Miscellaneous
Reshaped by the Recession
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Great Recession has impacted all of us. For some, the impact has been painful (think job losses). But the financial downturn also seems to be fostering widespread personal changes that, if they stick, have the potential to improve our lives. U.S. News & World recently summarized some of the key recession-induced changes that researchers ... [Read more]
Worker Sentiment Sours
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
In an era of high unemployment, it’s not very wise to complain about your job. However, there’s a lot of dissatisfaction out there. According to a survey by the Conference Board, just 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. That’s the lowest rating in the 22 years that the organization has been surveying ... [Read more]
A Peace That Transcends Understanding
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Each Christmas season, the bedtime routine for our young children changes to include singing some traditional Christmas carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night. The songs make for a soothing transition from playtime to bedtime.
Silent night, holy night.
I find the songs soothing as well, a helpful antidote to the Constant Negative News coming across ... [Read more]
Clutter is Money
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Clutter can either cost us money in the form of wasted time spent searching for stuff or it can generate money when we put some of our unused stuff up for sale. A helpful article on Mainstreet.com offered several good ideas and web sites for organizing, repurposing, or selling our stuff. Among the ... [Read more]
No Holiday for Those Who Long to Labor
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
The three-day Labor Day weekend provided a much-needed respite for many people. But for many others, such as the 24 million people who are unemployed or underemployed, it may have been a painful reminder of their situation. An article on WalletPop encouraged those who are gainfully employed to reach out to those who ... [Read more]
Let Your Mouse Do The Walking
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
The Internet is littered with electronic coupon sites, so which ones are best? MainStreet recently listed its five favorites: RetailMeNot.com (users submit coupon codes and feedback as to which ones work); CouponCabin.com (monitors over 1,200 online stores for new coupons); FatWallet.com (has over 800 merchant partners and a cash-back feature); CouponMom.com (offers helpful free instructions ... [Read more]
Another Solution for Old Electronics
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
I’ve written in the past about how to dispose of old cell phones, TVs, and other electronics. A recent post on ChristianPF.com highlighted a program I hadn’t heard of before called Flipswap, which enables you to exchange an old cell phone or iPod for an Amazon.com gift card. Devices received by the company ... [Read more]
Where Old TVs Go To Die
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
It’s spring-cleaning time, and with television stations switching to digital signals many people are getting rid of old analog TV sets. However, a Chicago Tribune article noted that it’s not so easy. Many thrift stores are no longer accepting analog sets or other older electronics, so there’s concern that a lot of electronic ... [Read more]
Finding Free Money for College
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
College isn’t getting any less expensive, which is why the hunt for scholarship dollars is so important. FiLife recently highlighted their five favorite places to go scholarship shopping: CollegeBoard, FastWeb, Peterson’s, Scholarships.com, and the Department of Education.
One other source of scholarship money to consider is Christian Community Credit Union, a sponsor of this eNewsletter. They ... [Read more]
Boring But Necessary
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Insurance won’t win any excitement prizes, but it’s a topic that a lot of us need to know more about. In a recent national survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average respondent correctly answered just four of ten questions. Most people did not know that auto insurance does not ... [Read more]
Terms of Our Times
Monday, March 9th, 2009
The recession has introduced several new words and phrases to the American vernacular. While most of us are probably already tired of hearing about the latest “bailout,” ABC News reports an increase in popularity of terms such as “shovel ready” (a construction project that can get underway as soon as it receives government funding) ... [Read more]
Romance In, Spending Down
Monday, February 9th, 2009
A few more of us plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year (63% of all adults) than last year (61%). However, the economy is driving down how much we plan to spend. According to the National Retail Federation, those planning to celebrate this year say they will spend an average of $103 on ... [Read more]
Free Filing For All
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
If you’re anticipating an income tax refund this year, the fastest way to get that money is to file your tax return electronically and have the refund automatically deposited. The process takes as few as 10 days. This year, the IRS has expanded its e-file program, making it possible for nearly everyone to ... [Read more]
Under the Financial Microscope
Monday, January 12th, 2009
By now you’re aware of the importance of keeping your credit score strong by paying your credit card bills, mortgage, and other loans on time and keeping your credit utilization (how much of your available credit you use) low (10 percent or less is best). But did you know that paying your phone bill ... [Read more]
What’s In Your Light Socket?
