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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

End-of-Life Planning: What to Know About Costs, Choices & Support

By Corazon Gritar

When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with major decisions and financial responsibilities while they are still processing their grief. Understanding what to expect ahead of time, from burial preferences and memorial costs to ...

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Leave a Comment September 15, 2026

Keeping Up with the Joneses: 8 Ways to Stop It and Love Your Life

By Mikey Rox

What is the root of all evil? Some think it's greed while others believe it's envy. They often go hand-in-hand, but neither brings personal satisfaction. To find true happiness, we must look within instead of coveting that of others. Here's ...

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16 Comments September 15, 2026

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 9, 2026

Get to Know the Costs of Roof Replacements

By Corazon Gritar

roof replacement costs

Replacing a roof is one of the largest maintenance expenses many homeowners will face. The final price depends on more than the visible size of the house, and two roofs with similar square footage may carry very different costs. Materials, labor, ...

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Leave a Comment September 8, 2026

Home Security Tech Upgrades: Why Millions of Homeowners Are Doing It Now

By Corazon Gritar

As technology advances, it’s not just our phones and cars getting smarter, but our homes, too. Increasingly, homeowners are investing in sophisticated home security systems designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. This trend is on the ...

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Leave a Comment August 26, 2026

HVAC Longevity: Essential Expenses That Maximize Lifetime

By Corazon Gritar

HVAC longevity

A reliable HVAC system supports indoor comfort throughout the year, but that performance depends on consistent care and responsible spending. Property owners who delay service may save money temporarily, only to face larger repair bills when worn ...

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2 Comments August 25, 2026

Smart Food Choices: How They Support Your Health and Wallet

By Corazon Gritar

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 ...

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August 20, 2026

Outdoor Fire Pit Do’s and Don’ts: What You Need to Consider

By Sabado Domingo

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 ...

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August 20, 2026

Need a New Roof? Here’s What to Know About Its Financial Value

By Corazon Gritar

new roof

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 ...

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August 18, 2026

The Best Household CEOs Understand the Importance of Saying ‘No’

By Len Penzo

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 ...

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August 10, 2026

The 4 Best Exterior Home Improvements to Invest In

By Corazon Gritar

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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August 5, 2026

FSBO: I Sold My Home On My Own in 1997. Would I Do It Again?

By Len Penzo

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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August 4, 2026

4 Smart Home Improvement Projects That Save Money in the Long Run

By Sabado Domingo

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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August 4, 2026

My 18th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches

By Len Penzo

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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August 3, 2026

5 Ways Smoking Negatively Affects Your Finances

By Anum Yoon

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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July 28, 2026

Home Investments: 4 Roofing System Improvements Worth Considering

By Corazon Gritar

roofing system improvements

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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July 15, 2026

Changes Around the Home That Can Help Lower Your Utility Bills

By Corazon Gritar

In today's world, where energy conservation and sustainable living hold utmost importance, homeowners are finding innovative ways to reduce their utility bills. This article explores various alterations around the home that not only contribute to ...

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July 9, 2026

My Nonagenarian Aunt Doris Shares Her Thoughts On Growing Old

By Aunt Doris

This article was originally written on October 19, 2011 by my dear Aunt Doris, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 94. When you buy a refrigerator, or a car, or even a teakettle, you get a booklet that tells you what to expect, how it works, ...

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July 9, 2026

3 Eco-Friendly Home Improvements That Will Actually Save You Money

By Corazon Gritar

Many people seem to be under the impression that most products intended to be energy-efficient actually cost more money to purchase than the product saves over time. However, if shoppers want to genuinely save some money on their eco-friendly ...

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June 23, 2026

True Story: My Spouse Skipped Town and Left Me Penniless!

By Spedie

I'd always considered myself pretty street smart. You know, the kind of girl that didn't have an easy life and had learned many lessons via the School of Hard Knocks. Then I married my Prince Charming. He didn't make much money, but we shared the ...

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June 22, 2026

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