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Blog

Musings on personal finance and more. Not written with AI since 2012.

Subway train blur

It’s not worth it to be dishonest

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I just finished reading The Big Short, about the U.S. mortgage bubble/crisis in the late 2000s. I don’t know how I never got around to reading it before now, but there’s always more books to read. It’s hard not to … Read More … Read More

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Direction sign

6 reasons why you could benefit from a financial coach

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Financial coaching will benefit you, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Here’s why coaching is for everyone. Let’s be honest, you could use a little help. Given our current economy, there’s a good chance you’re working hard … Read More

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Fancy cars

When is it time to buy a new car?

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Never. Okay okay, I’ll resist the easy joke. Is there a case for buying a new car? Sure there is. There just isn’t much of one. And it probably doesn’t apply to you. … Read More

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Tow truck

When is it time to buy your next car?

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Everyone seems to drive a nicer car than you. They’re all newer than yours too. Cars are such an extension of our selves in this auto-obsessed country of ours, which is unfortunate, because cars often have an inverse effect on … Read More … Read More

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Look sign

Start checking your investments!

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When I started at my last job, I signed up for the 401(k). (A 401(k) is one of the most lucrative ways that you can invest in a tax-advantaged way with scale.) I picked some investments, a reasonably diversified set … Read More … Read More

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Brake lights

Stop checking your investments!

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I own a home, but I don’t think of it as an investment. I know many people do, and with the crazy housing market that exists in some places (including, let’s be honest, my own city), it’s understandable. But as far … Read More … Read More

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Elevators

Why not just increase your income?

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I believe that the single most important task you can perform to increase the amount of money you have is by tracking and optimizing your expenses. The most common counter-suggestion is, “why not just increase your income?” As in, instead … Read More … Read More

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Lynn Cove Viaduct

Why not just track all of your spending as a single category?

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I believe that everyone can optimize their spending habits, and without much in the way of sacrifice. I didn’t say “zero sacrifice”. We can’t all jet off to Hawaii whenever we want it. (Not without consequence, anyway.) But I also … Read More … Read More

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Queue ticket

How do you figure out how much money you need in retirement?

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I had a little fun with our fictitious shopping trip on the luxury eBay. While I enjoy toys as much as anyone, I think the desire for ultra-rich luxuries seems less about desire for luxuries and more of a need … Read More … Read More

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Luxury castle

You don’t need to save as much as you think

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If you’re going to be financially comfortable in the later years of your life, you’re most like going to need to be a millionaire. Or if not an actual millionaire, derive the equivalent in income that having a financial net … Read More … Read More

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