Smart Choices, Smart Life

Water main breaks can introduce contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and minerals into the water supply. A water filter can help keep your water clean and safe, even if there's an issue with the municipal water supply.  It can be expensive, but it's a good idea to change your water filters after a water main break, and it's critical to do so after a boil water advisory.  Even though the water company flushes the lines and may issue boil water advisories, contaminants can clog or contaminate your filter, reducing its effectiveness. I do this once the utility company repairs the problem or lifts the boil water advisory. Water Main  Break Boil Water  Advisory Action Yes Yes Sanitize your system : Before installing new filters, run water for at least 5 minutes to sanitize your system. Yes Yes Run your appliances : After the water main breaks, you should run yo...

 Also see the associated  YouTube Video 401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 The IRS raised the standard 401(k) contribution limit from $23,000 to $23,500 (+$500 or +2.2%) . It did not increase the IRA contribution limit, which remains $7,000. From the IRS Website The catch-up contribution limit that generally applies for employees aged 50 and over who participate in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remains $7,500 for 2025. Therefore, participants in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older generally can contribute up to $31,000 each year, starting in 2025. Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62, and 63 who participate in these plans. For 2025, this higher catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500. That is an additional $...

 If you are using simple passwords or the same ones repeatedly, I will pass along my sympathy now for the upcoming hack. Stop using documents and “Post It notes” to store your passwords, and STOP using simple passwords. You need a Password manager! Special Note: Nothing is free, so I recommend paying for a service that is as important to your financial health as this. A password manager will help create complicated passwords, track them, and make them available for your loved ones should something happen to you. Here is a list of popular password managers. Where the best is subjective, the list below is from best to worst based on my opinion after reviewing many sources. 1Password Families Dashlane Premium Keeper Unlimited Keeper Free Bitwarden Families LastPass Premium LastPass Free Bitwarden Free My Tips Usernames: Avoid using your email, name variation, or account number as a username. Bad Guys know then, and you just made their jobs easier. Two-factor Authentication...

I started listening to Clark Howard on AM radio in 1989 when I moved to Atlanta. Although times have changed, I still listen to and enjoy his podcast. His personal finance advice and travel topics have taught me a lot.  In these days of influencers, Clark Howard's approach is unique and refreshing, especially in a world where paid promotions are common. Like any human, he has his favorites, like Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity, or Toyota and Tesla, but his commitment to independent, unbiased advice builds trust with his audience. Clark has a reputation for making decisions or recommendations because it is what he and his staff believe is right. He does NOT accept money for other benefits to push products or services. To the best of my knowledge, he also does not choose his advertisers; he does, however, instruct the advertising agency to reject specific categories. Clark and his team developed these two tools to help you make better choices and save money. Cell/Mobile Phone Pla...