The amount of money we spend on transportation is incredible. While gasoline prices have dropped in comparison to the summer of 2008, fueling up your car is still an expensive proposition. Since the United States driver hasn’t figured out that a smaller car uses less gas, we need to find other methods to save money while still getting around.
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Sometimes, the prudent thing to do may not be such a simple decision.
Much of our society is build around trust and the general notion that most people are honest and nice. The refund system, for example, wouldn’t work in some countries because too many people would use the product and then turn around and try to get a full refund. Self service checkout is another brilliant idea that unfortunately wouldn’t work in many places around the world.
As a result of our honesty and our selfishness to play by the rules, everyone benefits.
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Please welcome Vered, who will be posting here regularly on financial matters with a mom’s perspective. Let her know what you think of her first article by leaving a comment below!
With the movie ‘Sex and The City 2’ playing in theaters now, I can’t help but remember the episode where Carrie has to vacate her rented apartment. She figures it’s time to buy her own apartment, but realizes that she’s too broke. Essentially, over the years she has spent an entire down payment, or about $40,000, on her collection of shoes. Carrie worries that she might “literally be the woman who lived in her shoe,” which is supposed to be funny, only it’s not.
Carrie Bradshaw ends up being saved by her friend Charlotte, who gives her her engagement ring to use as down payment. Later, she marries a rich guy who gives her a huge closet. Good for her! But most young women can’t rely on getting financial help from a wealthy friend or on marrying a wealthy man as a way to avoid financial ruin.
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Knowing what’s actually on your credit report is crucial: not only do potential lenders check it before deciding whether you should get a car loan or a mortgage, but it can be one of the fastest ways to find out if you’ve been the victim of identity theft. You can request a copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit rating agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) once a year, for free. You can also purchase copies throughout the year, if need be.
Getting Your Credit Report
Though this is a real expense that should to be talk about, this guest post might bring out some interesting comments…
It amazes me just how many people have strong loyalties to toilet paper brands. For a product you use to wipe your bum, it can generate quite an emotional bond. I used to be married to a man who would only accept a specific, premium brand of toilet paper. I had grown up with a much cheaper brand and was astonished at not only the price, but also at how thick this new brand felt. All in all, any good quality paper will do the job well, so let’s look at some ways to cut costs in the bathroom.
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How do you know whether more student loans are the way to go?
Jennifer wants to know…
I’ve been enjoying reading your blog for quite some time now. I have an issue I was hoping you could provide input with, from a financial perspective.
I am trying to get a 2nd B.S. degree in engineering, and debating between a UC and a Cal State. Obviously UC’s cost more, so that’s where the financial issues come into play. Do you believe taking out an extra $20-25K in loans (on top of the already existing $10K from 1st B.S. degree) is a smart move? I am in my mid twenties, and am married with a husband going back to grad school at the same time, but his employer will pay for his tuition.
[Aside: UC and Cal State schools are in California, and UC colleges are thought of as more reputable and harder to get into as a result]
I have a Roth IRA and have been reading pros and cons about taking out the money for education uses. Do you have any perspective about that?
I guess I’m mostly worried about digging a financial hole for my husband and myself that I will end up regretting, but I hear it’s wise to invest in education so do not know which thought should prevail. My goals for education is to eventually pursue graduate school after the 2nd. B.S.
My education was one of the most wonderful experience of my life, even despite the fact that I run a business that has little to do with my actual degree. Couple with the fact that $25k is easily recoverable under the right circumstances, and my initial reaction is to encourage you to go to the better school. However, there’s a major caveat, which you need to completely understand… Is the more expensive school that has a better reputation actually better for your education and situation?
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