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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

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4 Ways to Have a Budget Friendly Wedding

By Corazon Gritar

While any major party or event has its costs, weddings with ridiculous price tags are becoming increasingly common. In fact, the cost of weddings in recent years has forced some couples to put off tying the knot altogether. The average amount spent ...

Continue reading 4 Ways to Have a Budget Friendly Wedding

November 22, 2022

9 Great Gift Ideas for People Who Have Everything

By Len Penzo

I always struggle when it comes to finding great gift ideas for people who have everything. My family draws names every year as part of our annual Christmas gift exchange. It's typically done a year in advance, on Christmas Day, long after all the ...

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November 21, 2022

Why Programmable Thermostats Rarely Save People Money

By Len Penzo

For most folks who find themselves away from home for a good portion of the day, a programmable thermostat offers many benefits. Conventional wisdom says one of the biggest is lower energy bills resulting from more efficient heating and air ...

Continue reading Why Programmable Thermostats Rarely Save People Money

November 10, 2022

How I Fought My Parking Ticket and Beat City Hall

By Len Penzo

Usually, the only warm-blooded creature in the house that ever bothers to get up and acknowledge me when I come through the front door is my dog, Jack. So I knew something was wrong when I walked through the door and the Honeybee greeted me with a ...

Continue reading How I Fought My Parking Ticket and Beat City Hall

October 31, 2022

5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency This Winter

By Corazon Gritar

The time of year for cozy sweaters, sheepskin slippers, nights by the fireplace, and big mugs of hot cocoa is fast approaching. However, that means the time of year for all of the warm air in your home trying to escape and cold air from the outdoors ...

Continue reading 5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency This Winter

October 25, 2022

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill This Winter

By Corazon Gritar

Winter is when many homeowners see their heating bills spike. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to save money on your water bills - and stop wasting water in the process. The key is figuring out how to reduce your water bill in the most ...

Continue reading 3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill This Winter

October 18, 2022

Why Creating a Budget Is So Important (for Most People)

By Len Penzo

Creating a budget isn't the answer for everyone. After all, there are many people without budgets who have minimal debt. They also pay off their credit cards monthly and save money. Even so, there are just as many who need a budget to track expenses, ...

Continue reading Why Creating a Budget Is So Important (for Most People)

October 13, 2022

How to Start Your Life in a New Country

By Sabado Domingo

Starting a life in a new country is equal parts exciting and terrifying. It's exciting because you get to embark on an amazing new journey. At the same time it's terrifying because there are many things you need to do to make it happen. It can be ...

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September 27, 2022

10 Unique Halloween Treats That Kids Love, But Rarely Get!

By Len Penzo

When it comes to favorite Halloween treats, I consider my 10-year old daughter, Nina, to be the ultimate authority. Nobody loves sweets and desserts like her -- especially those that contain chocolate. Pity any future suitor who makes the ...

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September 26, 2022

6 Ways to Help a Family Member in Legal Trouble

By Sabado Domingo

One of the worst calls you could possibly receive is from a loved one that's in trouble and desperately needs your help. For some people, this may be a regular occurrence, however, for others, it could be a shock to the system. As friends and family, ...

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September 20, 2022

Are Spending Habits Influenced By Biology or Our Environment?

By Len Penzo

What exactly is it that not only shapes our attitudes about money, but also influences our spending habits? Why is it that some folks have no trouble sticking to budgets, while others fall victim to emotion? Why do some people seemingly have no ...

Continue reading Are Spending Habits Influenced By Biology or Our Environment?

September 19, 2022

How to Leverage Coupons to Get Great Baby Product Deals

By Enero Febrero

There's a lot to like about babies. For example, who doesn't love cuddling them? Then there are their adorable clothes, the hilarious baby videos, first words, first steps -- the list goes on an on! Unfortunately, it all comes with a ...

Continue reading How to Leverage Coupons to Get Great Baby Product Deals

September 14, 2022

10 Items You Can Part With and Profit From

By Enero Febrero

Are you looking for ways to earn a few extra bucks? Then try selling some of the items on the following list to declutter your life and save some money. By cutting out the things you don't need or use, you can profit and save your money for what you ...

Continue reading 10 Items You Can Part With and Profit From

September 7, 2022

How I Survived Two Armed Robberies (and How You Can Too)

By Len Penzo

We tend to take for granted that the terrible misfortunes we see on the nightly news befalling people every day will never ever happen to us. Perhaps that is so for the majority of folks. But it is not certain by any means. By the time I was 30 I ...

Continue reading How I Survived Two Armed Robberies (and How You Can Too)

August 29, 2022

Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons That Every Homeowner Needs to Know

By Anum Yoon

The reverse mortgage is a financial option that has been around for decades, but relatively few people ever use them. However, the truth is, many people in their sixties and older end up with a majority of their wealth tied up in their home, while ...

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August 23, 2022

Mailbag: What Happens to My Mortgage If the Dollar Hyperinflates?

By Len Penzo

Love your blog, Len. Let's just say it has opened my eyes, and for that I thank you. I've not been able to get a reasonable answer as to what happens when the dollar fails and mortgage holders are saddled with a house they can't pay for. Also, if the ...

Continue reading Mailbag: What Happens to My Mortgage If the Dollar Hyperinflates?

August 22, 2022

How to Save Money for Your Mortgage Deposit

By Sabado Domingo

Getting onto the property ladder is an important step that many individuals strive for. Having your own home isn't just about having a place to sleep at night, it's also about preparing for the future and building equity. With your own place, you'll ...

Continue reading How to Save Money for Your Mortgage Deposit

August 18, 2022

8 Ways to Save More on Back-to-School Shopping This Year

By Mikey Rox

If you've got kids, then the odds are you'll be participating in that annual ritual known as back-to-school shopping. Unfortunately, it's an expense that can take a big bite out of your budget. So why not dig a little deeper when looking for extra ...

Continue reading 8 Ways to Save More on Back-to-School Shopping This Year

August 16, 2022

11 Ways to Ensure Your Summer Vacation Doesn’t Bust Your Budget

By Mikey Rox

Going on vacation is exciting and fun-filled until you get the bill. This year, dig into your R&R with peace of mind by following these tips on how to ensure a satisfying and budget-friendly vacay: Weigh the costs of lodging vs. ...

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August 2, 2022

My 14th 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 over the past year. I guess that's to be expected with the latest "official" inflation rate as measured by the CPI coming in at a jaw-dropping 9.1% ...

Continue reading My 14th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches

August 1, 2022

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