from potential landlords and even failed background checks due to credit are both possibilities. Even wireless carriers may be reluctant to offer better plans and contracts to those with credit blemishes. 

The more kids learn about the value of money and the pitfalls of bad credit, the better choices they'll make in adulthood. 

Academics Spotlight: Karen Hipsher

When the odds are one in a million, Karen Hipsher always strives to be the one.

As a mom of three, she never stops inspiring. She kicks off her long days as a second grade teacher, cultivating the young minds of the next generation. Karen then hops in her car, and heads to Sunrise Library to help Andson students with their homework. She rounds out the night caring for her three sons, Denny, Alex and Charlie.

While a day this tiring may weigh many of us down, it energizes Karen. She says being surrounded by kids is her favorite part of tutoring, especially when they grasp a concept and light up like a bulb. Even when students don’t understand a new topic right away, she is reassuring, reminding students to persevere, always.

When Karen isn’t teaching, she is probably off somewhere learning. One of her favorite activities is picking up a good book. In fact, reading and math are Karen’s favorite subjects. Don’t let her studious life fool you, she occasionally steps away from the classroom. When Karen needs a quick rejuvenation, the beach is the perfect place to recharge. The sand between her toes is Karen’s ideal pick-me-up. But when the beach isn’t attainable, she opts for cuddles with her cupcake of a rottweiler, Cheyenne.

Karen Hipsher has been a tutor with Andson for 6 years. To learn more about the tutoring program, and where services are offered, click here.

Andson Asks Brendan

LaChel and her six children visit Rainbow Library three days a week for Andson Academics homework help sessions. Some of her children have special needs, yet all six have seen significant improvements in their grades, especially in reading and writing.

One of LaChel’s sons, Brendan, told us that through tutoring he has learned to love reading. His favorite subject is History and he loves reading stories about historical events.

Homework help is free for students and families and without Andson Academics, LaChel could not afford the quality help her children need and deserve. We could not do this life changing work without our wonderful CCSD licensed tutors and our partners at LVCCLD. If you know a child in need of homework help, see the library schedule HERE!

We are still looking for a few teachers to join us this year. See below how you can join our St. Jude’s Ranch team as a part-time tutor.

To watch videos in the Andson ASKS series, click HERE.

How to keep your financial New Year's resolutions

By Valarie Peritz

We’re just days into 2018, and if you’ve already spent your monthly allowance on lattes, don’t freak out just yet. There are plenty of other ways to get back on track and stick to your financial New Year’s resolution.

To make your resolution stick, you need to start by setting a goal and planning how to achieve it. If you want to reel in your debt, write down a solid plan. Instead of just saying you will pay off your credit card, plan to put $100 a month towards your card every paycheck. By writing specific goals, you set an expectation for yourself and can monitor your personal progress.

According to the University of Scranton, it’s estimated only 8% of people reach their New Year’s resolutions. If you fear you’ll fall into the other 92 percentile, there are small ways you can set yourself up for success. Instead of thinking of your goals as a resolution, start to think of them as lifestyle choices. Let’s go back to the credit card example: instead of saying your resolution is to pay off your credit card, decide you will now live within your means. If you decide to stop using your credit card as a lifestyle choice, the debt won’t continue to rise, and you will be able to pay it off slowly with your extra funds.

Make sure your new lifestyle choices are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive. If your goals are too broad, you won’t be able to measure your progress. It’s important to track your progress, because it’s the only way to tell if you are truly succeeding or just following a plan that will lead nowhere. You also need to be realistic. We can’t all become millionaires in just one year, but we can start taking classes that will lead to a higher paying career or save $20 more a week to pad our emergency funds. Lastly, make sure you put a completion date on your goal. If you want to get a new job, set a specific time frame. For example, you want a new job by June, or you want to save $1,000 before your next big holiday.

Every lifestyle change, no matter how big or small, is tough. Make sure you have a support system to help you stick to your plan. Talk to your family, friends, and even co-workers to set up a network of supporters who will keep you on track for 2018!

Andre’s Last Hurrah

By: Valarie Peritz

Preparing for college can be considered an adventure in it’s own right. With the itch of graduation still lurking in a not-so-distant past, the weeks ahead of move in day are daunting. The exhilaration of moving to a new city and creating a new life is matched by a fear of what is being left behind – family, friends, moments once so cherished, that are now just memories.

With his freshman year at the University of California, San Diego within reach, 18-year-old Andre Salehian felt a deep urge to seek one last hurrah before moving into adulthood. Las Vegas is an adventurous city, but he desired more than just a night aimlessly wandering downtown. After countless hours of research and an extensive amount of pleading with his mom, Andre decided to spend his last summer as far away from the bright lights as possible.         

