• About
  • Archives
  • Aunt Doris
  • Grandfather Says
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimer

Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There

By Len Penzo

Let's face it, the more choices we have in life, the richer and more rewarding it becomes. Fortunately, I'm currently in that coveted sweet spot of financial freedom where I can do pretty much whatever the heck I please, whenever I want. Don't get ...

Continue reading I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There

September 18, 2023

Is It OK to Borrow from Your 401k?

By Len Penzo

Roughly 3 in 10 people now borrow money from their 401k retirement plans. Generally, you can borrow half your account balance -- up to $50,000 -- for as long as five years. But is it okay to borrow from your 401k? True, it's among the cheapest loans ...

Continue reading Is It OK to Borrow from Your 401k?

August 10, 2023

A Summer Budget Plan for Building a Healthy Christmas Fund

By Sabado Domingo

Although the development of excellent budgeting skills is important throughout the year, utilizing restraint and prudence with respect to personal finance is particularly important during the months that proceed the Christmas season. As the summer ...

Continue reading A Summer Budget Plan for Building a Healthy Christmas Fund

June 21, 2023

Do You Have Unclaimed Money? Here’s How to Find Out

By Len Penzo

I love finding unclaimed money. The other day I was in the mood for a couple of chili cheese dogs, so I decided to stop by my local Wienerschnitzel and satisfy my craving. As I got to the counter to pay for my food I realized that I still had ...

Continue reading Do You Have Unclaimed Money? Here’s How to Find Out

June 19, 2023

Savings Tips for High School Grads: 6 Ways to Kick-Start Your Savings

By Sabado Domingo

Congratulations! If you haven't graduated already, it won't be long before you can finally say that you've passed every subject, and survived countless teachers from hell. And maybe even a pretty wild campus life! But you're now entering a new era: ...

Continue reading Savings Tips for High School Grads: 6 Ways to Kick-Start Your Savings

May 31, 2023

The Most Important Insurance We Never Buy

By Len Penzo

It's ironic, but bankers and fiscally irresponsible governments despise gold and silver. Why? Because precious metals demand accountability, that's why. In short, gold-backed currencies force responsible governments to live within their ...

Continue reading The Most Important Insurance We Never Buy

May 15, 2023

Why Coffee Drinkers Waste More Than Just Money at Starbucks

By Len Penzo

It's a common refrain: buying coffee at Starbucks is a waste of money. Now, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, but I think it's high-time we had a deeper, more serious, conversation about the wildly popular coffee house chain. I want to start ...

Continue reading Why Coffee Drinkers Waste More Than Just Money at Starbucks

May 1, 2023

5 Proactive Budgeting Tips for Single Homeowners

By Corazon Gritar

Balancing finances at home can be a challenge for many single homeowners. The budget is crucial, but being able to manage personal and business finances will help make things easier to work from. In this post, you'll learn about budgeting tips for ...

Continue reading 5 Proactive Budgeting Tips for Single Homeowners

March 31, 2023

What Defines Financial Success?

By Len Penzo

What defines financial success? Of course, many people believe that all their financial problems would disappear if they made more money. But high incomes can't guarantee financial freedom; there are countless examples of people who earn millions and ...

Continue reading What Defines Financial Success?

February 23, 2023

Wondering How to Teach Your Kids About Taxes? Consider the ‘Parent Tax’

By Lance Cothern

Paying taxes is something your kids will have to deal with as adults. So why wait to teach your kids about taxation and earning money until after they get their first job? You shouldn't. Teach your kids by charging them the "Parent Tax." The Parent ...

Continue reading Wondering How to Teach Your Kids About Taxes? Consider the ‘Parent Tax’

February 14, 2023

Why Paying Off the Mortgage Early May Be a Big Mistake

By Len Penzo

Should you pay off the mortgage early? That question is, without any doubt, the most popular question posed by my readers. And sure enough, the other day I received this note from Lauren regarding the wisdom of paying down the mortgage early: Len: ...

Continue reading Why Paying Off the Mortgage Early May Be a Big Mistake

January 30, 2023

Tips for Budgeting a Wedding

By Corazon Gritar

Budgeting for a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task. Most people need help figuring out where to begin. However, it doesn't have to be stressful. This article will help you break down every part of budgeting a wedding into manageable parts. ...

Continue reading Tips for Budgeting a Wedding

January 9, 2023

I Bonds Are Now Paying 6.89%; Here Are Those I Bond Pros and Cons

By Len Penzo

Many people are eager to learn about I bond pros and cons. The Honeybee and I bought $20,000 worth of United States' Series I savings bonds in May 2022 - known colloquially as "I bonds" - in order to take advantage of their current "risk free" ...

Continue reading I Bonds Are Now Paying 6.89%; Here Are Those I Bond Pros and Cons

November 2, 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

Is a Roth IRA Conversion Wise for You?

By Donna Skeels Cygan

Unless Congress passes new tax laws during the next three years, the tax brackets from 2017 will be back in 2026, resulting in higher taxes for many people. For people in high tax brackets, wise tax planning is essential. One strategy to counteract ...

Continue reading Is a Roth IRA Conversion Wise for You?

October 7, 2022

Stretch Your Paycheck: Money-Saving Advice for First-Time Employees

By Sabado Domingo

One factor that employees consider when looking for a new job is their compensation. Before accepting any offer, you should strive to stretch your first paycheck during negotiations so it's as big as possible. At a minimum you should always ensure ...

Continue reading Stretch Your Paycheck: Money-Saving Advice for First-Time Employees

October 5, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Frugal?

By Len Penzo

Depending on who you talk to, the economy may or may not be booming -- but it seems like there are always more than a few people who are looking to find additional and more creative ways to save a buck or two. The trouble starts when they cross the ...

Continue reading What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Frugal?

September 12, 2022

Why Millennials Are Struggling Financially And What They Can Do About It

By Sabado Domingo

It is no secret that millennials are struggling financially. A recent study by the Federal Reserve revealed that 44% of millennials have nothing saved for retirement. This is a major problem, and it is something that millennials need to address if ...

Continue reading Why Millennials Are Struggling Financially And What They Can Do About It

August 17, 2022

5 Expert Tips for Saving Money with a Credit Card

By Enero Febrero

For many people, a credit card offers a flexible way to access funds when they're needed. However, credit cards can do much more than this when they're used properly -- and can in fact end up saving you money in the long run. Selecting the right ...

Continue reading 5 Expert Tips for Saving Money with a Credit Card

June 29, 2022

100 Words On: Why You Need Emergency Savings AND a Rainy Day Fund

By Len Penzo

People often use the terms "rainy day fund" and "emergency savings" interchangeably when they are really two completely different forms of personal finance insurance. A rainy day fund is meant to help you weather short-term, relatively low-impact ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: Why You Need Emergency Savings AND a Rainy Day Fund

June 23, 2022

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Copyright © 2026 Len Penzo dot Com · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Nuts and Bolts Media

© Len Penzo dot Com 2008–2026