Aug
1
Should You Buy a New Car for Better Gas Mileage?
August 1, 2008 | 2 Comments
… the vehicle. What about the $10,000 to $20,000 (or higher) I would have to pay for the vehicle itself?
That just doesn't make sense. If you really want to save money, drop your cable TV subscription or cell phone service. Stop eating out as much. These things are optional.
When Does a New Vehicle Make Sense?
If you're buying a new(er) vehicle anyway, then a more fuel efficient option is probably wise. However, with higher gas prices, some formally expensive SUV type vehicles …
Jul
31
How Much Do You Spend On Gas Every Month?
July 31, 2008 | 1 Comment
… have this feature.
If your vehicle doesn't calculate this for your, you'll have to do it yourself. Here are the directions courtesy of ehow :
How to Calculate Your Gas Mileage
Fill the vehicle's gas tank completely, writing down the vehicle's odometer reading (mileage).
Refill the tank completely when it is time to refuel. Using the same grade of gasoline as was used during the initial fill, write down the number of gallons required to fill the tank. Record the vehicle's new …
Jul
28
… I think the mortgage industry is in no danger, at least from me. However, they do have their own messes to clean up.
Jul
24
The Parable of Wealth
July 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… One of these days, he's going to get ahead. "Maybe I should buy another boat…" he thinks to himself as he drifts off to sleep.
The Moral
It doesn't matter how many fish you catch in your net. What matters is how many fish you bring home. There is only one real way to wealth: spend less than you make. It's as simple as that.
Jul
21
How Long Should I Keep Credit Card Statments?
July 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… even exist 5 years from now?
Banks will also charge you a fee to retrieve statements. Save yourself some hassle and some money and make sure you have a copy.
Why Do I Need to Keep Credit Card Statements?
You need to keep credit card statements for a year only to as a short term record of your expenses. If you have any tax related purchases like business expenses, property tax payments, medical expenses, or day care expenses, you'll need to keep the statements for as long as the …
Jul
14
… might not matter.
Always use a credit card. Dave Ramsey won't like it, but you'll save yourself some hassle.
Ask when you will be billed. When you make the reservation, ask the representative when you will be billed. Most of the time hotels won't bill you until you check out, however some hotels will charge you right away.
When you check in, ask the clerk what the hotel policy is on credit card/debit card holds. If they can't tell you, ask to speak to the manager, you …
Jul
11
What Happens to My Stimulus Check If I Move?
July 11, 2008 | 8 Comments
… p.m.
1-800-829-1040
In Person
You'll have better luck going to the IRS office yourself. You can find your local IRS office on the IRS.gov "Contact My Local Office" page.
Jul
9
The Stimulus Payment Was a Ridiculous Political Stunt
July 9, 2008 | 4 Comments
… on overtime? What about the cost of printing and sending the checks themselves?
The bill itself cost taxpayers $152 billion. However, it just shifted government money from other programs. So in reality there is no net gain to the economy.
In the end, the Economic Stimulus Package of 2008 was a political stunt. An attempt to bribe voters in an election year. I hope voters, especially those that had problems with the stimulus payment, remember this lesson when the …
Jul
8
Healthy Eating on a Budget
July 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… fresh fruit, I just don't crave sweets anymore. In fact my appetite has decreased. I find myself skipping meals sometimes because I'm just not hungry. I believe it has to do with the choice of foods.
For dinner, I usually prepare meat or fish with lots of vegetables and fruit. After a filling meal like that, I just don't have the urge to snack like I did before.
Here's a list of the long term benefits of healthy eating. All of these have economic costs associated with them. …
Jul
7
Moving My Money Away From Prosper
July 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… Risks?
Lending Money on Prosper: My Results
What's Wrong with Prosper?
Prosper.com itself is great. The site works well. The problem is the product. Personal loans are very risky.
Because the loans are unsecured, it's very easy for people to stop paying. Banks plan for a certain bad debt expense. I was expecting some delinquency but I ended up losing 10% of my principal to defaults.
Prosper Is Too Risky
The way it is now, prosper.com is too risky for me. …