February 5, 2012

How to Avoid Financial Stress

How to Avoid Financial Stress

I was reading through the comments on an article about investing over at Yahoo Finance and a lot of people were whining about the fact that it is impossible to save money.  Only those who inherit their money can be rich (which you all already know is false based on the evidence). A gentleman named Frank replied to the commentators: It is absolutely, positively true.  Pay cash.  Eliminate all debt.  No mortgage.  Save as much as you can.  For a vast majority of people, that is the … [Read more...]

Virgin Money Social Lending – a New Revolution in the Debt Markets

Virgin Money Social Lending

First, I would never loan money to friends or family (with only a handful of exceptions*, one of which is my parents) under any circumstances. To me, money isn't important - I just want to build and create like a little kid with a Lego set or a real-life version of Sim City. Other people, it seems, have this really big emotional investment in it. If I lend money, it takes away the chips I can use to build my playground. I'm going to want it back, even if I don't need it, because it becomes … [Read more...]

People Who Are Drowning in Student Loan Debt

Student Loan Debt information

Victims of the Student Loan Industry or Irresponsible Borrowers? I was reading a site called Student Loan Justice as well as a piece at the Huffington Post where people are talking about their "overwhelming" student loan debt that is - wait for it - $15,000 or $30,000.  Basically, less than the value of a car.  Or a couple both of whom smoke a pack of cigarettes each day for five to ten years. Or 4 to 8 months of pre-tax income for the average American household. Rational, full-grown legal … [Read more...]

The American Express Plum Card Program

American Express plum card

How the American Express Plum Card Helped Revolutionize Mount Olympus Awards A few days ago, I mentioned in The Importance of Frugality in Building Wealth that one of the ways we were able to save money was by using the American Express plum card at all of my businesses.  The new product offering by American Express, which is probably most famously known for its Black Centurion and Platinum Cards, is completely unique in the financial services industry.  For business owners, the plum card … [Read more...]