Personal Finance

Merchants CAN and DO Charge You Extra for Credit Card Usage

November 10, 2013

I was picking up a pizza this weekend and was perturbed by the sign stating “3% Extra for Credit Cards”.  Not only is accepting credit cards a normal business practice and a convenience for customers, but for years, it was explicitly disallowed by the credit card companies.  So, since I only had a ten on […]

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Gas Prices Drop Big-Time – How to Lock in These Prices as a Routine Consumer

October 7, 2013

Over the past 2 weeks, we’ve seen gasoline prices in the US dip more than we’ve seen in over a year with a precipitous 14 cent drop according to a Lundberg survey out this weekend. On average, drivers paid $3.38 per gallon which is the lowest since 2012. There are always several factors at play […]

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We’re Installing New Windows and the ROI from Energy Savings is HORRIBLE

October 3, 2013

We’re putting in new windows. Our home is about 15 years old and the original windows are the typical lousy builder’s grade from that period. Many have since cracked or have condensation between the panes and the manufacturer is out of business so no replacements under warranty. I know in the summer we’re losing money […]

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Here’s How Much a Rooftop Carrier Killed Our Gas Mileage

July 23, 2013

We recently took a trip to the the Carolinas and traveled ~1000 miles round-trip.  Because we aren’t very good at prioritizing our “stuff” both in our home and when we travel, we’ve had to resort to the dreaded roof-top carrier whenever we vacation.  I always feel like we overpacked once we get there but oh […]

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5 Foolish Things Americans Believe About Money and Investing

June 23, 2013

There are all sorts of misconceptions about finance, business, taxes, investing and economics that people believe.  Sometimes I’ve been guilty myself.  So, here are 5 of my current pet peeves and I’d like to hear what yours are as well: “He Only Donates to Charity Because He Needs the Writeoff” – This is utter nonsense. […]

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5 Reasons You Should NEVER, EVER Sell Your Pension

June 2, 2013

Over the past several years, we’ve seen every manner of “financial innovation” which ultimately led to hardship. We’ve seen the securitization of mortgage loans which helped fuel the housing boom/bust, we’ve seen reverse mortgages leaving many seniors and heirs in the dust and now, there’s a major move afoot to buy pensions from Americans. Sure, […]

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