Life doesn't always turn out as you might expect it to. The truth is, many things in life often defy all sense of logic.
For example, there was a time when a reasonable person watching Justin Bieber sing on a city sidewalk for spare change would ...
Continue reading 14 Unconventional Money Moves That Are Smarter Than You Think
Smart Food Choices: How They Support Your Health and Wallet
Food is part of nearly every aspect of daily life. It provides the energy people need to function, brings families and friends together, and can even influence where people shop and how they spend their free time. At the same time, changing tastes ...
Continue reading Smart Food Choices: How They Support Your Health and Wallet
Outdoor Fire Pit Do’s and Don’ts: What You Need to Consider
Sitting before a fire under the stars on a cool summer or cold winter evening is, without a doubt, what life is all about. After all, life's about enjoying the simple things. And whether you're roasting marshmallows with the kiddos or sipping hard ...
Continue reading Outdoor Fire Pit Do’s and Don’ts: What You Need to Consider
What Sri Lankan Borrowers Should Know Before Taking an Online Loan: Expert Tips
Before taking an online loan in Sri Lanka, verify three things first: the lender's licensing status with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the full cost of borrowing including hidden fees, and your realistic ability to repay on the agreed schedule. ...
Continue reading What Sri Lankan Borrowers Should Know Before Taking an Online Loan: Expert Tips
Need a New Roof? Here’s What to Know About Its Financial Value
A new roof is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make. It protects the structure, supports energy efficiency, affects curb appeal, and helps prevent water damage that can spread quickly once leaks begin. Because roof replacement is ...
Continue reading Need a New Roof? Here’s What to Know About Its Financial Value
Why Your Paycheck Math Is Probably Wrong
Most people know roughly what they earn. They know their salary, their hourly rate, the number on the offer letter. What they don't know — and what quietly costs them thousands of dollars every year — is whether the government is taking the right ...
Continue reading Why Your Paycheck Math Is Probably Wrong
The Pros and Cons of Taking Social Security Early
Nobody knows exactly how long Social Security will last, but for the time being you're still entitled to what the government has stashed on your behalf over the course of your life. So at least for now, the dilemma is not if you'll receive your ...
Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Taking Social Security Early
The Best Household CEOs Understand the Importance of Saying ‘No’
By most accounts, there are more than 250,000 words in the English language.
Of course, I have my favorites.
For example, I've always been quite fond of platypus; I smile every time I hear myself say it.
For some reason, there happens to be ...
Continue reading The Best Household CEOs Understand the Importance of Saying ‘No’
Black Coffee: That ’70s Show
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: That ’70s Show
How to Increase the Security of Your Business
According to a report by the National Association of Small Businesses, the top three challenges of running a business are economic uncertainty, the cost of health insurance benefits, and a decline in customer spending. However, with the rise in ...
Continue reading How to Increase the Security of Your Business
The 4 Best Exterior Home Improvements to Invest In
Exterior improvements can make a property more attractive, more comfortable, and easier to maintain over time. The right upgrades can also help protect the structure from weather, wear, and everyday use. However, not every project has the same value, ...
Continue reading The 4 Best Exterior Home Improvements to Invest In
FSBO: I Sold My Home On My Own in 1997. Would I Do It Again?
Longtime readers may remember that I’ve sold exactly one house in my lifetime. It was 1997. I began with a real estate agent, moved on to a second real estate agent, and eventually decided that disappointing service was the only feature included with ...
Continue reading FSBO: I Sold My Home On My Own in 1997. Would I Do It Again?
4 Smart Home Improvement Projects That Save Money in the Long Run
There are some things you can purchase or install in your home that will help save you money over the long run. Planning ahead for these opportunities can give you the best perspective on what will save you money in the future -- even if there is an ...
Continue reading 4 Smart Home Improvement Projects That Save Money in the Long Run
My 18th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches
If you're like most people, it's been hard not to notice the increase in your monthly grocery bill since the pandemic. After a huge run-up in prices for everything from gasoline to food - and despite the latest consumer price index showing that ...
Continue reading My 18th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches
A Pictorial Timeline Explaining How the US Dollar Was Born
Today, we all know the US dollar as an iconic currency that is recognizable to people around the world. And while we've previously looked at the buying power of the US dollar over time, as well as important events like the Great Depression, we have ...
Continue reading A Pictorial Timeline Explaining How the US Dollar Was Born
5 Ways Smoking Negatively Affects Your Finances
It's not likely you'll be able to find anyone in the United States who has escaped the message that smoking is hazardous to your health. After all, there's a Surgeon General's warning on every pack. And children learn about the negative effects of ...
Continue reading 5 Ways Smoking Negatively Affects Your Finances
4 Good Reasons Why Some Quarters Are Painted Red
Every once in awhile I'll come across something a bit arcane that will catch my eye and really make me wonder.
For example, consider the pattern on the back of this cat:
I know; I can't believe it either.
I'll never forget the time I ...
Continue reading 4 Good Reasons Why Some Quarters Are Painted Red
Black Coffee: Shopping for Answers
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: Shopping for Answers
The Ticking Time Bomb In Your Annual Tax Bill
There's a ticking time bomb in our federal and state income tax laws. And this time bomb virtually guarantees most individuals will see their annual income tax increase by $5000 or more! In many cases, you could pay significantly more income tax each ...
Continue reading The Ticking Time Bomb In Your Annual Tax Bill
10 Famous People Who Went Bankrupt
Being rich and famous can set you up for life – and well beyond that – but it also can make otherwise smart people do really stupid things with their money. Just ask MC Hammer, who very famously filed for bankruptcy after spending his estimated $33 ...
Continue reading 10 Famous People Who Went Bankrupt