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Blog

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

Rainbow flag

This is the real definition of insanity

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There are some phrases that get thrown about often, without actually thinking about what they mean, and whether they’re even correct or not. Some are perfectly innocuous. No one stops to think about what exactly we’re saying “bless you” about … Read More … Read More

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Wine glass pour

If you won’t keep a budget, here are other things you can do

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I believe that keeping a daily log of your purchases is the single most effective action you can take today to change your financial situation. Just knowing what it is that you are currently doing can help you be more … Read More … Read More

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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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