One of my relatives recently was charged a substantial fee for rolling his 401(k) plan out to an IRA. In my opinion, that’s total nonsense, even if it’s disclosed. It’s the equivalent of an “account closing fee.” Can you imagine?
You: I’d like to close my account.
Bank: I see you have $100 in your account so [...]
The sign says “Pay nothing until 2012!”
You: Seems to be good to be true.
And, therefore, it probably is.
You: I knew that. But why, again? I mean for, ah, my friend . . . could you explain it again? She didn’t think it was a bad idea.
I’d be happy to help your friend. Tell her to [...]
Continue reading about Why retailers offer “Same as Cash” deals
The post you are now reading is my 400th post at the Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck blog.
You: Is that a lot?
It is to me.
You: Do you like blogging?
Do you like vegetables?
You: Usually, but not always.
Blogging is like eating vegetables. Blogging today is more enjoyable than unusual, however, since, it’s my first post with the new [...]
Continue reading about Blogging is like vegetables and the benefits of waiting to get stuff
You have to love the lesson Matt from Taking Charge shares in his Blogger wakes corporate giant, helps secure long-sought refund. It’s my favorite article from this week’s Carnival of Personal Finance, hosted by Studenomics. My article, Welcome to the fourth quarter: Five suggested tasks before New Year’s, was also featured.
In Matt’s brief article, he [...]
Continue reading about Doing the same old thing won’t get you new results
You: You’re watching pre-season basketball?
No. Honestly, I might even watch golf first.
You: What’s wrong with watching golf?
I find it more boring than the prospect of playing it.
You: Wow. So what’s with the “fourth quarter” reference then?
I’m talking about the fourth quarter of the year, which begins today. For better or worse, many companies – especially [...]
Continue reading about Welcome to the fourth quarter: Five suggested tasks before New Year’s
You: Wait a second. This is a personal finance blog. Why are you weighing in on health care reform?
First, I’m not actually weigh in on what plan should be followed. Rather, I am reporting some observations about our behavior. Second, health care reform is very much a financial planning topic.
You: How so?
In several ways. Here [...]
I had one heck of a long weekend over the Labor Day holiday.
You: What did you do?
Being that the weekend represents the unofficial end of summer –
You: Why is that?
First, because school starts right afterward. Second, because it’s already getting cool here in New Hampshire.
You: Seriously?
Seriously. On a bike ride early yesterday morning I actually [...]
Continue reading about How I Scored Big Labor Day Deals Without Shopping
My youngest daughter sure is earning her wings this summer.
You: What do you mean?
In the last month, she’s flown to Florida and Arizona.
You: And how old is she?
One and a half.
You: Isn’t it crazy expensive to be flying your daughter around the country?
Crazy? Somewhat, although she was pretty well-behaved for me. Expensive? Actually. it’s free.
You: [...]
Continue reading about Taking Advantage of the Rules to Save a Few Bucks: Airline Edition
I’m not a fan of traditional budgeting.
You: What do you mean when you say “traditional budgeting?”
I’m talking about where you make a list of all of your expenses and try to ensure that you don’t spend more than, say $35 on entertainment or $50 on groceries for a week.
You: Sounds like classic budgeting to me. [...]
Rather then focus on cutting costs to the bare bone, I try to ensure that I maximize the value I receive out of every dollar I spend.
You: Every dollar?
Not really.
You: Good. After all, you’re the one who wrote Your Problem Isn’t Starbucks. I would hope you still stand by it.
I do. But I’ll give you [...]
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