Not Rich, Just Ready

Plan Today, Thrive Tomorrow

recent posts

about

  • Should I Pay Off My 2.99% Mortgage Early or Invest Instead?

    If you’ve spent any time reading personal finance advice, you’ve probably heard some version of this:

    “Pay off your mortgage as fast as possible.”

    On the surface, that advice makes sense. Being debt-free sounds amazing. No mortgage payment. No interest. More financial freedom.

    But what if your mortgage rate is only 2.99%?

    That’s the situation my family is in.

    We bought our home in 2020 and locked in a 30-year fixed mortgage at 2.99%. Every month, I make the payment and occasionally wonder whether I should be sending extra money toward the loan.

    The question I kept coming back to was simple:

    Should I pay off my mortgage early, or should I invest that extra money instead?

    After spending a lot of time running the numbers, I came to a conclusion that surprised me.

    Why Paying Off Your Mortgage Feels So Good

    There are a lot of good reasons to pay off your mortgage early.

    First, it reduces risk.

    A paid-off home means one less monthly obligation. If you lose your job, want to switch careers, or simply want more flexibility, having no mortgage payment can provide tremendous peace of mind.

    Second, every extra payment provides a guaranteed return equal to your mortgage interest rate.

    If your mortgage rate is 2.99%, paying extra principal is essentially the same as earning a risk-free 2.99% return.

    That’s not a bad deal.

    In fact, for many people, it’s exactly the right choice.

    But that’s not the whole story.

    The Hidden Advantage of a Low Mortgage Rate

    A mortgage at 2.99% is incredibly cheap money.

    Historically speaking, mortgage rates have often been much higher than that.

    When I look at my financial goals, I have to ask myself:

    Where can each dollar do the most work?

    If I put an extra dollar toward my mortgage, I save 2.99% in interest.

    If I invest that dollar, history suggests I may earn more than 2.99% over the long run.

    Of course, investing is not guaranteed.

    Markets go up and down.

    But over periods of 10, 20, and 30 years, broad stock market index funds have historically delivered returns well above my mortgage rate.

    That difference matters.

    The Math Isn’t Even Close Over Long Periods

    One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that time is incredibly powerful.

    A dollar invested today doesn’t just earn returns once.

    It earns returns.

    Then those returns earn returns.

    Then those returns earn even more returns.

    That’s the magic of compounding.

    Meanwhile, a dollar used to pay down a 2.99% mortgage saves interest, but the benefit remains tied to that relatively low rate.

    The longer the timeline, the more attractive investing becomes.

    This is especially true for someone like me who still has decades before retirement.

    But What About Risk?

    This is where personal finance becomes personal.

    Paying down a mortgage is guaranteed.

    Investing is not.

    The stock market can decline.

    Your investments can lose value in the short term.

    That’s the tradeoff.

    Extra mortgage payments offer certainty.

    Investing offers higher potential rewards but requires patience and discipline.

    Neither choice is objectively right for everyone.

    It depends on your goals and your comfort level.

    What I’m Choosing to Do

    For my family, we’ve decided not to aggressively pay down our mortgage.

    Instead, we’re focusing on:

    • Contributing to retirement accounts
    • Building our investment portfolio
    • Maintaining a healthy emergency fund
    • Increasing our long-term financial flexibility

    That decision isn’t because I love debt.

    It’s because I believe my money has a better chance of growing elsewhere while my mortgage rate remains so low.

    Could I be wrong?

    Absolutely.

    Future market returns are never guaranteed.

    But based on the information available today, investing appears to be the better long-term choice for our family.

    The Real Goal Isn’t Being Rich

    One thing I’ve learned is that financial decisions become easier when you understand your actual goal.

    My goal isn’t to become rich overnight.

    My goal is to be ready.

    Ready for emergencies.

    Ready for opportunities.

    Ready for unexpected expenses.

    Ready for retirement.

    Ready to spend more time with my family and less time worrying about money.

    For me, that means focusing on growing assets rather than rushing to eliminate a mortgage with a 2.99% interest rate.

    Final Thoughts

    If your mortgage rate is similar to mine, it may be worth taking a step back before sending every extra dollar to the bank.

    Paying off your mortgage early isn’t a bad decision.

    Far from it.

    But it may not be the decision that maximizes your long-term wealth.

    At the end of the day, personal finance isn’t about finding the perfect answer.

    It’s about making thoughtful decisions that align with your goals.

    For my family, investing wins.

    Your answer may be different.

    And that’s okay.

  • Dollars and Deals (D.A.D.)

    Hey dads, moms, and anyone looking to make the most of every dollar—welcome to D.A.D. (Dollars and Deals)! Saving money doesn’t have to be a chore or a full-time job. Over the past year, my family and I have been using a few easy-to-use apps that put cash back in our pockets for purchases we were already making.

    Here are the three apps that have made the biggest difference, along with my referral codes and the latest offers so you can get started faster.

    AppCurrent OfferReferral Code / LinkPurpose
    Rakuten$50 bonus after first $50 purchaseSign UpCash back on online shopping
    Fetch2,000 points ($2) after first receipt[H4HK6F] / Sign UpScan receipts for gift cards
    UpsideUp to $0.25/gallon bonus on first fill-up[JOEY83884] / Sign UpCash back on gas & local eats

    Last Updated: November 2025
    Offers may change, but I personally check and update this list regularly so you always get the latest deals.

    1. Rakuten – Cash Back for Everyday Online Shopping

    Rakuten gives you a percentage of your online purchases back in cash—from clothes to gadgets to holiday gifts.

