Decisions

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

My ideas for my new country for the year

  All this talk about me helping you decide where your next “new country” trip is going to be rather sidesteps the slightly uncomfortable fact that I myself don’t actually know where my own “new country” trip is going to … Read MoreRead More

How to determine where to travel next

  I have a travel goal. Every year, I travel to a new country. Seeing one new country in a year is possible without quitting your job or being independently wealthy. In fact, it’s a challenge that starts out rather … Read MoreRead More

Financial cage match: Paying off student loans versus investing for retirement

  Recently, I made the bold claim that those who have debt aren’t ready to start saving for retirement. I added some relaxing caveats, but I really wanted to put them in an order. Debt first, investing later. I don’t … Read MoreRead More

Hand cramps, office supplies, and a hotel sweepstakes

  Last time, I talked about the Priceless Surprises promotion, a sweepstakes which is designed to get you to stay at IHG (Holiday Inn) properties and pay with a MasterCard. However, due to laws regarding sweepstakes, there is a way … Read MoreRead More