Take charge of your personal finances with the Rayo money framework

Part 1: Understand your income and track your expenses

The concept of money as we know it has undergone radical transformations since the modern homo sapiens first created a barter system to exchange goods and services.

Today, money is a store of value. It’s what you use to buy stuff, to explore leisure-time activities, and to build a life of comfort. In fact, a lack of money can seriously affect the quality of your life, as well as the lives of those who depend on you. Moreover, an unexpected event or personal setback like a medical emergency, job loss or divorce can have a disastrous impact on your current…

“How much money should I be saving in my 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond?”

This is an age-old question that everybody wants to know the answer to, especially so for immigrants in a new country who need the financial security in the event of any emergencies. Now, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to suit every immigrant, as everyone comes from a different background, with factors like family, education, wealth, current commitments, etc. playing a role in who they are today, and who they’re likely to be in future. For instance, some immigrants who are the only child would need to provide…

Moving abroad has its pros and cons. One thing every Indian misses is the festive vibe that comes with numerous festivals celebrated back home, especially when you see social media posts of your family and friends enjoying this special time. Once the festive season starts it’s almost like there is a festival every other day with vibrant colors, lip-smacking food, and general warmth all around.

Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Indians are known for taking their culture and festivals wherever they go. With the US having 4 million+ Indian expats, almost all…

When you are in the third largest country in the world with a great internal conservation plan in place, your options of a getaway are plenty. Let’s be honest the United States is a huge expanse. And it’s as diverse as they come.

You have the two largest oceans on the flanks, you have your deserts, you have your heap of islands and you have incredible national parks with a diverse conglomeration of flora and fauna. Then there’s always Hollywood.

And let’s be honest, we all know, this lockdown phase is soon going to be over. …

Truth be told, the US that we know today was built by immigrant hands.

When you look at the landmark events, inventions and technological breakthroughs that have shaped America, it’s plain to see that most of them would not have happened without immigrants. If we exclude the early settlers, even in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, some immigrants have changed the course of American history. When we look back, their legacies shine bright not just in the US, but globally.

Nikola Tesla

A colossal figure, Tesla’s contribution to the post-industrial-revolution world and subsequently modern machination is unquestionable. …

Settling in the United States of America is a dream for many across the world. Whether you’re a fresh college graduate looking to study in the US, a working professional relocating for a job opportunity, or someone moving on a short-term basis, opening a bank account is one of the first steps in finding your financial footing. For Indians immigrating to the US, the contrast between the banking systems in the two countries can seem rather stark. Let’s discuss what the differences are and how you can overcome them.

1. Account opening procedures

Opening a bank account in the US…

Common American things that will surprise you, when you are new to the US

Though the US is composed of people with different backgrounds, nationalities and ethnicities, there are some customs shared by all Americans that may seem odd, especially when you are new to the US. Some things Americans consider to be commonplace are actually quite unique to the US. If you’re not from the US, you may find many of these traditions or customs a little odd, with no clear answer or reason why Americans do these things. Here’s a list of common American customs that will surprise you.

1. Obsession With College Sports and Alma Mater

You will be hard pressed…

It’s that time of the year when you have to dredge up your last year earnings. That’s right — it’s tax season. Though this year’s tax filing season has been postponed until July 15, the date is now fast-approaching. For those of you who have recently moved to the US, and even for those who have had experience doing so in the past, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Here are some #RayoProTips to make your life easier — tips to keep in mind when filing your taxes as an expat in the US. …