Sean Brison ~ Senior Editor

Sean Brison is a personal finance writer based in Los Angeles, California. After spending the better part of his early forties educating himself on the subject and turning around his financial situation, he’s logged thousands of hours researching and writing on matters revolving around budgeting, investing, and retirement. He’s passionate about teaching others what he’s learned and has been a contributor to Listen Money Matters for over a year.

Chase Credit Journey: A Free Credit Monitoring Service [REVIEW]

businessman figure standing on globe

One missed credit card payment will lower your credit score by 100 points. It happened to me. If you’re wondering whether Chase offers credit monitoring, the answer is yes. This post outlines how Chase’s free credit monitoring service, Credit Journey, helps you keep an eye on yours. Simply put, if you’re looking for a free tool that might help you avoid a 100-point loss, you’ll appreciate this post. Let’s dive in.

PeerStreet Review: How Risky Is Investing in Real Estate Debt?

Sold home

When you’re investing, debt is often the less risky asset class. The same way stocks are seen as volatile, bonds (debt) are viewed as a safer alternative. That rule also applies to real estate. In this PeerStreet review, we’re going to break down their service offerings and see whether investing with them is the right play for you.

Streitwise Review: Online Commercial Real Estate Investing for $1,000

Streitwise Review: Online Commercial Real Estate Investing for $1,000

What if I told you could get started investing in commercial real estate for as little as $1,000? That you’d gain access to a professionally managed portfolio of private real estate assets with some of the lowest fees in the industry – and it’s available to both accredited and non-accredited investors alike. Find out the details here.

Small Investments, Big Returns: Unleashing the Power of Starting Small

invest small income

You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest. Investing is how you become a millionaire. We look at small investments on a small income.

15 Residual Income Streams You Can Start Today

residual-income

There’s been epic growth in people finding innovative ways to earn residual income. We’ll help you figure out exactly where to start.

The Best Robo-Advisor: 13 Distinguished Picks for You This Year

code on monitor

Assets under management topped $1 trillion in the global robo-advisory market. Thanks to fintech, lower costs, total automation, and tax-optimized investment strategies are becoming the norm. Simply put, if you’re considering which robo-advisor is best for you, read this post.

AAWP Plugin Review: What Can This Affiliate Marketing Tool Do for You?

laptop computer keys

AAWP is a WordPress affiliate marketing plugin for Amazon Associates. But what does it do, how does it work, and will it earn you more money? This review explains exactly that. Let’s go.

Vanguard vs. Fidelity: Which Investment Platform is Right for You?

vanguard vs fidelity

Vanguard vs Fidelity conjures up an epic image of two warriors battling it out in the Roman Colosseum. Who will prevail in the coveted wealth […]

Betterment vs Vanguard Showdown: Which Investment Platform Reigns Supreme?

betterment-vs-vanguard

When I started investing, I didn’t have a clue. I’d never heard of words like tax-loss harvesting, rebalancing, or mutual funds. I thought it was […]

Be Your Own Bank With The Infinite Banking Concept

Infinite money

If you’ve ever heard of using your whole life insurance policy like a savings account to borrow against, then you’ve heard of the Infinite Banking Concept.

Master Your Finances: A Comprehensive Personal Capital Review

personal-capital-review

Over two million people use Personal Capital’s free tools. See all of your financials in one place while you track investments, monitor your budget, and plan for retirement. This review details all of the pros and cons of its features along with a closer look at its wealth management service. In short, if you’d like to discover whether they’re the one-stop-shop for all of your money needs, read this post.

Novo Bank Review: Business Checking Made Simple?

hands holding lightbulb

Business banking is crucial when you need to separate it from personal income. Without proper assistance, your finances get complicated. Small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs should be mindful.

Money Personalities: What is Your Money Modus Operandi?

money-personalities

Want to be a financial badass? Discover your money personality and start handling your cash like a boss. Click here to get your shit together!

Turnkey Rental Properties: Real Estate Investing for Passive Investors?

The Monopoly man in shock with multiple houses and apartments on the game board.

