In today’s budget-conscious era, frugality is in. But for singles, how does penny-pitching play on the dating scene? As reported in The New York Times, ING Direct recently asked 1,000 people (presumably single people) what words would come to mind if they were fixed up for a date with someone described as frugal? The most […]
Author Archive | Matt Bell
New Credit Card Rules Take Effect
Credit card companies are now under new rules that, in most cases, put a $25 limit on how much they can charge customers who pay their bills late. The Wall Street Journal reported that the restrictions could wipe out billions of dollars in annual fee revenue. That has left credit card issuers doing what they […]
How to Find a Good Résumé Writer
If you’re searching for a job but hiring managers aren’t exactly jamming your phone line, you may benefit from having your résumé written by a pro. However, with a growing number of writers pitching their services for anywhere from $100 to $2,000, which one should you choose? A recent Wall Street Journal article offered some […]
Five New Financial Normals
Writing about the “new normals” brought on by the Great Recession has become, well, a new normal for many media outlets. Adding to the conversation, Fortune magazine has come up with five new normals that it believes really will stick. Here they are, along with my thoughts. 1. Long-term unemployment. For those who have jobs, […]
How Much Would It Take To Feel Rich?
CNNMoney.com recently posed that question among a random sample of people and financial advisors. Most people based their answer on an overarching objective of having enough money so that they would not have to work. Individuals said that would require anywhere from a couple thousand dollars a month to a billion dollars. Advisors put the […]
Is an iPad a Luxury or Necessity?
An Internet connection. An annual vacation. The financial freedom to shop for birthdays and other special occasions. Are these essentials or luxuries? For many of today’s baby boomers, they are essentials. According to a survey conducted by MainStay Investments and reported by MarketWatch, 84 percent of boomers consider an Internet connection a necessity, 66 percent […]
A Financial Plan for Everyone
Do you think that having a professional financial advisor develop a financial plan for you would be cost prohibitive? The Wall Street Journal recently focused on a possible solution: online financial planning. The article mentioned two companies, Veritat Advisors and People’s Financial Advisor, that offer relatively inexpensive plans along with meetings with an advisor either […]
Two Steps to a Better Job Search
Are you out of work or looking for a better job? WalletPop recently offered some helpful advice that can be summed up in two words: concentrate and connect. Job search author/coach Gordon Curtis said many job hunters make the mistake of believing that sending out lots of resumes will improve their odds of success. A […]
Superstar Savers Share Their Secrets
Do you find it tough to save money? Money Magazine and CNN recently profiled some super savers, and they offer great lessons for all of us. Ed Haskell and Debbie Chasteen save a whopping 50 percent of their after-tax income. How do they do it? They have a clear, compelling goal of retiring before age […]
How to Decode a Job Posting
If you’re looking for work, Forbes.com offers some helpful advice about tailoring your résumé for each opening you pursue. Jerome Young, founder of AttractJobsNow.com, said there are three basic but essential ways to use information from job postings to your advantage. First, make sure that your summary statement and areas of expertise are in line […]