With the constant fluctuation of economic indicators, often conflicting advice of leading investment gurus, and the legal battles of Wall Street, even the savviest investors are looking hard at their portfolios and re-assessing risk. Consumer indicators are shaky, unemployment (though stabilizing) is at historic highs. But smart investors still have options, and it usually makes …
5 Safe Places to Park Your Money During a Downturn Read More »
Staking Tomato Plants I chose indeterminate tomato plants. Indeterminate plants can be made to grow on a vine, whereas determinate plants will form flowers at the top of the stalk then stop growing. The plant will grow into a bush, which must be contained. The first step after planting was to wait. And wait. And …
I last posted a budget update in September and our budget has drastically changed ever since then. Not only have we finished paying off a lot of debt, but we’re now managing to put aside around $2500 a month. Sadly, most of that will go towards taxes for last year, but it’s still a nice accomplishment. We …
Recently, I read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and immediately started looking into grass-fed beef. I’m also considering the switch to naturally-raised pork. I found both at my local farmer’s market, but then I had to confront the issue of price. Is it possible to that grass-fed beef is a cheaper alternative to corn-fed beef? Cost Comparison: …
Yesterday, I discussed situations that might require you to move out of your apartment. There are some things you need when you move out of your apartment. Follow these tips for a successful move. I’ve also included advice for breaking a lease early. How to Break a Lease If you break the lease early, you may …
Several counties have begun sending out updated property tax assessments to request declining home values. You probably received notices of increases while property values were rising. Many people don’t know that they have the right to appeal the assessed amount if they feel it’s not right. If you’re successful, you could save thousands of dollars, …
If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, then you know that I’ve been looking for a home. I’m not yet officially a homeowner, but I signed my life away yesterday, so it’s time to share the long and sometimes torturous story of how that happened. Deciding to Become a Homeowner My …
My Long and Winding Road to Homeownership, Part 1 Read More »
Yesterday, I received a medical bill that is a perfect example of what is wrong with health care costs in this country. Several weeks ago I had an ultrasound as part of prenatal testing. The ultrasound was performed in a perinatologist’s office on one of their high-tech ultrasound machines. The scan took about 20 minutes, …
You may have heard references to the “lost decade” on the news. This isn’t related to the “lost generation,” which is either a group of post-WWI literati, or the post-WW1 generation. Instead, it’s the first decade of this century. The 2000s, the Aughts, whatever you want to call it, it pretty much sucked financially. While …
If you’re getting ready to buy a home, then you’re most likely looking for a real estate agent. Some people use sites like Redfin to look for homes themselves, but I prefer to use an agent who can guide me to the right home and help me work through all the fine points of the …
