If you think finance is rather dry and boring, check out Feed the Pig and enjoy the videos. These hilarious skits focus on interruptions in spending and may cause you to consider a few of your own spending patterns. Are they perhaps a bit, errr, greedy? Focused on the short term? The U.S. Commerce Department [...]
Alternative Currencies
February 27, 2007 By Leave a Comment
The next time you feel like complaining about the coins weighing heavily in your pockets, think about these alternative forms of currency. The Babylonian shekel refers to a measure of barley. In ancient Greece, they used iron sticks as money. Cowry (or snail) shells paid the bills in ancient China and many parts of the [...]
Food for Thought
February 26, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Plan For Retirement At Any Age
February 23, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Planning for retirement is a key element in securing your financial peace of mind. Depending on your current age, your long-term investment goals for the future will differ. Whatever your age, three targets to plan for are your financial security, adequate health care coverage, and the well-being of your heirs and your estate. General wisdom [...]
How To Make Wealth
February 22, 2007 By Leave a Comment
If you are interested in building your personal wealth, read Paul Graham’s essay “How To Make Wealth” originally published in his book Hackers & Painters. This brilliant mind examines the idea of wealth, how to create wealth, and ultimately why founding or joining a startup is a great way to build wealth. Even if you [...]
Tax Time: Take It Slow
February 21, 2007 By 1 Comment
Studies show that the majority of people overlook deductions when paying their taxes each year. Don’t rush, take your time and save yourself money this year. Spend time getting the records that you will need in order and have a system for archiving documents you need to store. Don’t go overboard on the deductions however, [...]
Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate: Pros and Cons
February 20, 2007 By Leave a Comment
If you are considering a loan and you are unsure as to the differences between fixed interest rates and adjustable interest rates, read on. Fixed Rate Installment loans typically have fixed rate interest, meaning that the interest rate and the monthly payments will remain the same for the entire length of the loan. Advantages Installments [...]
The History of Income Tax
February 19, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Does it seem like personal income tax has been around forever? In fact, income taxation is a relatively recent event in US history and was even declared unconstitutional at one point. Here we present the historical highlights of the development of personal income tax in the United States. Keep in mind this is now one [...]
Lighten Your Financial Load
February 16, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Today’s tip to save you money: switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout your home. The advantages of compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs over traditional incandescent bulbs are numerous: – They last 8 to 10 times longer. – They use an estimated 75% less energy. – They produce 90% less heat while providing you more light [...]
Recordkeeping Guidelines
February 15, 2007 By Leave a Comment