Monday, January 12th, 2009
Okay, so you’ve joined the green movement by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs. But did you know that all CFLs are not created equal? While they all last longer than traditional light bulbs and use less energy, it turns out that there’s quite a range in how long they last and in ... [Read more]
Does This Recession Make Me Look Fat?
Monday, January 12th, 2009
As people look for ways to save money in this tough economy, there’s concern that attempts to shed expenses may lead people to put on weight. According to a Reuters story, healthy foods tend to be more expensive. Commenting on today’s economy, one nutrition sciences professor said, “People … are going to economize and ... [Read more]
Recycling is the Rage
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Recycling must be getting trendy because the number of places that accept various items for recycling seems to be growing. As reported on the blog Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, the office supply store Staples will accept old computers and TVs for $10 each. To properly dispose of used batteries or ink/toner cartridges, Staples and ... [Read more]
A Dream (and Many Prayers) Come True
Monday, July 7th, 2008
I don’t usually use this space for promotional purposes, but I’m making an exception to announce that NavPress will soon publish my first book, “Money, Purpose, Joy.” The book is about clarifying what’s most important in life–understanding what makes our lives meaningful and joyful–and then allowing those priorities to guide our use of money. ... [Read more]
Upcycling – the Next Generation of Recycling
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Today, there’s a lot of stuff that can be recycled–newspapers, magazines, bottles, cans, plastics. But there’s a lot of other stuff, especially newfangled containers such as juice pouches, the cellophane-type material that encases packages of cookies, and energy bar wrappers, that can’t be recycled. Until now. As reported in the Wall Street ... [Read more]
Life Without a TV
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
There was an interesting post on Free Money Finance about the many benefits of going without a TV, including the financial savings, and the quality of life improvements.
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with watching TV (especially when there’s a good golf tournament on!). However, it’s pretty easy to make the argument that we ... [Read more]
The Stuff of Life
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
The next time you sip from a can of soda consider this: the average American will consume more than 43,000 cans of soda in his or her lifetime. Opting for something a bit healthier, like an orange? We’ll each consume nearly 13,000 of them in our lifetime. Those are among the facts ... [Read more]
Help for Hagglers
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
In a recent post, a story about haggling generated several reader tips such as the following:
Ask for a price match. Miriam found that the office supply store Staples “didn’t quibble a bit” when asked to match a competitor’s price.
Ask for more than a match. Dan discovered that Best Buy would not only match ... [Read more]
Cash Back for Overseas Travelers
Friday, February 22nd, 2008
If you traveled overseas between February 1, 1996 and November 8, 2006 and used a Visa-, MasterCard-, or Diners Club-branded credit or debit card, you may be owed at least $25. It’s the result of a class action lawsuit claiming that foreign-currency transaction fees were not properly disclosed. As reported by the Washington Post, ... [Read more]
Taxing Questions
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008
Wondering if the cost of your pet pot-bellied pig qualifies as a medical deduction because having it around is so therapeutic? As reported by FiLife.com, until the end of this month, the folks at Turbo Tax are standing by to answer your tax questions–no matter how ordinary or odd–for free. Just submit the ... [Read more]
A Rebate That Sparkles
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008
If you bought a diamond between 1994 and early 2006 (come on guys, you can remember the year you got engaged, can’t you?) you may be able to get back a portion of what you paid in the form of a rebate. As reported by the Chicago Tribune, it’s the result of a class-action lawsuit ... [Read more]
Boost Your Take-Home Pay
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
If you usually get a tax refund, why not make this the year to stop giving Uncle Sam a free loan? The IRS withholding calculator, now updated for 2008, helps you estimate how much you should pay in taxes. It just takes a few minutes, so run the numbers and then compare your results ... [Read more]
Where Does All the Money Go?
