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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

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How Do New Windows and Doors Help Your Finances Long-Term?

By Corazon Gritar

Upgrading your windows and doors is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the energy efficiency of your property. While the upfront cost might seem significant, these improvements can ...

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Leave a Comment June 18, 2025

An Introductory Guide to Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

By Anum Yoon

What happens when people die -- or are dying -- is a subject of intense debate. For you it might be a matter of faith or science. What's less debatable: If you prepare properly, the people you leave behind will have an easier transition. Several ...

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6 Comments June 17, 2025

What’s the Best Way to Give a Financial Gift?

By Anum Yoon

When it comes to gifts, we all know it's the thought that counts -- which is why there are certain self-described gift-giving mentors who don't encourage financial gifts. Of course, those same folks have probably been on the receiving end of monetary ...

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5 Comments June 10, 2025

The 10 Best Things I Ever Bought

By Len Penzo

The other day my son Matthew was extolling the virtues of the laptop computer that he recently bought with his own money. "This is the best thing I ever bought, Dad!" I just nodded my head and smiled.  The truth is, if I took a moment to ...

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79 Comments June 9, 2025

5 Ways to Save Money on Moving Expenses

By Enero Febrero

Moving to a new home is stressful enough without additional financial worries. Especially when it comes to how to save money on moving expenses. After all, there are many costs involved in the moving process. For example, you may need to hire ...

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4 Comments June 4, 2025

Wedding Planning 101: Here’s How to Ensure You’ll Pay Too Much

By Mikey Rox

For most people, getting married is one of the happiest milestones of their life -- until they get the bill. Then again, that's to be expected if you fail to master Wedding Planning 101. Last year, the average cost of a US wedding was a whopping ...

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3 Comments June 3, 2025

A New Homeowner’s Guide to Smart Electrical Use

By Corazon Gritar

Becoming a new homeowner comes with many exciting changes and challenges, one of which is managing your home’s electrical use. From understanding your utility bills to planning future upgrades, smart electrical practices can save you money, reduce ...

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Leave a Comment May 27, 2025

How to Raise Your Kids to Be Financial Failures

By Len Penzo

There are a handful of questions out there that simply defy explanation. For example: Who built Stonehenge and what was it for? Why isn't the word "phonetic" spelled the way it sounds? Why can't women put mascara on with their mouths ...

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May 19, 2025

How Smart Menu Planning Can Reduce Your Annual Grocery Bill by $1000

By Len Penzo

If you google the term "world's toughest question" you'll come across a panoply of potential candidates: What is the meaning of life? What is the secret of happiness? How can I get rich quickly? Why does the line you're in always move ...

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April 28, 2025

Why I Prefer a Spreadsheet to Track Expenses & Manage My Finances

By Len Penzo

I admit it; I still use a spreadsheet to track expenses. In fact, I've been diligently managing my personal finances and tracking household expenses for almost 30 years. How diligent, you ask? Well, I can tell you that my cable bill in February ...

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April 21, 2025

Home Appraisal Impacts on Your Mortgage: Tips for Budgeting

By Sabado Domingo

Buying a home is thrilling. It's also a financial puzzle. One key piece? The home appraisal. It might not get as much attention as your credit score or interest rate. However, there are home appraisal impacts nevertheless, as they can make or break ...

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April 9, 2025

This Blue Fruit Cuts $400 Off My Grocery Bill Every Year

By Len Penzo

Have you ever wondered why there aren't very many blue fruits or vegetables in nature? I know I have. In fact, most fruits and vegetables that people usually offer as examples of azure produce are actually purple. And, no, blueberries aren't blue; ...

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April 9, 2025

Is FOMO Breaking Your Budget? Here’s How to Stop It

By Anum Yoon

Is FOMO breaking your budget? FOMO -- the fear of missing out -- is a powerful feeling. It's defined as an anxiety that something exciting is happening somewhere that you're not. It may sound like a benign and harmless feeling, but FOMO controls us ...

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April 8, 2025

6 Ways to Create a Stylish Home Office on a Budget

By Anum Yoon

Flexible scheduling and the beauty of technology in the workplace has allowed for more opportunities than ever to work from home -- either part or full-time -- rather than hanging out in the office seven days a week. That being said, just any ...

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April 1, 2025

Money Lessons for Kids: Teaching My Son About Payback Periods

By Len Penzo

The other day my 14-year-old son, Matthew, was really trying to sell me on his wish for the latest PlayStation video game console this Christmas. Never mind that he owns an XBox system that is in perfect working order, mainly because he got that as a ...

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March 24, 2025

6 Big Home Seller Mistakes That Turn Off Potential Homebuyers

By Sabado Domingo

When a potential buyer walks through your front door, what do they see? First impressions are really important, and many buyers will know within seconds whether the place is right for them. However, there are certain things that'll put buyers off ...

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March 12, 2025

5 Affordable Ways to Upgrade an Outdated Bathroom

By Anum Yoon

A wise man once said, "You go to take a shower with the bathroom you have -- not the bathroom you might want or wish to have at a later time." Perhaps we're paraphrasing, but how happy are you with your current master bathroom? This should be your ...

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March 11, 2025

Will Refinancing Save You Money? Here’s How to Tell

By Sabado Domingo

Are you considering the best ways to manage your finances while securing reliable financial support options? Lowering loan interest rates can significantly reduce your monthly payments and long-term expenses. Seeking professional advice ensures you ...

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March 4, 2025

How Might Your Budget Change After a Spousal Separation?

By Corazon Gritar

budget change after spousal separation

When a marriage ends, it’s not only an emotional transition but a financial one as well. The dynamics of household income, expenses, and savings often shift dramatically. You might find yourself with a different financial outlook, adjusting to a ...

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February 25, 2025

Relax and Unwind! Here Are 10 Ways to Have Fun on a Budget

By Anum Yoon

Ever reach the end of the work week, and you literally just can't handle any more? The days spent at the office can leave us feeling tense and wound so tight that you can almost feel your bones grinding together. But how do you unwind without ...

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February 25, 2025

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