I guess I’ve read one too many news articles about the effects that reduced “consumer spending” are having on the economy. “Consumers are having trouble finding the mojo to keep spending.” “The Chinese consumers aren’t spending enough; they have a savings glut.” “Consumers were spending in droves this past month.” Blah blah blah … We’re … Read more
I saw that Tricia over at Blogging Away Debt is in celebration because she just cracked $30k. By a dollar. She currently owes $29,999 on her credit cards, and has shaved about 20% off her debt since the beginning of March. That isn’t easy. It takes discipline, a lot of encouragement, and a lot of … Read more
In some circles I’m probably really out of touch — a whole new class of Joneses to keep up with. A friend at work forwarded me a link to the recently announced 103″ Plasma TV from Panasonic. It’s set to come to the States this December, for a cool $71,000. (It will sell in Japan … Read more
I thought “Jim” of Blueprint for Financial Prosperity fame was a little more favorable towards our nation’s coinage. I was caught completely off guard when “Jim” dissed the Lincoln cent, calling it “useless” and all but inciting riot with his “Down with the penny!” shenanigans. First of all, “Jim” (if that is indeed your real … Read more
(UPDATE June 26th, 2008: NCN has reorganized the very, very best money-saving tips in a new post!) No Credit Needed is calling for everyone’s very, very best money saving tip. Here’s mine: Always at least consider buying things used instead of buying things new. Almost any consumer item will be worth less than it was … Read more
I’m sure this happens to people a lot better than myself. You’re doing well, putting away a lot of money, making your lunch, keeping the air conditioner temperature a little higher, rolling down the window on your commute, resisting highly-packaged foods. Recently I’ve been a little bad with regard to my spending. I’ve been eating … Read more
Our church bulletin this week had a bulletin from Focus on the Family. The bulletin contained some money principles from a Christian perspective: Debt can sentence you to a lower standard of living in the future. Quite true: if you pay off only the minimum balance on your credit card, you end up paying for … Read more
On the way to our camping trip this past weekend we stopped at a few yard sales and a flea market. We picked up: A bread maker for $6 A plastic 5-gallon jug for 50 cents Some free magazines like Writer’s Digestand ADDitude Two unopened packages of child safety latches for a dime each A … Read more