    How we use it:

    • Always check if the store is on Rakuten before buying.
    • Install the browser extension or App for automatic cashback.
    • Cash out quarterly to PayPal or bank account.

    Current Offer:

    • New users get $50 bonus when you sign up and make your first $50 purchase.

    Referral Code / Link:

    Result: Over a year, we’ve earned around $200–$300 just from things we were already buying online.

    2. Fetch Rewards – Scan Receipts, Get Gift Cards

    Fetch Rewards rewards you for scanning receipts from almost any store. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, grocery stores, and more.

    How we use it:

    • Scan every receipt, big or small.
    • Redeem points for gift cards.
    • Fetch Games – earn extra points just by playing mobile games.

    Current Offer:

    • New users get 2,000 points ($2) after scanning their first receipt.

    Referral Code / Link:

    Result: This has added up to about $50–$75 per quarter, all from everyday shopping.

    3. Upside – Cash Back on Gas & Local Eats

    Upside gives cash back when you fill up your car or eat out at participating locations.

    How we use it:

    • Check the app for the best gas price nearby before filling up.
    • Look for restaurant offers when eating out or ordering takeout.

    Current Offer:

    • New users can get up to $0.25 per gallon bonus and additional cash back on first gas fill-up.

    Referral Code / Link:

    Result: Gas and food purchases that once felt like expenses are now small wins—$20–$50 back each month.

    Tips to Maximize Your Savings

    • Stack rewards: Use cashback + coupons + loyalty points.
    • Set reminders: Check apps before purchases.
    • Start small: Even $1–$2 per purchase adds up over time.

  • How We Save $300 a Month Without Feeling Like We’re Missing Out

    Hey there! As a father of two, I know how expensive life can get. Between daycare, groceries, bills, and the occasional “fun splurge,” it sometimes feels like there’s no room to save.

    But over the past year, my family and I figured out a way to save about $300 a month—without giving up the things that make life enjoyable. I’m not talking about extreme budgeting or cutting out all the fun; I’m talking about small, practical changes that add up quickly.

    Here’s what worked for us.

    1. Use Cashback & Reward Apps for Everyday Spending

    We started using apps like Rakuten and Fetch for groceries, online shopping, and even gas. At first, it felt like a tiny gain, but when you stack multiple purchases, it really adds up.

    Tip: Look for apps that let you get cashback for things you’re already buying. You’d be surprised how quickly $5–$10 here and there turns into real savings.

    2. Meal Planning & Smart Grocery Shopping

    Instead of wandering the aisles or ordering takeout midweek, we plan our meals for the week. That means:

    • Buying only what we need
    • Avoiding last-minute convenience purchases
    • Cooking in batches

    Result: We cut our grocery bill by about $80–$100 a month without feeling deprived.

    3. Cancel or Optimize Subscriptions

    We took a hard look at our recurring expenses: streaming services, subscription boxes, apps, and even some memberships.

    • Some were unused—canceled them.
    • Others we downgraded or shared with friends/family.

    Tip: Many subscriptions go unnoticed because they’re automatic. Check once a month—it’s free money in your pocket.

    4. DIY & At-Home Fun

    Instead of spending $50+ on weekend activities or entertainment, we found fun, low-cost alternatives:

    • Family game nights
    • Movie nights with homemade snacks
    • Local free events

    It keeps the kids entertained without draining the budget.

    5. Set Small Savings Goals & Automate Them

    Finally, we set up a separate savings account and automated $100 a week from our checking. Because it happens automatically, we don’t miss the money, and seeing the balance grow is motivating.

    Tip: Even $25 a week adds up to $100 a month—consistency matters more than the amount.

    Conclusion

    Saving $300 a month doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not about cutting out all fun. It’s about small, intentional changes that fit your life.

    If a busy family like ours can do it, so can you. Start with one or two of these tips today, and watch the savings grow—without feeling like you’re missing out.

    Bonus Tip:
    Want more tiny hacks that add up to real cash? Check out Dollars and Deals (DAD) post for daily savings and money-making tips you can start today.

  • Introduction

    Introduction

    Hey there! Welcome to Not Rich, Just Ready. If you’re looking for flashy get-rich-quick schemes, this isn’t the place. But if you want real, actionable ways to manage your money, save smarter, and be prepared for whatever life throws at you…you’re in the right spot.

    I’m Joey, a father of two, and like many parents, I’m not trying to get rich—I just want to be prepared. Between the high cost of daycare, the challenge of planning for college, and everyday expenses that seem to sneak up, it can feel overwhelming. But I’ve learned that being ready—even in small ways—can make a big difference.

    That’s what this site is all about: helping everyday people take practical steps toward financial security without feeling stressed or deprived.

    What You’ll Find Here

    On this site, I’ll share:

    • Simple tips to save money without cutting out all the fun
    • Budgeting strategies that actually work in real life, even with kids
    • Ways to make a little extra income with minimal stress
    • Smart approaches to planning for big expenses—like home improvements, family trips, or your children’s future

    Think of this as your go-to spot for financial advice that’s realistic, relatable, and actually doable, even for busy parents.

    Why “Not Rich, Just Ready”?

    Being ready doesn’t require a six-figure salary or a fancy lifestyle. It’s about being prepared for life’s surprises, having a plan, and feeling confident in your finances—even if your bank account doesn’t scream “wealthy.”

    What’s Next?

    I’ll be posting regularly with practical tips, small challenges, and strategies you can implement immediately. If you’re ready to take control of your money (without losing your sanity), stick around—it’s going to be simple, fun, and surprisingly rewarding.