Just 6 hours before his greatest adventure was set to begin, the butterflies in Andre’s stomach fluttered him awake. He will be the first person to admit packing is not his strong suit. The clock subtly ticked in the background; with each second, he checked another item off the list: Clothes, check. Toothpaste, check. Passport photos… passport photos… and then it hit him, with just hours before the biggest trip of his life, Andre was missing one of the most crucial elements from his suitcase. He already had a passport, but Andre needed the photos to complete volunteer work. Without them, He would be left behind. Thankfully, a 24-hour town has its perks. A quick stop at Walgreens, and his bags were finally packed. Passport photos, check.         

24 hours, three continents and an uncomfortable nap later, and Andre was finally in Tanzania.

This trip was booked through Global Leadership Adventures, also known as GLA. The program helps teens and college students experience the world, while giving back to the communities they explore. So, from day one, Andre’s main priority wasn’t indulging in excursions, although there were plenty to be had, instead, the teen stepped off the plane and immediately went to work.

With three other English speakers by his side, Andre engaged local children in learning activities. He taught 10 year old Swahili-speaking students English concepts like emotions, future, and time. Breaking down the language barrier wasn’t an easy feat, but after days of connecting with nearly 15 children, Andre created emotional bonds that were deeper than the two languages could describe. Even today, months after Andre left the country, the children are still engraved in his daily thoughts.

Andre’s service at the school was not limited to teaching within the classroom. Each day, after cultivating the young minds, he and his fellow GLA volunteers would tighten up their bootstraps to beautify the school. The group painted classrooms, fixed wobbly desks and worked on landscaping. Before Andre left the school, he and his fellow volunteers left their permanent mark by creating a garden for the students. Andre’s hard work will have a lasting impact, by providing a bountiful feast of fruits and vegetables for years to come.

After the work was done, Andre was finally able to play. He roamed across Tanzania, visiting a local tribe, encountering exotic animals and hiking the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Andre’s visit with the Maasai Tribe was his first African experience away from the comfort of the school. He was astonished by the dry, dusty lands, which made the Vegas desert appear nearly tropical. Goats roam across the East African Rift, and are used as the primary food source of the Maasai people. The students were aghast after goats they petted just moments before, were slaughtered as a welcome dinner.

Andre was able to visit some Maasai homes, and was amazed by how small the hand built huts appeared. “I thought my room was small,” said Andre. “But this entire house was smaller than my room.”

During Andre’s three weeks abroad, he was bewildered by the contrasting cultures within Tanzania itself, but also the stark similarities between the country and his own home in the United States. He was able to travel to a middle-class area of the country, where residents had cell phones, businesses, and vehicles of their own. Andre admits he expected the country to be in a much worse state, and while there is still rampant poverty, Andre was surprised by the vibrance that gleams out of Tanzania.

With photos of his extraordinary summer in hand, Andre is now prepared for his upcoming adventure. The wistful memories of high school are now a lifetime behind him. Three weeks is not long, but the experience changed him, matured him; it prepared Andre for imminent challenges adulthood will bring.

Next stop – UCSD.

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Andre Salehian joined the Andson team at just 15 years old, as a bright eyed summer intern who wanted to make a difference in our community. He is a talented videographer and graphic designer, whose expertise grew exponentially during his three years with us. He was a star amongst his peers at West Career & Technical Academy. His superb academic and personal achievements landed him at spot at the University of California, San Diego. We are so proud of all his accomplishments, and can’t wait to see how he continues to grow throughout his college career.

All photos (except the one of him) by Andre Salehian

Decluttering Your Finances into Focus - A New Year's Resolution

When it comes to making resolutions, I’m typically of the mindset that if it’s important enough, why wait till the 1st of the year? I tend to do what drives me now. However, over this last year I realized that two bad habits can go hand in hand, and I had let both slide: household clutter, and wasting money. Tackling these issues brought me peace of mind. Why did I let this weigh on me so heavily?

They say a cluttered house is a cluttered mind. Now don’t get me wrong, my living spaces are far from uninhabitable but there is a feeling of being overwhelmed that comes with keeping every receipt, that infamous junk drawer in the kitchen, and the years of collected toiletries you’d never miss if you tossed them out today. So I bought a book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I know, I know, another paper object adding to the clutter! Along with this book, I watched a documentary and several videos (here, here and here) on living a minimalist life and the concept appealed to me. Over the break I tore several rooms apart, making me realize that decluttering can quickly bring your finances into focus. Luckily with the help of some minimalist YouTubers, it won’t cost an arm or a leg, which brings me to exhibit 2: saving money.

In my early twenties, I was an impulse buyer. I would come home with all my new goodies only to have buyer's remorse within days, sometimes even within hours. I quickly changed the habit by jotting down what I wanted while out shopping. If by the next morning (or the following weekend) it was still on my mind, I’d go out and get it. This is something I still do today. However, every once in a while I still buy something I end up regretting. Nothing makes this as apparent as dumping all of your belongings into a pile in your room. Decluttering is one thing. Tallying up the money spent on unwanted items really is a punch in the gut.

