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The Simple Dollar

Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world.

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Latest Posts from The Simple Dollar (page 45)

Inspiration from Anaïs Nin, Dave Grohl, Tom Bodett, and More!

Published Saturday, November 3, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

Once a month (or so), I share a dozen things that have inspired me to greater personal, professional, and financial success in my life. I hope they bring similar success to your life. 1. Anaïs Nin on courage “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anaïs Nin Think about it. You’re at a social event where you don’t know many people. […]

How to Use the ‘Reminders’ App to Help Your Financial State

Published Friday, November 2, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

While a smartphone might be a very powerful avenue of distraction and temptation, it also offers a number of very powerful tools for getting your financial life straightened out and keeping you focused in surprisingly effective ways. One of my favorite simple tools for doing this is the Reminders app that’s part of iOS on all newer iPhones. […]

The Start of the Month

Published Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

At the start of each month – typically on the evening of the last day of the previous month or in the morning of the first day of the new month – I spend a couple of hours doing a monthly review of my life and my financial situation. […]

Loan Shopping? Here’s How Multiple Inquiries Impact Your Credit Score

Published Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 07:00 by The Simple Dollar

Shopping around to make sure you find the best deal on a loan is financially smart. Getting the best interest rate and terms possible, especially on a mortgage, could save you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a large loan. […]

You Don’t Need to Buy Something to Change Yourself

Published Wednesday, October 31, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

At various points in my life, I’ve been really into the idea of getting myself into shape. I bought gym memberships. I bought exercise equipment. I bought workout videos. […]

Do You Need Pet Insurance? Here’s How to Decide

Published Wednesday, October 31, 2018 - 09:00 by The Simple Dollar

Most people who love their pets go the extra mile to make sure they receive the highest quality of care possible. This includes taking the time to get them to the veterinarian’s office for wellness checkups and shots, making sure they have nutritious food and fresh water, and providing them with a cozy place to sleep. […]

When Is It Time to Spend More on Something?

Published Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

I’ve long been an advocate for getting the most value for your dollar. I am very price conscious when I shop for most things. I constantly joke with my kids about how I’m a “store brand connoisseur,” and when they go to the store with me, they know I’m going to inevitably swap their breakfast cereal choice for the store brand version and that half of our cart will have store brand labels on it. […]

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: How to Qualify (and Why So Few People Do)

Published Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 07:00 by The Simple Dollar

The U.S. […]

Questions About Losing Income, Ryze, Winterizing a Lawnmower, Taxes, and More!

Published Monday, October 29, 2018 - 10:00 by The Simple Dollar

What’s inside? Here are the questions answered in today’s reader mailbag, boiled down to summaries of five or fewer words. Click on the number to jump straight down to the question. 1. Tax impact of income loss 2. Consolidating secured loans 3. Bluetooth headphone recommendation 4. Thoughts on Ryze 5. Doubt about financial success 6. Winter storage for a lawnmower 7. […]

Your Year-End Investment Checklist

Published Monday, October 29, 2018 - 07:00 by The Simple Dollar

The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to check in on your investment plan and make sure everything is on track. Here’s a checklist that will help you do just that. 1. […]