Blog

Blog

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

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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Gas station line

Why I want gas prices to rise, eventually

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The price of gasoline, the fuel (literally and figuratively) of our economy, is only in the news related to a change in its price. When prices are rising, you see article after article with statistics, and commentary about what it … Read More … Read More

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Grim reaper

If you think you can get out of paying back your student loans, think again

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Student loans are a big problem today. With the 68% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduating with student loan debt, and the average being $30,100 per borrower (in 2015), this feels like it’s no longer just “one of those things” a … Read More … Read More

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