One suggestion that may make financial sense, but that’ll probably make for a seriously uncomfortable conversation around the dinner table, will begin with you asking: “Hey dad, I was thinking of taking a life insurance policy on …
Budgeting
Why the Rich Shoplift More Than The Poor
Shoplifting costs U.S. businesses more than $30 billion a year, but studies show it remains an underreported crime — and one on the rise in the wake of an improving economy. While people seem to be drawn to more “ethical …
The 24 Most and Least Affordable Public Colleges
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released a new web tool that lets users calculate the costs of getting a college degree. While much has been made of the highest and lowest tuition rates, you can also use the tool to …
Friends with Money: How to Handle Peer Pressure
Most of our friends are in similar financial situations to our own. The people we work and play with come from similar groups, and generally have similar incomes. But most of us have a few friends who seem to be loaded, while …
How a Weak Dollar is Boosting Domestic Travel
This week, I’ve been treated to a visceral experience of the upside of a downside. Driving with my family through the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, I have sat behind endless lines of RVs and assorted SUVs depositing …
High Gas Prices Steer July 4 Travelers Away from the Road
Travel group AAA reported that the cost of gas will force more people than last year to forgo road travel this Fourth of July weekend.
Can the Amish Teach You to Be Rich? A New Book Says Yes
Lorilee Craker might be the most versatile journalist in America.
139 Money Tips: Father’s Day Freebies, Designer Clothing on the Cheap, Most Annoying Bank Fees
This week’s link roundup also includes simple rules of thumb for buying everything from coffee to a home, and insights as to why personal finance can be as tricky—and messy—as potty training.
Couldn’t Afford to Send Your Kid to Prom?
Prom season is mostly over, but the financial effects linger like the smell of an old corsage left under a car seat. A recent survey by Visa found that between tickets, limos, dresses, hair, photos, and all the other assorted …
Top 10 Personal Finance Books
In the five years that I’ve written about personal finance, I’ve amassed a huge library of books about money, most of which are very similar to each other. But a handful stand out from the crowd. Last weekend, I thinned my …
116 Money Tips: President Obama’s Personal Finance Advice, Best Coupon Sites, Cheap Goods That Make Life Better
Also, if you’re considering the outsourcing of lawn maintenance duties, there’s reason to mow it yourself beyond the cost considerations. Some, in fact, might argue that you should make the chore as exhaustive as possible.
Who is Your Financial Role Model: Elmo or Cookie Monster?
One of them learns how to avoid impulse buys and save up in order to achieve longer-term goals. As for the other: “Me really want cookie!”