Read The Real Life Blog

Realize Your Financial Potential

Welcome to The Real Life Blog

We want you to get really, really good at managing your money, your real estate and your other investments. That's why we're so passionate about teaching what we've learned on our own financial journeys. There's a ton of information out there online about real estate investing and personal finance – how do you know what is useful? What's unrealistic or just a sales pitch? We can help. Follow The Real Life Blog for realistic, practical guidance and curated resources on living your real (estate) life.

Real Life – In The Media – See In The Media about how to use Cynthia's insights on your blog.

April 22, 2022

Real Life Planning Podcast Episode 8: Getting In The Door With Daniel Yerger

In Episode 8, I talk to Daniel Yerger, MBA, CFP©, ChFC©, AIF©, CDFA© of MY Wealth Planners about his new book, Getting In the Door: Starting a Financial Planning Career.

Financial Planning

April 8, 2022

Real Life Planning Podcast Episode 7: Buying a Home in an Expensive Area

Housing prices have risen rapidly. It is still possible to buy your own home in an expensive area, but you're going to have to think about it differently.

Financial Planning

February 10, 2022

Real Life Planning Podcast Episode 5: Are You Ready To Upsize Your Home?

When does it make sense to stay in your home - and when to start looking for a bigger one?

Financial Planning

January 31, 2022

What Is A Monte Carlo Simulation And How Does It Impact My Financial Plan?

Contributing blog author, Stephen Meyer, explains what Monte Carlo simulations are and what they are not, and how you can use a Monte Carlo simulation to make more nuanced decisions in your financal plan.

Financial Planning

January 18, 2022

15 Ways Real Estate Investors Minimize Their Taxes-Part 1

There are many ways real estate investments have favorable tax treatment, including depreciation expense and tax-deferred like kind exchanges. This article discusses the first 5 of 15 ways real estate investors minimize taxes.

Financial Planning

January 10, 2022

How Does Real Estate Impact College Planning?

How do real estate investments impact college planning and financial aid applications? I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately, as my high school senior navigates the college application process. I reached out to my friend Rynda Wilk, CFP®, MBA, a college planning expert with 21Finance, for a discussion of college financial strategies for real estate investors.

Financial Planning