2020: The 20somethingfinance Year in Review

2020: enough said.

No description or recap necessary. No way to sugarcoat it. It was a truly awful year.

Was it the worst year in recorded history? No, we’ve had worse. COVID inarguably had a huge negative health and economic impact on billions of humans worldwide, and we happen to be going through a very politically divisive moment in U.S. history, but it was a relatively peaceful year for our species, per capita.

With at least 2 highly effective vaccines ramping up production, there is hope on the horizon that 2021 will be a much better year. That will only happen, however, if enough of us contribute to making it so (this pandemic has really amplified our true character, for better or worse). Until then, you can find me burrowed under a weighted blanket somewhere.

20somethingfinance is celebrating its 13th anniversary this week. 2020 saw 42 published posts were added to the archives this year (mostly new, with some major re-writes worked in). I will be giving a self-assessment of 2020 and set some goals for 2021 within the next week.

As a note to newcomers, this site is still an independent, 1-person show and has been since day 1 (with the support of wonderful friends, family, subscribers, and readers/commenters, of course!). All of the articles here are written by me – no ghost writers, no fillers, no guest blogger pandering, no sponsored post garbage, etc. I write about the stuff that I find interesting and think most of us can benefit from knowing. Hopefully, some of it resonates, inspires, entertains, and/or educates.

As always, feedback is welcome. What has stuck with you? What influenced positive change? Are there any particular topics that you’d like me to explore, re-explore, or dig deeper on? Please share your feedback and requests in the comment section.

Also, if you are relatively new here or haven’t yet done so, you can follow the 20SomethingFinance Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and/or subscribe to get new posts – for free – via email. And check out the money saving products page for updated recommendations on my favorite products/services to help readers save money. Here are the top articles of the past year…

Cheers to a better 2021. Stay safe out there.

January

• The Cheapest & Best Tax Software Prep Online: Top Program Comparison (2020): I’ll be updating this soon, but for those looking to get an early start, this should be a good starting point.

February

• The Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion: I’m a convert. This post details all of the top considerations for “Mega Backdoor Roth conversions”.

March

• A List of Top Coronavirus Relief Measures & How to Claim Your Benefits: while the time is up for most of these, a few live on.

April

• When to Refinance a Mortgage: the time might be right for many, with APR’s at all-time lows.

May

• 4 Health Insurance Options for the Newly Unemployed or Uninsured: essential options for anyone who lost their insurance this year.
• 8 Ways to Sharply Cut Mobile Cellular Data Usage (on iPhone & Android): I detail how to keep your data use to a very reasonable minimum.
• Use Your FSA, HSA, or HRA to Pay for OTC Medications & Menstrual Care Products: I still think this is known by very few.

June

• Always Remember: Work is a Temporary Transactional Opportunity: in the midst of a pandemic and economic slowdown, this is one of the most important takeaways we can all take from 2020, moving forward.

July

• Should you Get Rid of your Financial Advisor (& Become your Own)?: I encourage everyone to look into this further as many financial advisors often provide a disservice to their clients.

August

• Contentment Versus Upgrade Consumerism: perhaps the defining personal finance battle.

September

• The FIRE Post: A “FIRE” Definition & Status Update: I detail a huge life change.

October

• Where to Get Free or the Cheapest Flu Shots (Updated List): with hospitals overwhelmed, not overlooking a flu shot is critical this flu season.

November

• FIRE Update: 6 Months: I recap my “FIRE” experience, 6 months in.
• Rakuten: $40 Welcome Bonus Promo (Easy Money): while the $40 welcome bonus is no longer active for new signups, those who did sign up still have time to complete their purchase. The welcome bonus for new signups right now appears to be $20.
• Save Money on Amazon: A List of Amazon Discounts, Promos, & Price Hacks: a compilation of “deep cut” Amazon hacks and discounts to save money on every Amazon purchase you make.

December

• The New $300 Donation Tax Deduction in 2020: Details & Reminder: just days left to still take advantage of this deduction, while helping a charity in need.
• The Best Credit Cards for Costco Purchases: Costco fans rejoice – at least 2% cash back for all.