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

Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

The 10 Worst Things I Ever Bought

By Len Penzo

Most of us have no trouble remembering the best things we ever bought. The worst things are another matter. Anyway, here's my list. How does it compare to yours? 1. My first house Purchase Date: 1990 Purchase Price: $114,000 Inflation ...

Continue reading The 10 Worst Things I Ever Bought

February 8, 2021

I’m Stumped: 7 Perplexing Money Questions Without a Good Answer

By Len Penzo

Did you know that back in 2013, then British Prime Minister David Cameron offered $1.54 million to the first person who could solve mankind's greatest challenge? He did. However, before the challenge could officially begin, he had to wait for an ...

Continue reading I’m Stumped: 7 Perplexing Money Questions Without a Good Answer

January 25, 2021

A Simple Test to Know If It’s Better to Rent or Buy a House

By Len Penzo

This weekend my friend and I got into a discussion regarding the housing market; he was wondering whether current prices were still cheap enough to justify buying a new home. "That's a good question," I told him, "We could ask my Magic 8-Ball, but ...

Continue reading A Simple Test to Know If It’s Better to Rent or Buy a House

January 11, 2021

Are Gas Clothes Dryers Worth the Extra Money?

By Len Penzo

People looking to save money on appliances quickly learn that gas dryers typically cost between $75 to $150 more than their electric counterparts, primarily because the components are more expensive; for folks on tight budgets, that price premium can ...

Continue reading Are Gas Clothes Dryers Worth the Extra Money?

December 21, 2020

3 Short but Savvy Winter Season Shopping Tips

By Sabado Domingo

December typically begins a three- or four-month period where household and personal bills can skyrocket, largely due to heating and winter prepping. As a result, it's important to get smarter with the resources you have in order to ensure you're not ...

Continue reading 3 Short but Savvy Winter Season Shopping Tips

November 25, 2020

5 Clever Ways to Improve Google Shopping Results

By Sabado Domingo

Almost immediately after Google Shopping evolved into a revolutionary monetized service, professional marketers from many different industries have searched for ways to get the most value from it. Google Shopping basically is a comparison shopping ...

Continue reading 5 Clever Ways to Improve Google Shopping Results

November 11, 2020

5 Costly Shopping Habits That Drive My 13-Year-Old Daughter Crazy

By Lenina Penzo

(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from my daughter, Nina. It was originally published on November 19, 2012.) Hi again, everyone! Let me just take the time to start off by saying that my dad has been really busy and he needed to take a day ...

Continue reading 5 Costly Shopping Habits That Drive My 13-Year-Old Daughter Crazy

October 29, 2020

Why Bragging About What You’re Going to Buy is Super Lame

By Paula Pant

A few months ago, my roommate and I were bonding over appetizers and drinks at a tapas restaurant when two men approached us. "Excuse me, ladies, can we join you?" It was the type of venue where strangers regularly chat with strangers filled ...

Continue reading Why Bragging About What You’re Going to Buy is Super Lame

October 22, 2020

How to Reduce Everyday Spending

By Sabado Domingo

Cutting down monthly spending is something we would all like to do. However, it might not be as difficult as you think. There are many areas of household spending where cuts can be made. Although if you find yourself struggling with one too many ...

Continue reading How to Reduce Everyday Spending

June 25, 2020

100 Words On: Why It Pays to Sleep on It Prior to a Big Decision

By Len Penzo

When youre facing an important financial decision, theres something to be said about taking a night to think it over. That's because, when it comes right down to it, most financial decisions aren't emergencies -- although a lot of folks might think ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: Why It Pays to Sleep on It Prior to a Big Decision

May 21, 2020

Personal Computer Requirements: How to Make Sure You Don’t Overpay

By Tex Freitag

Depending on where you live, as many as 92% of your neighbors own at least one computer. Unfortunately, many people who are in the market for a laptop or desktop computer find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of computer configurations on ...

Continue reading Personal Computer Requirements: How to Make Sure You Don’t Overpay

May 12, 2020

Things You Should and Shouldn’t Consider Splurging On

By Sabado Domingo

Once you have a budget set and you start building up some disposable income, you need to figure out how you're going to use that money. Sometimes the perception of money management is that you're on the far end of two spectra. You either live ...

Continue reading Things You Should and Shouldn’t Consider Splurging On

March 18, 2020

How to Avoid Spending Too Much For A Quality Mattress

By Sabado Domingo

How do you feel when you wake up to start your day? Few of us report that we feel less than well-rested, and this may be a sign that we need to get a new mattress. Often, the root of our sleep problems literally lie in the mattress that we sleep on. ...

Continue reading How to Avoid Spending Too Much For A Quality Mattress

March 3, 2020

Buying And Selling? Try Using Bitcoin Escrow to Protect Yourself

By Tex Freitag

Not everybody is looking to scam you out of money, but if you've been selling products or services online, then you likely have been burned before. You uphold your end of the bargain and expect others to do the same. Most times they do, but it ...

Continue reading Buying And Selling? Try Using Bitcoin Escrow to Protect Yourself

February 12, 2020

I Ordered Some Omaha Steaks; But Were They Worth the Price?

By Len Penzo

Aside from the vegetarians and vegans of the world, who doesn't love a good steak? On second thought, there are more than a few vegetarians and vegans out there who, when pressed, will sheepishly admit they love steak too. I only bring this up ...

Continue reading I Ordered Some Omaha Steaks; But Were They Worth the Price?

January 27, 2020

Should You Really Buy a Car Online?

By Sabado Domingo

The answer in many ways to a consumer's prayers, buying a car online can circumvent many of the unpleasant aspects of purchasing a new vehicle. On the other hand, this method also bypasses a number of factors key to getting the car you need. Thus, ...

Continue reading Should You Really Buy a Car Online?

December 18, 2019

100 Words On: Why Buying in Bulk Is Not Always a Smart Idea

By Len Penzo

Although it requires extra storage and higher upfront costs, many consumers buy their groceries and other products in bulk to save money. But that strategy can quickly backfire for those who indiscriminately buy massive quantities of ...

Continue reading 100 Words On: Why Buying in Bulk Is Not Always a Smart Idea

December 5, 2019

Drop the Guilt: How To Splurge Without Breaking the Bank

By Len Penzo

Is it just me, or do I come off at times as a real financial stick in the mud? Uh huh. That's what I thought. Look back at my archives and you'll notice I've written plenty of articles about the importance of saving money and spending less than ...

Continue reading Drop the Guilt: How To Splurge Without Breaking the Bank

November 4, 2019

Should You Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring from a Retailer or Wholesale?

By Sabado Domingo

So you've finally decided to take that next big step and get engaged -- but if you think making that decision was hard, then you're in for a ride, because the most common question that pops into the mind of someone getting engaged is what type of ...

Continue reading Should You Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring from a Retailer or Wholesale?

October 4, 2019

How Impulsivity Affects Your Financial Decisions

By Sabado Domingo

We're all guilty of an impulsive purchase or two; in fact, in four out of every ten stores we visit, we're likely to make an average of three unplanned purchases. Impulsivity -- also known as impulsiveness -- is something that even the most organized ...

Continue reading How Impulsivity Affects Your Financial Decisions

September 12, 2019

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • Next Page »

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

© Len Penzo dot Com 2008–2026