Author: Jia

I came from very a very humble origin. I had lived in four different countries and spoke four different languages by the time I was thirteen. English is the most recent language I've acquired. My career has taken me to various parts of the world and across the United States. When people inquire about my occupation, I just state that I am a "Bean Counter." I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.S. in Economics and a B.B.A. in International Business, as well as a USC MBA in Finance. I like sharing money-saving ideas, recipes, and tricks with others.

Thanksgiving is Upon Us

After many years no cooking Thanksgiving dinner, this year I decided to make my feast. These are some of the things I have learned, gathered, and accepted for Thanksgiving and the 5 pitfalls to avoid on Thanksgiving Day. I am certainly guilt of a few of these, but number 1 is what I do year after […]

Unrealized Capital Gains Tax – A Quick Guide

Lately there has been some news that some leaders in the United States are considering changing how capital gains are taxed. Specifically, there has been some discussion about taxing unrealized capital gains. This article will shed some light on what unrealized capital gains are. What is Unrealized Capital Gain? Unrealized Capital Gain is any appreciation […]

How to Achieve Financial Independence to Retire Early (FIRE)

Achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early

Financial independence is a point in time where a person can live without financial worry. Achieving financial independence requires discipline. Here is how…

10 Great Online Side Job Ideas

I’m writing these side job ideas from a teacher’s perspective based on jobs I have either done or would do. You don’t have to be a teacher to do these jobs.

The 3 Most Basic “Golden” Rules of Accounting

There are 3 generally accepted Golden Rules of Accounting. They have to do with debits and credits. Here is what they are, and what they really mean.

5 Tips To Keep Party Decoration Costs Low

When shopping for parties or event decorations it is easy to blow the budget. Here are some money-saving tips to save money when having a party or event.

Seven Things to Consider When Inflation is High

7 Things To Consider When Inflation is High

What is Inflation? Why is it dangerous for our financial health? What to do? Here are 7 things to consider, from someone who has experienced high inflation.

7 Ways to Avoid Blowing Your Budget at Wholesale Stores

Here are 7 things to consider when going to a wholesale store like Costco: Know item prices. Don’t fall into the trap of browsing. Buy bulk fruits only if …

Chicken Parmesan – The Low Cost Way

In a previous post we made homemade peach syrup. Now we are going to put that peach syrup to use in order to make some tasty drinks for kids and adults!

How to Get Rid of Credit Card Debt

Getting rid of credit debt is not as simple as cutting up your credit cards and never using them again. Credit cards can be a good thing because they help you build credit and your credit score. Your credit score is very important as the interest rate you pay on a car loan or home mortgage depends on your credit scores …

A Bean Counter's Way