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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

My 13-Year-Old Daughter Shares Her Financial Fears

By Lenina Penzo

I'm only 13 and I'm worrying about my future. Not in an academic kind of way, but in a financial one. Yes, kids have financial fears too! That's because there are certain things that terrify me about growing up and living on my own. Here is a list of ...

Continue reading My 13-Year-Old Daughter Shares Her Financial Fears

24 Comments September 25, 2023

Black Coffee: It Ain’t What It Used to Be

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. ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: It Ain’t What It Used to Be

13 Comments September 23, 2023

6 Ways to Fix Your Finances: Smart Tips for Resuscitating Your Bank Account

By Mikey Rox

Stressed out by your financial situation? Aren't we all. Awhile back we presented six strategic financial moves you could make to regain control of your money situation -- and here are six more ways to fix your finances that are just as ...

Continue reading 6 Ways to Fix Your Finances: Smart Tips for Resuscitating Your Bank Account

13 Comments September 26, 2023

How Thinking Outside the Box Can Save You a Fortune

By Len Penzo

A fellow walked into a New York City bank asking for a $4000 loan. "Okay," the teller said, "But we're going to need collateral." The man responded: "My black Porsche is in your parking lot. Here are the keys." Several weeks later, the man returned ...

Continue reading How Thinking Outside the Box Can Save You a Fortune

4 Comments September 21, 2023

The Pros and Cons of Higher Interest Rates

By Rebecca Kennedy

There's been quite a bit of chatter, from news sources to social media, about the potential for further hikes in interest rates. And although interest rates still remain at historically moderate levels, rumors of further moves by the Fed abound. The ...

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2 Comments September 20, 2023

Five Frugal Ideas for Fall Season Family Fun

By Anum Yoon

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop having family fun. With the kids back at school, bills due and a chill in the air, it feels hard to find affordable activities the whole family will enjoy. But if you're looking for a few ...

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6 Comments September 19, 2023

I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There

By Len Penzo

Let's face it, the more choices we have in life, the richer and more rewarding it becomes. Fortunately, I'm currently in that coveted sweet spot of financial freedom where I can do pretty much whatever the heck I please, whenever I want. Don't get ...

Continue reading I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There

54 Comments September 18, 2023

Black Coffee: Account Overdrawn

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 ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Account Overdrawn

20 Comments September 16, 2023

Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 23

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: Some excellent National Theater productions we enjoyed in Washington were The Music Man and My Fair Lady and a solo ...

Continue reading Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 23

2 Comments September 14, 2023

How to Get Promoted by Working Like a Politician

By Tex Freitag

Getting promoted at work has more to do with politics than accomplishment, like getting a music or book contract, or inheriting a family fortune. It is possible to gain notoriety and success by doing as little as possible, just look at any politician ...

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8 Comments September 13, 2023

The Best Way to Sell Your Timeshare

By Enero Febrero

Timeshares can be a significant burden on your finances. They're overpriced, lose their value quickly, and quite frankly, are not for everyone. But maybe you still bought one. Well ... take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. Many people buy ...

Continue reading The Best Way to Sell Your Timeshare

8 Comments September 12, 2023

Budget Workouts: 10 Ways to Get Fit for Little or No Money

By David Hamilton

Are you still making excuses that you can't go to the gym because it's too expensive? Or can't afford a new bike to exercise? Be afraid, be very afraid, because you're about to encounter some simple, cost-effective, budget workout ideas for you to ...

Continue reading Budget Workouts: 10 Ways to Get Fit for Little or No Money

36 Comments September 11, 2023

Black Coffee: Something for Nothing

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: Something for Nothing

22 Comments September 9, 2023

The Baffling Allure of the Eiffel Tower

By Len Penzo

Is the Eiffel Tower overrated? Originally built as the grand entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, today the Eiffel Tower is the undisputed romantic symbol of Paris and most-visited paid monument on Earth. Even so, that didn't stop more than 1000 ...

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17 Comments September 7, 2023

The 5 Best Investment Options During a Recession

By Sabado Domingo

As the old saying goes, what goes up must come down. And while the stock market has been on a tear in recent years, investors would be wise to remember that recessions are a reality of the business cycle. This begs the question: What are the best ...

Continue reading The 5 Best Investment Options During a Recession

Leave a Comment September 6, 2023

5 Ways You Can Save Money on Groceries This Week

By Anum Yoon

For many people, the grocery bill is one of their largest monthly expenses. Fortunately, you can easily save money on groceries this week -- and every week after that -- with a little pre-planning and a lot of creative frugality. Nix the ...

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4 Comments September 5, 2023

How Our Perverse Debt-Based Monetary System Works

By Len Penzo

No, you're not going crazy, folks. In today's world, nothing is as it seems anymore. Down is up. Bad is good. Black is white. And the money in your wallet -- as well as the stuff making up your bank and retirement accounts -- is nothing but an empty ...

Continue reading How Our Perverse Debt-Based Monetary System Works

8 Comments September 4, 2023

Black Coffee: They Know That We Know

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: They Know That We Know

14 Comments September 2, 2023

Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 22

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: Note by Grandfather: Elaine wrote most of her epistle in 2002, when her dementia was quite advanced. one of its symptoms is ...

Continue reading Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 22

4 Comments August 31, 2023

5 Simple Ways to Avoid Online Fraud

By Tex Freitag

You are just setting out in your online business venture or research work, and falling prey to online scams is the last thing on your mind. As such, it's safe to say thinking about ways to avoid online fraud also isn't one of your top concerns. We ...

Continue reading 5 Simple Ways to Avoid Online Fraud

2 Comments August 30, 2023

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6 Ways to Fix Your Finances: Smart Tips for Resuscitating Your Bank Account
My 13-Year-Old Daughter Shares Her Financial Fears
Black Coffee: It Ain’t What It Used to Be
How Thinking Outside the Box Can Save You a Fortune
The Pros and Cons of Higher Interest Rates
Five Frugal Ideas for Fall Season Family Fun
I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There
Black Coffee: Account Overdrawn
Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 23
How to Get Promoted by Working Like a Politician

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