WGN Morning News: Matthew Sapaula talks Cash for College during Money Smart Week

April 30, 2010 College Planning, Media Appearances, Retirement Planning, Video Comments Off on WGN Morning News: Matthew Sapaula talks Cash for College during Money Smart Week
WGN Morning News: Matthew Sapaula talks Cash for College during Money Smart Week

As of Monday, April 19th, 2010, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has suspended all aid to applicants seeking Illinois public college financial aid.  According to the ISAC, they have seen a huge increase in the number of applicants this year due to students and parents seeking greater financial aid from the government.  The amount of aid being applied for cannot be supported, at this time, by the budget given to the ISAC from the Illinois government.

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SCORE TV: Personal Credit and How it Impacts You – pt 1

April 21, 2010 Debt & Credit Cards, Media Appearances, Personal Finances Comments Off on SCORE TV: Personal Credit and How it Impacts You – pt 1
SCORE TV: Personal Credit and How it Impacts You – pt 1

Mark Goodman, a SCORE mentor and part of the Small Business Administration, hosts SCORE TV in Chicago, IL.  In light of people losing their jobs, businesses downsizing, banks cutting lines of credit reluctant to extend any type of credit brings an attack on consumers personal credit.  Personal credit and your credit score is one of the most confusing areas in managing money yet affects a big chunk of our financial decision and choices.

Any time a crisis comes, it is a great time to review the basics.  SCORE TV and their editors broke down this 30 minute show into great bite size pieces on helping you all understand personal credit much more. There are a few, great quick videos to review.

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Money Smart Week 2010 Begins Today!

April 17, 2010 News and Events, Personal Finances Comments Off on Money Smart Week 2010 Begins Today!
Money Smart Week 2010 Begins Today!

If you’ve ever made a mistake with money, have challenges with money, want to make more money and want to find ways to make money work for you…then this is YOUR week!  The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago leads us to Money Smart Week Chicago 2010!  It runs from April 17th-24th. 2010.

For the past three years, MatthewSapaula, Inc. has been a proud Money Smart Week Partner of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s movement to promote financial education and literacy.

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Can’t Find a Job? Make One!

Can’t Find a Job? Make One!
Can’t find a job? Welcome to 2010. At the end of 2009, unemployment for 20-24 year olds stood at 16% , which was 50% more than the overall unemployment rate.

If you’re one of the many young people who is currently unemployed (or you’re serving frappucinos for a living) you have three options right now: be one of the fortunate few to land reasonable employment, live at home, or start your own business.

I know what you’re thinking. “Start your own business? Doesn’t that take money and experience?” Not necessarily. While I don’t recommend starting a biotech company in your basement, if you have a skill that other people will pay money for then you should considering striking off on your own. I did 8 years ago, and I’ve never looked back.

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How to Adjust Your Income Tax Return to Save More Towards Your Financial Goals During the Year

How to Adjust Your Income Tax Return to Save More Towards Your Financial Goals During the Year

I’ve had plenty of people contact me this week about getting “chunky” tax refunds.  Barring the fact that they may have taken advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit and/or qualify for Earned Income Credit, most people should recognize that getting a large federal income tax refund is not a great financial strategy.  In fact, it is the opposite.  This is another factor that keeps the rich, richer…the poor, poorer and the middle class, middle class.  Why?  The Urban Dictionary calls this financial phenomenon…

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Six Money Mistakes with Annuities

Six Money Mistakes with Annuities

Another pleasure to have a Twitter friend turn into a real valuable conversation.  Jay Peroni and I share similar beliefs when it comes to money, faith and personal finance!  The subject of annuities have come up as another financial vehicle to be used for financial and retirement planning.  Annuities have often gotten negative press and media coverage so it is my pleasure to have Jay Peroni, Certified Financial Planner, to break through some of the myths and misconceptions people may have about annuities.  Just like any financial vehicle you look to place your hard-earned dollars in, is worth increasing your financial education and knowledge so you can make a better decision for you and your family’s future.

Enter Jay Peroni, CFP:

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Money Smart Guy Going Hollywood! The First Breakfast Movie directed by Christian Moffitt

Money Smart Guy Going Hollywood! The First Breakfast Movie directed by Christian Moffitt

Nah, no plans for the West Coast, but who would have thought I’d be in a movie?  God always has His ways…and this time it was to cross paths with Christian Moffitt.  I was introduced to him by Christian Hage of City Church Chicago who discovered him, literally on the side of a street.  This guy is SUPER TALENTED and I couldn’t believe he is only 19 yrs old!

Christian Hage, Pastors Kent and Alli Munsey arranged for a special movie production to be created for last week’s Easter service.  What a treat for City Church Chicago…church was packed Easter morning.  Below is a replay of that production, The First Breakfast by City Church Films.

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Unlocking Secrets to Saving and Spending-Matthew Sapaula and Alex Mysko featured in Chicago’s Red Eye

April 11, 2010 Media Appearances, Personal Finances, Retirement Planning Comments Off on Unlocking Secrets to Saving and Spending-Matthew Sapaula and Alex Mysko featured in Chicago’s Red Eye
Unlocking Secrets to Saving and Spending-Matthew Sapaula and Alex Mysko featured in Chicago’s Red Eye

A few weeks ago, we were honored to have journalist Kyra Kyles drop by the office one day and interview our team.  Earlier this week, our interview was released in the Chicago’s Red Eye.  Below is a reprint (or repost) of the original online version located on her blog.  Needless to say, we were FIRED UP!  Do you have wealth building secrets or money smart lessons that life has taught you, that you’d like to also share?  Please post them below in the comments section!

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How to Pay for College Without Depleting Your Retirement at College Smart Fair 2010

How to Pay for College Without Depleting Your Retirement at College Smart Fair 2010

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week is coming up, April 17-24, 2010.  I am delighted to collaborate with the Illinois Students Assistance Commission’s College Smart Fair during Money Smart Week 2010.  I will be presenting How to Pay for College Without Depleting Your Retirement.

The ISAC is leading a strong initiative to help people pay for college in Illinois.  Here are the details for the College Smart Fair:

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Five Reasons Why You Need a Budget Using Quicken or Mint.com

Five Reasons Why You Need a Budget Using Quicken or Mint.com

Ok, I said the “B” word.  Nobody likes the “B” word…people don’t like restrictions, especially financial ones.  Sad to say, a lot of people, especially those in the younger generation, are not taking the time to create a personal budget for themselves or for their families. Whether it is because they feel as if they are too busy – after all, creating a budget and making sure you are staying on that budget does require time and effort – or because they simply do not see any value in using a budget, people who go through life without a budget are working against themselves.

Without a budget, you will never have the urge to curb your spending. You will never say “I will wait until I have saved enough money to make that purchase.” Instead, you will use whatever money you have on hand, and if money is in short supply, a credit card will do the trick. After all, we live in a society that seems to operate under the “instant gratification” rule, and that is something that is very hard to overcome…especially if you have not been denying yourself when it comes to spending money. (Especially money that you do not have!)

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