Ask HTM - Finding Affordable Cell Phones, Teaching Frugality over Cheapness, & Borrowing to Invest #784
Feb 5, 2024
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Topics discussed in this podcast include finding affordable cell phones that won't break in 2 years, teaching frugality over cheapness, and the question of borrowing money to jumpstart retirement investments.
Teaching students the difference between frugality and cheapness is crucial for their financial education.
Borrowing money to invest should be approached with caution due to the significant risks involved.
Understanding the distinction between homes as an investment and leveraging investments in the stock market is important for wealth building.
Deep dives
The Difference Between Being Frugal and Being Cheap
In this podcast episode, Mr. G discusses the importance of teaching students about frugality and the difference between being frugal and being cheap. He seeks clarification on what it means to be frugal and why it is considered a good thing, while being cheap is not. Mr. G plans to use examples and scenarios to help students understand the concept better. The discussion highlights the need to connect personal finance lessons to students' lives and age, making it more relatable and applicable to their current situations.
The Risks of Borrowing Money to Invest
Another listener, Barry, asks about the benefits and risks of borrowing money to invest. The hosts caution against borrowing money, particularly for investing purposes, as it poses significant risks. They explain that leverage can work both ways, amplifying gains and losses. They emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out investment strategy, focusing on long-term perspectives, and gradually increasing the amount you invest over time. They also mention the advantages of platforms like Robo-Advisors and recommend starting small and keeping investments simple.
The Differences Between Homes as an Investment and Borrowing to Invest
Joel and Matt explore the differences between homes as an investment and borrowing to invest. They discuss how homes can be a reasonable long-term investment due to forced savings and leverage, but they caution against relying solely on homes for wealth building. In contrast, they highlight the disadvantages and risks of leveraged investing in the stock market, using leveraged ETFs as an example. They stress the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks, focusing on savings rate, and building a diversified investment portfolio over time.
The Importance of Being a Great Teacher in Teaching Personal Finance
Being a great teacher is crucial in teaching personal finance, as it can make a potentially dry and uninteresting topic engaging and appealing to students. A passionate and caring teacher can inspire students to actively learn about money and personal finance. By using interactive and practical approaches, such as hands-on activities and relatable examples, teachers can help students understand the value of money, the importance of saving and investing, and the impact of their spending decisions.
Understanding Frugality vs. Cheapness
There is a difference between being frugal and being cheap. Frugality is about valuing every dollar that comes into your life, making thoughtful spending choices, and being vigilant about how you spend your money. On the other hand, being cheap often involves saving money at the expense of others or incurring long-term costs. Frugality focuses on long-term value and sustainability, considering the larger picture and the impact of spending choices. It's important for individuals to identify their spending priorities and allocate their money accordingly, while avoiding judgment and understanding that different people value things differently.
Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!
1 - How do I know if my portfolio leans too conservative?
2 - Frugal or Cheap… what’s the best way to teach my students the difference between the two?
3 - I’m behind when it comes to investing so should I borrow money in order to jumpstart my retirement?
4 - What’s the best affordable cell phone that won’t break in 2 years?
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