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
In a surprisingly candid _New York Times_ article, a personal finance writer acknowledged losing sight of $10,000 of family income over the past year. She and her husband use a budget and track their “basic” expenses. Still, when they totaled up the year’s income versus expenses they found that $10,000 was unaccounted for. ... [Read more]
Where There’s a Computer
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
If you don’t have a will, a _U.S. News & World Report_ story suggested several relatively easy and inexpensive solutions. According to the article, do-it-yourself wills are best suited for people worth less than $2 million (the threshold for triggering estate taxes), and those with a fairly straightforward situation (no step children, no family business, ... [Read more]
Money Resolutions Top the List
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
Americans are more determined to get in better fiscal shape than physical shape in 2008, according to a study by Countrywide Bank. As reported by _Reuters_, some 67 percent of respondents to a nationwide survey said that becoming financially fit is a top New Year’s resolution, while 57 percent said they are committed to ... [Read more]
Happy Returns
Wednesday, December 26th, 2007
Did you receive a gift for Christmas that you don’t want? If you didn’t get a gift receipt and even if you don’t know where it was purchased, all is not lost. An article on _MSNBC_ offered up some suggestions for figuring out where the gift was purchased. They ranged from the ... [Read more]
The Psychology of Money
Friday, December 14th, 2007
The science of shopping is a hot topic, with a number of journals helping marketers get inside the minds (and wallets) of their customers. A recent _Chicago Tribune_ article summarized some of the recent research. “Shopping momentum” was the topic of a recent Journal of Marketing Research article. Researchers have found that the ... [Read more]
To Insure Your Rental Car or Not
Friday, December 14th, 2007
If you’ve ever rented a car, you know the drill. The rental clerk recites an ominous list of expenses you could be liable for should you return the car with a dent or ding. The insurance costs a fortune, but declining the coverage can cost you some sleep. An _ABCnews.com_ story said that about ... [Read more]
Keeping Your Number to Yourself
Friday, December 14th, 2007
Just because an organization you want to do business with asks for your Social Security Number doesn’t mean you need to provide it. According to a _Time_ magazine article, only a handful of organizations actually need your number: Your employer, your bank, and your doctor (if you are on Medicare or Medicaid). However, it may ... [Read more]
What’s Inside Your Mutual Fund?
Friday, December 14th, 2007
Do you know what types of companies your mutual funds invest in? A new _Wall Street Journal_ blog, , pointed to two free services where you can find out. Calvert, a mutual fund company that runs “socially responsible” mutual funds, provides a service called . Just type in the name of your mutual fund, ... [Read more]
Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Us
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Do you give a Christmas gift to any of the service providers in your life? According to a survey from _Consumer Reports_, those most likely to receive a gift are child-care providers and housekeepers. Those least likely to receive something are garbage/recycling collectors and fitness trainers. The magazine pointed out that it’s ... [Read more]
A Carbon Offset Short Course
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Looks like we may need a new line item in our budgets. Let’s see, groceries? Check. Clothing? Check. Carbon offsets? Huh? If you haven’t heard of carbon offsets, here’s how they work. You go to a web site to calculate your household’s “carbon footprint.” That’s how much ... [Read more]
Making a Difference Grain By Grain
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
A new web site is redefining the fight against hunger–literally. Part word game, part poverty awareness builder, is all about getting food to those who need it most. Go to the site and you’ll be greeted with a word quiz. Choose the word’s correct definition and you just helped send 10 ... [Read more]
Gifts With Strings Attached
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Can’t decide what to get someone on your Christmas gift list? Gift cards have become a popular choice. But _Consumer Reports_ says there’s a lot to be wary of. For example, if you lose a card you’ll either have to pay a fee to replace it or you’re out of luck. ... [Read more]
The Good That Money Can Do – Part II
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
Malnutrition takes the lives of five million children every year–the equivalent of one child every six seconds, according to a story by _60 Minutes_. In the West African country of Niger, the problem is so acute that “most mothers have watched at least one of their children die.” To address the issue, the ... [Read more]
Two Priceless Words
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
By the time this year is through, I will have written 24 issues of this eNewsletter and summarized 96 of the best personal finance articles I could find. However, one of my favorite ideas from the year did not come from a newspaper, magazine, or web site. It came from a couple that ... [Read more]
Slaying the Energy Vampires
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
The push to unplug is gaining momentum. A couple of months ago I highlighted a simple way to save on electric bills: unplug electric devices when not in use. More recently, _CNNMoney.com_ reported that California lawmakers are working on legislation dubbed the “Vampire Slayers Act” which would require electric products to carry labels ... [Read more]
Crack the Savings Code
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
