In a surprisingly candid _New York Times_ article, a personal finance writer acknowledged losing sight of $10,000 of family income over the past year. She and her husband use a budget and track their “basic” expenses. Still, when they totaled up the year’s income versus expenses they found that $10,000 was unaccounted for. How did […]
Author Archive | Matt Bell
Where There’s a Computer
If you don’t have a will, a _U.S. News & World Report_ story suggested several relatively easy and inexpensive solutions. According to the article, do-it-yourself wills are best suited for people worth less than $2 million (the threshold for triggering estate taxes), and those with a fairly straightforward situation (no step children, no family business, […]
Money Resolutions Top the List
Americans are more determined to get in better fiscal shape than physical shape in 2008, according to a study by Countrywide Bank. As reported by _Reuters_, some 67 percent of respondents to a nationwide survey said that becoming financially fit is a top New Year’s resolution, while 57 percent said they are committed to becoming […]
Happy Returns
Did you receive a gift for Christmas that you don’t want? If you didn’t get a gift receipt and even if you don’t know where it was purchased, all is not lost. An article on _MSNBC_ offered up some suggestions for figuring out where the gift was purchased. They ranged from the dubious (feigning sincerity […]
The Psychology of Money
The science of shopping is a hot topic, with a number of journals helping marketers get inside the minds (and wallets) of their customers. A recent Chicago Tribune article summarized some of the recent research. “Shopping momentum” was the topic of a recent Journal of Marketing Research article. Researchers have found that the first purchase […]
To Insure Your Rental Car or Not
If you’ve ever rented a car, you know the drill. The rental clerk recites an ominous list of expenses you could be liable for should you return the car with a dent or ding. The insurance costs a fortune, but declining the coverage can cost you some sleep. An _ABCnews.com_ story said that about one-third […]
Keeping Your Number to Yourself
Just because an organization you want to do business with asks for your Social Security Number doesn’t mean you need to provide it. According to a _Time_ magazine article, only a handful of organizations actually need your number: Your employer, your bank, and your doctor (if you are on Medicare or Medicaid). However, it may […]
What’s Inside Your Mutual Fund?
Do you know what types of companies your mutual funds invest in? A new _Wall Street Journal_ blog, , pointed to two free services where you can find out. Calvert, a mutual fund company that runs “socially responsible” mutual funds, provides a service called . Just type in the name of your mutual fund, choose […]
The Heart of the Matter
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11 In his book, “The Progress Paradox,” writer Gregg Easterbrook tells an extraordinary story of forgiveness. Amy Biehl, an idealistic […]
Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Us
Do you give a Christmas gift to any of the service providers in your life? According to a survey from _Consumer Reports_, those most likely to receive a gift are child-care providers and housekeepers. Those least likely to receive something are garbage/recycling collectors and fitness trainers. The magazine pointed out that it’s good to know […]