Personal Finance

Personal Finance

Personal Finance

"The most important investment you can make is in yourself."

"The most important investment you can make is in yourself."

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself."

"The most important investment you can make is in yourself."

Warren Buffet

Warren Buffet

Warren Buffet

An outstretched arm holds a piggybank
An outstretched arm holds a piggybank
An outstretched arm holds a piggybank
An outstretched arm holds a piggybank

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Who we are

Features

Academy

Magazine

Who we are

Learn to become financially fit with Allio’s guides to saving, budgeting, and building wealth.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

January 5, 2024

What’s My Net Worth? Understanding the Keys to Building Wealth.

Your net worth, the difference between the value of your assets and liabilities, holds the key to financial independence.

A closeup of champagne glasses
A closeup of champagne glasses
A closeup of champagne glasses

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

December 8, 2023

Year-End Financial Checklist: 9 Tips to Maximize Your Money

Your end-of-year financial checklist. Maximize investments, manage taxes, and optimize benefits for a stronger 2024.

A piggybank on a table surrounded by books and coins
A piggybank on a table surrounded by books and coins
A piggybank on a table surrounded by books and coins

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

December 7, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Paying Off Your Student Loans

A comprehensive guide to paying off your student loans. Conquer student loan debt with strategic payments, budgeting, and income growth.

Two women with shopping bags stand in a snowy outdoor mall
Two women with shopping bags stand in a snowy outdoor mall
Two women with shopping bags stand in a snowy outdoor mall

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

December 6, 2023

Unwrap Financial Bliss: Master Your Holiday Budget with 7 Genius Hacks

Elevate your festive season with our holiday budget guide. Discover savvy tips to celebrate joyfully while keeping your finances in check.

Piggybanks sit in a line
Piggybanks sit in a line
Piggybanks sit in a line

By Bill Chen, CFA

November 2, 2023

Why Savings Accounts Are Useless in This Economic Climate

Using your savings account to build wealth? Think again. Your savings account may actually be causing you to lose money over time.

A row of townhomes painted in pastels
A row of townhomes painted in pastels
A row of townhomes painted in pastels

By Bill Chen, CFA

November 1, 2023

How to Invest in Real Estate with Little Money

Are you interested in investing in real estate? Here are the 4 most common ways to invest in real estate, including investing in REITs.

A young woman stands in front of her new car
A young woman stands in front of her new car
A young woman stands in front of her new car

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 31, 2023

How to Save and Budget for a New Car

Thanks to inflation and scarcity, affording a new car has become a heavy lift. Here's how careful planning can help you buy a new ride.

A group of gen z friends sit outside holding their piggybanks
A group of gen z friends sit outside holding their piggybanks
A group of gen z friends sit outside holding their piggybanks

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 30, 2023

3 Ways to Start Investing in Your 20s — and 1 Big Reason to Start Right Now

While massive debt and high inflation can make it tough to save for the future, there are a few easy ways to get started.

Two young adults hold hands in front of their first home
Two young adults hold hands in front of their first home
Two young adults hold hands in front of their first home

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 29, 2023

8 Things You Need To Know Before Buying Your First Home

Get ready for home ownership with 8 things you need to know before buying your first home.

A mannequin hand sits on a pile of money
A mannequin hand sits on a pile of money
A mannequin hand sits on a pile of money

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 28, 2023

Should I Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement?

Here are 4 questions to help you determine whether you would be better off paying off your debt or beginning to invest.

A turtle sits on a desk in front of a computer looking over a cityscape
A turtle sits on a desk in front of a computer looking over a cityscape
A turtle sits on a desk in front of a computer looking over a cityscape

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 27, 2023

Slow and Steady Investing Wins the Race

While it’s tempting to try and make a lot of money quickly in the market, slow and steady investing has proven itself time and again.

A figure of a black swan surrounded by coins
A figure of a black swan surrounded by coins
A figure of a black swan surrounded by coins

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 26, 2023

Black Swan Life Events & Why You Should Build an Emergency Fund

Everybody needs an emergency fund. Here’s a look at the role emergency funds play in protecting us.

Two people sit on a beach with a desk and a laptop
Two people sit on a beach with a desk and a laptop
Two people sit on a beach with a desk and a laptop

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 25, 2023

Want to Retire by 40? Here’s How Much You’ll Need to Save.

A look at Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE)—the favored philosophy of the “early retirement curious” audience.

A row of piggybanks lined up in front of model homes
A row of piggybanks lined up in front of model homes
A row of piggybanks lined up in front of model homes

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 24, 2023

Top 5 Ways to Save Money when Living in a City with a High Cost of Living

It can be hard to save money when you’re living in a city with a high cost of living. Here are 5 tips that can help.

A row of piggybanks lined up in front of a pink wall
A row of piggybanks lined up in front of a pink wall
A row of piggybanks lined up in front of a pink wall

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 23, 2023

Top 5 Globally Effective and Simple Ways to Save Money

There’s no one right way to save money. Here’s a look at 5 savings strategies from around the world that you can consider.

Two people exchange keys in front of a new home
Two people exchange keys in front of a new home
Two people exchange keys in front of a new home

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 22, 2023

Renting vs Buying Your First Home - A Practical Guide

Not sure whether you should buy or rent a home? Here’s a look at the cases for and against buying so you can make a more informed decision.

