Sam Bohmiller - The Bulfinch Group

It took 3+ years, but I've learned to appreciate personal finance is much more than math.

If someone wants to hold 3, 6, 12 months more cash than "experts" suggest because it makes them feel more secure and helps them sleep at night, who am I to say, "No, you shouldn't do that."

If someone wants to overpay their mortgage or student loans so they can be debt-free sooner, it may not make the most sense mathematically, but there may be an emotional benefit that's worth more than the difference in numbers.

Sometimes, the math prevails but it doesn't mean we should discredit or disregard the emotional impact of financial decision-making.

If I had a nickel for every time the rent vs. buy question came up, I'd have enough money to rent AND buy...

"People get so focused on which one is financially better that they're missing the big issue. The right question to be asking yourself is, How much are you spending and saving in each scenario?"

Why ‘Rent vs. Buy’ Is the Wrong Question | Kiplinger www.kiplinger.com

** For those with Federal student loans **

The temporary forbearance period, originally set to expire on September 30th, has been extended through December 31st. This means the interest rates on all Federally held loans will remain at 0% and payments aren't required.

While you can choose to continue paying, this 0% interest and penalty-free forbearance period may provide a unique opportunity to build up cash savings and/or pay off other higher-interest debt.

Have a federal student loan? Your forbearance was extended to 2021 President Trump issued a new order Aug. 8 to extend forbearance for federal student loans through the end of the year. The reason for relief: COVID-19, of course.