Josh Patoka

After graduating in $50k with student loans in May 2008 from Virginia Military Institute with a B.A. International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Spanish (he studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for 3 months), Josh decided to sell his soul for seven years by working in the transportation industry to get out of debt ASAP and focus on doing something else with a better work-life balance.

He is a father of three and has been writing about (almost) everything personal finance since 2015. You can also find him at his own blog Money Buffalo where he shares his personal experience of becoming debt-free (twice) and taking a 50%+ pay cut when he changed careers.

Today, Josh relishes the flexibility of being self-employed and debt-free and encourages others to pursue their dreams. Josh enjoys spending his free time reading books and spending time with his wife and three children.

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Recent Articles by Josh

Fisher Investments Review: Hands-On Portfolio Management

Founded in 1979, Fisher Investments is a well-known investment advisory firm. But many investors are unaware of the types of services they offer and whether their money managers can improve their portfolio performance. Want to know if Fisher is right for you? Find out in this Fisher Investments review.

Mission Lane Credit Card Review: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re still working on getting your credit score above 670, you may need a credit-building credit card instead. The Mission Lane Visa™ Credit Card is an option that can help you establish credit and gradually improve your credit score. Here's what you need to know, including the key features, fees, pros and cons, and Mission Lane alternatives.

10 Best Rewards Checking Accounts for 2023

Did you know? Checking accounts that pay interest on deposits and cash back actually exist. Of course, the benefits vary depending on the bank, so we're listing the best accounts here to help you find the best rewards checking account for your banking needs.

Ziggma Review: The Best Portfolio Tracker for Your Money?

If you prefer individual stocks and ETFs for your portfolio, investment research tools like Ziggma can help you find the best stocks for your portfolio. Our Ziggma review tests the various features of this stock analysis tool so you can decide if it deserves a spot in your investment toolkit.

Bask Bank Review: Great Rates on Savings and CDs

Bask Bank is an online bank that lets you choose between earning a high-interest rate or American Airlines miles on your savings account deposits. But how does it compare to other online banks, like Discover, Chime, or Ally? This Bask Bank review covers the key features, pros and cons, and Bask alternatives.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Card Review

The Upgrade Rewards Cash Rewards card is a promising alternative to traditional credit cards. It can be easier to qualify for, you can earn 1.5% back on card payments, and you don’t need to make a security deposit. But is it the right card for you? This Upgrade Cash Rewards Card review covers the positive and negative features.

Best Long-Term Care Insurance: Key Factors to Consider

The best long-term care insurance policies can help secure your finances if you need in-home care or to move to an assisted care, nursing home, or hospice facility. There are several providers to choose from, and the types of coverage vary. Find out how long-term care insurance works and discover 5 insurance companies that offer long-term care policies.

15 Largest Life Insurance Companies in the U.S.

When shopping for life insurance, you want to make sure the company you're dealing with is going to be around for a while. And while size isn't everything, companies with a larger market share have a more extensive customer base which can translate to greater financial stability. Here are 15 of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S.

Venmo vs. PayPal: Which Is Right for You?

If you need to send money to a friend or receive payment, chances are you're using PayPal or Venmo. But while they offer a similar service, there are some key differences. This Venmo vs. PayPal comparison breaks down the key features to help you decide which peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service is better for you.

Rocket Money Review 2023: Is Rocket Money Safe?

Rocket Money is a budgeting app that helps you track your spending, automate your savings, cancel unwanted subscriptions and plan for future purchases. But is Rocket Money safe to use, and how does it stack up to the competition? Find out in this Rocket Money Review.

How to Buy OpenAI Stock: Can You Invest in ChatGPT?

AI might be the most impactful technology of the decade, and it's reshaping business practices in many industries. For example, ChatGPT from OpenAI is one of this year’s most-used software programs. But is it possible to buy stock in OpenAI? The short answer may be 'no', but there is a workaround.

Best Crypto Sign-Up Bonuses and Promotions

Most cryptocurrency exchanges offer sign-up bonuses to draw potential customers. Most exchanges will pay you a few dollars for completing your first trade; however, the more valuable promotions may allow you to receive up to $500 or more. Here is our list of the best crypto sign-up bonuses.

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