A man in a pink suit races down an urban street in a go cart
A man in a pink suit races down an urban street in a go cart
A man in a pink suit races down an urban street in a go cart

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 21, 2023

Avoiding Investor Inertia

Dreaming about financial freedom? Here are the steps that you can take to finally start investing and working toward your goals.

A person in a suit dressed as a unicorn sits in an open office cubicle
A person in a suit dressed as a unicorn sits in an open office cubicle
A person in a suit dressed as a unicorn sits in an open office cubicle

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 20, 2023

Top 5 Personal Finance Myths Deconstructed

There are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to saving. Here, we cut through the noise and empower you to reach your savings goals.

A dining plate filled with coins
A dining plate filled with coins
A dining plate filled with coins

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 18, 2023

The ‘Starve and Stack’ Method for Saving and Investing

Want to supercharge your saving and investing efforts? The Starve and Stack method can help you do exactly that.

A man digging in a field make out of money
A man digging in a field make out of money
A man digging in a field make out of money

By Bill Chen, CFA

October 17, 2023

Why Harvesting Your Tax-Losses Doesn’t Always Make Sense for Younger Investors

Tax-loss harvesting can be a powerful tool to reduce your tax burden. But sometimes, tax-gain harvesting also makes sense.

A cat figurine surrounded by coins
A cat figurine surrounded by coins
A cat figurine surrounded by coins

By Joseph Gradante, Allio CEO

October 16, 2023

Kakeibo: The Japanese Budgeting Technique that Yields Results

Kakeibo is a Japanese budgeting technique that you can use to track your expenses and reach your money goals.

People in suits surround a boardroom table
People in suits surround a boardroom table
People in suits surround a boardroom table

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 15, 2023

Your Comprehensive Guide to Employee Stock Options: Types, Taxes, and Valuation

Here's your comprehensive guide to employee stock options, including how to value your options, and how they're taxed.

A nest with eggs surrounded by coins
A nest with eggs surrounded by coins
A nest with eggs surrounded by coins

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 14, 2023

What Exactly Is a 401(K) & How Does It Work?

Contributing to your 401(k) can fast-track your path to retirement. We break down what you need to know about this retirement savings plan.

An image of an hourglass
An image of an hourglass
An image of an hourglass

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 13, 2023

All About IRAs: A Guide to the Most Popular Retirement Account

An IRA is one of the most popular ways people save for retirement. Get to know the rules. limits, and even a bit of investing strategy.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 12, 2023

All About Credit: Understanding Credit Scores

There are several factors that go into determining your credit score – knowing them can help you build a solid credit profile.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 11, 2023

How Interest Rates Impact You and the Economy

Changes in the level of interest rates have an impact on nearly all facets of the economy, but there are ways to not only protect yourself.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 10, 2023

Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for Financial & Mental Wellness

Reclaim your financial & mental well-being with tips to conquer personal finance burnout for lasting resilience and financial wellness.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 9, 2023

Improve Your Money Mindset: 9 Tips to Transform Your Relationship With Money

Nine tips to help you transform your money mindset. Discover how to overcome limiting beliefs, align your finances, and conquer challenges.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 8, 2023

7 Steps to Financial Wellness: What Millennials and Gen Z Can Start Doing Today

From simplified budgeting to strategic debt management, pave your way to financial independence and well-being, one step at a time.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 7, 2023

Guide To Compounding: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Can Unlock Financial Freedom

Unlock the magic of compounding to build lasting wealth. Learn how compounding works, its impact on portfolios, and why time is your ally.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 6, 2023

How to Avoid Lifestyle Creep: Smart Strategies for Managing Your Finances and Living Within Your Means

Are you stuck in a cycle of ever-increasing spending, despite earning more money? Learn about lifestyle creep and how to avoid it.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 5, 2023

The Rainy Day Fund: What It Is and Why You Should Have One

Are you ready for a rainy day? Here's why a smart financial plan includes setting aside some cash for unexpected expenses.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 4, 2023

12 Questions to Ask Before Deciding Whether to Rent or Buy a Home

12 questions to ask yourself before buying a home in today’s challenging market.

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 3, 2023

The Ultimate Personal Finance Hack - Sinking Funds for Stress-Free Money Management

Learn how this personal finance hack can help you build a secure financial future through automation and strategic planning.

A woman holds a piggybank
A woman holds a piggybank
A woman holds a piggybank

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 2, 2023

Health Savings Accounts: The MVP of Your Retirement Investing Plan

Did you know your HSA is a powerful investing tool? Enjoy triple tax advantages, lower premiums, and investment opportunities.

A credit card sits on a table
A credit card sits on a table
A credit card sits on a table

By Mike Zaccardi, CFA, CMT

October 1, 2023

8 Strategies to Get Your Credit Card Debt Under Control

Whether you're paying off one card, or have debt on multiple cards, here are 8 strategies to help you get your finances under control.

A pink car sits in a ditch after crashing
A pink car sits in a ditch after crashing
A pink car sits in a ditch after crashing

By Bill Chen, CFA

June 19, 2023

Portfolio Crashing? Don’t Panic: Your Guide to Current Market Events

When the market crashes, it’s natural to panic—but you don’t need to. Here’s a look at what’s causing recent market turmoil.

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