I prefer to use cash as much as possible. It makes me mindful of my spending, and it is accepted everywhere. Yesterday, I had lunch with friends at their high-rise apartment. I parked in the building garage. When it was time to go, I realized that I left my wallet at home. Would they take… [Read More]
Blog
I’m joining the Yakezie Challenge
Later this week, I’m going to FinCon, a financial bloggers conference. One of the events caught my eye: a meet-up for members of Yakezie. It’s a network of personal finance bloggers, and one of the goals is for the members to support each other. And, to that end, they run the Yakezie Challenge, which is… [Read More]
How much education about money should kids receive? And where?
The other night, I was talking to a friend who also has a son in high school about our kids’ schedules. Her son had to stop taking Spanish because his school district requires students to take a class in personal finance. On the one hand, I hated to see any American give up study of… [Read More]
Learning to love your 401(k) plan
The 401(k) was originally designed as a supplement for a traditional, defined benefit pension plan. Now, few companies offer defined benefit pensions; the 401(k) is the retirement plan. Between the tax benefits and the habit of saving, 401(k) plan participation can be a huge help in getting you set up to retire. Some companies allow… [Read More]
Miscellaneous items in my in-box, October 10, 2013
What with a government shutdown, a new Federal Reserve chief, and gorgeous weather here in Chicago, my inbox has been full of press releases and passed-on articles. Here are a few that you may find interesting, too: Looting of public pension funds: More perspective on the mess that just about every city and state faces…. [Read More]