Last spring, I presented a non-partisan look at both the Democratic and Republican candidates. Now with the field narrowed to two, I’m providing an updated look at their views about issues related to the economy, such as the current financial crisis, health care, taxes, and retirement. John McCain is first in the alphabet, so he’s up today. Check back …
Voting Guide: John McCain on the Economy and Financial Issues Read More »
Tis the season of the potluck. So, how to organize a potluck? Well, Potlucks are great if you want to save money and still have a feast, but they can also spell trouble if you don’t organize them properly, there ought to be some rules as well. To save you from a meal starring ten …
Many people treat a tax refund as “found money” or “free money.” What they don’t realize is that it’s their money, and always was. The money was an overpayment of taxes owed, which the government was happy to receive as an interest-free short-term loan. Once you start thinking of your tax refund as a portion …
Five Good Ways to Spend a Tax Refund, and Five Bad Ways Read More »
Babies are expensive, so the baby shower was invented with one goal in mind: supply the parents-to-be with most of the stuff they’ll need to welcome their new arrival into the world. Yes, it’s also a day to celebrate the mom entering the new phase of her life, but really, it’s about the gifts. Use …
If you’d like to get a free refinance, also called a no-cost refinance, I would start by calling a local broker. If you don’t know a broker personally, ask around. Someone you know does. Call them up and explain your current loan balance, interest rate, and income. Tell them you’d like to know if they offer …
This week, we have a head-to-head match-up of blog carnivals. Who will win this battle of the titans? First, the 189th Carnival of Personal Finance hosted by Taking Charge. Taking the field alongside my post about Obama’s priorities we have Tough Money Love giving his take on the new stimulus package. On the opposide, we have the Money Hacks Carnival hosted by …
Macayle had an additional recommendation after reading my 10-10-10 rule post:”I use the 10 day rule so you can add this to you 10-10-10 rule, if you like. For more major purchases, and even some minor ones: If I want it I make myself wait for 10 days. Then if I still need (or want) it I …
Making extra mortgage payments in order to cut the amount of interest paid is quite popular these days. The theory is that you’ll save interest and then be able to save money for other things later. But, I’m not sure this is the right approach if you’re not fully saving for retirement, because you’ll miss …
Should You Max Out Retirement or Pay Off the Mortgage? Read More »
David at Money Under 30 is getting married. Congrats David! While preparing for their marriage, he and his fiancé wisely discussed their finances and chose to keep their spending accounts, emergency funds, and debt payments separate. While I can certainly understand the reasons behind wanting to keep pre-marriage debts and post-marriage finances separate, I don’t agree …
Should Couples Keep Their Money and Debts Separate? Read More »
When IndyMac Bank closed, the news featured photos and video of crowds of people waiting outside the bank to withdraw their money. Most of them had less than $100,000 in the bank, and it reopened as a Federal bank the following Monday, so there was really no reason for the rush other than fear. So …
When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Pull Money from a Bank Read More »
