During the long-ago period of ever-rising home prices–
You: Wasn’t that, like, three years ago?
Indeed. Crazy, right? Seems like most people forget that prices haven’t been going down for that long. Anyway, one interesting phenomenon of the boom period was the homeowners nearly real-time use of that appreciation.
You: How is that even possible? [...]
A few months ago, I worked with Intuit’s Quicken team to develop some podcasts. The material is timeless. Given that I just got off the red-eye, I feel pretty timeless myself. Seemed to make sense to post these links today. Hey, it’s another way to get some solid personal financial education — without reading!
Here [...]
I was thrilled to chat with the preeminent financial columnist Gail MarksJarvis of the Chicago Tribune last week. Over the weekend, the Trib (I can say that, I used to live in Chicago), published her article about a 48 year old man who had recently lost his job and was contemplating bankruptcy as a result.
You: [...]
Continue reading about Great Start to the Week: First the Tribune, then a Carnival!
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Shelly Banjo, author of the “Starting Out” Column for The Wall Street Journal. We discussed the intricacies of tax and gift law when borrowing money from your folks at below-market interest rates. I’ll spare you the arcane details and cut to the [...]
Continue reading about Borrowing from Mom and Dad vs. the bank
In about two months, millions of Americans will receive a check from Uncle Sam.
You: How much will I get?
That’s a subject for a future post.
You: Should I save it or spend it?
That depends on your overall financial situation. But more than likely, your check represents a rare opportunity to increase your savings [...]
Continue reading about Will the fiscal stimulus actually stimulate?
Merely having debt is NOT the problem. Given the cost of college tuition, it’s rare to meet a twenty- or thirty-something who isn’t walking around with a pile of student loans. Plus, most homeowners have sizable mortgages, and owning a home is often a good thing.
Although the simple existence of debt isn’t a [...]
While there’s plenty of debate among the talking heads and politicians as to the longer-term impact of the Federal Reserve’s second reduction in federal funds rate–
You: Wait a second. Aren’t talking heads and politicians the same people?
Ah, you’ve been watching the debates. Here’s what I think is going on:
All politicians are [...]
Continue reading about What the Fed’s interest rate cuts mean to savers, debtors
You: Sleep deprived?
Check.
You: Dozens of diaper changes daily?
Yup.
You: Smitten?
Completely.
There is perhaps no greater joy than the birth of a child. And so the memory of the four in the morning wake-ups and the related diaper changes soon fade away (hopefully the related odors will as well.) Financially, many things do change, [...]
Sorry I’ve been out of pocket for a few days. Okay not really.
You: You blog. No time off.
Gary: Jeez!
Well, my wife and I just had our second child, so a new era of insanity has begun in my life. So much fun and so little sleep for the next several weeks months decades. [...]
Moments ago, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point to 4.5%.
You: Is this a big deal?
Sure, to some people.
You: I don’t care about “some people.” Is this a big deal for me?
Nope.
You: How do you know?
Because if you have to ask, it’s not a big deal for you. Truth is, [...]
Continue reading about The Fed Cuts Rates – What does it mean for me?
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