(Photo by Clever Dude) While most of our friends are parents now, sometimes of their 3rd or 4th child, kids are not in our plans for anytime in our future. It's not that we don't like kids, because we love our nieces, nephew and friend's kids, but … [Read more...] about Giving the gift of a European vacation
A little over a year ago, my son decided that getting an Xbox was the most important thing in the world to him. My wife and I decided it was a great opportunity for him to learn the value of patience. and saving up for something. I told him that if … [Read more...] about What The XBox Taught My Son About Personal Finance
A few weeks ago, I flew down to TX (twice actually) for business, and on my last flight back to DC, I ended up on a tiny plane next to a young woman who was bumped from another cancelled flight. We got to chatting and I learned that she's newly … [Read more...] about Getting back to basics: Counseling others…and cars!
I don't think I've ever actually stated the amount of our net worth on this site, and I don't plan on it, but I do want to take this time to talk about where we stand now that we've been debt-free for close to 2 years (excluding mortgage debt). Net … [Read more...] about Our Net Worth and Financial Freedom
For the 10 or so years that MINI has been in the U.S., it hasn't won any awards for reliability. In fact, it's been at the bottom of the reliability lists for years. But our next car will still be a MINI Cooper, and I'll explain why I'm OK with … [Read more...] about Why our next car will be the least reliable brand in America
First I want to say that I recognize that there are millions of Americans, and probably billions across the globe who wish they were in my position, and I feel very blessed and lucky for both my wife and I to have jobs, especially ones that pay … [Read more...] about Can’t find a job? Can’t earn more? Want a change? Move!
I've taken my abuse over the last 10 years or more for slowly going bald (from the forehead back, not at the crown luckily) from friends, family, coworkers and even strangers. But the trick is on them because I'M THE ONE SAVING MONEY! Over 5 … [Read more...] about Balding, but with more money in my wallet
I have to say up front that buying any hybrid vehicle will not turn you into a fuel-sipping, eco-friendly Captain Planet. The higher gas prices go, the quicker the payback for the extra cost of the hybrid powertrain compared to a conventional one. … [Read more...] about Clever Dude reviews the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid with Premium Package