It’s difficult to acknowledge your faults sometimes. You can put off unpleasant tasks like this for years, but what a sense of relief you get from facing and resolving these challenges head on.

The holidays are a time where the spirit of gifting often turns to clutter down the road. Maybe a little more thoughtful, human interaction, a little less stuff?

Here at Andson, we are passionate about teaching young people delayed gratification, and how an ongoing attitude of humbleness will in turn make you less reliant on chasing possessions. Of course, we want them to SAVE SAVE SAVE for their future. Sometimes it’s difficult to take one’s own advice. Don’t judge me, I’m NOT an Andson money coach!

Decluttering your space is a great way to open your eyes to how much money you’re spending. Let’s rephrase that. It can open your eyes to how much money you’re WASTING.

Can you relate to my dilemma? Is decluttering your personal and financial life within your grasp? We’d love to hear your thoughts on using this “twofer” technique to bring your finances into focus!

Elliott's a Champion!

By: Hannah Moore

As the 2016 Olympics kick into high gear, we want to acknowledge one of Andson’s very own astounding athletes, intern Elliott Davis. Elliott is a champion runner of the Junior Olympics, Region 15. The Junior Olympics is a training program that exposes young athletes to once in a lifetime competition opportunities.

Elliott was inspired to start running by listening to stories of his mom’s experience with college track. He’s been committed to training since his first year of high school. What keeps Elliott motivated when the going gets rough? “Our races are usually filmed, so every race, even if I lose, I get to find out exactly what I need to do next time to win. I can see what I did wrong and move forward from there,” he explained. Elliott just graduated high school and plans on attending Central Arizona College on a full scholarship. He wants to major in sports related marketing and business to assist with his blossoming track career, and also enjoys graphic design. His advice to other runners is straightforward and honest, “It’s going to hurt, no matter what. The workouts and practices are going to hurt every day, but you get to expose yourself to really important people in the end. It also helps to write your goals down.” Well said Elliott. This is his second summer interning with Andson. We look forward to seeing him go for the gold!

Our Exceptional Volunteers

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Volunteer. Many images might come to mind when one comes across this word; an individual serving at a soup kitchen, someone taking care of dogs at the shelter, that person in the parking lot asking if you’re registered to vote. What comes to our mind here at Andson? Someone with a pencil, patience, and a passion. A passion to help the students of CCSD do their best. Meet some of our amazing volunteers below:

Rithy:

It’s time to introduce our wonder volunteer, Rithy Khim! Rithy is currently attending UNLV and has passion for chemistry. He aspires to one day graduate from Roseman University with a PHD in Pharmacy! Rithy spends his time with Andson as a volunteer tutor at The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada. “I’ve always wanted to help people by giving them something that they could keep forever,” he shared. “I realized that that something is knowledge. That’s why I became a tutor: to spread knowledge.” In his spare time Rithy loves swimming, listening to music, and training in Tae Kwon Do. He was even captain of the Clark Swim Team in High School! Thanks for all of your time and dedication, Rithy!

Lorraine:

Meet Lorraine Kerr, our voyaging volunteer! She loves sailing the ocean and traveling across the globe. Her adventures brought her all the way from Toronto, Canada to right here in Las Vegas! Lorraine teaches all grade levels at Bridger Middle School and her favorite subject is math. “I encourage my students to always ask questions. I’m passionate about ALL children receiving a great education,” she enthusiastically explained. Lorraine has two Cairn Terriers that she considers to be just like her students, “One is hyperactive and one is very shy; very similar to the personality mix you’ll find at any school!” Thank you for everything you do, Lorraine!

Lorraine and Rithy are just two of many wonderful volunteers we’re honored to have on our team. Whatever task it may be, and whatever organization it may be for, volunteer work is crucial for the positive changes that we see affecting lives all over the globe. Volunteering is good for the volunteer themselves too. Reaching out to others fosters a sense of purpose, peace of mind, and emotional well being. To each and every volunteer out there, thank you.

Andson Money Review: Financial stability on the go!

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By: Hannah Moore

Hello internet users and perusers! We are here today to help you be the boss of your budget in the digital age. The rise of online banking and financial technology makes taking control of our money more accessible than ever before! But with a world of options at our fingertips, how do we know which money management app is best? Well, it's not so much a question of which is "best" rather than which is best for YOU. Below we have three Andson-written reviews of popular money management applications, along with a fantastic outside resource on how to sift out what does and doesn't work for your own financial style:

Mint:

Mint can do it all! Mint's main attraction is that it syncs directly with all of your accounts and pulls them into one central hub. Whether it be checking, savings, credit, or even investments, the app displays it all in a user friendly list-type view. Mint then shows user's spending by category in easy to interpret circle graphs. These visual aids help to create a budget in no time.

