The other day I got a note from one of my readers asking me to expound on my Economic Collapse 101 article entitled Ten Ways to Prepare for the Unknown. In short, he wanted a more-detailed basic preppers' list of what to have if things really go ...
Continue reading Your Basic Preppers’ List for the Apocalypse
Black Coffee: All That Glitters
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: All That Glitters
Budgeting Medical Costs: These 6 Tips Will Get You Started
When it comes to healthcare, budgeting medical costs can be tricky. After all, it can be difficult to find the money to pay for all of the expenses that pile up throughout the year.
Whether it's planned costs, like insurance and prescriptions, or ...
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What’s the Lowest Mortgage Down Payment I Can Get Away With?
Many people mistakenly believe a 20% down payment is required for conventional home loans. However, the reality is that's only true for homebuyers who want to avoid private mortgage insurance charges. Read on to learn how to find the lowest mortgage ...
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3 Car Insurance Myths That Don’t Help You Save Money
The Internet is a wonderful resource and platform for spreading misinformation at the same time. When it comes to auto insurance, for every great resource or article, there is also a website that posts incorrect and misleading information about ...
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In Memoriam: R.D. Blakeslee (1931 – 2024)
I first came into contact with the remarkable R.D. (Dave) Blakeslee more than a decade ago - in September 2013 - when he submitted an article for my blog series where readers explained how they lived comfortably on $40,000 a year. Needless to say, ...
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9 Tips For Managing Your Money During the Holidays
It's easy to go overboard during the holidays; parties, travel, decorations, and gifts can all put a sizable dent in your budget if you're not careful. When it comes to managing your money - especially during the holidays - the good news is you can ...
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Your Personal Finance Voter Guide
I love autumn.
I mean really; what's not to love about it?
Milder temperatures, cooler evenings, beautiful colors and, um, a never-ending stream of shameless cut-throat political advertisements. At least during election years.
And while an ...
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Black Coffee: Skeletons In the Closet
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: Skeletons In the Closet
Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 52
The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage:
Accidents During My Homebound Teacher Years
On my way to a student’s home, I stopped and waited behind a large trash truck ...
Continue reading Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 52
How to Handle Foreign Business Partnerships
So, you're looking to break into an international market? When it comes to foreign business partnerships, there are numerous reasons why you may wish to choose one in order to expand your own company. There are also a great many things that you'll ...
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5 Ways to Reduce Medical Debt
Medical bills within the United States have climbed to shocking heights. As a result, people are constantly looking for ways to reduce medical debt. Where in the past medical bills were more affordable, now they can be difficult for people to afford. ...
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10 More Financial Old Wives’ Tales Masquerading As Rules of Thumb
There are people out there who swear that if you're lucky enough to see the first flower of springtime on a Friday, it's a sign of impending wealth.
I know. I don't buy it either.
Still, let's assume these folks know what they're talking about; ...
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Black Coffee: Canaries in the Coal Mine
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: Canaries in the Coal Mine
Affordability: How to Find Your Maximum House Payment
When it comes to figuring out your maximum house payment, there are two basic methods for determining how much house you can reasonably afford:
Calculate Your Budget Using a Debt-to-Loan Ratio
Mortgage providers generally require your total debt to ...
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Credit Cards: 4 Ways to Lower Your Interest Rate
Over half of American households carry credit card debt from month to month. That means they're making interest payments that reduce the amount of money they have. Unfortunately, the higher your interest rate is, the more money you lose every month. ...
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The 5 Major Financial Personalities: Which One Do You Have?
Although researchers disagree on just how much of our personalities are dictated by our genetics and how much comes from the way we were raised, one thing is clear: Your personality has a huge effect on how you relate to money. In terms of financial ...
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The Credit Karma Free Credit Score Offer: What They Won’t Tell You
With millions upon millions of users, consumers regularly flock to see their free credit score on Credit Karma. And why shouldn't they? On the surface, the Credit Karma free credit score offer seems like a good thing, and it is - but only for the ...
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Black Coffee: Running the Numbers
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: Running the Numbers
Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 51
The following was written by my late wife Elaine. She wrote a long book, a diary really, from which this is one passage:
The Runaway Truck
The homebound teacher’s starting pay was $12,976, with a mileage allowance of 22 cents per mile; this ...
Continue reading Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 51