Contrary to the old saying, March came in like a lamb and is going out like a lion – here and in several other parts of the U.S. I hope you and your families are safe, wherever you live!
Here are a few interesting articles I’ve come across in the last few days; I hope something [...]
Continue reading about Links Roundup: “Is it already the end of March?” edition
A simple, entertaining explanation of the credit crisis from Jonathan Jarvis. If you don’t exactly understand how the financial sector got into the mess it’s in, check out this brief illustrated video:
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
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We are quickly closing in on the end of not only a terrible 18 month performance in the markets, but in fact the worst decade for stocks in the last 100 years. Since March of 2000, the Dow has lost 27.3%, the S&P 45%, and the Nasdaq nearly 71%. Since its peak in October of [...]
As we approach another year which promises to be full of economic uncertainty and upset, I’m sure many of us are evaluating and re-evaluating our expenses, savings and lifestyles.
Personally, we’ve canceled our health club membership, switched phone plans, discontinued magazine subscriptions and have amped up our savings even further. Moreover, we are uncluttering the basement [...]
Continue reading about Ask the readers: what’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
A lot of us are looking at Q4 401(k) statements that aren’t especially pretty, but that’s no reason to reduce contributions to your 401(k), ignore it altogether or – worst of all – withdraw from it to deal with current expenses.
At current valuations, continuing to contribute to your 401(k) makes great sense – after all, [...]
The files available via Practical Hacks’ FREE Downloads page hit the 1000 download mark this weekend. Thanks for downloading these files and I hope they have been helpful to you! A few notes and thoughts:
The most popular file: the “90 day action plan” for interviewees,- 246 downloads as I write this. This isn’t too surprising, [...]
Continue reading about 1000+ downloads later… “FREE Downloads” page update
I’ve never been big on New Year’s Resolutions (although I do have one for 2009 – see below,) but I’m a firm believer in setting goals each year. Mine primarily revolve around a few personal finance goals, a couple of personal / personal development goals, and goals for Practical Hacks as it approaches its one [...]
Here are several popular Practical Hacks posts from the past 10 months that you may wish to check out in case you missed them first time around:
If you anticipate moving during 2009, definitely check out this post from July of this year, “4 great websites for anyone relocating.” Even if you’re not moving, one of [...]
Continue reading about Several Practical Hacks posts you may have missed…
Ask anyone who’s involved in the automotive aftermarket or service business what happens when the cost of gas escalates rapidly, and the answer you receive will be consistent: people put off servicing their cars.
It’s a fact. Faced with a dollar that doesn’t go as far, a lot of drivers will begin extending oil change [...]
Continue reading about Risk-free ways to save big on car maintenance costs
Over the last couple of months I’ve enjoyed a couple of bottles of 2006 Wild Horse Pinot Noir. Full bodied, plummy with a dash of peppery flavor, this mid priced California pinot has become a favorite. Last Sunday evening (November 2nd,) having enjoyed a glass the night before at a local restaurant, I went to [...]
Continue reading about Buyer Beware: wine.com’s 1¢ shipping sales are bogus
Somehow – in Nebraska ( ! ) – it was sunny, low 70’s and beautiful this weekend. A bit breezy, but absolutely wonderful and completely unexpected for early November. I managed to play both days, and went 78-79; not bad for November golf, as I’ve basically stopped playing at this point.
That said, here’s a quick [...]
Continue reading about Weekly Roundup: Indian Summer edition
During the last few months I’ve written a couple of articles – the latest here – on how to best handle the recession. I just happened to stumble across a similar article written by Mitchell Ashley at Network World. His key points:
Do you know what’s important to your employer?
What’s the biggest value you bring, and [...]
Continue reading about Top 5 strategies for surviving a recession
