Decisions

Rusted Car

This might be why you don’t believe you’ll be financially successful

It’s not hard to find bad economic news that applies to you. If you’re a millennial, chances are the job market is terrible for you. If you’re a baby boomer, chances are that you’re either underwater in your house or … Read MoreRead More

Luggage cart

How to handle when your luggage doesn’t show up

Alaska Airlines has been pretty good to me. While their product isn’t anything extravagant, it’s certainly enjoyable enough, and I pretty much never have to deal with agents who totally hate their life (which was something I encountered with regularity … Read MoreRead More

Computer chips

Confessions of a nerdy kid, or the pleasures of saving up for things

I was a super nerdy kid. If you doubt this, this story will confirm it. When I was in middle school, I became very interested in Bulletin Board Systems (or BBSs). These were computer networks that allowed you to communicate … Read MoreRead More

Lounge lights

How to decide whether to keep a credit card with an annual fee

I mentioned that there is only one reason to keep a credit card that carries an annual fee: The benefits you get from holding the card that you would have paid for anyway must be greater than the annual fee. … Read MoreRead More

Fire breathing

Conferring with the enemy (Part 5): Finishing the deal

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 transfer an IRA to Vanguard

Many years ago, when I was first learning about investing, I decided to start my own IRA. At my coworker’s suggestion, I set up the account at Scottrade. Over the course of two years, I put a little bit of money … Read MoreRead More

Porto Alegre at night

It’s 4 AM: Do you know where your retirement accounts are?

I just remembered that I have a gift card with money on it that I haven’t yet spent. The gift card is for Williams-Sonoma, a nice place for sure, but looks like I’ll be able to afford only a pot … Read MoreRead More

Why we must work, even if we don’t have to

  So, maybe it’s starting to happen that not everyone “needs” to work in order for all of our basic needs to be accounted for. If you are given enough money to live, would you still work? A study in … Read MoreRead More

How to haggle successfully

  I’ve already told you how to haggle unsuccessfully. In short: Covet something unique Want it more than the salesperson Not be able to walk away Have nothing with which to bargain Having learned from my mistakes though, I was … Read MoreRead More

How to haggle unsuccessfully

  I hate haggling. It’s way too stressful. I hate having to disappoint people, and I worry about insulting them. Also, I always wonder if I’m getting ripped off. To be honest, I have no idea how much things really … Read MoreRead More