Radical Finances

Frankfurt skyline

Why you don’t want a savings account at a big bank

I talk about investments a lot, but there there’s a lot more to saving money than investing. Investments are “illiquid”, meaning you can’t just get at the money if you decide you want it. There are tax and penalty consequences … Read MoreRead More

Wine glass pour

If you won’t keep a budget, here are other things you can do

I believe that keeping a daily log of your purchases is the single most effective action you can take today to change your financial situation. Just knowing what it is that you are currently doing can help you be more … Read MoreRead More

Direction sign

6 reasons why you could benefit from a financial coach

Financial coaching will benefit you, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Here’s why coaching is for everyone. Let’s be honest, you could use a little help. Given our current economy, there’s a good chance you’re working hard … Read More

Fancy cars

When is it time to buy a new car?

Never. Okay okay, I’ll resist the easy joke. Is there a case for buying a new car? Sure there is. There just isn’t much of one. And it probably doesn’t apply to you. … Read More

Tow truck

When is it time to buy your next car?

Everyone seems to drive a nicer car than you. They’re all newer than yours too. Cars are such an extension of our selves in this auto-obsessed country of ours, which is unfortunate, because cars often have an inverse effect on … Read MoreRead More

Look sign

Start checking your investments!

When I started at my last job, I signed up for the 401(k). (A 401(k) is one of the most lucrative ways that you can invest in a tax-advantaged way with scale.) I picked some investments, a reasonably diversified set … Read MoreRead More

Brake lights

Stop checking your investments!

I own a home, but I don’t think of it as an investment. I know many people do, and with the crazy housing market that exists in some places (including, let’s be honest, my own city), it’s understandable. But as far … Read MoreRead More

Elevators

Why not just increase your income?

I believe that the single most important task you can perform to increase the amount of money you have is by tracking and optimizing your expenses. The most common counter-suggestion is, “why not just increase your income?” As in, instead … Read MoreRead More

Lynn Cove Viaduct

Why not just track all of your spending as a single category?

I believe that everyone can optimize their spending habits, and without much in the way of sacrifice. I didn’t say “zero sacrifice”. We can’t all jet off to Hawaii whenever we want it. (Not without consequence, anyway.) But I also … Read MoreRead More

Queue ticket

How do you figure out how much money you need in retirement?

I had a little fun with our fictitious shopping trip on the luxury eBay. While I enjoy toys as much as anyone, I think the desire for ultra-rich luxuries seems less about desire for luxuries and more of a need … Read MoreRead More