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Consumerism Commentary

This informative group blog was honored by Kiplinger as a “must-read” blog and named as one of Yahoo!’s “Ten Money Blogs Everyone Should Read.”

Profile of Consumerism Commentary

Latest Posts from Consumerism Commentary (page 186)

CNN Will Grade Your Financial Health

Published Monday, May 4, 2009 - 11:00 by Consumerism Commentary

CNN is featuring a short survey to help you determine your level of financial health. The result is presented in a form of a grade from F to A+. My result was an A; I lost points for not having any life insurance. The survey does not ask if there are any dependents. […]

Personal Balance Sheet, Net Worth, Income, and Expenses, April 2009

Published Monday, May 4, 2009 - 07:45 by Consumerism Commentary

Each month I open my personal copy of Quicken Home & Business to the public. This tradition was the original impetus for creating Consumerism Commentary in 2003. At that time, at the age of 27, I was about one year into managing my own finances. Prior to that, my own money was mostly something I ignored. […]

Podcast 2: Recession-Proof Your Relationship and Mint’s New Features

Published Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 14:00 by Consumerism Commentary

In today’s podcast, Tom Dziubek talks with Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil about ensuring your marriage or relationship survives the recession. Tom also talks with Aaron Patzer, CEO of Mint, about the new financial advisory features released to beta testers. To listen, use the player above (Adobe Flash required), download the podcast here, subscribe to the podcast RSS feed, or use the iTunes link. […]

Best of Consumerism Commentary, April 2009

Published Saturday, May 2, 2009 - 20:45 by Consumerism Commentary

Consumerism Commentary Podcast. During April, with the help of Tom Dziubek, a former podcaster from the Wall Street Journal, we launched the Consumerism Commentary Podcast. Tom and I will work to bring listeners interesting stories and interviews with people who matter in the world of personal finance. […]

Smithee’s Best Advice for Graduating Seniors

Published Friday, May 1, 2009 - 11:58 by Consumerism Commentary

I’m not a financial planner, adviser, guru or anything of the sort. The reason I’m writing here today is because I screwed up big time. Fortunately for you, I think I’ve figured out where the mistake began. Recently I’ve been taking an informal poll of some of the people I would consider to be relatively young and successful. […]

What Percentage of Income Should Be Saved to Be Financially Responsible?

Published Friday, May 1, 2009 - 07:30 by Consumerism Commentary

I’m pointing out a recent article featuring advice from Walter Updegrave, a senior editor of Money Magazine. […]

The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009

Published Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 17:06 by Consumerism Commentary

The following timeline and details will be updated as the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights and related bills progress through Congress, and if they pass, as they make their way to the President to be signed into law. […]

Medical Bills, Even if You Have Insurance, Can Cause Frustration and Debt

Published Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 07:30 by Consumerism Commentary

When I write about advocating for the consumer when he or she is in debt, I usually receive a good amount of feedback blaming the consumer for his or her situation. Yes, in many cases, households fall into debt because they buy more things they cannot afford, whether knowingly or unknowingly. […]

Money Basics: Budgets

Published Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 08:00 by Consumerism Commentary

April is National Financial Literacy Month in the United States. In most cases, schools do not extensively teach financial skills. Teenagers, highly susceptible to messages from the media, often do not have guidance from teachers, who are not trained to teach financial skills, or from parents, many of whom do not model healthy financial behavior. […]

When Large Institutions Hoard Cash, Start Investing

Published Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 22:00 by Consumerism Commentary

Rather than lending and investing, banks are holding onto large amounts of cash. For large companies, particularly companies whose stocks trade publicly, now is a good time to keep cash on hand for excess liquidity and to look strong for investors and analysts. The liquidity allows the bank to be ready to strike when they believe it’s time to invest their own assets. […]