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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

Are Energy Efficient CFL Bulbs Worth Paying More For?

By Len Penzo

The other day my home's incandescent 60-watt porch light bulb finally gave up the ghost, so I ran down to my favorite hardware store to pick up a new one. Upon arriving, the choice I had to make was whether to buy a new incandescent bulb, or an ...

Continue reading Are Energy Efficient CFL Bulbs Worth Paying More For?

40 Comments March 20, 2023

Black Coffee: Pushing the Panic Button

By Len Penzo

It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a little joe ... Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what's been going on in the world of money and personal finance. Well ... another busy week is behind us. ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Pushing the Panic Button

26 Comments March 18, 2023

Is a Master’s Degree in Education Worth It? 7 Key Questions to Ask

By Sabado Domingo

So you're thinking about getting your master's degree in education, but you're not sure where to start - or even whether a master's degree in education is worth it. Well, there are so many things to consider: For example, should your college ...

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Leave a Comment March 22, 2023

Comparing the Flat Tax, Fair Tax, and Progressive Tax Systems

By Anum Yoon

If you dread filing your taxes every year, it's good to know there are multiple taxation systems besides the current progressive one here in the United States. So if you've heard the terms "flat tax" or "Fair Tax" then you may be wondering what they ...

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3 Comments March 21, 2023

The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 10

By RD Blakeslee

The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage: Reporting to Japan on the Way to Korea (the Korean War was going on then). Around the time of my graduation and new Art ...

Continue reading The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 10

9 Comments March 16, 2023

3 Ways That Make Credit Cards Vulnerable to Fraud

By Enero Febrero

Grocery store purchases might not raise the hair on the back of your neck, but seemingly-endless stories about retail hacking might. The two are more connected than you might imagine, and the binding factor is the credit card in your wallet. In fact, ...

Continue reading 3 Ways That Make Credit Cards Vulnerable to Fraud

4 Comments March 15, 2023

Common Financial Mistakes in Manufacturing (and How to Avoid Them)

By Corazon Gritar

For businesses that must deal with financial mistakes in manufacturing, it's important to understand that the manufacturing industry focuses on four distinct principles: inventory, forecasting, cost accounting, and production. The good news is even ...

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Leave a Comment March 14, 2023

Blind Taste Test: Does Bottled Water Really Taste Better Than Filtered Tap?

By Len Penzo

Does bottled water taste better than filtered tap? You'd certainly think so, based on the number of people who drink it today. And that's too bad because, compared to tap water, the bottled stuff is absurdly expensive. It also generates a lot of ...

Continue reading Blind Taste Test: Does Bottled Water Really Taste Better Than Filtered Tap?

39 Comments March 13, 2023

Black Coffee: Banking on the Future

By Len Penzo

It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a little joe ... Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what's been going on in the world of money and personal finance. I hope everybody had an enjoyable week. ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Banking on the Future

33 Comments March 11, 2023

Behind the Science of Defining What’s Truly Priceless

By Len Penzo

Some things are utterly impossible to put a price on. For example, regardless what's offered, no rational person would ever sell their family. It's also impossible to put a monetary value on good health -- let alone human life. Even so, that didn't ...

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16 Comments March 9, 2023

Is Buying or Renting a Home Financially Better?

By Edward Francis

Although there are entities out there with a vested interest in promoting the idea that it is always cheaper to buy than to rent, that doesn't automatically answer the question:  When given the choice, is it better to buy or rent a home? Adding up ...

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9 Comments March 8, 2023

6 Ways to Fix Your Finances and Resuscitate Your DOA Money Situation

By Mikey Rox

Stressed out by your financial situation? Aren't we all. Here are six strategic moves you can make to regain control of your money situation, fix your finances, and put you back in the driver's seat. Take a look ... Stop impulsive shopping Many ...

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2 Comments March 7, 2023

This Little Trick Can Save Big Money On Your Food Bill

By Len Penzo

Are you looking for ways to save money on your food bill? It may be easier than you think. Consider this: In 2013, I spent $13,788 on groceries for our four-person household. In 2022, that number climbed to $17,101. In case you're wondering, that ...

Continue reading This Little Trick Can Save Big Money On Your Food Bill

66 Comments March 6, 2023

Black Coffee: Men In Suits

By Len Penzo

It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a little joe ... Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what's been going on in the world of money and personal finance. I’ve got another busy weekend ahead of ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Men In Suits

17 Comments March 4, 2023

The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 9

By RD Blakeslee

The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage: Liberace, I Love Lucy, Muntz TV and "rabbit ears."  While Dave was overseas, my friend Carolyn L. and I went out every ...

Continue reading The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 9

4 Comments March 2, 2023

How to Have a Beautiful Wedding AND Exotic Honeymoon for $5000 – or Less!

By Kacy

The average cost to have a wedding is now $29,000. That's some serious dough - especially for couples looking to have a beautiful wedding and honeymoon for $5000 or less! I know getting married is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but is ...

Continue reading How to Have a Beautiful Wedding AND Exotic Honeymoon for $5000 – or Less!

11 Comments March 1, 2023

How to Get a Higher Credit Score No Matter How Bad Your Finances Are

By Anum Yoon

Imagine being so rich you never had to borrow money! Sadly, most of aren't that fortunate, which is why many people endeavor to discover how to get a higher credit score. If you're wealthy enough to pay cash for any car or home you like, then you ...

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5 Comments February 28, 2023

Why Buying Gasoline In the Morning Can Save Money

By Len Penzo

I’ve already written about the folly of trying to save a few cents per gallon when shopping for gas. But did you know there are times when you don’t get exactly what you pay for when you fill up your gasoline tank at the local station? It’s not ...

Continue reading Why Buying Gasoline In the Morning Can Save Money

10 Comments February 27, 2023

Black Coffee: How Not to Do It

By Len Penzo

It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a little joe ... Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what's been going on in the world of money and personal finance. I hope everybody had a wonderful week. And ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: How Not to Do It

32 Comments February 25, 2023

What Defines Financial Success?

By Len Penzo

What defines financial success? Of course, many people believe that all their financial problems would disappear if they made more money. But high incomes can't guarantee financial freedom; there are countless examples of people who earn millions and ...

Continue reading What Defines Financial Success?

19 Comments February 23, 2023

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Recent Posts

  • Is a Master’s Degree in Education Worth It? 7 Key Questions to Ask
  • Comparing the Flat Tax, Fair Tax, and Progressive Tax Systems
  • Are Energy Efficient CFL Bulbs Worth Paying More For?
  • Black Coffee: Pushing the Panic Button
  • The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 10
  • 3 Ways That Make Credit Cards Vulnerable to Fraud
  • Common Financial Mistakes in Manufacturing (and How to Avoid Them)
  • Blind Taste Test: Does Bottled Water Really Taste Better Than Filtered Tap?
  • Black Coffee: Banking on the Future
  • Behind the Science of Defining What’s Truly Priceless

Disclaimer

This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and the content herein should not be mistaken for professional financial advice. In fact, making investment decisions based on information published here, or any other website for that matter, is more than unwise; it is folly. This website accepts advertising in the form of monetary and other compensation; as such, topics of discussion are occasionally influenced by these advertisers. Sometimes, an article may also include affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, this blog earns a commission if you click through and make a purchase (for example, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Remember, you and you alone are responsible for the decisions you make in life, so please contact an independent financial professional for advice regarding your unique personal situation.

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