Recent comments

  • Capital One 360: A Competitive Banking Option   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I have an account with Capital One 360, and have found it to be easy to use. It has a high interest rate, but because I know of other banks that are higher, it is possible that I might switch sometime soon.

    Would I recommend this account to people? Sure. Is it something I'm super thrilled about? Not so much. But it's a solid savings account.

  • 5 Frugal Celebrities Who Live Large on a Small Budget   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I applaud everyone except Sarah Jessica Parker, I lived her before and this has seriously shook my image of her and I will never look at her the same way again.
    I understand if you cannot afford clothes but in her case, she is a fashion icon! She spends fortunes on her wardrobe! To sit there and dress her son in hand me downs is beyond evil! You can teach your child about money with allowances when he gets older or having him work as a teenager. But for you as his mother to wear the most extravagant designer labels and dress him in hand me downs to "teach him that he is not entitled to your hardwork" is outrageous! How can you live with yourself walking down the street wearing your $3000 dollar fendi bag and $2000 outfit while your son is walking next to you in hand me downs from the children's place? She should be ashamed of herself!

  • The cost of a free ride - why not to use a buyer's agent   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Interesting article. This is actually a path I’m considering. The house I’m looking at now already has an offer, contingent on the buyer selling their own house. And because of this, it’s been difficult getting a hold of the listing agent and the owner. I guess in their mind it’s already sold. And I have a feeling the price on this offer was a pretty good one.

    Now the listing agent did tell me that the contract they signed still gives them the ability to accept another offer that is without this contingency. So I’m thinking that dual agency might give the extra “juice” needed to get the deal done. I won’t be able to offer the same price as the first offer, but my won’t be contingent on selling my house. And if the listing agent stands to make a lot more on this deal than the other, then I think they can convince the owner to put some serious thought into my offer.

    After all, it's highly subjective which is the better offer. To me it doesn't matter what the other party offered, because if they don’t sell their house for their asking price, that deal doesn't go through. It's zero risk to them to offer that price. I have no idea why the owner even accepted this contingency in the first place.

  • The Travel Hacking Cartel: Fly Around the World For Almost Free   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I am definitely looking into this! I only wish I'd known about it sooner! I just booked a fairly expensive long haul flight :/ oh well, next time!

  • Lifestyle Inflation: The Ultimate Financial Trap   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Lifestyle inflation is often caused by an artificial perception that others can somehow afford the lifestyle they are living. You should have that same lifestyle if you are successful. Nonesense! They've got the luxury car, the brand name latest fashion, the must-have gadgets and frequenting the must-be-seen places.

    What's behind the curtain? Maxed out credit cards, no emergency fund, little if any savings for retirement.

  • Best Money Tips: Throwing a Yard Sale When You Live in an Apartment   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Thanks for the mention!

  • Lifestyle Inflation: The Ultimate Financial Trap   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Woohoo! You're way ahead of me. I had to work at a financial blog to absorb enough material for this to sink in:-)

  • Lifestyle Inflation: The Ultimate Financial Trap   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Great advice!

  • Lifestyle Inflation: The Ultimate Financial Trap   13 years 8 weeks ago

    So true - and so sad!

  • There's a Lot to Like About Frugal Living   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Reko:
    That sounds like the perfect way to be frugal: Save money to do the work you love. Congraulations!

  • 5 Frugal Celebrities Who Live Large on a Small Budget   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I believe I read that Chris Rock drives a Camry

  • How to Buy Affordable Life Insurance   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Term life insurance makes complete sense for any family that is looking for income protection.

    Definitely agree regarding using an independent agent; especially one that is versed in all the different underwriting guidelines of all the different companies.

  • What Not to Wear to a Job Interview   13 years 8 weeks ago

    It never fails to amaze me how common sense this stuff is yet there are actually people out there who are surprised by this article and actually need it.

  • Best Money Tips: Throwing a Yard Sale When You Live in an Apartment   13 years 8 weeks ago

    You never fail to produce a great list of articles. Keep up the good work.

  • 5 Frugal Celebrities Who Live Large on a Small Budget   13 years 8 weeks ago

    That is impressive. It is great to see that just because celebrities have the money doesn't mean all of them are spending it. More people should look up to humble celebrities than the ones who flaunt their money and possessions.

  • Lifestyle Inflation: The Ultimate Financial Trap   13 years 8 weeks ago

    The best piece of advice I got to combat greed and lifestyle inflation was from the dean at my graduation: "Many years from now, when you are successful and well into your careers, just remember that during your time here you lived in a 10 x 10 foot 'room'...and you were completely happy."

  • 5 Frugal Celebrities Who Live Large on a Small Budget   13 years 8 weeks ago

    You always hear about those who go broke because they're more eye-catching in terms of headlines, but it's nice to know that there are celebrities who set good examples financially.

  • There's a Lot to Like About Frugal Living   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Aaron, love the blog, frugality is my way of life too. I'm so glad I picked up the habit when I was actually making good money. I used to be a retirement specialist for school districts, I left that great job to pursue a life in the arts as an actor, making less $25k a year. The money I had in savings from the good old days has helped me so much. I actually took a portion of it and invested it into cameras, which I now rent to other filmmakers. You can say, my frugality has paid for itself.

  • Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Summer Parties?   13 years 8 weeks ago

    We save on our summer parties by using coupons for food...stock up on items that we will use ahead of time, and alot of time we will have guests bring a dish! Then we get a huge variety!

  • 10 Home Renovations That Almost Pay for Themselves   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Interesting numbers. I owned a home in Orange County, California which I sold last year. I replaced the garage door on a two car garage for about $600. I remodeled the kitchen including replacing everything but the floor for about $10,000 and that included having a contractor install granite countertops. I did all the rest of the work myself, including installing new cabinets, new plumbing from the wall inlet through the sink and faucet, installing the dishwasher, installing the over the stove microwave... you get the idea. I even got a credit for replacing the old refrigerator with an Energy Star model. If you're able to do the majority of the work yourself up to building code, then you can save a lot and more than recoup the cost at sale.

  • Great idea for Papa Murphy’s – make the pizzas in order.   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I'm sorry, but when I order pizza I expect it to be baked and ready to eat. If I want frozen pizza ready to bake I'll go to the grocery store. This "take and bake revolution" is an unbelievable joke.

  • The 5 Best Mixers   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I have a Sunbeam stand mixer that I've had for years. I chose it because it has glass bowls - I frequently bake with lemon, and lemon juice can react with the metal bowls, imparting a metallic taste to your finished item. A bonus that I didn't figure out until I read the instruction booklet - the mixing body unlocks from the stand and can be used as a hand mixer! The best of both worlds, although it's a bit heavy to hold in your hand for a long period of time. Frugal and space saving at once.

  • Save Money by Trusting Yourself   13 years 8 weeks ago

    This is SO true. When I trust myself, I do just fine. I slip up some times (self awareness is new to me) but when I get back on track I'm really proud of myself. Thank you for taking the time to write it down.

  • Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Summer Parties?   13 years 8 weeks ago

    I bake birthday cakes instead of ordering those expensive sheet cakes from the grocery store. And they tastes better, too.

  • Secret Lawn Tonic Recipe From Golf Course Groundskeeper   13 years 8 weeks ago

    Should the recipe be watered in immediately?