Radical Finances

What to do when you go over budget

  You would think because I do financial coaching and talk about money a bunch, that I’d be an ace at it and never have any problems. Alas, you would be wrong. … Read More

A conversation about debt

(My friend Saul of Hearts recently posted an article about his experiences with leveraging debt. As I thought it was an interesting take on a subject that I have some strong feelings about, we talked about me writing a response … Read MoreRead More

Why keeping a budget is just like getting a raise

  I want you to keep track of what you earn and spend. But why? Is it a deep-seated need to assign homework? No way. Do I want you to become obsessed with your budget and spend hours and hours … Read MoreRead More

Why Charles Dickens’ Micawber was only half right

  I will rarely quote Charles Dickens, but here’s a great quote from David Copperfield by the character Wilkins Micawber: “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty … Read MoreRead More

What do you value?

  Joe Biden, the current US Vice President as of the time of writing (and possibly the most famous person from Delaware), is on record with a great quote: “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and … Read MoreRead More

How much float do you need?

  In my last post, I talked about the importance of having “float” in your checking account. Float is that extra cushion of money in your account that’s above and beyond the money that comes in from your income. The … Read MoreRead More

Is there ever a reason to buy a new car?

  New cars are alluring. Who can deny that? The combination of something being all new, mixed with the sense of freedom (real or imagined) creates an intoxication that is hard to resist. Notice I said “intoxication.” Like lots of … Read MoreRead More

Ignore interest rates on debt

  “This card has a 12% APR.” “My student loan is fixed at 5%.” “I can get a new car with a 0% interest loan.” Interest rates are talked about quite often when it comes to financial matters. Mostly, this … Read MoreRead More

Run the numbers after your trip

  When I come back from a long trip, I tend to do three things: Sleep copiously (though not necessarily in the correct hours for my current time zone) Dump the contents of my bag either into the trash or … Read MoreRead More