Updated. Buying a house is always an exciting yet terrifying time. Deciding on how much we can "afford" is often limited by how much someone will lend us. Mortgage lenders use income size, income stability, credit score, down payment size, and other … [Read the rest]
4 Different Rules of Thumb For How Much House You Can Afford
July 22, 2015 By 66 Comments
Last updated: March 4, 2018
Owning a World Market-Cap Weighting of Gold
July 21, 2015 By 10 Comments
Gold is an asset class that is part commodity, part currency, and part insurance policy. As I write this, gold prices are at a 5-year low. I own a little physical gold for cultural reasons, but I don't consider it part of my asset allocation and I … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 21, 2015
Alternative View: Keep Up With The OTHER Joneses
July 19, 2015 By 28 Comments
We've all heard the phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses". It even has its own Wikipedia page with competing origin stories. Perhaps the greatest marketing trick ever is making people equate social status with material goods. Instead of … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 19, 2015
Best Frugal Non-Stick Fry Pan / Saute Pan
July 17, 2015 By 8 Comments
I think it was Alton Brown's food show that first told me that all non-stick pans were pretty much disposable and simply weren't meant to last very long. Therefore, you should just buy the standard fry pan found at your local restaurant supply … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
Ally Bank Interest Checking Account Review
July 16, 2015 By 58 Comments
Updated. If you are looking for a flexible alternative to a megabank account with tiny interest but convenient ATM network, here is my review of the Ally Interest Checking Account which I use in conjunction with the Ally Online Savings Account and … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Amazon Prime Day 7/15 : One-Day Sale for Prime Members
July 15, 2015 By 8 Comments
Expired: Sale is over! Amazon is holding something called "Amazon Prime Day" for their Prime members on July 15, 2015. Non-Prime members can sign up for a free 30-day trial to be eligible to participate. Here are the deals that caught my … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
Weight Management vs. Money Management: Taking the Long-Term View
July 14, 2015 By 16 Comments
I'm currently reading Smart People Don't Diet by Charlotte Markey. The book offers a "science-based approach" to weight management backed by academic research from scientists, doctors, nutritionists, and psychologists. Sounded good to me. The … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
AirHelp, Refund.Me, AirTaxBack: Get Money Back For Cancelled, Delayed, or Missed Flights
July 13, 2015 By 3 Comments
Have you been on a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight to/from Europe within the last within the last three years? Ever just missed a flight? You could be entitled up to $800 from the airline, or a refund of your taxes and fees. AirHelp … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 13, 2015
Portion Distortion: Change Your Perspective, Eat Better, Spend Less
July 8, 2015 By 5 Comments
I've got one month left on my $600 in weight-loss bets, and an important tool that has helped me success is portion control. This way, I can still enjoy most of my favorite foods while still losing 1-2 pounds a week. Even naughty things like … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 8, 2015
Home Improvement Receipts: Scan Now, Save Indefinitely
July 7, 2015 By 1 Comment
For many people, when they sell a home they don't even consider taxes. But over time, especially if you live in a relatively expensive area, more and more people will bump up against the federal capital gains exclusions of $250,000 for individuals … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 7, 2015
Howard Marks on Assuming Less Risk and Lowering Expectations
July 6, 2015 By 5 Comments
Observer has an interesting profile of respected investor Howard Marks, excerpted from the book The Great Minds of Investing (found via Abnormal Returns). I enjoy the writings of Howard Marks because his observations are logical and rational, and … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
Snagshout: Discounted Amazon Products In Exchange For Honest Reviews
July 2, 2015 By
If you're like most Amazon shoppers, you don't like buying anything unless it has a lot of positive 4 and 5 star reviews. But that makes it really hard for new brands and products to gain traction. Good ole' capitalism has created a new breed of … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
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