When making an online purchase, it’s common to see a box where you can enter a promotion code. But where do you get the code? An entire cottage industry of coupon code web sites has emerged to answer that question. Do a Google search for “coupon codes” and you’ll see what I ... [Read more]
The Good That Money Can Do
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
In the midst of all the usual celebrity stories of arrests and rehab, _CBSNews.com_ carried a great piece about how entertainer Hillary Duff is helping some Los Angeles grade school students from lower-income families. Duff is single-handedly sponsoring a program at the school. As a result, all 1,000 students go home on Fridays ... [Read more]
Opting-In for Future Employability
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
In the last issue of _Matt About Money_, I encouraged you to opt-in to a flexible spending account during this year’s so-called open enrollment season if your employer offers one. One other opt-in recommendation is to take advantage of your employer’s tuition reimbursement program if available. The majority of large companies offer such ... [Read more]
Service With a…Fee
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
Fees have become a prime source of revenue for banks. According to an article in the _LA Times_, fees accounted for over 40 percent of bank revenue last year–up from 34 percent a decade ago. And guess who’s paying all those fees? Want your canceled checks? Bank of America will send ... [Read more]
Free 411
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
Remember when dialing 411 was free? Most phone service providers–whether home, business, or cellular–now charge for the call. But here are three directory assistance providers who don’t charge for the call. provides residential, business, and government listings. As reported on _CNNMoney.com_, you have to listen to short ads before and after ... [Read more]
Opting-In to Healthcare Savings
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
It’s open enrollment time at a lot of workplaces, the time of year when employees choose their benefits for next year. If your company offers a flexible spending account (FSA), participating could very likely save you some money on taxes. According to Hewitt Associates, the vast majority of large companies offer such accounts. ... [Read more]
Opting-Out of Marketing Messages
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
In the of Matt About Money I mentioned that your enrollment in the Do Not Call registry may be expiring soon so now is a good time to check, and if needed, re-register. One other way to cut down on all of the marketing messages coming into your home is to opt out ... [Read more]
The Captain Has Turned On the Spend Sign
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
Not only do most airlines now charge for in-flight food, but more and more are going to a no-cash policy. The airlines say it’s more convenient and more profitable to make passengers pay with plastic. According to an article in the _LA Times_, Aloha Airlines has seen a 30 percent boost in in-flight ... [Read more]
Keeping Telemarketers at Bay
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
Have you been enjoying more peaceful dinners since you signed up for the telemarketer Do Not Call list? If you’d like to keep it that way you might want to check to see when your registration expires. A recent article by the _Associated Press_ noted that our registrations are only good for five ... [Read more]
One Simple Way to Go Green and Save
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
Doing right by the environment is often inconvenient and expensive. But an article by _Yahoo Finance_ columnist Laura Rowley, offered up one very easy and effective idea for reducing electricity use. Culling from the practices of the extremely green , she recommends simply unplugging appliances when not in use. One study found ... [Read more]
Fifty Years of God and Money
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
October 1st marks the 50th anniversary of the appearance of “In God We Trust” on U.S. paper currency. The phrase has been on coins since 1864. It became the U.S. motto in 1956 and made its first appearance on U.S. currency the following year.
h3(matt). Matt’s View
p(matt). There’s a fascinating history of how the ... [Read more]
Pennies for College Add Up
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
Are there any future Ivy Leaguers in your family? Or some future State U’ers? You can help foot the bill by signing up for a rebate program that deposits a portion of eligible purchases into a 529 college savings plan. It used to be that was the only game in town. ... [Read more]
Just Three More Months Until Christmas
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
It may be a bit early to start hanging Christmas lights on the house, but an article on _Bankrate.com_ noted that now is a good time to prepare financially for what is often the biggest budget-busting season of all. Among the ideas for a more joyful/less financially painful Christmas: Plan your gift list and ... [Read more]
“Signaling” Who We Are
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
In their quest to be cool, people choose products and brands that “signal” their membership in desired “in-groups” while carefully monitoring whether less desirable “out-groups” are starting to buy such products as well–a clear sign to stop using such products. That’s the conclusion of a marketing study described on _Knowledge@Wharton_, the Wharton School’s online ... [Read more]
Retirement Plan Participation Stuck in Neutral
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
Less than two-thirds of people eligible to participate in 401(k) savings plans actually do, according to an article in the _Wall Street Journal_. What’s most surprising is the fact that the participation rate hasn’t grown for the past six years, despite frequent warnings that many people are not saving enough for their future.
