Andy | Saving to Invest

Here we go again – Financial Crisis, Chapter 13

The financial media are again harbingers of more doom and gloom today, citing a Barron's article and host of so called "experts" predicting that the financial crisis is not only far from over but could actually get much worse, bringing more big shocks to the US economy and stock markets.…

A new and more useful Social Security benefits calculator

A colleague recently sent me a WSJ article covering a new calculator on the Social Security's administration's web site that gives a much-improved picture of what social security benefits could look like in retirement. This calculator is all part of a major upgrade of the Social Security Administration's systems and…

Too Expensive to File For Bankruptcy

The online WSJ recently ran a piece on the rising costs of bankruptcy: Individuals who have filed for bankruptcy protection since Congress overhauled U.S. bankruptcy laws in 2005 have faced a more expensive process as attorneys' fees have risen by roughly half, according to a government report. In a report…

21 Signs You are Losing Interest in Your Job

At some point, we’ve all hit that wall—those moments when our job or career feels more like a chore than a passion. And now, in a post-pandemic YOLO world, this feeling can be stronger than ever. As people rethink their work-life balance, a record number are ditching the traditional 9-to-5…

Working and Living in Dubai – Is All That Glitters Gold and What Expats Must Know

Dubai, the shining light of the Middle East, is going gangbusters. It has enjoyed two decades of rapid growth, going from a small desert city to a western society representation of the riches the Arab world has to offer. The economic growth has fueled strong demand for foreign workers and…

Oil’s Temporary Respite

As oil prices drop the sense of relief is palpable for most consumers as they see sub $3 gas at he pump. Media headlines have also done an abrupt about turn, with headlines changing from "When will crude hit $200..." to "How fast can oil prices come down..". The 20%…

The housing crisis and wealth decimation

"I just sold my house and lost $100,000...""I can't sell my house after 12 months, even after lowering the price by 30% ""I am going to go broke if I can't sell my house....""Why can't the government fix this housing crisis...""I thought a house was a safe asset that went…

The A to Z of Good Personal Finance

Here is literally the A to Z of good personal finance rules that I try to live by. Think of it like my saving and investing philosophy. Writing this list provided a good opportunity for some introspection and I have already identified a few things I need to do to…

2008 Beijing Olympics by the numbers

With the Olympics just around the corner, here are some interesting financial facts and figures around the 2008 Beijing Olympics. For a sporting event, some of the numbers are massive and the Olympics is one of the few events (like the Soccer world cup) that can actually make a significant…

Seven Sure Fire Ways For Students to Rack Up Debt and Ruin Their Financial Future (How to Avoid This Outcome)

As students start college or university, they will have a lot on their plate and hundreds of big and small things to deal with. It is an exciting time, but for some it can be overwhelming. For new students, there are all the aspects around getting to know others, living…

Paying off Your Mortgage Early- What Would You Do With The Spare Cash

Not having to pay rent or a mortgage is one of the key steps to financial freedom. It frees up what is most likely your biggest expense and allows you to channel that money to other wealth building pursuits. I currently pay about $3500 a month in rent (including taxes), and have…

Slamming the Brakes on Spending via Effective Budgeting and Saving Habits

Rising goods and services prices, higher mortgage repayments and lower investment returns have punched a hole in household budgets with much more money going out than coming in. The only way to manage the higher outflows is to either earn more or spend less. Winning a pay rise or working…

Minimum Wage Increases – Will $5 Extra Really Help or Hurt

At the end of July the federal minimum wage jumps to $7.25 an hour from $6.55, according to the US department of Labor. However, many question if this will help or hurt low income workers and the small business that employ them. The minimum wage has increased over the last…

Why you should be angry with the 2008 Housing Relief Bill

Over the weekend, Congress gave final approval to the housing relief bill that is aimed at helping thousands of struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure and to temper falling home prices. It also includes provisions to assist institutions that operate in the mortgage market, namely the Government sponsored enterprises (GSE) Fannie Mae…