Blog

Blog

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

Cord

A salve for those who have not found success yet

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I’ve always had big—if not always specific—dreams. To be a musician and fill concert halls, to be a sound engineer and produce bands, to build a large and vibrant online community, to be a financial coach, to be able to … Read More … Read More

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Roulette wheel

Where do you put short-term savings?

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I was asked this question recently: “I have about $10,000 that I don’t need to touch for a while, and I was thinking of investing it so I could make the most of it. Where do you recommend I put … Read More … Read More

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Canadian flag

How to withdraw money from an ATM in a foreign country (and not get swindled)

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So, purchasing something in a different currency when traveling out of the country isn’t as simple as it sounds. If you’re not careful, you can get charged extra, depending on what entity does the conversion. This is also starting to … Read More … Read More

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Bath bombs

What currency do you pay with when traveling abroad?

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I just returned from a week-long excursion to Vancouver Island in Canada. I very much enjoy traveling to our health-care loving neighbor to the north, and not just because I have NEXUS (which can make the crossing much easier), but … Read More … Read More

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Tissue box

To your good health

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I talk a lot (endlessly, some might say) about how to change your habits and make massive changes in your life, specifically with money. Being wealthy isn’t about making a ton of money (ask any NFL star who filed for … Read More … Read More

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Ladder

Is fear of losing money (or love) the only thing you’ve gained?

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We all have started out with some level of privilege. Whether it’s the privilege of being born in a middle class home, being born tall or extremely good looking, or even just being born in a country where water was … Read More … Read More

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Catherine wheel firework

Prince vs. The Barnes Foundation: do you even need a will?

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I’ve found myself quite avoidant to the task of getting a will. Then again, it’s a question worth asking: Do you really need a will? Now, I Am Not A Lawyer, as the saying goes, but I do have some … Read More … Read More

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Crossword

How (not) getting a will showed me why we don’t think about finances

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I’m really enjoying my life right now. More to the point, I certainly don’t have any plans for it to end anytime soon. But, well, you know, let’s face it, I’ve read the statistics, and one out of every one … Read More … Read More

Inspectors

A Vanguard benefit for those without “elite” status

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So Vanguard has “elite” status tiers with extra benefits for those who qualify. The tiers start at $50,000. But $50,000 is a lot of money to many of you. Me too. And while it’s nothing approaching the roughly $1,000,000 that … Read More … Read More

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Magic carpet ride

You can get “elite” status…with Vanguard

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I’m an unsophisticated investor, but I consider that a good thing. I’d rather do something simple that has a proven track record, rather than go for big bets that are unproven and even more risky. After all, this is my … Read More … Read More

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