h3(matt). Matt’s ... [Read more]
Cars That Keep Going and Going
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
Keeping vehicles for 15 years could save $20,000 over that time versus buying a new car every five years, according to Consumers Union (the organization behind _Consumer Reports_). Using a Honda Civic as an example, the organization factored in the purchase price, depreciation, taxes, fees, and insurance. It also most likely to make ... [Read more]
The Cost of Familiarity
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007
Businesses put a lot of time, effort, and money into building brand recognition, and it seems that their efforts are paying off. _Time_ magazine reported on a study in which people were asked to taste peanut butter from three different jars. The jars contained the same peanut butter but had different labels. ... [Read more]
Teaching Tots About Money
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007
Is the sippy cup stage too early to start teaching kids about money? Absolutely not. That’s the message of a recent _MSN.com_ article, which offered several helpful ideas for teaching pre-schoolers about money. The article suggested teaching little ones that there are three things you can do with money: spend, save, and ... [Read more]
Share My Ride
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007
The high cost of owning a vehicle (the average household spends over $8,000 per year on transportation) is one reason why car-sharing companies are growing in popularity. The idea, which started in Europe in the late 1980’s, allows people to rent vehicles by the hour, and it’s gaining momentum in the U.S. Car-sharing companies ... [Read more]
Saving on Healthcare
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007
Benefits enrollment season is fast approaching, and if you work for a large company chances are you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a Flexible Savings Account (FSA). As reported in the _Chicago Tribune_, FSAs enable you to use pre-tax dollars for everything from doctor co-pays to aspirin, which can add up to hundreds ... [Read more]
ATMs Getting Even More Automated
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
Coming soon to an ATM near you: no deposit envelopes. And no, they didn’t just run out, as is often the case. According to the _Detroit News_, the newest ATMs allow checks to be fed into special slots without envelopes. The machines then spit out receipts showing images of the checks. ... [Read more]
The Real Cost of Cars
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
Okay, so you’ve made all the right moves in planning your next car purchase. You’ve kept your current car until it’s a borderline antique. You’ve come up with two or three viable options of cars that don’t just look good; they also get good gas mileage and have good safety ratings. The ... [Read more]
All Online Calculators Not Created Equal
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
With all of the online calculators available you’d think it would be easy to figure out how much to save for our later years. But with lots of calculators come lots of different answers, which is why _MarketWatch.com_ recently kicked the keys on several popular retirement calculators. While the article didn’t rave about ... [Read more]
Free is Good
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
If filling your tank with gas or your toddler with milk is tapping you out, _Kiplinger.com_ recently provided a welcome list of things that are absolutely free. Looking for some new tunes for your iPod? Check out the free choices on . As you might expect, the choices are mostly limited to ... [Read more]
Packin’ on the Pounds with Plastic
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
Credit cards used to be for big-ticket items. Today they can be used at some parking meters, on buses, and at more and more fast food restaurants. While purchasing a burger and fries with a credit card may make the fast food experience even faster, an article on _Bankrate.com_ said it could also make us ... [Read more]
Travel Search Engines on Steroids
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
Are you still using travel sites like , or to look for travel deals? According to an article in _Money_ magazine, it’s time you stepped up to , , or . These sites search a wider array of travel sites, giving you access to more deals with fewer clicks. You ... [Read more]
Paper, Plastic, or Designer Bag?
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
Environmentalism is in. But as with most things fashionable, it can cost a lot to go green. For example, one of the hottest eco trends is to bring your own shopping bags to the grocery store. This has given rise to the shopping bag as fashion accessory. As reported on _CBSNews.com_, the ... [Read more]
Money Down the Drain
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
Do you drink bottled water? If so, you’re not alone. According to an in _Fast Company_ magazine, the average American has gone from drinking less than two gallons of bottled water per year in 1976 to over 28 gallons last year. But the article said bottled water is an unnecessary expense and ... [Read more]
Purchase Acceleration
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
What’s “purchase acceleration,” you wonder? It’s the common practice among credit-card holders of spending more as they get closer to a reward milestone. As described in a _U.S. News & World Report_ article, some credit-card companies encourage purchase acceleration by alerting customers when they’re getting close to a “free” airline ticket or other ... [Read more]
Debit Card Drawbacks
