Greetings Reader,

As of market close yesterday, the S&P 500 was back to where it started on the year (actually, up 18 points, or 0.31%).

For those who kept their regular investment contributions, you benefited from the volatility because of the tariff shenanigans.

Speaking of... the U.S. and China have put a 90-day pause on the tariff war. That's why the stock market soared earlier in the week and now we're back where we started.

All the more reason to remember that you need to invest early and often and don't touch it. 😂

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❌ It's OK to stop doing certain things

When I started working, I tracked every last penny I spent. That weirdness got me into the New York Times. (it's still surreal... 20 years later)

But I haven't budgeted to the penny in many years. It no longer served me so I stopped.

It's OK to stop doing certain things that no longer add value to your life.

​👉 Ditch financial practices that no longer serve you​

🏠 Contesting your property taxes

In Maryland, we get assessed every three years and in the most recent cycle, I contested our property tax assessment and saved thousands of dollars. It wasn't hard but it took time.

Then I learned that some states assess every single year!

It pays to contest but if you don't want to do it, a company called Ownwell will do it for you (in certain states) and only collect a fee if they save you money.

Lawyers have been doing this for years, now you can just hire a service online.

​👉 Learn more about Ownwell​

💵 Raisin new customer bonus

Raisin is a platform that negotiates higher interest savings and CD rates with banks and credit unions.

They currently have a new customer bonus, up to $500, based only on your deposit and you just need to keep the cash there for 90 days.

There is also a 3-month CD currently yielding 4.40% APY from Western Alliance so it's a great place to hold your savings.

​👉 Get up to $500 from Raisin​
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What did you think of today's email?​
✅ I Loved It! 🟨 It Was Okay ❌ Not My Favorite​

Talk to you soon!

Jim

PS. The FTC Junk Fee rule took effect this week - now airlines, hotels, and live event platforms have to show all their BS fees up front. No more hiding processing fees, shipping fees, document fees, and resort fees all the way until checkout!

​(see our archive of previous emails)​