Blog

Blog

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

How couples can combine their finances

  So, you found that special someone, and decided to take the leap, either toward cohabitation, or civil union, or marriage, or anything that merits the phrase “take the leap“. Congrats! I bet one thing you’re not thinking about in all … Read MoreRead More

A tale of two mileage expirations

  I’ve talked before about the importance of keeping track of your frequent flyer miles. “But it’s too complicated!” is only a valid complaint if you desire to travel less and have it cost more money. Is that you? Didn’t … Read MoreRead More

What is the purpose of a refundable airline ticket?

  I always want to write about topics that are interesting and useful to my readers, but I also know that everyone is at different places. Some people are working on getting out of debt, so things like investing and … Read MoreRead More

Conferring with the enemy (Part 4): Redeeming British Airways miles from Boston to Dublin

All posts in this series: Conferring with the enemy (Part 1): A credit card for a travel plan Conferring with the enemy (Part 2): Fulfilling minimum spend requirements on a credit card Conferring with the enemy (Part 3): The waiting (for … Read MoreRead More

Conferring with the enemy (Part 3): The waiting (for miles to post) game

All posts in this series: Conferring with the enemy (Part 1): A credit card for a travel plan Conferring with the enemy (Part 2): Fulfilling minimum spend requirements on a credit card Conferring with the enemy (Part 3): The waiting (for … Read MoreRead More

How to keep a journal and actually stick with it

  So let’s say that you’ve already internalized the benefits of journaling, and want to get on board. Chances are, you’ve already tried. And stopped. Like going to the gym and so many other skills out there, this is one … Read MoreRead More

Keep a journal; your future self will thank you

  I’ve been keeping a journal for more than five years. I wouldn’t say that I’ve written in it every single day, but aside from some seriously busy periods in my life (usually involving travels) I usually can average almost … Read MoreRead More

A better way to combine money and miles when flying

  With the discussion about using connecting cities to find better award availability when flying, I thought I would highlight another option for maximizing travel options and minimizing cost. I call it the DIY Money and Miles option. … Read More

How to find better award availability on Alaska Airlines using connecting cities

  I’m heading to Montreal next month, which is exciting, as I’ve only been there once before, and in December, not exactly an optimal time for visiting a Canadian city. I looked at using (Alaska) miles for the trip, but … Read MoreRead More

Are you actually “directionally challenged?”

  While thinking about my idea for “Stop Messing Around With Your Phone Day“, I tried to come up with a more nuanced view of what was considered “messing around” versus “legitimate use”. And one of those cases that seemed … Read MoreRead More