My Money Blog

Why Do You Save? A Goals Exercise

Posted on November 1, 2010 // 3 Comments

When I get a little low on motivation, I like to focus on the reasons why I want to earn more and spend less. I found this goals exercise from a financial planner's website and have adapted very slightly below. Essentially, you should start … [Read the rest]

Leonardo Da Vinci Quotes

Posted on October 29, 2010 // 3 Comments

Leonardo da Vinci isn't usually quoted when it comes to personal finance; I don't think he really cared for the topic very much. However, I've been doing some reading about him and I really enjoyed these quotes attributed to him and wanted to … [Read the rest]

Winning Our Case in Small Claims Court

Posted on October 27, 2010 // 61 Comments

The following is a guest post from reader Elle, who shares her story above being treated poorly by her mechanic and how she got justice via small claims court. She writes about handling family and finances responsibly at CoupleMoney.com I will … [Read the rest]

The Story of My First Property Purchase

Posted on October 25, 2010 // 29 Comments

The following is a guest post from Investor Junkie, who shares the details of his first condo purchase. His blog discusses all things related to investing and being an entrepreneur. The time was 1998. I was 28 years old, and still living with my … [Read the rest]

Planning a Round-the-World (RTW) Trip For Under $10,000

Posted on October 22, 2010 // 23 Comments

The following is a guest post from reader Chris, who shares a quick and dirty (and cost-conscious) examination of Round-the-World Travel. He writes about about making a life of long-term travel and other related topics at … [Read the rest]

Potential Unique Advantages of Savings I-Bonds

Posted on October 21, 2010 // 6 Comments

Even though the current interest rates on Series I Savings Bonds aren't much higher than other alternatives, these I-Bonds do have some unique characteristics that can keep them attractive. Inflation-Linked Returns Along with TIPS (Treasury … [Read the rest]

Guide to Buying a Used Car on Craigslist

Posted on October 20, 2010 // 35 Comments

The following is a guest post from reader Andy, who bought his last vehicle on Craiglist and shared some of his experiences and advice. I bought our last vehicle used on Craigslist (CL) and am a big advocate of buying used and direct from private … [Read the rest]

Savings I-Bonds Update: September 2010 Inflation Data Announced

Posted on October 19, 2010 // 14 Comments

New inflation numbers are out for September 2010, so it's time for another semi-annual update: New Inflation Rate March 2010 CPI-U was 217.631. September 2010 CPI-U was 218.439, for a semi-annual increase of 0.37%. (This was 1.1 increase … [Read the rest]

Developing and Monetizing a Niche Website

Posted on October 18, 2010 // 13 Comments

The following is a guest post from reader Dan, who shares his story of starting Maciverse.com and developing it to where it earns $1,500 in passive income each month. In January of 2008 I closed shop on my first attempt at blogging. Six months … [Read the rest]

The Perils of Pursuing Financial Freedom

Posted on October 15, 2010 // 19 Comments

The following is a guest post from Kent Thune, who is a Certified Financial Planner(R) and the author of The Financial Philosopher, where he urges readers to place *meaning before money and purpose before planning*. What is freedom? What is … [Read the rest]

Which Brewer Makes Costco Beer?

Posted on October 14, 2010 // 20 Comments

I was reading my monthly Costco Connection magazine and saw that they had an article about their in-house Kirkland Signature line of craft beers. At $19.99 for 24 bottles (12 oz.), that is about 1/3rd cheaper than most brand-name ales. I've … [Read the rest]

Mortgage Refinance and Resetting the Clock

Posted on October 13, 2010 // 31 Comments

The following is a guest post from reader TFB, who blogs anonymously at The Finance Buff where he covers investing, taxes, banking, mortgage, insurance, and other personal finance related topics. You can find more of his posts about mortgage … [Read the rest]