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
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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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18 Facts You Didn’t Know About the National Debt
I know that Halloween is still several months away. However, it won't be long before people will once again be looking for ways to scare the pants off unwitting friends and family members.
One way to do that without having to dress up like a ghost ...
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Home Investments: 4 Roofing System Improvements Worth Considering
Your roof is one of the most important protective systems in your home. It shields the structure from rain, wind, heat, snow, debris, and changing seasonal conditions. Because roofing problems can affect insulation, ventilation, interior comfort, and ...
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Why Vehicle Maintenance Investments Usually Pay Off
Owning a vehicle is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make outside of housing. And yet many drivers still treat maintenance as an afterthought. Oil changes get pushed back, strange noises get ignored, and warning lights get ...
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8 Stupid Fees Consumers Hate to Pay (But Often Do Anyway)
In this tough economy, businesses of all types continue to nickel and dime us to death with add-on charges. Needless to say, they want you to believe that those fees are necessary to cover the additional costs of doing business; pizza delivery fees ...
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Black Coffee: A Fiat Fiesta
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: A Fiat Fiesta