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Once Again Safe as Houses?

You never need to rush to buy after a housing crash — house prices will stay down for years. But is now the right time to buy?

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Real Estate and Housing

Simple Living Through Capital

There are a lot of ways to live simply. My personal favorite is living simply through capital — and it's easier to do than you might expect.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Frugal Living

Passing for Middle Class

Keeping up with the Joneses isn't necessary, but sometimes it can be helpful to look like you are. Here's why — and how to do it.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Lifestyle

How to Understand and Protect Yourself From Inflation

Inflation is inevitable. What you can change, though, is how you deal with it — and these decisions can make or break your financial future.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Investment

Create Your Own Raise

If you haven't gotten a raise recently, maybe you need to create your own. Here's how.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Personal Finance, Budgeting

When Avoiding Debt Is the Losing Strategy

It's almost always a good idea to stay out of debt. But sometimes, refusing to take on debt could hurt you in the long run.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Debt Management

Why I Hate Credit Card Points

Is racking up frequent flier miles a bad idea? Learn why one writer wants almost nothing to do with credit card rewards, unless they're cash back.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Credit Cards, Travel

When to Buy Disposable

It's a difficult question to struggle with — when should you buy disposable, and when should you buy stuff made to last?

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Frugal Living

Stay Off the Frugal Path to Disaster

Frugality is a great tool. But if your approach to frugality is to pare away everything non-essential, you're setting yourself up for disaster.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Frugal Living

Take an Imaginary Do-Over

When it comes to defining what you really need and want in life, it can help to imagine having nothing at all.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Lifestyle

How to Not Be a Wage Slave

Many of us make decisions that tie us to our jobs. But, one author argues, if we make the right choices, that's not the way it has to be.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Personal Finance

Lifestyle Upgrades: Beware the Diderot Effect

Upgrading one thing doesn't mean you need to upgrade another and another — although it can feel that way. And there's a name for that — the Diderot Effect.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Lifestyle

How to Not Be a Debt Slave

Getting into debt is easy — even recommended. Getting out of it — or avoiding it — is much more difficult. But it can be done.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Debt Management

Voluntary Slavery

Discover one writer's take on why the "voluntary slavery" of our personal financial situations can keep us from acting in our best interest.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Personal Finance

Foraging: Not Insane, Useless, or Impossible

Foraging isn't necessarily a practical way to feed yourself — but it's a great way to ensure you're eating well. Learn why.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Food and Drink

The Freedom of the Independent Yeoman

The financial crisis has given rise to renewed interest in self-sufficiency, which means we can learn a lot from the yeomen who used to populate the U.S.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Frugal Living

Put Off Saving for Retirement

With this plan, your retirement will be just as secure, and your first few years will be a lot more comfortable.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Retirement

Abandon Losing Strategies

We're always told to keep going until we make it. But the truth is that sometimes, giving up is the right move. Learn why.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Personal Finance, Personal Development

The Psychology of Cash Flow

Money flows in and out of your life. To keep a good handle on it, you not only need to get a good handle on your budget, but also on your mind.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Personal Finance

Escape Student Loan Debt — Slowly

If you have student loan debt you think you'll never be able to pay off, new rules might help substantially ease your burden.

by: Philip Brewer | channel: Debt Management