My daughter, Nina, turned 25 years old last month. I know it's cliche, but I truly do remember the day she was born like it was yesterday.
I'm happy to say that Nina has always been a natural saver and good at managing her money -- and when it ...
Continue reading Personal Finance for Kids: My 12-Year-Old Daughter Explains Her Strategy
Black Coffee: Battle Stations!
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 ...
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How to Budget For Unexpected Home Repairs
Owning a home is still very much part of the American Dream. But it's one that comes with a cost. Not only are housing prices on the rise across the US, but the hidden costs of owning property - especially unexpected home repairs - can often be more ...
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How Big Should a Mortgage Down Payment Be?
Although there are exceptions to every rule, mortgage providers generally require homebuyers to contribute a minimum down payment somewhere between 3.5% and 20% of the home's purchase price. So how big should a mortgage down payment be?
Of course, ...
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Personal Finance App Review: You Need a Budget (YNAB)
In life, some people prefer chocolate while others like vanilla. And when it comes to personal finance, there will always be people who are comfortable managing their money using an Excel spreadsheet, while others prefer something a bit more ...
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6 Expert Rental Negotiation Tips
If you're moving into a new apartment and need to mind your budget, there are a few tactics you can employ to score a better deal on your new digs. In fact, by learning just a few key lease and rental negotiation tips, you'll be in a better position ...
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Hyperinflation Facts: 18 Strange Things You Probably Don’t Know
The US National Debt recently surpassed $35 trillion. Not surprisingly, the world is finally losing faith in our currency, as evidenced by the emergence of the BRICS trading bloc and its intention to introduce a new currency based on gold and, ...
Continue reading Hyperinflation Facts: 18 Strange Things You Probably Don’t Know
Black Coffee: Bait and Switch
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.
Another busy week is crossed off the ...
Continue reading Black Coffee: Bait and Switch
Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 48
The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage:
The Summer of 1986
In 1986, the summer Erik (our youngest) graduated from Union High School, Dave and I and Erik went on a ...
Continue reading Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 48
How to Lower Your Smartphone Bill: 3 Ideas to Consider
Smartphones are ubiquitous these days, but they aren't always cheap to use. So you'll be forgiven if you're the type who is always looking at how to lower your smartphone bill. After all, a typical plan-based contract could set you back $150 a month ...
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Personal Finance Bad Habits: The 33 Biggest Ones to Avoid
I'm a total neat freak. Always have been.
Truth be told, the Honeybee is a neat freak too. I think that's a big reason why we get along so well.
Oddly enough, our teenage kids are the exact opposite. They're allergic to neat.
The other day I ...
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Tax Prep Expert Options: Which One Is Right for You?
It may be summertime, but doesn't it feel like the income tax filing deadline is always just around the corner? Complicating matters is the fact that there are many tax prep expert options available to us.
When choosing the right professional to ...
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Black Coffee: Cooking the Books
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. ...
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Choosing the Right Forex Trading Platform: What Every Trader Should Know
Have you ever wondered how selecting the right forex trading platform can impact your trading success? The platform you select is not just a tool for executing trades; it's the foundation of your entire exchange experience. With countless options ...
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What Is a VA Loan?
What is a VA loan? Well ... VA loans are government-backed mortgages that are insured by the Veteran's Administration. VA loans are available from qualified lenders to homebuyers who have served in the US military including:
Soldiers and sailors ...
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Credit Repair Mistakes: 6 “Smart” Moves You Need to Avoid
Once you realize that you have a credit problem, it's important to fix it as soon as you can. Unfortunately, consumers who make credit repair mistakes are quite common. Without carefully considering your credit repair strategy or even seeking ...
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How to Take Your Dream Vacation on a Tight Budget
So you want to get away after being cooped up for a couple months? Then stop planning staycations and start thinking bigger! The good news is your dream vacation can be taken on a tight budget. Here are seven tips on how to take the vacation of a ...
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How to Save for a New Home With Spotty Income
Some of the most important things in life are always taken for granted. After all, most of us drawing a steady salary never consider how fortunate we are to get a regular paycheck. On the other hand, those who work on commission or depend on tips for ...
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Black Coffee: Up, Up and Away!
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 ...
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Tips for Choosing the Right Construction Accident Lawyer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry has the most fatal injuries, with one in five fatal injuries reported at construction sites. Out of the 345 deaths caused by falls in 2023, 96 of them were in the construction ...
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