Since 2009, Kevin Mercadante has been sharing his journey from a washed-up mortgage loan officer emerging from the Financial Meltdown as a contract/self-employed “slash worker” – accountant/blogger/freelance web content writer – on Out of Your Rut.com. He offers career strategies, from dealing with under-employment to transitioning into self-employment, and provides “Alt-retirement strategies” for the vast majority who won’t retire to the beach as millionaires.
Kevin frequently discusses the big-picture trends that are putting the squeeze on the bottom 90%, offering work-arounds and expense cutting tips to help readers carve out more money to save in their budgets – a.k.a., breaking the “savings barrier” and transitioning from debtor to saver.
Articles by Kevin Mercadante
A Timeline of the Biggest Stock Market Crashes in U.S. History
As bad as the current stock market downturn feels, it’s hardly one of the biggest market crashes in U.S. history. There are strategies to survive and thrive in whatever happens with the market.
Best Merrick Bank Credit Cards 2023
If you have bad credit or little credit, Merrick Bank might be able to help you. This bank offers three different credit cards specifically designed to build or rebuild credit.
5 Best Long Term Investments To Add To Your Portfolio in 2023
Will the 2023 investment picture look like 2022? If not, you’ll need to be positioned in the best long-term investments for 2023.
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards? What Is The Difference?
If you have fair or poor credit, you’ll have a choice of secured vs. unsecured credit cards. What is the difference between the two, and which will work best for you?
What Is A Mutual Fund Expense Ratios And What Is A Good One?
Buried deep in your investment funds are costs known as expense ratios. If you understand what they are and how to minimize them, you can improve your investment performance dramatically.
Portfolio Diversification: How Many (& Which) Stocks Should You Own?
How many stocks do you have in your portfolio? Financial advisors generally recommend 20 to 30. But the specific number will depend on your investment goals and intended portfolio composition.
Can You Pay A Car Loan With A Credit Card?
Can you pay a car loan with a credit card? It’s possible, but only in limited circumstances. Here are the few situations where the practice makes sense.
Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses for Beginners
Mutual fund fees and expenses are confusing. Funds with the lowest fees can improve your investment performance by thousands of dollars.
OpenSky Secured Visa Card Review 2023
The OpenSky Secured Visa Card can help you build or rebuild your credit. With this card, no checking account is required and no credit check will be performed.
PNC Bank Review 2023
PNC Bank is a full-service bank with a large network of branches, as well as online and mobile banking. It offers a wide variety of banking products.
Foreign Transaction Fees: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
Most credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, and they can add up with frequent foreign travel. You owe it to yourself to avoid paying them. Here are four ways to do it.
Robinhood Review: Pros, Cons, and If It's The Right Platform for You
This review will provide a balanced evaluation of Robinhood, including a deep dive into the pros and cons of the broker’s app and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Is Annual Percentage Yield (APY) And How To Calculate It
There are two interest rates posted with nearly every interest-bearing instrument: interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY). APY is the most important to you as an investor. Here’s why.
What Is Credit Card Purchase Protection?
Because so many transactions happen online, having purchase protection is more important than ever. Find out why here.
