It Never Hurts to Ask: How to Negotiate a Better Deal

September 11, 2013

About a year ago, I wrote a blog post on the importance of being assertive when it comes to managing your finances. People’s unwillingness to simply ask for more —financially speaking— has always been a pet peeve of mine.  Whether it’s buying a car or bargaining at a garage sale, it never hurts to ask for a lower price or for a better deal, yet somehow as consumers we have been conditioned to just accept the price set by merchants without question; something that gets financial talk-show host Dave Ramsey up in arms. Continue reading “It Never Hurts to Ask: How to Negotiate a Better Deal”

Favorite Financial Resources That Help Me Manage My Money

November 21, 2012

This week, I’ve been asked to write on my favorite financial resources that help me navigate the financial universe.  There are literally thousands of resources dedicated to helping people manage their finances, but for me, it really boils down to just a few simple resources that have helped shape my views about money and have led me to a career teaching others how to manage theirs.  I’ve broken them down into the categories of philosophy, curriculum, and tools & resources: Continue reading “Favorite Financial Resources That Help Me Manage My Money”

When It Comes To Your Money, Be Assertive.

August 22, 2012

I was proud of my wife the other day for the way she handled an issue that arose with the children’s school bus.  You see, our high schooler, Rachel, and our middle schooler, David, ride the bus to school together.  They have to walk several blocks down the street to get to their stop. Granted, it’s not the two mile walk I had to make when I was their age, but my wife took issue with them walking so far when there is a stop right on our corner for the elementary school children, who are picked up earlier in the morning.  Rachel and David walk right past it on the way to their stop. There are four other middle school children who ride with them and do the same thing.  There used to be children who lived further down the street and got the bus at the corner further down the road, but those children have grown up and moved away so it is just the six kids from our street who are picked up there now. Well, after watching this for a week and a half and griping about how ridiculous it was for them to walk so far, Susan decided to call the school and ask if they could get the stop changed to our corner. Continue reading “When It Comes To Your Money, Be Assertive.”

The Importance of Being Financially Independent

June 13, 2012

I received a helpline call last week that reminded me of why it is so important for all of us to be financially independent. I’m not talking about having so much money that you can do whatever you want, but rather being in a position to manage your own financial affairs if and when the need should arise. Continue reading “The Importance of Being Financially Independent”

In Defense of Financial Gurus

September 23, 2011

I’m writing this to stick up for Suze Orman.  And Dave Ramsey.  I know, they don’t need to be defended.  They have excellent reputations nationally, and have sold tons of books and CD’s, and, have become wealthy and famous by giving people financial advice.  So, why am I defending them and from whom? Continue reading “In Defense of Financial Gurus”

Life After Bankruptcy

September 07, 2011

The worst of the recent economic recession may be behind us, but the ripple effect of its devastation lingers.  Whether it’s repossessions, foreclosures, or bankruptcy, good, hard working Americans are still struggling to dig out of the mess, and recent and future unexpected events (such as Hurricane Irene) will only pour salt on the financial wound. Continue reading “Life After Bankruptcy”