Vacation, Investing, Debt and Some Tips for Life
We’re in vacation mode… busy packing and ready to hit the road bright and early. Usually we fly, but this time we’re driving… we’ll see how 8 hours in the car goes with a 9 month old and 2 year old. Wish us luck – we might need it!
Once we get to our destination we’ll be on a houseboat… hopefully without access to the Internet! My email responses over the next two weeks will be sporadic until we get back.
Next week, you’ll still see articles on the regular schedule. Some will be guest posts and some will be articles I have written ahead of time. If you would ever like to guest post in the future… let me know!
If you are thinking of vacation but want to do so inexpensively, consider cheap vacations abroad where your dollar can go a little further. If you are driving like us, don’t forget to rotate your tires.
My favorite article this week is One Way To Track Your Progress Towards Financial Independence. There’s a perfect illustration of how your crossover chart should look if you follow the directions in Your Money or Your Life, which is of course, my favorite Personal Finance book!
Investing
The Optimal Foreign Investment Allocation
I’ve mentioned before that we adjusted our asset allocation to include more foreign investments this year. They identify 30% as the sweet spot for foreign allocation. Ironically, I had already selected 30%!
Will the government raid Roth IRAs?
Will the benefit of tax free investing in a Roth IRA always exist? It’s true that the government changes rules over time, although I think this would be a pretty big deal… but maybe that’s just because we have so much of our portfolio in Roth IRAs.
Stock Market Investing 101 – How Does the Stock Market Work?
If you are just getting started learning about investing, this is the place to start. Too often I forget to write the basics before I start talking about something, luckily Ben has it covered!
Dow and S&P in Bear Market?
The Dow has declined 20.8% 10 months which officially means the beginning of a bear market. The S&P is close behind. Does this mean it’s a great time to buy “on sale?”
Debt
Finance 101: Good Debt vs. Bad Debt
Lazy points out that you could be leaving a lot of money on the table by considering all debt bad. I love debt, but only the good kind, and only when I can leverage it for more financial gain.
My Ex-Spouse Cosigned a Loan – Am I Liable?
We live in a community property state, so we get to share all our debt… however, we also get to share all our profits. Since my husband and I are business partners, it works out well. How about your situation?
Becoming Debt Free: Identifying the Why
If you are working toward eliminating your debt, have you identified why you want to do so? Knowing your goals will always help you achieve them.
Tips for Life
Why Worry? It’s Completely Unproductive
What great advice. When I’m stuck on a big decision, I often worry like crazy. Once I make my decision, I feel so much better!
A Basic Guide to Menu Planning
I know that I can save money by cooking at home more, but it seems like every week we’re caught in the same pattern, no food in the house and no plan. Here’s a great way to get it under control.
Need to Get Rid of Some of Your Junk? Don’t Underestimate the Power of Free
I love free! We actually got a satellite for free off of Freecycle to use for tailgating…. what a treasure! Although the bigger issue here is getting rid of the junk in your life!
11 Ways To Make Your Apologies More Meaningful and Effective
I’m a strong believer in admitting your mistakes, especially in the workplace. As long as it doesn’t happen again, I’d prefer that people fess up rather than cover up.
25 Acts of Body Language to Avoid
I think I’d add crossing arms to the list. I do this all the time, and I think it sends the wrong vibe to people.
For My Canadian Readers
Top No Fee Rewards Credit Cards in Canada
I’m often asked about credit cards for Canadian readers. Here’s a great run down of rewards cards for my friends to the North.
And we’re off… see you in a couple weeks!
Thanks for the mention! Have a safe, restful vacation!
Just got a chance to check them all out. 😉