Money Smart Guy Matthew Sapaula to Serve as Chicago Financial Coach on MSN Money Personal Finance Reality Show

Big news everyone! I’ve been so excited to share this with you for months, but I have been under “embargo”.  (A new PR word I learned that means: shut your mouth until the people who write the big checks, let you).

Throughout the summer, I have been in production filming a new online reality show around the areas of personal finance, saving and investing.  Oh mang!  I have signed on for three seasons for The Invested Life which airs online at MSN Money beginning October 2010 to June 2011, sponsored by TD Ameritrade.  They have taken seven independent financial experts from seven cities: Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland, New York and of course, Chicago!  Our role is to serve as a financial coach to a client assigned to us during each season.  You’ll be able to watch and learn from both perspectives, a financial coach and a client, how the process of dealing with personal financial issues are managed.

Why an online reality show about money?  It’s a unique way to reach and help investors when they need it the most.  Many people feel financially confused, isolated and somewhat powerless.  This will help more people take control of their financial futures.  It is relatable, educational, innovative and real time!

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Increasing Retirement Age to Get Your Social Security Benefits

Podcast: Download (Duration: 6:44 — 12.4MB)

Since Americans are living much longer than previous generations, that means Medicare and Social Security will be supporting retirees for many years more than ever anticipated when the programs were created. When FDR (President Franklin Delano Roosevelt) created Social Security, the retirement age was set at 65, but the average life span was 62. Research shows that longevity for men and women has increased by between 35-40% since 1940. That increase translates into higher costs, rising 38% since the beginning of the program. The left argues there is no real change in longevity. Should the retirement age be raised?

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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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Matthew Sapaula Talks Personal Credit on Crain’s Chicago Business Blog

Are you wondering about your credit report and how often you should check it for accuracy? Well Matthew recently discussed this topic with SCORE Chicago and he offers some great, affordable tips for protecting your credit by monitoring it consistently. You can watch the video here.

Some of the points highlighted during the interview include:

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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

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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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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Behind the Scenes Footage with Matthew Sapaula on the Garrard McClendon LIVE Show!

Just a little sum-sumthin’ for ya…and yes, don’t let the suit and tie fool ya, I bust out in many corny moments to break the tension! Here’s a short video sharing with you about what goes on behind the scenes from a recent appearance on the Garrard McClendon LIVE show on Chicago’s CLTV.

As you can see, I VALUE your comments from our blog, Facebook and Twitter connections.  Keep them flowin!!

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How This Laid Off Worker Handles a Major Financial Challenge

As the economy continues to rebuild and small businesses reinvent themselves, laid off workers have had to weather one of the worst economic and financial times of their lives.  At at time where most feel financially isolated and confused, people like Bob and Mary Jo have become more proactive in taking control of their financial future.  A few years ago before the recession, I met them while speaking for a Chicago real estate investing club.  As a financial strategist and wealth-building coach specializing in the specific needs of home owners and real estate investors, I had the opportunity to not only help Bob and Mary Jo weather a personal economic collapse, but brace for a recession.  Sure enough, right after we had met, Bob had gotten laid off after being promised a company pension after 20+ years of committed, loyal service to his company.  No monthly pension income payments, no health insurance, no company benefits as previously promised…Bob was on his own.

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Should You Borrow Early From Your 401(k) Plan?

Tough economic times have caused many to tap into any financial resource they have.  Burdened with debt, job loss, supporting kids through school along with other financial pressure make more difficult to get by each month.  For many, an employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has been a source of forced-savings and therefore, tempting to touch.  But should you?  Is it a good idea?

Also, have you thought about cashing out completely, your 401(k) plan?  Have your heard that fellow co-workers, family and friends have done the same thing?

Here’s how we addressed this question with Tera Williams, reporter and journalist,  from FOX Chicago:

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