Regular readers know I highly recommend that everyone use a budget, or as I prefer, a Cash Flow Plan. It’s the most powerful tool I know of for smart money management. There are three steps involved in using a Cash Flow Plan. First, plan the use of your income. How much will you give, save, […]
When you’re getting to know the person you’re thinking about marrying, there’s so much to learn. Some of it comes about through questions as you ask each other about past experiences and future goals. Some of it also comes about through observation. Does he respect his parents? Is she usually on time? But it isn’t […]
A Cash Flow Plan (budget) is the single most powerful personal finance tool anyone can use for wise money management. But this is not a one-size-fits all proposition; there are different planning and tracking systems, each with its own advantages. Here are the options, along with my recommendations as to who would benefit the most […]
We recently needed to buy a new garbage disposal. The process we used to get the best product for the best price can be applied to all sorts of purchases. Save Money With the Right Reaction Many years ago I remember hearing a negotiation expert talk about one simple technique that’s virtually guaranteed to save […]
I used to be strictly a tap water guy. It’s inexpensive and everything I read about the water in Chicago, where I live, told me it’s among the safest in the country. Reading an article entitled “Message in a Bottle” in Fast Company only furthered my commitment to avoid bottled water. Troubling News About Water […]
Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a strong believer in the use of a budget. Once you start tracking your income and expenses, the next logical question is how much should I spend on food, fun, and all the rest. That’s why I developed detailed recommended spending guidelines for one-, two-, three-, and […]
I’m excited about the start of a New Year, the opportunity to pursue some important new goals, and the opportunity to share ideas with you on how to live with the freedom and joy that come from getting the money thing right. As we reset the calendar, this seems like an appropriate time to explain […]
It’s right about now when many of us make goals for the New Year. We dream of where we’d like to go in the various areas of life – health, relationships, finances – and then we start creating a plan. In “Good to Great,” author Jim Collins says that’s the exact wrong path to greatness. […]
I love to read. It’s a passion I’m sure I picked up from my parents who always had a stack of books on their nightstands. Since I spend so much of my day focused on financial topics, I prefer to read on other topics in my spare time. However, even in the following list of […]
I am an unabashed, unapologetic, unceasing believer in the power of a budget. I know that many people cringe at the mere mention of the word. They think it’ll be restrictive, constraining, and, heaven forbid, work! It will take some work – that’s for sure. But the benefits are so great that I believe everyone […]