Mvelopes:

Are you the pencil and paper type? Well you're in luck, this app is great for people who have a tendency to write reminders on whatever surface they can find! Mvelopes is geared toward saving as your main priority, and makes this happen by allowing the user to separate out bills and other costs into digital envelopes. It even has the capability to record your receipts and other paper transactions. Though this app is on your screen, the labeled envelopes give it a more tangible feel of monetary organization.

Level Money:

Though this could be said about any money management tool, Level Money really zeros in on smart spending for the user. It informs users what they can spend "safely" each day based on income and expenses. It also displays where, when, and how they're spending their money each month in categories such as Food, Ridesharing (like Uber), and Entertainment. This tracking is great for creating a personalized but flexible budget.

Still confused on what direction to take? Policygenius.com cleverly breaks down 14 different apps into a “best money management for you” graphic, with short descriptions for each underneath. Give their article a click: https://www.policygenius.com/blog/money-management-apps-2x2/

It’s also helpful to be aware of the fact that money management/mobile banking apps will continue to evolve over time, and may vary from institution to institution. Choose an app that is relevant to your personal preferences and needs! Most importantly, don’t forget about online safety. Here are nine tips to keep you protected:

1.    Use strong passwords for all your accounts.

2.    Use security software.

3.    Don’t modify your phone.

4.    Report a lost or stolen device.

5.    Only download apps from a trusted source.

6.    Don’t open suspicious or unexpected attachments.

7.    Keep Bluetooth turned off when conducting mobile banking activity.

8.    Use secure networks.

9.    Review your accounts on a daily basis.

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Teacher Appreciation Week 2016

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Just a few of our wonderful tutors.

By Hannah Moore

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to talk about our tutors. Not only do they teach in CCSD schools 5 days a week, they also spend endless hours, often on their own dime, grading papers, organizing materials, purchasing supplies, and doing countless other tasks outside of the classroom. On top of that, they choose to spend what little free time they may have helping the students of Andson. To call them selfless would be an understatement. This jam-packed schedule doesn't keep them from being super enthusiastic either; our teacher-tutors are always smiling, patient, and full of knowledgable energy to share in any learning environment. So, in the most genuine of heart, we want to say thank you. Thank you for all you are, and for all you do.

Have you thanked a teacher today?

Andson Review - Banking Made Simple!

By Hannah Moore

First and foremost, Andson is not compensated for this endorsement. We just like to share what works for us!

Of the various resolutions we see come time and time again every New Year's, financial goals are a popular recurrence. As 2016 starts to unfold, Andson wants to help bring personal and financial resolutions to life and longevity. We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to get people psyched about how they handle their money, and saving!

So Anthony set out on an investigative adventure for simpler banking... with Simple! Many banking apps are second in priority to the actual physical bank they are attached to. This results in the app being unavailable due to constant maintenance, or just having a general non user friendly system. "Because of my experience with banks who put little effort into their mobile banking, I became interested in finding ones with a great mobile friendly system," he explained. "Simple caught my attention very quickly!"

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Simple Menu Page

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Payment & Transfer Page

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Anthony received a personal inquiry response within 24 hours.

Simple is a personal banking system that lets users take complete organizational control of their income and expenses. There are two components: the app itself, and a Visa card. You begin your journey with Simple through an uncomplicated application process. Then, after your card arrives in the mail, you can start customizing your finances on the Simple app. The app has an easy-to-use budgeting feature and even allows you to set savings goals. Simple is partnered with Bancorp Bank and is FDIC insured. "There are no fees and the card can be used at any ATM. The packaging that the card arrives in , and the card itself are also quite nice looking. I can't wait to explore more of the app's functions," Anthony reported. We will continue to catalog his time spent with Simple right here on the Andson blog. Check back soon for more updates!

Financial Mentoring: Anthony McTaggart writes for Edutopia

 

By Hannah Moore

Our committed and charismatic COO Mr. Anthony McTaggart is at it again! The popular educational resource website, Edutopia, has published a piece by Anthony about the importance of integrated financial literacy in all communities. And what exactly do we mean by integrated? "Financial education, literacy, curriculum, or planning -- whatever you want to call it, doesn't go as far if you don't pair it with practice," Anthony relayed to readers of Edutopia. "This was the idea that spurred the revolution we now see in Southern Nevada. We have students actively involved in learning about personal finance while actually saving money weekly," he continues on in the article. Andson's financial literacy program, Andson Money, has developed curriculum based on national standards. It covers everything from the basics of needs vs wants, to how advertising can influence a consumer's purchase choice. Andson strives to provide unique, engaging lessons in personal financial education to youth grades K-12. Anthony shared this information and more with the intent of guiding groups and educators who are interested in starting financial literacy in their own community.

The article can be found at the link HERE.