There are nearly 44 million renter-occupied homes in the U.S. If you’ve ever thought about owning a piece of that real estate market, turnkey rental properties might make sense. Simply put, if you want to learn how to passively invest in property without the hassles of becoming a landlord, this post is for you. Let’s dive in.

CrowdStreet Review: Accessible Commercial Real Estate Investing

city buildings

Real estate has always provided investors with an added layer of diversification. It’s typically uncorrelated with the stock market, generates steady income, while potentially producing higher returns. Go in-depth with us as we uncover the details of investing in commercial real estate with Crowdstreet.

Lasso WordPress Plugin: Why Every Affiliate Marketer Needs This

lasso with white background

Looking for an affiliate marketing plugin that does more than just cloak links (while letting you make long blog posts more interesting without filling them with stock images)? The Lasso WordPress plugin can fix that. This review explores what Lasso is, how bloggers like you can use it to generate more revenue, and more.

Webull Review: Online Broker Offers Affordable Commission-Free Trading

Webull Review: Online Broker Offers Affordable Commission-Free Trading

I’m sure you’d agree that online stock trading gets complicated – especially if you’re a beginner. In this Webull review, we take a look under the hood and find out if opening a trading account is worth your time. We’ll examine its features, investment products, commissions, fees, and more.

Robinhood Review: A Worthy Commission-Free Trading Platform?

robinhood-review

Online broker-dealer Robinhood offers investors commission-free trades while boasting ten million account holders. This post peeks under the hood and examines its investment options, features, and more. If you’re considering which trading platform best suits your needs, this post is for you.

Acorns Review: Squirrel Away Your Spare Change and Start Investing

acorns-review-investing

Acorns is an app that rounds up on your purchases and invests the change for you. Today we discuss the new app with the founder and innovation officer.

Equity Multiple Review: Invest in Commercial Real Estate for $5,000

city skyline

Commercial real estate is a $16 trillion market. While it can be challenging to tap into, crowdfunding makes it easier. This Equity Multiple review details its crowdfunding platform, property types, fees, and more. In short, if you’re looking for greater portfolio diversification (while *potentially* earning more for your money), this post is for you.

Home Equity Loans: Requirements, HELOCs, and Securing One [UPDATED]

home behind blades of grass

Difficulty wrapping your head around what home equity loans are? Unravel the age-old mysteries and determine which one is right for you. Click here for a good time.

QuickBooks Online Review: Ultimate Accounting Software Solution

laptop

If you’re a small business owner, finding the right accounting software is worth its weight in gold. You need something offering a user-friendly experience while satisfying your essential needs. Perhaps you require time-tracking or invoicing and accepting payments. Whatever the case, if you’re looking to potentially save money while enhancing your business operations, read this QuickBooks Online review.

YNAB Review and Chat with Founder Jesse Mecham

ynab-review

The importance of budgeting can’t be overstated. Today we talk to the king of budgeting tools, Jesse Mecham of You Need a Budget.

Mint Review: A Budgeting App That Will Save You Money? (UPDATED)

mint green leaves

Feeling lost trying to manage your money is terrible. For many, budgeting carries a steep learning curve that turns would-be budgeters off. You think you’ll never save enough, it’ll require too much of your time, and you never seem to know what to track or categorize.

Simple Review: All-In-One Banking, Budgeting, and Saving Online

desk with wall clock and plant

The number of U.S. digital banking users topped 160 million last year. With so many frustrating banking experiences, it’s no wonder people are moving away from traditional banks. Customers want total transparency without being nickel and dimed or slapped with another hidden fee.

Titan Review: Invest Like a World-Class Hedge Fund for Free

Titan-review

Typically, hedge funds attract high net-worth, sophisticated investors and can carry minimum investment requirements exceeding one million dollars. That’s a high barrier to entry for […]

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: What’s $550 Worth to You This Year?

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: What’s $550 Worth to You This Year?

Looking for a premier travel rewards credit card? Our Chase Sapphire Reserve review gets into the hairy weeds. Discover what it has to offer you here.

