At FinCon14, I handed out a lot of business cards. Over and over again I spoke about what Mighty Bargain Hunter is about. Eventually, my bumper sticker came down to this: Good Deals in Context. This site is more than just a few more percent off at Kohl’s. (Though that’s not a bad thing, is … Read more
Frugality, by definition, deals with the economical uses of resources. This includes not only money, but also time, and anything else that can be consumed or used. Closely related to being careful with how we use our time, we also need to be careful with how we use our attention. We have evermore bright-and-shinys competing … Read more
This past weekend at FinCon14 was a loooong-overdue reunion with the money media community. Great times, great talks, great eats … and great music! One of the very first people who greeted me at FinCon14 this past weekend was Crystal from Budgeting In The Fun Stuff. She was sporting some spunky blue highlights and was … Read more
With just about anything, the more you do it, the better you get at it. Consistent, deliberate practice has a way of wringing out inefficiencies and avoiding landmines. However, for some activities, there just isn’t the opportunity for most people to practice. Or, the activities are once- or twice-in-a-lifetime events. Businesses that cater to these … Read more
I don’t travel much at all. I’m very much an infrequent flier. (It’s the main reason I use a rewards credit card that isn’t tied to an airline. I sacrifice effective cash-back rate, but I know that I’ll use the rewards.) I got my airline ticket with Travelocity (check rebates) and had absolutely no intention … Read more
My daughter’s “love languages” are gifts and quality time. I think I do all right with the gifts, but I can do better on the quality time part. I had planned to stop at Sheetz to pick up a large-ish Rice Krispies® treat for my daughter. Somewhere along the way, though, I decided instead to … Read more
I’m an oddball in a lot of ways. And I’m on my way tomorrow to rub elbows with a whole bunch of other personal finance oddballs at FinCon14 down in New Orleans. I’m also an oddball because of my feet. I have a clubfoot. Thankfully I’ve been able to go for nearly 25 years without … Read more
There is no shortage of personal finance advice available. I’ve been known to produce a bit myself here and there. There are recurring themes like “buy vs. rent,” “spend less than you earn,” “the magic of compounding,” and so forth which are the cornerstones of personal finance, saving, and retirement planning. They’re cornerstones because there’s … Read more