21 Reasons Why People Go to Church and How it Affects Their Lives

As we all know, fame, fortune and success in itself doesn’t bring lasting happiness.  (Right?) Sure, if you are going to be miserable, you’re probably better off being depressed and long-faced in your mansion. Nevertheless, I have worked daily, over the past 12 years with some of the country’s deepest, most personal financial issues.  For many, this has become an extremely humbling, past few years laden with complexity beyond anyone’s expectation.  The good thing, a silver-lining if you will, is that when you find yourself on your knees…that’s where God speaks to you in such a profound manner. … Continue Reading

Mom Marvels at NFL Houston Texans Cheerleader Tryout and Reveals Her Secret to Success

We live in an “instant” world where many expect quick, tangible  results for their efforts.  Not so, is Sharon Pascual-Diaz who has tried out for the NFL’s Houston Texans Cheerleader squad seven straight times.  Her constant drive, passion compounded with her ability to retool and re-engage her skills year after year has finally paid off.  Money Smart listeners and our blog community can really learn a secret or two in chasing your dreams regardless of your circumstances or failures during this video…and have a little fun watching too! … Continue Reading

Job Security: Mislead From a Young Age

We have all heard the phrase from a young age “Go to school and study hard so you can get a safe secure job” right? Did you believe it like I did? I mean I must have heard that a hundred times from well-meaning authority figures like parents, grand parents, teachers and other mentors when I was young. So if that was so true why was I downsized out of 3 jobs in 4 years by the companies I was working for? I will tell you why because what we were taught is not good advice in todays marketplace. If you think you have job security working for someone else I bet you believe in the Easter Bunny. Don’t take it personally but it job security does not exist. … Continue Reading

What You May Not Be Getting From Bank Financial Advisors

Finding a financial advisor that you respect and trust is not always an easy task. And considering the fact that you are entrusting this advisor with your hard-earned dough, it is not a decision you want to make in a hurry or without all the information. In order to ease the search many people turn to the financial institutions that they already have a relationship with and secure a financial advisor within their bank.

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Matthew Sapaula Provides Financial Tips for Military Personnel on SCORE TV

Whether you are in the military now, plan to be in the future, or have recently left you need to be on top of your game regarding future financial plans and taking full advantage of all your veteran’s benefits. Matthew Sapaula recently met with SCORE Chicago to discuss some strategic financial planning moves for those who are in the military and some tips for fully utilizing benefits once you are out.

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#1 Financial Advisor Joel Wymer on Money Smart Radio

Every once in a while you get to meet someone who resonates and echoes your passion, core values and methodologies.  In the field of personal finance counselors, financial advisors and financial planners that is very tough to find.  Then comes along Joel Wymer from Akron, Ohio who has recently been voted by the Beacon Journal as the #1 financial advisor in his community.  We were fortunate enough to catch Joel at his office for an interview during our financial talk show’s podcast, Money Smart Radio…

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How to Unleash Money Smart Kidpreneur Creativity?

Does your child have non-traditional pursuits of interest? It doesn’t have to be odd interest like collecting all those single socks that come up missing in the laundry for some unknown ongoing school project. His thing could be something you don’t have an interest in, nor, do you believe it’s worth sacrificing for, like editing digital photography or developing gaming programs.

Step 1: Don’t be a dream crusher. … Continue Reading

You Don’t Need More Money – You Need Better Tools

Will a raise, a second jog or overtime grant you financial freedom? No.  Only you can create your own financial independence.

Last week, I heard an incredible interview on NPR with Peter Buffet and Renee Montagne.  Peter shared his insight on the inheritance he did and did not receive from his father Warren Buffet (one of the wealthiest men in the world).

Peter talks about his appreciation for the support and encouragement he received from both his parents as he was growing up.  Warren Buffet has stated publicly that his children will not inherit his wealth.  In fact, when Peter was 19, he was given an inheritance of $90,000 and nothing thereafter. … Continue Reading

Aligning Beliefs With Investment Strategy

Although discussing investment strategy is a little like discussing religion, I thoroughly enjoy an honest debate on different investment strategies.  One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that many people do not first examine their own beliefs about market behavior and investment philosophy before developing an investment strategy, which can lead to inconsistencies between beliefs and behavior.

Here are questions that should be wrestled with and resolved before developing an investment strategy.

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Matthew Sapaula: Speaker at Financial Services Industry LIMRA Conference

I’m looking forward this week as I travel to the Disney Yacht Resort Club in Orlando, FL.  I received a call earlier in the year from financial services veteran, Robert Ellwanger Jr. CLU, ChFC, LLIF, located in New York.  I was floored as he invited me to be a speaker for the 2010 LIMRA Marketing and Research Conference with the theme this year being, “Create a New Tomorrow”.  What an HONOR to speak to an audience of financial services management and practitioners who operate in the areas of marketing, marketing research, public relations, advertising, corporate communications and marketing services.  Bob said to me…

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