Merge Finance

  Financial education , also known as financial literacy , is the foundation of making informed and effective decisions about money. It’s not just about learning how to save—it’s about understanding how money works, how to grow it, and how to use it to create lasting financial freedom. In today’s world, where opportunities to build wealth are everywhere, most people still struggle financially. Why? Because they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to manage money effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore why financial education is so important, the difference between financial freedom and financial confidence , and the four key rules of money that can change your life forever. Why Financial Education Matters Financial education provides you with the tools to manage, grow, and protect your money. Without it, even those who come into sudden wealth—through inheritance or winning the lottery—often end up broke. In fact, studies show that 70% of lottery winners go bankrupt ...

Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, financial discipline is no longer optional—it’s essential. Many people dream of financial freedom but fail to take the small, consistent steps required to achieve it. One of the biggest obstacles? Laziness. Whether it’s procrastinating on budgeting, ignoring debt, or failing to plan for the future, poor financial habits can lead to stress, missed opportunities, and long-term money struggles. This post will show why managing your finances is critical, how laziness destroys wealth, and practical steps to take control today. Why Financial Laziness is Dangerous Financial laziness isn’t always about overspending—it can also be about doing nothing. Here are the risks: 1. Debt Accumulation Ignoring spending habits often leads to credit card overuse. Interest piles up quickly, turning small debts into major financial burdens. 2. Missed Investment Opportunities When your money sits idle, inflation eats away at its value. Investing—even small amounts—can...

 I'm excited to share a secret money-saving tip that my Japanese grandpa taught me. Stick around until the end, and I'll explain how this tip helped me save ten thousand dollars. For those who don't know, I'm half Japanese—my mother is Japanese, and my father is American. I've spent about half my life in Japan and half in the US. After graduating from Georgetown Law School, I experienced reverse culture shock when I returned to Japan. The approaches to lifestyle and saving money are entirely different in these two countries. In the US, everything is grander, and people are encouraged to buy more, stock up at Costco, take out loans, and live in large apartments. In contrast, the Japanese are masters of simple living. In Japan, there's a stronger focus on buying within your means and shopping small. You can even buy a single boiled egg at convenience stores. The average size of a home in Japan is 1,309 square feet, about half the size of the average US home, which...

  A finance blog is a platform where individuals share insights, tips, and information about various financial topics. These blogs can cover a wide range of subjects such as budgeting, investing, saving money, retirement planning, and more. Finance blogs are written by experts in the field of finance or individuals who have personal experience with managing their finances successfully. Readers visit finance blogs to educate themselves on financial matters, gain new perspectives on money management, and stay up-to-date on current trends in the financial world. When choosing the right bank for your needs, it's important to consider several factors. First, think about your banking habits and what services you require. If you prefer online banking, make sure the bank offers a user-friendly digital platform. Next, consider the fees associated with the bank's accounts and services. Look for a bank that offers low or no fees, especially if you are on a tight budget. Additionally, take...

  Introduction Over the past decade, I have dedicated my life to immersing myself in the field of finance. With a degree in finance, a qualification in accounting, and a career in investment banking, I've gained extensive knowledge and skills in handling money. One of the most transformative skills I have acquired is how to manage my own finances, recognize bad money habits, and break free from them. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share with you nine of the most common bad money habits that hold people back and provide actionable tips on how to overcome them. 1. Paying Yourself Last The concept of paying yourself last is one of the most detrimental money habits that can impede financial progress. I first encountered this idea in Robert Kiyosaki's book, "Rich Dad Poor Dad," where he outlines two primary methods of handling finances: the poor people's habit and the rich people's habit. The Poor People's Habit The poor people's habit involves payin...

Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in the field of finance and money management, earning a degree in finance, a qualification in accounting, and building a career in Investment Banking. One of the most transformative skills I've acquired is learning how to handle my own finances, recognize bad money habits, and break free from them. In this article, I'll share nine common bad money habits that hold people back and provide tips on how to overcome them. 1. Paying Yourself Last I first encountered this concept in the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Robert explains that people typically fall into two categories when it comes to paying bills. The first is the habit of paying yourself last, a trait often seen in those struggling financially. After receiving their paycheck, they pay their rent, phone bill, subscriptions, and social plans, saving only what's left, if anything. Conversely, financially successful individuals pay themselves first. This means sett...

Understanding the 50/30/20 Rule The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting framework that allocates your after-tax income into three main categories: 50% for Needs 30% for Wants 20% for Savings or Paying Off Debt What Are Needs? Needs are the essential expenses that you cannot live without. These include: Housing: Whether you have a mortgage or rent, this is usually the biggest part of your needs. Utilities: Electricity, water, heating, and other essential services. Groceries: Basic food items necessary for your survival. Insurance: Health insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance to protect you from unforeseen events. Transportation: Car payments, gas, public transportation costs that are essential for you to get to work and run daily errands. What Are Wants? Wants are non-essential expenses that improve your quality of life but are not necessary for survival. These can include: Dining Out: Restaurants, takeout, and coffee shops. Entertainment: Subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, and o...