Decisions

Umbrellas

How much is that cheap thing costing you?

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I’m a big fan of purchasing responsibly. I’m not profligate with my spending, but I do feel like it’s important to spend a little extra on certain things that provide a significant return, be it personally or financially. But I … Read More … Read More

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Dollar Store

The moment I learned that dollar stores aren’t a good deal

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In 2003, I was living in New York City, working a retail job where I made around $13 an hour. (That’s a $26,000 salary equivalent.) My rent was $675, which meant that I was spending 50% of my take home … Read More … Read More

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Old Arrow Sign

The problem with YOLO

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I’m in Vegas this week. Everyone has a strong reaction to that phrase, and it’s quite revealing about them. Sometimes it’s, “Ugh, Vegas, what a hellhole“, but more often it’s “Awesome! What kind of craziness are you gonna get up … Read More … Read More

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Light blobs

The problem with wanting “more”

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“I wish I had more money.” I hear this at discussion groups, coaching sessions, and even just conversations with friends. I can’t help but remember that commercial from my childhood for a trade school, with Sally Struthers as spokesperson: “Do … 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

In (surprising) defense of taxis

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I’m writing this the night before I take off on a short trip, my first of the new year. The flight leaves at 7AM. I have Pre-Check (because of NEXUS) so I don’t need to get there all that much … Read More … Read More

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Sarasota dawn

Calculate the opportunity cost

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Opportunity cost can be defined as “the value of the choice of a best alternative lost while making a decision.” Or, more colloquially, it’s “what you could have done if you had chosen differently.” I’ve talked before that one should consider … Read More … Read More

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Junk car

How my 1990 Geo Prizm helped me buy a home

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I kept my first car, a 1990 Geo Prizm, for years longer than anyone said I should. But that decision later enabled me to buy my first home. … Read More

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Desk and contract

Why I charge for my services

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I am not good at asking for money. If you want an example of my personal hell, it would be to be one those of people who stand on street corners and accost you as you pass. “Hey friend! You’re … Read More … Read More

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