Michael on August 28th, 2008
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Yesterday, I was provided the opportunity to post at the ever-popular Gen X Finance blog. Timed for the political conventions, I asked Who Pays More Taxes? Rich or Poor? Of course, there is no one simple answer to the question, which therefore, leads the topic wide open for some intelligent debate. What do [...]

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Michael on August 27th, 2008
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While it’s important to be fiscally responsible, it’s also critical to not be cheap. Life is too short to feel like you’re constantly depriving yourself. Instead, live in balance. By following the top 10 saving strategies, you won’t need to budget for everyday expenses (Strategy # 10) and you can spend with [...]

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Michael on August 25th, 2008
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This week’s Carnival of Personal Finance, hosted by Broke Grad Student, features many wonderful articles about money, plus several memorable pictures from the Olympics. As a big volleyball fan, my personal Olympic highlight was the the U.S. beating the Russians in the men’s semi-finals.
You: Dude, I think that was the 1980 Olympics and the [...]

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Michael on August 22nd, 2008
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Like it or not, your commute is one of the most important parts of your day. A really bad one in the morning can set your whole day off in the wrong direction the same way an otherwise good, productive day at the office can still be sabotaged (and ruin your evening) by an [...]

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Michael on August 20th, 2008
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You: Which funds should I pick?
What?
You: In my 401(k) account. . .I have like a dozen funds to choose from. Which ones should I pick?
I can’t give you specific investment advice.
You: Right. I knew that. Well, then, how can I pick the right funds?
There aren’t any “right” funds.
You: Okay, I think you’ve got [...]

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Michael on August 18th, 2008
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This week’s Carnival of Personal Finance by Everyday Finance once again features the best blog postings of the week.  (Well, at least those related to personal finance anyway.)  In addition to my article about how to Spend less eating healthy food, I once again am thrilled to make my one article per carnival recommendation.
Written [...]

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Michael on August 15th, 2008
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The Wall Street Journal recently published a story about saving on college textbooks that should be required reading for -
You: Pun intended?
Got me, but if you or someone you know are heading back to school this fall and are sick of paying a ton of money for often boring, yet required, reading be sure take [...]

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Michael on August 13th, 2008
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Food prices are up. That’s no myth. I, too, experience it personally whenever I go grocery shopping. But I’m less convinced by the argument that eating healthy foods is more expensive. Sure, organic strawberries are more expensive than the alternative.
You: Wouldn’t those be inorganic strawberries?
I don’t think so. But my [...]

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Michael on August 11th, 2008
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Those who know me best are aware that I’m a huge University of Michigan football fan.
You: Even after last year’s –
I don’t want to talk about it. Besides, – oh just forget it. This week’s carnival of personal finance, hosted by No Debt Plan, adopts a college football theme that, despite somewhat excessive pictures [...]

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Michael on August 8th, 2008
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It’s Friday, so it’s time for this week’s reader-submitted Q & A. If you’d like to submit a question, click here for more information or simply email a question.
With all that’s going on in the economy, I feel like I should be doing something differently.  Should I?

–Mike N., Tacoma, WA
STRAIGHTFORWARD ANSWER
You probably shouldn’t [...]

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