Budgeting Systems: Design One That Sticks to Your Lifestyle This Year

calculator

Budgeting sucks. No one really wants to do it. It’s hard to stick with, it’s a chore to review it every month and it makes you feel like crap when you spend way too much on lattes. But, you’re an adult so you need to do it. There are a few types of budgets, which one is right for you?

Discover Bank Review: A Fee-Free Mobile Banking Experience

hands on laptop

The first purchase with a Discover card was in 1985 at a Sears store in Atlanta. It officially launched in 1986 as a payment services company and has become one of the largest card issuers and banking providers with 15,000 employees and $57 billion in consumer deposits.

FreshBooks Review: The Best Cloud-Based Accounting Software?

old calculator

While 82% of small business owners fail to manage their cash flow, FreshBooks boasts its software will help you do it better while saving you 192 hours every year. This review details its invoicing, time tracking, and accounting features that have been helping self-employed professionals since 2003. In short, if you’re looking for a solution to potentially help you accomplish more in less time, read this post.

Chime Review: An Online Banking, Fee-Free Alternative?[UPDATED]

wind chimes and figure

The 2008 financial crisis weakened the trust people had for big banks. Consumers felt overwhelmed, underappreciated, and confused. Online banking filled the gap offering high-yield account options and friendlier customer service as a low-cost alternative.

The Robo-Advisor: What They Are and How Investing Got Easier

wooden robot

Before creating robo-advisors, your investment options were either to hire a financial advisor for a “small” fee or to research and pick the funds yourself. Now there’s another way. Robo-advisors have become increasingly popular. But why should you consider using one?

Yieldstreet Review: Are Alternative Investments Worth It?

Give Way traffic sign

Alternative assets under management exceeded $10 trillion worldwide. And the bulk of institutional investors reserve a piece of their portfolio for this asset class. Most of us don’t have access to the same investment opportunities they do. However, crowdfunding platforms make it easier. YieldStreet seeks to bring once-exclusive deals to the masses.

The Larry Portfolio: Does Going Bond-Heavy Beat Stocks?

plant growing through concrete

Finding the perfect portfolio is debatable. Everybody has an opinion. There is no single portfolio that rules all. There is only the one that lets you accomplish your financial goals with minimal anxiety.

Crush Your Investing Goals With A Lazy Portfolio

lazy-portfolio

Itching to start investing but don’t want it to devour your time? Learn the ways of the mighty lazy portfolio. Get educated here.

The Anatomy of a Well Balanced Investment Portfolio

balanced-portfolio

Balance is important in all aspects of life, including your financial portfolio. Find out what well balanced means when it comes to your portfolio.

Bull Vs. Bear: What To Do During Market Upturns and Downturns

bull-vs-bear-market

Questioning what animals have to do with the stock market? Learn the difference between bull vs. bear markets. Click here for enlightenment.

The Minimum Variance Portfolio: Reduce Risk and Optimize Your Returns

lego storm troopers gazing into horizon

We talk a lot about the importance of diversification, asset allocation, and portfolio construction at Listen Money Matters. Throughout it all, you may have heard the term “minimum variance portfolio” tossed around. What the heck is that? This post will explain.

How Stocks, Bonds, and Funds Work: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The New York Stock Exchange

We’ll discuss a boring subject, how stocks, bonds, and funds work but make it less boring by using Arrested Development to illustrate our points!

The Permanent Portfolio: Built to Profit Under Any Economic Condition?

reading book with coffee

I used to worry about losing money in the stock market. I didn’t believe I was smart enough to manage it myself. Turns out, you don’t need to be a stock analyst to invest. You only need to understand a few simple principles and you’ll do better than most.

The Best IRA Accounts for Your Retirement Plan

best-ira-retirement-accounts

Baffled by what the best IRA accounts for your retirement plan are? Discover how to pick the best one by asking yourself these essential questions.

A Comprehensive Review of Aspiration Bank: The Inner-Workings, Costs, Funds, and Fees

aspiration-bank-review

Unsure about which bank to stash your cash? We take a look underneath the hood to learn all about the inner-workings of Aspiration Bank.

