Len Penzo – Page 3 – Len Penzo dot Com

Why I Run My Household Like a Business (and Why You Should Too)

Before I started my blog, I spent my free time as a dedicated volunteer for Little League baseball. And although I rose through the ranks over the years to eventually become a league president, looking back, my fondest Little League memories still ...

Continue reading Why I Run My Household Like a Business (and Why You Should Too)

Black Coffee: Stuck in the Middle

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: Stuck in the Middle

19 Tips for Saving a Bundle of Cash on Home Appliances

We recently replaced our old refrigerator. It's not that the appliance was on the verge of breaking down; it's just that I am very risk adverse and I figured that, with the recent spate of supply chain issues, I figured we'd get a jump on any ...

Continue reading 19 Tips for Saving a Bundle of Cash on Home Appliances

Black Coffee: Iron Fist, Glass Jaw

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 terrific week. ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Iron Fist, Glass Jaw

14 Reasons Why Monitored Home Security Systems Are for Suckers

Even though today's DIY home security systems make it easier than ever to monitor your home from anywhere and at any time with a smart phone, I still see the occasional ad from companies offering home burglar alarm installation and monitoring ...

Continue reading 14 Reasons Why Monitored Home Security Systems Are for Suckers

Black Coffee: Living the Highlife

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: Living the Highlife

How to Know If You Should Buy an Extended Warranty

The conventional wisdom out there is that it's virtually never advantageous to get an extended warranty for anything, which I believe is a bit extreme. I remember an old article in Consumer Reports that said, as a general rule of thumb, extended ...

Continue reading How to Know If You Should Buy an Extended Warranty

Black Coffee: Running to Stand Still

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. Happy New Year! I've got a hangover to ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Running to Stand Still

100 Words On: Why Not All Debt is a Four-Letter Word

Not all debt is bad. Debt is generally okay whenever it is used to buy something that may increase in value. For example, going into debt can make perfect sense when you're trying to start a business, or expand an existing one. Very few people can ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: Why Not All Debt is a Four-Letter Word

Shocking! 10 Everyday Items That Are More Expensive Than Gasoline

I drove by the corner gas station today, as I do everyday on my way home from work, and I couldn't help but notice that the price of gasoline rose another few cents over the weekend. This time the sign was unapologetically advertising a price of ...

Continue reading Shocking! 10 Everyday Items That Are More Expensive Than Gasoline

Black Coffee: Blowing Hot and Cold

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: Blowing Hot and Cold

What’s an Emphyteutic Lease? (And Why You May Want to Avoid One)

The other day the Honeybee and I were watching the two-millionth episode of House Hunters when the featured owners of a condo who were trying to sell their place got some chilling news from their real estate agent: First, their outdated kitchen's ...

Continue reading What’s an Emphyteutic Lease? (And Why You May Want to Avoid One)

Black Coffee: The Back Scratching Continues

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 terrific week. ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: The Back Scratching Continues

100 Words On: Why Personal Responsibility Is the Key to Success

Nothing is easier in life than to blame the other guy when we encounter problems. That's because it takes real courage and integrity to look inward and take responsibility for all of the troubles that are a direct result of our own making. When we ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: Why Personal Responsibility Is the Key to Success

My Peanut Butter Taste Test: What 8 Choosy Mothers Really Chose

Before the average American kid gets his high school diploma he or she will supposedly eat 1500 peanut butter sandwiches. That being said, most Americans' passion for peanut butter doesn't stop after childhood. And in case you're wondering, a ...

Continue reading My Peanut Butter Taste Test: What 8 Choosy Mothers Really Chose

Black Coffee: Lucky Number 13

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. Believe it or not, today is my blog's ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: Lucky Number 13

Do Prices Ending in 9 Really Affect Our Buying Habits?

My dad, who passed away in 2020, was a real comedian. The guy seemed to have a story or a joke for every occasion and I'm pretty sure I heard 'em all. That never stopped Dad from sharing his repertoire over and over again anyway. What I really ...

Continue reading Do Prices Ending in 9 Really Affect Our Buying Habits?

Black Coffee: An Explosive Situation

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 a busy weekend to attend to, ...

Continue reading Black Coffee: An Explosive Situation

100 Words On: A Really Sneaky Way to Reduce Your Restaurant Bar Tab

According to the National Restaurant Association, 88% of all adults say they enjoy going to restaurants. It's really no wonder. Dining out is considered a relaxing treat by most folks; a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of a hectic day. ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: A Really Sneaky Way to Reduce Your Restaurant Bar Tab

4 Presumptuous Gifts that Can Strain the Recipient’s Budget

I remember the worst gift I ever received. It was a vacation to the Bahamas that an old girlfriend of mine gave to me. It was one of those too-good-to-be-true ultra-low-cost package "deals" that was exactly that -- too good to be true. Our "hotel" ...

Continue reading 4 Presumptuous Gifts that Can Strain the Recipient’s Budget

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.