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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

Why You Should Never Cosign A Loan for Anyone

By Len Penzo

Cosigning for a loan is one of the dumbest financial moves you could ever make. By cosigning, you not only assume liability for the borrowed money, but you also make it tougher on yourself to qualify for large loans -- regardless of your payment ...

Continue reading Why You Should Never Cosign A Loan for Anyone

February 8, 2024

16 Reasons Why Whirlpool Tubs Are For Suckers

By Len Penzo

Once again, I thought I'd pass on a little advice and save a serious case of buyer's remorse for the six people left in America who are still looking to buy a home. No, no. I'm not going to tell you why corner lots are for suckers again. This ...

Continue reading 16 Reasons Why Whirlpool Tubs Are For Suckers

January 29, 2024

Why Grandma Was Smarter Than You About Money

By Len Penzo

Yes; Grandma was smarter than you about money. Is that a crazy thought? Well ... Grandma may not pay bills with a smartphone or trade stocks on her computer -- but the fact is she can teach a few lessons about saving money that you can take to the ...

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January 25, 2024

Don’t Be Afraid of Treating Your Household Like a Business

By Len Penzo

Anybody can run a household like a business, but to do it effectively you first have to appoint a household CEO in order to get the job done. Of course, the best candidate for running your household is always ... you. For those of you who are ...

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January 22, 2024

Expecting the Unexpected: Managing Finances With a Disability

By Corazon Gritar

When it comes to finances, most people know how to manage their daily expenses fairly well. However, once saving for the future is brought into question, things become a bit trickier. How much should you save? How should you be saving it? One ...

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January 16, 2024

10 Tips for Managing Long-Term Care for Elderly Parents

By Mikey Rox

We all dread the day when we may be faced with making important life decisions on behalf of our aging parents. It's never an easy road deciding how to best care for the people who used to care for us, and there are plenty of variables that should be ...

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January 9, 2024

Need a Wedding Singer? Here are Booking Rates for 120 Famous Bands

By Len Penzo

Looking for some booking rates for famous bands? Well ... just keep in mind that, according to St. Louis Bride and Groom magazine, couples spend an average of 5.2% of their wedding budget on music. That seems about right. The Honeybee and I spent ...

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December 27, 2023

6 Reasons to Take Out a Reverse Mortgage

By Sabado Domingo

reasons to get a reverse mortgage

Home equity is a powerful tool for many homeowners, particularly as they approach retirement. It represents a significant portion of their financial resources and can be a key factor in ensuring financial stability. A striking statistic highlights ...

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December 14, 2023

How to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

By Corazon Gritar

Whether your home is heated by electricity or natural gas, a high heating bill can sometimes be a huge shock. Thankfully, there are plenty of low cost or free changes you can make in your home or apartment. Here's how you can save money on heating, ...

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December 12, 2023

More Clever Low-Cost Homemade Gifts Everyone Will Enjoy

By Anum Yoon

If you missed Part 1 of this series on homemade gifts, click here. One of the best gifts you can give or receive is something that was handmade with love. The special touches, time and effort that go into DIY projects let everyone know they're ...

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December 5, 2023

How to Trim Your Christmas Shopping List

By Anum Yoon

Santa gives Christmas gifts with a "Ho, ho, ho." However, people who don't have a legion of elves to help them often feel like "Ho, ho, NO!" If the expectations of gift-giving have become too much for your budget, consider reducing your Christmas ...

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November 28, 2023

When Is the Right Time to Stop Giving Gifts to Nieces and Nephews?

By Len Penzo

When my daughter, Nina, was still measuring her age in single-digits, I'd tuck her into bed every evening. Then, just before kissing her goodnight, I'd ask her to stop getting older. She didn't listen. The truth is, kids are always in a hurry ...

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November 27, 2023

How Debt Trouble Is Usually Related to Your Diet

By Len Penzo

Many folks in debt trouble who tally their assets and liabilities after years of modest but steady increases in income often end up scratching their heads, wondering why their net worth is nothing to write home about. Whether those in debt trouble ...

Continue reading How Debt Trouble Is Usually Related to Your Diet

November 16, 2023

How To Transform a Room Into a Gaming Paradise

By Sabado Domingo

Gaming is one of the world's most beloved pastimes, with millions of dedicated practitioners all over the world. It's a hobby that allows people to live their dreams and do whatever they want, so it's no surprise that every year, millions more get ...

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November 13, 2023

5 Key Points to Consider Before Signing a Contract

By David Bakke

It's not uncommon to see offers like these on a daily basis: "Get a new iPhone for only $99; requires two-year contract," or "Get DIRECTV for only $59.99 a month for six months; requires a one-year commitment." These teasers may sound great, but ...

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November 8, 2023

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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November 7, 2023

8 Ways to Make a Great Budget Thanksgiving Dinner

By Anum Yoon

Thanksgiving is filled with family, friends, good food and football. But it can also be filled with expenses -- especially if you're having Thanksgiving dinner at your house. The good news is there are plenty of ways to cook and enjoy a delicious ...

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October 31, 2023

Using Food as an Alternative Investment Vehicle

By Len Penzo

Depending on which source you reference, as many as seven million Americans supposedly starved during the Great Depression. That number may be on the high side, but hard times are coming if the current global economic troubles cannot be contained and ...

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October 30, 2023

An Overview of the 4 Basic Types of Disability Insurance Coverage

By Sabado Domingo

If you work in a highly risky environment where sustaining serious injuries is the reality of your everyday life, you should no doubt get disability insurance. What if you do not? Most of us rely on a steady income. When you're in good health, ...

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October 25, 2023

Preparing Your Wallet for Structural Home Damage

By Corazon Gritar

When it comes to safeguarding your financial stability amidst the uncertainties of structural home damage, a budget is your best friend. In the United States, 93% of homeowners have a home insurance policy. However, insurance coverage alone may not ...

Continue reading Preparing Your Wallet for Structural Home Damage

October 20, 2023

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