Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
We may be experts at eliminating all the little money leaks but unless we spend time to learn how to save on big ticket items, we are handicapped from the beginning. This article is about how to buy a used car.
Lately, we were thinking of buying a used car but how do you actually buy one without regretting down the road? After tons of research and several less than stellar experiences, let me share with you how to buy a used car.
In general, there are two main concerns of every used car buyer and the following steps are aimed at them specifically. They are: (a) price of the vehicle and (b) reliability after purchases. [ continue reading… ]
As someone who writes and talks about frugal living all day, I must admit that I’m a sucker when it comes to spending. I not only overreact whenever I need to make a purchase, I probably ask way too many questions about the price of any item too. Why pay $50 when I can get it for $40? Why does it cost $40? How about $30? Can I get it for free?
Almost always, I feel that I’m getting a better deal by asking and scrutinizing the buying decision. But is it really the truth? Is paying less always gaining more?
We were all taught to find the lowest price possible. In fact, one of the first things I learned in business was to get three quotes for the same service whenever you need something done. The idea was to compare the quotations and figure out whether the higher cost would be necessary, but more often than not, the price becomes the deciding factor. Price almost always wins, but I think it’s totally wrong because only looking at price shows ignorance. Here’s a story that illustrates what I mean. [ continue reading… ]
Ally Bank have been controversial from the beginning. The indirect link to General Motors didn’t help. The commercials were debatable (although I personally thought they were hilarious) and the FDIC pressuring them to lower interest rates just added oil to the fire.
On top of all that, the advertisements were everywhere. Online ads, commercials printed ads, you name it, they did it. All these “in your face” advertising worked – it made me open an account. [ continue reading… ]
I ran into the mailman yesterday as he was delivering mail to about 50 different mailboxes (for those that aren’t in an apartment, think of the post office where the P.O. boxes are all stacked together). When I reached for my mail, he hollered “oh no sir, you need to wait for me to lock them up before reaching in. I’m sorry for the delay but it will take a few minutes.”
I ended up leaving so I didn’t get what I originally wanted but what if I offered him $5 to look the other way? Do you think he would’ve taken the money? What about $20? What would you have done? [ continue reading… ]
A few days ago, I was bewildered about my recent activities and how it relates to my finances.
During the last three months, I traveled to five different places totaling 20,000+ miles. For most people, this type of travel schedule would cause a budget crisis but surprisingly, mine still turned out okay. The result got me thinking about why this is the case and how I could alert you of my findings. One thing led to another and the true reason surfaced: we are usually misled into thinking that certain activities are costly.
Surprise surprise but let me give you a few examples of what I mean. [ continue reading… ]
With unemployment rate reaching 10% across the U.S., it’s difficult to feel optimistic about job security and financial freedom. If you are afraid of losing your job (or were already let go), don’t worry, I know how you feel. When my wife’s company had massive layoffs a few months ago, we were exhausted just trying to think of possible alternatives. We were double checking our finances, we were second guessing everything about the company and we were calling our friends to share our misery as if uttering the same words again and again would somehow make the situation more bearable. [ continue reading… ]
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