Like almost every other personal finance blogger, I feel compelled to share with you my best posts of 2017. It's very difficult to list one set of criteria that makes an awesome post. I've found out just how tough it is since I bought Rockstar Finance. There are so many factors that go into "greatness." And what is terrific for one person could be so-so for … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2017
Our Latest Timeshare Adventure
Has anyone ever taken a timeshare deal? It usually goes something like this: The timeshare company gives you some sort of great deal/offer In exchange you agree to listen to a pitch about their company and what it offers Obviously this must work because companies keep doing it. And what's really the risk anyway? Often the offer is something that costs the … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 32
Here’s our latest interview with a millionaire as we seek to learn from those who have grown their wealth to high heights. If you’d like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note and we can chat about specifics. My questions are in bold italics and his responses follow in black. Let's get started... How old are you (and spouse if applicable, plus how long … [Read more...]
How to Deal with Panhandlers
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was newly married and we were saving money wherever we could. That's why I was riding the bus to work despite that fact that we made over $100k per year as a couple. I was at a bus stop on a highly-trafficked street in downtown Pittsburgh, 10 minutes or so early for my bus. For some reason no one was around, which was … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 31
Here’s our latest interview with a millionaire as we seek to learn from those who have grown their wealth to high heights. If you’d like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note and we can chat about specifics. My questions are in bold italics and his responses follow in black. Let's get started... How old are you (and spouse if applicable, plus how long … [Read more...]
Why I Bought Rockstar Finance
It's my pleasure to announce that I have purchased Rockstar Finance. If you're a blogger or deep into the personal finance blogosphere, you likely know what Rockstar Finance is. If you're simply kinda interested in personal finance and reading a few blogs, you might not. So in this post, I'll tell you what Rockstar Finance is, why I bought it, and where it goes from … [Read more...]
Help a Reader: Pension Buyout
Here's a question similar to the one about pension options but with different numbers, options, etc. A reader writes in: Similar to another reader I was offered a pension buyout. I retired a couple of years ago. My wife is retiring in February 2019. Lump sum pension buyout is $458,000 (roll over to an IRA so not to be taxed at 50% rate with penalty) or pre-tax payment … [Read more...]
Comcast: Offering Reduced Features and Terrible Service for the Same Outrageous Price
This is going to be a rant. If you don't like rants, turn your eyes and run away. I'll have a new post up in a couple days. If you like them, you've come to the right place. Let's get started... Terrible Customer Service On the opposite end of the customer service spectrum from Costco (who has great customer service IMO) is Comcast. Or, as they call themselves now, … [Read more...]
Millionaire Interview 30
Here’s our latest interview with a millionaire as we seek to learn from those who have grown their wealth to high heights. If you’d like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note and we can chat about specifics. This one is a bit different in that after reading the Millionaire Interview 16, this millionaire wanted to do a joint interview with his father and answer … [Read more...]
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of the Financial Services Industry…From An Insider’s Perspective
If you've been reading ESI Money for more than 15 seconds you know that I'm not a big fan of financial advisors. It's not that I don't like them at all, just that most of them are either not very knowledgeable about money management or are simply glorified salesmen -- neither of which you want managing your money. A couple months ago I posted Financial Locker Room Talk … [Read more...]
