OK…I splurged this week. I spent $1,000 on landscaping and didn’t buy a single plant, flower, or shrub. It was almost purely cosmetic. I was just getting tired spending as much time weed wacking my yard as I do cutting the grass. It was a project that most people would have done in one shot […]
Why I Like ING Direct
Posted byMany financially-savvy people have turned to online banks for their savings (and sometimes even checking) account needs. Online banks often provide higher interest rates and better customer service than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. Of course, the lack of a physical branch makes it harder to access your money immediately. Here’s my personal experience with one of […]
There is a saying that people throw around with an air of wisdom without truly knowing the financial consequences of following: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is easy to say this to the young intern that needs a new brake system to prevent a future accident, or to the […]
How to Save for Multiple Goals
Posted byI am more motivated to save when I know exactly what I am saving for. I’ve found that two things help me stay on track with my savings: prioritizing my goals and planning in advance how each paycheck will be split between the goals. As I mentioned in my post on my financial tracking system, […]
The Best Bank for Your Money
Posted byThe best banks? That’s what readers often want to know. In addition to the best banks, they also want to know where I bank. With 181 Accounts, I obviously have lots of financial relationships. Here’s a rundown of where I do my business and my favorite in each category. Online Savings Accounts The Best: Capital […]
Stacking Financial Incentives at Costco
Posted byI checked our mailbox recently, and to my surprise, there was a rebate check from Costco! I didn’t even realize it had been so long since I asked readers What Am I Supposed to Buy at Costco? After a year of shopping at Costco, it’s practically our main stop for groceries, gas, and various other […]
This is a guest post by Todd Campanella. Todd is a 34 year old married dad of one. He has a finance degree and an MBA; he teaches middle school math. He recently wrote a grant and received $1000 from ING Direct to take 60 students to experience the Junior Achievement’s Finance Park. Delayed Consumption […]
The Automatic Poorhouse
Posted byLiving Paycheck to Paycheck I live paycheck to paycheck. Throughout the month I negotiate with myself over needs versus wants, pushing certain purchases into the next month’s budget, neglecting car maintenance for the umpteenth month in a row, foregoing that new pair of sneakers I’ve been trying to squeeze into my budget since December. By […]
When we reach the half way point of the year, I like to do a mid year financial checkup. Here are some tasks for this summer’s checkup; some from my list and some from readers. Mid Year Financial Checkup Check Your Credit Report. Don’t forget to use your annual free credit report. In addition, if […]
FatWallet Cash Back
Posted byRecently, I asked What is Your Favorite Cash Back Program? A reader, Simon, pointed out that I forgot FatWallet! I often mention the FatWallet Finance forums as one of my favorite places to hang out. But, as Simon reminded me, FatWallet also has a special place in my heart for earning cash back! Let’s explore […]