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
Debit cards have become extremely popular, mostly because they’re more convenient than writing checks. However, users beware: They do not provide the same liability protection as credit cards. According to a _Chicago Sun-Times_ article, federal regulations limit credit-card holder liability to $50 of fraudulent charges. With PIN-based debit-card transactions, the same $50 ... [Read more]
Going Green for Less
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
Environmentally safe products often come with premium prices, but an article on _Kiplinger.com_ offered several ideas for doing right by the environment without doing wrong by your wallet. Assuming you’re now using compact fluorescent light bulbs (you _are_ using CFLs, aren’t you?), here are a few other ideas. Buy produce from . ... [Read more]
Boring Stuff We Need to Know
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
The next time you have trouble sleeping, and counting fluffy white animals doesn’t do the trick, try contemplating the wonders of insurance. You’ll be out in an instant. But within the legalese of our boring insurance contracts are some things we need to know. And according to a _Wall Street Journal_ article, ... [Read more]
Getting Your Financial House In Order
Friday, June 22nd, 2007
It’s almost as uncomfortable to talk about death as it is to talk about money. Put the two together and now you’ve really got trouble. But a column in the _Chicago Tribune_ dipped a toe in that water by stressing the importance of making sure the people we love will know how to ... [Read more]
Plastic Proves Less Filling at the Pump
Friday, June 22nd, 2007
If you’ve been dismayed by the price of gasoline this summer, you may have been equally dismayed to discover that when you drive away from the station your tank isn’t as full as you thought it would be. According to an article on _SmartMoney’s_ web site, the high price of gas is revealing a ... [Read more]
Dashboarding Alone
Friday, June 22nd, 2007
Despite the high price of gas, most workers get to their job by car, and the vast majority do so alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 88 percent of employed people travel to work by car, and of those, just 13 percent share the ride with others. As for other modes of transportation, ... [Read more]
Happy Spending
Friday, June 22nd, 2007
The relationship between money and happiness continues as a source of fascination. As reported in the _New York Times_, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University compared the attitudes and behaviors of two groups. One embraced “voluntary simplicity,” which focuses less on materialistic goals and more on three main intrinsic goals: “Being connected to friends ... [Read more]
“Hypermiling” for Better Gas Mileage
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
High gas prices have given rise to “Hypermiling,” the art and science of wringing as much mileage out of a tank of gas as possible. Some practitioners take it to extreme and even illegal limits. But _MSN_ reviewed some of the saner techniques promoted by a champion hypermiler who routinely gets over 50 ... [Read more]
Beyond Priceline
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
You’re probably acquainted with some of the most common web sites for discounted airfares and hotel rooms. But _Kiplinger’s Personal Finance_ magazine recently suggested some lesser-known sites that are especially well suited for those willing to travel on short notice. It recommended for low priced airfare/hotel packages. For bed and breakfast ... [Read more]
A Rich List That Matters
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
We’re accustomed to stories about the world’s richest people. But inspirational speaker Tim Richardson is compiling a list of what he calls the REAL richest people in America, those who are rich in good deeds. Nominees for include a hurricane Katrina survivor whose organizing efforts have cleaned up 250,000 pounds of trash ... [Read more]
A Document That Matters
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
A whopping 70 percent of U.S. adults don’t have a will or other estate documents, according to a recent _MSN_ story. Surprisingly, an even higher percentage (74 percent) of parents with children under age 18 have no such documents. Ironically, the main reason for having a will is the very issue that holds ... [Read more]
Don’t Get Taken for a Ride
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
The average car loan today stretches to about 70 months–up from 62 last year. Some financing companies are even writing auto loans for as long as nine years. And nearly 30 percent of today’s new car buyers owe more on their trade-ins than they’re worth–up from about 20 percent five years ago. ... [Read more]
Free Money, Few Takers
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
What’s one of the most valuable yet underutilized corporate perks? Answer: tuition reimbursement. As reported by the _Wall Street Journal_, about 85 percent of large employers offer some type of educational assistance. However, less than 10 percent of eligible employees make use of such benefits.
h3(matt). Matt’s View
p(matt). One of the best investments ... [Read more]
Intelligence and Money
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
There’s some good news for all of us non-Mensa members: A high IQ is not required for wise money management. As reported by _ABC News_ and the _Motley Fool_, Ohio State University research scientist Jay Zagorsky has found that while people with higher IQs do tend to earn more, “there is no relationship between ... [Read more]
Do You Know What You’ve Got?
