I’m vacationing on the Jersey Shore this week so I’m taking a short break from writing new content. This classic article is about the budget traveling I did back in 2001-2002. I’ll be joining a panel at FinCon this year in Orlando to speak on the topic. Exploring the unusual has been one theme of […]
Imagine a life free of obligations to anyone. Sounds great, right? That may never come true when it comes to family, friends, and work life. But you can choose to be free of obligations to banks and lenders by being debt-free. The temptation to borrow is ever-present in our society. Some retirees choose to be […]
Some exciting news to share with you today. Back in May, I was approached by US News & World Report to become a regular contributor to their On Retirement blog. Since then, I’ve been writing new content about retirement and money once or twice a month. As of today, I’ve written six articles for US […]
Among friends and family, I’m known for being a vocal advocate for colon health. Maybe this is TMI, but since realizing the benefits of a high-fiber diet, I feel like I know a secret that everyone should be in on. My penchant for eating fiber was even mocked in the best man speech at my […]
Adventure is dirt cheap. You don’t need fancy mountaineering gear to explore new parts of your hometown or find an off-the-path beach in Mexico. One-way flights are half price. Adventure can be a fresh side business, a new romance (hopefully not a dirt cheap one), or anything that gets you out of your normal routine. International travel […]
20 years ago, I was a college junior enrolled in investing and corporate finance courses. Being freshly educated about the time value of money, I knew my youth was my most powerful investing advantage. But I didn’t have much money. A few years earlier, my Uncle gifted me one share of Chevron stock through the […]
This quote changed the way I think about my career. Soon after I read it, a coworker complained to me that his manager was dumping menial work on his underlings; to the point it appeared he was taking on very few tasks. Previously, I would have sided with my coworker thinking this manager was not […]
Over the years, I’ve been indebted many times for one reason or another. Mostly car loans and a few mortgages, but sometimes personal loans too. After college, my parents lent me $5,500 to buy a used Mazda. The interest rate was better than a traditional car loan so I was grateful to take the deal. […]
I thought my timing was perfect. It was 2006. The real estate bubble had burst and property values were plummeting in the D.C. area. After years of seeing other people make a killing off of real estate, it was finally my turn. A few months earlier, I received a big raise at my job. My savings account […]
The U.S. tax code is filled with a mind-boggling array of tax-avoidance tools including tax-friendly accounts, loopholes, and special favors to various constituents. The primary intent of the tax code is to collect money, but the politicians who shape it add in a bunch of cheats and easter eggs that lower the amount of tax they […]
A few months ago I was cleaning out my basement and uncovered a 25-year-old autograph. It’s from one of the most competitive and influential athletes to ever represent a sport. His words were inspirational to my 16-year-old self, and reading over his simple phrase today reminds me that we’re all capable of accomplishing extraordinary things […]
The signs in the gym locker room are clear: Picture taking in the men’s room is strictly prohibited. Please inform the front desk of violations. Yet every once in a while, some beefcake dude will stand there in front of the locker room mirror, whip out his phone, and snap a selfie. I sort of get it. […]
Arrested Development was an early 2000’s TV comedy loved by its fans. Despite critical acclaim, it failed to gain traction and the show was canceled after three seasons. Years later it was revamped as a Netflix series thanks to the enduring hilarity of the first three seasons and its grassroots fan base. Challenged with cast schedules, the […]
As my investing strategy has evolved over the years, I’ve started to move away from DRIP (dividend reinvestment plan) investing. In part, because of the extra 1099-DIV tax form and costs basis data. But also because I’m now pooling dividends and reinvesting them into more undervalued stocks. The varying fees are annoying too. I still […]
