Last year I posted several holiday gift ideas and the post went over quite well.It seems we all have those hard-to-buy-for people and a few extra suggestions were welcome.So like last year, I went into my Amazon order history and picked out some ideas based on what I liked.I also threw in some oldies but goodies that I have loved over the years.And I've arranged … [Read more...]

Here's another Saturday rant for your amusement. I know how much you like these. ;)BTW I didn't go with my now-standard dragon photo since I found a perfect one for this subject. But don't worry, the dragons will return!If you've been writing or reading blogs for more than 15 seconds you are likely aware of Internet trolls.These are people who like to put others … [Read more...]

Here's a fun post for a vacation day!!!After my post on coin collecting I got several requests for a piece on collecting things.Then I ran into this article on collecting.They go into the pros and cons (mostly) of collecting.Here's where they net out: If you want to hedge against inflation, there are more reliable ways to go about it. A collectible is an … [Read more...]

Warning: This may get a little rant-y. But I've had it.I'm in a mood after so many recent interactions from those who want something for nothing.Unfortunately my experience with this is not just a recent occurrence.Let's do a quick review of a few ways I've seen this attitude play out over and over again. Counseling Those in Money Trouble Many of you know that I … [Read more...]

Welcome to a Saturday post!This is an extra for the week and while it's uncommon, it will become less so from now on.More on that in a minute, but first let me give you some background. Post Schedule Over the past year or so I have posted three days a week -- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (MWF).In addition, I have settled into what I'll call the "MWF formula" -- … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

Update: This was originally posted as a list of gift ideas for the holidays, but it's really a list of awesome products to buy at any time of year. I'll be adding to it from time to time so anyone who's hard-pressed for some birthday, anniversary, special occasion, etc. ideas will have a good resource. We all have someone on our holiday shopping list who is hard to buy … [Read more...]

As we approach Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I thought it would be a nice change of pace to talk about thankfulness.Specifically, I thought I'd list what I'm thankful for and you could do the same.Now I have been so blessed that I could probably write 10,000 words on all the things I'm thankful for.Assuming you don't want to read that much, I'll just share my top … [Read more...]