Which Batteries Are Best?
A big part of wise money management is buying stuff that lasts. I thought about that recently while replacing the batteries on one of our kids’ toys and realized that somehow we had gotten out of the habit of using rechargeable batteries. It prompted me to do some research into which batteries are best, and […]
How to Read eBooks For Free
With Amazon reporting that it now sells more ebooks than paperbacks, it’s clear that lots of people have gotten comfortable reading books on a screen. In part, it reflects the rapid acceptance of ebook reading devices like Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and the Sony Reader. It may also be because each company offers […]
A Love Letter Like No Other
With the hype that surrounds each holiday, it’s easy to get jaded and miss all that’s good about the occasion. This year, what helped me focus on the best parts of Valentine’s Day was rereading one of the most powerful love letters I’ve ever come across. Union Army Major Sullivan Ballou wrote the letter to […]
How to Budget: Don’t Miss This Step
Regular readers know I highly recommend that everyone use a budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan. It’s the most powerful tool I know of for smart money management. There are three steps involved in using a Cash Flow Plan. First, plan the use of your income. How much will you give, save, […]
How to Talk About Money Before Marriage
When you’re getting to know the person you’re thinking about marrying, there’s so much to learn. Some of it comes about through questions as you ask each other about past experiences and future goals. Some of it also comes about through observation. Does he respect his parents? Is she usually on time? But it isn’t […]
Which Household Budget System Is Best For You?
A Cash Flow Plan (budget) is the single most powerful personal finance tool anyone can use for wise money management. But this is not a one-size-fits all proposition; there are different planning and tracking systems, each with its own advantages. Here are the options, along with my recommendations as to who would benefit the most […]
How to Get the Best Deals
We recently needed to buy a new garbage disposal. The process we used to get the best product for the best price can be applied to all sorts of purchases. Save Money With the Right Reaction Many years ago I remember hearing a negotiation expert talk about one simple technique that’s virtually guaranteed to save […]
Tap Water: It’s Cheap, But Is It Safe?
I used to be strictly a tap water guy. It’s inexpensive and everything I read about the water in Chicago, where I live, told me it’s among the safest in the country. Reading an article entitled “Message in a Bottle” in Fast Company only furthered my commitment to avoid bottled water. Troubling News About Water […]
How Much Should I Spend?
Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a strong believer in the use of a budget. Once you start tracking your income and expenses, the next logical question is how much should I spend on food, fun, and all the rest. That’s why I developed detailed recommended spending guidelines for one-, two-, three-, and […]
The Year Ahead at MattAboutMoney.com
I’m excited about the start of a New Year, the opportunity to pursue some important new goals, and the opportunity to share ideas with you on how to live with the freedom and joy that come from getting the money thing right. As we reset the calendar, this seems like an appropriate time to explain […]