Awareness

Desperation is not a financial strategy

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Crypto and other Hail-Mary financial plays show that many of us aren’t greedy, but desperate. But desperation will make the situation worse. By now you’ve all probably heard about the latest failure of a crypto exchange, FTX. Even if you … Read More … Read More

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Why the 30 year mortgage is actually uncommon

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The U.S. is an outlier in offering a 30 year mortgage. Here’s why that is, and why you still want to be able to pay it off faster. It’s official: 30 year fixed-rate mortgages in the U.S. have reached 7%. … Read More … Read More

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Why we believe people are rich or poor is changing

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I look at three studies by the Pew Research Center on how our beliefs on why people are rich or poor are evolving, and in a promising way. I know in my heart of hearts that the vast majority of … Read More … Read More

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Why everything today is more unaffordable

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If you think people today are finding that homes, cars, and student loans are unaffordable, well, you’re right. Have you ever watched Company Man on YouTube? His videos take a look at businesses, primarily restaurants, and talks about how they … Read More … Read More

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Student loan forgiveness is happening: Why it’s amazing (and futile?)

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I respond to the recent announcement of student loan forgiveness by the Biden administration. By now you’ve all heard the news: the Biden administration announced a $10,000 reduction in the balances of student loans for some borrowers, and $20,000 reduction … Read More … Read More

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Why do we care about the stock market’s daily moves?

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There is no practical reason for most people to follow the up and down moves of the stock market, and plenty of reason to ignore all of it. I listen to NPR a fair amount, mostly when I’m in the … Read More … Read More

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Can anyone become wealthy?

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There are two competing worldviews in financial success: that anyone can get ahead, and that no one can. So, can anyone become wealthy? After being a financial coach for a decade or so, I’ve learned that there are two primary … Read More … Read More

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Is now a good time to buy I Bonds?

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The inflation-adjusted Series I Bonds seems like a good place to park your money, but is that actually the case? Nothing here is financial advice. Please see my Disclosure Policy. I recently got this question sent to me from one … Read More … Read More

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Buy now pay later: Silicon Valley wants the money you don’t have

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Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) firms like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay have revived an age-old idea of helping people buy things they can’t afford. I’ve spent a good portion of my adult working life in companies aligned with, if not … Read More … Read More

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What high prices have in common with chili peppers

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The solution to the mouth burn from eating chili peppers is surprisingly similar to the solution to the recent rise in prices. Everyone is talking about high prices. I’m not sure everyone understands what’s going on with them, or how … Read More … Read More

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