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
Let’s face it; there are few more boring things we could do than spend a few hours creating a detailed inventory of our stuff. However, should we ever lose our stuff through a fire or other disaster, we’ll be glad we fought off the yawns to get the job done. While several companies ... [Read more]
Navigating the 529 Plan Maze
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
Thinking about opening a 529 college savings plan for your little one? used to be the recommended site for learning about the tax-advantaged plans and comparing the many options. But that site has gone the “free, free, free, FEE!” route, with some of its information now available to paid subscribers only. ... [Read more]
The Diaper-Wearing Channel Surfer
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
Nearly 20 percent of children 0-2 years old now have a TV in their bedroom, as do more than 40 percent of 3-4 year olds. Those are among the findings of a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, as reported by the _Chicago Tribune_. The main reason parents cited for putting ... [Read more]
Life Really Does Take Visa
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
It’s tough enough to teach kids how to manage money wisely, but now Hasbro has announced plans for a new version of its popular The Game of Life board game in which play money will be replaced by a Visa-branded card. According to _Kiplinger’s Personal Finance_ magazine, in the new version, called Twists & ... [Read more]
Two Money Mistakes to Avoid
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
Just as today’s wants quickly morph into tomorrow’s needs, bad money moves often turn into recommended money moves. As reported on _MSN_ recently, borrowing against your home equity or retirement savings used to be considered bad ideas. But today many lenders routinely promote home equity loans as good ways to pay off credit ... [Read more]
Taking the Financial Pain Out of a Big Stink
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
April showers sometimes bring more than sweet smelling May flowers. Every now and then they bring not such sweet smelling sewage water into people’s basements. And that makes now an ideal time to check whether you have sewer-backup insurance. As reported in the _Wall Street Journal_, most homeowner policies don’t automatically cover ... [Read more]
Getting on the Same Financial Page
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
Two recent surveys indicate that many husbands and wives are not just on different pages when it comes to financial matters, they’re using different playbooks. As reported by _MarketWatch_ recently, a Fidelity survey found that about a third of couples gave different answers to questions about everything from their expected age of retirement to ... [Read more]
Eco-Friendly Money Management
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
All too often, buying products that are good for the environment is not so good for your wallet. In honor of Earth Day, _SmartMoney_ magazine offered up several eco friendly ideas that don’t cost an arm and a leg. For example, if you regularly dry clean clothes, opt for an ironically named “wet” dry-cleaner. ... [Read more]
Putting Idle Money to Work
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
If you have a brokerage account, chances are you have some uninvested money sitting in a cash account often referred to as a “sweep account.” Fidelity calls it a “core account;” Vanguard uses the term “settlement account.” According to a story in the _Chicago Tribune_, investment houses increasingly have been putting such money into ... [Read more]
Marriage and Money
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007
Everyone knows that money is a prime source of disagreements in marriage, but the _Wall Street Journal_ recently put a number to the issue: 75 percent of married adults in the U.S. quarrel about finances with their spouse. At least that’s how many _admitted_ doing so in a recent _Journal/Harris Interactive_ online survey. ... [Read more]
Good Options for Rainy Day Money
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007
Last month I emphasized the importance of an emergency fund and recommended money market funds from Fidelity or Vanguard as good options for those with the minimum required deposits of $2,500 and $3,000 respectively. However, I’ve since learned of some alternatives that offer similar yields of around five percent for much lower initial deposits. ... [Read more]
Online Money Lessons for Kids
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007
Brokerage house A.G. Edwards has introduced a new online game for kids interested in learning about managing money. As reported in the _Chicago Sun-Times_, helps kids age nine and older learn how to allocate income for necessary expenses, deal with unexpected expenses, and save for future goals. Along the way they learn ... [Read more]
Best Advice – Part III
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007
In the last two issues of this eNewsletter, I’ve been summarizing some of the “best financial advice” ideas readers have submitted. Here are a few more. Mary Ellen pointed to these words of wisdom from her parents: “Don’t spend money you don’t have. Credit cards are fine as long as you pay them ... [Read more]
Spring Cleaning
Friday, March 23rd, 2007
A recent article on the _Motley Fool’s_ web site talked about the challenges of living through a kitchen remodel. After trying to temporarily make room for their kitchen stuff in other parts of their house, the author and her husband concluded that they simply have too much stuff. That made her curious to ... [Read more]
The Uncle Sam Bonus Plan
Friday, March 23rd, 2007
So far this year, income tax refunds are averaging $2,650–up about $100 from last year. Among the suggestions about what to do with that money from a recent _MSNBC_ article: Put the money in an IRA, pay down debt, give some to charity, invest in yourself by taking a class, pay to have a ... [Read more]
Cheap “Sneaks” and the New Cool
Friday, March 23rd, 2007
Twenty years ago, when Nike signed basketball superstar Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal, $100 basketball shoes became all the rage. Kids begged their parents for a pair. Some even killed for them. Flash-forward to today and New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury is out to end the insanity of overpriced sneakers. ... [Read more]
