Author Archives: Nina - Page 3
Credit cards are for transactions; not to borrow money
In a recent post about credit card interest rates, Philip Brewer at Wise Bread explained: I use credit cards for transactions, not to borrow money. One of the smartest things…
Finance “advocate” in The Advocate
My second column for The Advocate appears in the Sept Issue. You can also check it out online to learn: 1. How the new Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program can help…
Should we have another child? A decision influenced by economics and other factors.
For various reasons (just one being economic), Jeanine and I have been talking lately about whether we will have a second child. I think the decision to add to our…
Selecting a 529 college savings plan
The other day I did my research on 529 plans and yesterday I spoke with my financial advisor. The first thing I learned was that California doesn't offer a state…
A tutorial on 529 college savings plans
My financial advisor scheduled my midyear review for tomorrow. In addition to our general discussion, I told her that I needed advice on 529 plans and saving for Sam's college…
The cost to eradicate bed bugs
Jeanine knows someone who is having a costly ordeal with getting rid of bed bugs. At this point, I think he's spent over a thousand dollars and he's not even…
Is the “cash for clunkers” program suspended or not?
There's been a lot of press lately about the 'œcash for clunkers' program, formally known as the Car Allowance Rebate System, a $1 billion government program that helps consumers purchase…
Vlog: How to Buy a Used Car
So while we look for a new vlogger to take over where Clint left off, here is a video about how to buy a used car from my new favorite…
Freelancers: Are you experiencing a Self-Employed Depression?
The phenomenon of a Self-Employed Depression was written about recently in The New York Times Magazine. Emily Bazelon coined the term as she described the effects of the recession on…
Would you take a pay cut to keep your job?
Money Magazine recently published an article about how to talk the boss out of giving you a pink slip. If you know your employer is hurting for cash, one might…