A reader asked me to complete a money map to help visualize how I manage our finances, as per this neat Money Map chain. I wasn't sure exactly how much detail to add, but the flowchart below is a good representation of how I organize things … [Read the rest]
Interest rates on liquid savings accounts keep dropping, making bank bonuses more attractive on a relative basis. Opening new accounts are more hassle, so I usually want at least double the interest rates I could get by doing nothing. This … [Read the rest]
Even before COVID, I hated that feeling at the end of the day that comes after running around but not being able to list anything accomplished. Here's a helpful idea of what I call the story of Warren Buffett and his pilot. I've read a few … [Read the rest]
A lot of investment "analysis" is simply finding a reasonable and convincing way to explain present market prices. Whatever the price is, you can find a story to match. Working backwards like that means there usually isn't much useful nor … [Read the rest]
Financial institutions increasingly want all of your money under one roof. Brokerage firms and robo-advisors are adding savings accounts and debit cards. Banks want to let you trade stocks. If you have built up some sizeable assets, you can make … [Read the rest]
If you're also guilty of watching more TV these days, you may have seen this strange TV commercial (embedded below) for a product called Experian Boost that promises to "boost your credit score instantly". Usually, good honest products don't need … [Read the rest]
If you're reading this, then financial independence is probably a goal of yours. Yet, most people who accumulate a pile of money big enough to retire upon keep on working if they are able. Why? They may truly love their job and be willing to … [Read the rest]
Is it August? The days are all melding together in the MMB household. We've also reached the point where anything above 1% APY is worth a second look. Being willing to switch to bank or credit union CDs can still beat out Treasury bonds and/or … [Read the rest]
The CFA Institute Research Foundation publishes some short finance ebooks on Amazon Kindle that qualify as continuing education credits for Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), a type of investment professional certification. The Finance Buff points … [Read the rest]
During these stressful times, many of us are doing a lot more shopping online (unfortunately for local retailers). The competition to get you to spend as much as possible has evolved to take full advantage of all of our psychological weaknesses. … [Read the rest]
I received an email that Google settled a class action lawsuit claiming that the now-defunct Google+ social media service exposed your personal data in a harmful manner. You can submit a claim here, where you must attest to all of the … [Read the rest]
Another podcast that I discovered late is Kneading Dough, where famous athletes sit down and talk openly about their finances. Created by UNINTERRUPTED (founded by Lebron James and Maverick Carter) and sponsored by Chase, guests over the three … [Read the rest]
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