21 Remarkable Personal Website Examples to Free Your Imagination

personal-website

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say building your personal website is tough. It’s your digital business card. Everyone on the internet is […]

PayPal Credit Review: A Digital Credit Line with Special Financing

paypal-credit-review

Wondering what the heck is PayPal’s digital credit line? Join us for an in-depth review about PayPal Credit to see if it makes sense for you.

Stash Invest Review: Digital Investing for the Next Generation?

Stash Invest Review: Digital Investing for the Next Generation?

Investing gets easier with each passing generation. Mobile apps, index funds, and reduced minimums have lowered the barrier to entry. Despite these facts, only an […]

Ally Invest Review: Low-Cost Products Paired with Commission-Free Trades

The sun on the horizon

I’m sure you’d agree that Ally has grown into a major player in the financial services industry. They’re praised for their low-cost products and commission-free trading. But is Ally Invest worthwhile compared to other online brokers? This Ally Invest review examines who they are, what they’re selling, and whether you should open an account.

Wealthsimple Review – A Chat with CEO Michael Katchen

wealthsimple-review

We love robo-advisors, and lots of other investors do too. But admittedly, robo-advisors are missing that personal touch some investors prefer. We found the best of both worlds in Wealthsimple. This is our Wealthsimple review along with a chat with CEO Michael Katchen. 

Acorns vs Stash: Two Micro-Investing Apps Go Head-to-Head

An acorn held in someone's palm.

With so many investment products available, the decision can feel overwhelming. Whose fees are lower? What are your options? What’s the minimum deposit requirement? What’s micro-investing?! In this Acorns vs Stash article, we’re going to look at which company is the better choice for you.

Dear Happiness: Let’s Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Coffee being poured into a mug with "UGH" written on it.

Your paycheck is deposited, groceries purchased, bills paid and then you’re broke until next week. Sound familiar? You can stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred: An Ultimate Rewards Rumble

A backpacker looking out at the sight of a lake in the wilderness.

Get rewarded for your spending the easy way – with a travel rewards card. Finding the right one doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re considering a Sapphire card by Chase, you’ll want to read this.

The SEP IRA Rules, Benefits and a Lofty Contribution Limit

Someone sitting at a table with the sun glaring through a window.

Today we’re getting into the gritty details of what a SEP-IRA account is and whether it’s the right play for you. However, this retirement account isn’t for everyone. Know what the SEP-IRA rules are before opening yours.

The Roth IRA: Optimize Your Retirement Savings by Knowing the Rules

roth-ira-rules

We’ll show you what the Roth IRA rules are and how you can optimize them towards your retirement savings. You ready to tap into your inner financial badass?

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

If you’re looking to cash in on an excellent rewards program, this one is worth a look. In this Chase Sapphire Preferred review, we’re going to take a look at who this card is for, their reward offerings, and whether it makes sense for you.

Freelance Taxes: Simple Tips for the Self-Employed to Avoid Losing Money

freelance-taxes

Freelance taxes make you queasy? Discover tax-savings tips and become a financial jedi like Obi Wan. Get your antidote here.

Statement Balance vs Current Balance: The Difference Costs You Money

statement balance vs. current balance

Unsure about the difference between your credit card statement balance vs. current balance? Learn which one to pay off and avoid a hefty finance charge. Click here to live long and prosper.

Creating the Stepping Stones to Greater Financial Success

financial-success

Financial success doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it’s acheived through a series of steps. These are the stepping stones to finacial success.

QuickBooks For The Self-Employed: Track Expenses, Invoices & Optimize Taxes (Like A Champ)

quickbooks-self-employed

Need help tracking your business expenses and tax details? Learn all about QuickBooks Self-Employed tax software. Click here to get your shit together.

LendKey Student Loans Review: Refinancing and Borrowing Made Easy

lendkey-review

If you are struggling with student loan debt, you may have considered refinancing. Today we bring you our LendKey review. LendKey will refinance your loans to lower your interest and save you money. 

learn courses podcast popular toolbox