Timeless Articles from the Archives #52

It's been almost five years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010. 

This will be the final edition for now since I have covered all the articles written in the first four years.


2007

Die Broke - Mercantile Ethic - A job should be just a job :-)


 2008 

Wealth Creation and Accumulation    -   My thoughts on how it happens.

A 60/40 Approach to Budgeting Money  - Live on 60% and save 40%.



2009

Was Early Retirement a Good (or Bad) Idea?  -  While challenging, I still think early retirement was a good idea. 

Why this Recession will be Different       -  Looks like this was a correct call.


2010

Selling our Bonds    -  We still keep most of our bonds in tax advantaged accounts.  However, we did sell most of our stock holdings in June 2011 due to expecting a stock market decline.


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #51

It's been almost five years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

How Will I Know I Have Saved Enough? - I still consider this a good rule of thumb.

Three Questions To Determine If One Will Be Affluent - Answering yes is good.

Top Ten Reasons We Will Become Wealthy  - It worked for us.  YMMV.

From Where Does Money Come? - I guess a new answer would be " The Fed" or "Uncle Ben." :-)


 2008 

Preparing for Others to Handle One's Financial Tasks      -   Planning ahead is good.  Hopefully, I won't need help for a while.

Managing Wealth is a Skill - Here are three important elements.



2009

The Great Knowledge Portal     -  The Internet usually has all the information I need. 

Expecting Another Bubble      -  Looks like precious metals will be the next bubble :-)



2010

Faith in our Long Term Future      -  What a difference a year makes.  I've completely lost faith in our near term future and am now questioning the long term future.

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #50

It's been almost five years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Am I a Personal Finance Junkie?    - Here are five signs I may be one.

Why I Don't Buy Recommended Stocks From Articles   - I usually lose money,

Five Ways To Lose Money From Investing    - I try to avoid these five actions.


2008

Reflecting on One of My Favorite Sayings      -   Here are some "too good to be true" examples.


2009

Wasted Money    -  Late fees, fines and penalties.

Rediscovering my Early Interests     -  Retiring allowed me to enjoy these activities again.

Close Calls with Death  - Only five lives left :-)

2010

Eliminate Recurring Expenses to Save Money     -  For us, a good approach to reducing expenses has been to focus on costs that occur on a monthly basis.

Retirement Finances - What worked and what did not   -  Three things worked and two didn't.


 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC  -  I usually don't make money.

Timeless Articles from the Archives #49

It's been almost five years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

On Being a Landlord   - I would only want property that could be handled by a property management company and still make money.  Unfortunately, there aren't many properties that meet this criteria.

Home Maintenance Costs AND Planning For Them   -  Expect some major costs to maintain a home.

Did You Know?   - My conclusion is that the U.S. is falling behind fast.


2008

My Best Money Decisions     -  Here are my top five.

Five Retirement Risks      -   Unfortunately, retirement isn't risk free.


2009

The Obama Bait and Switch    -  I lost some readers over this article.  However, I still think President Obama is the master of bait and switch. The latest?  He ran as a Democrat, but lately he looking very ... well, Republican.

Article on Causes of Mortgage Foreclosure    -  A good reason for a 20% down payment.


2010

Protecting Near Term Fund Needs      -  Now, we're protecting near term and longer term expense needs.

Determining Failure Points for our Retirement Savings - A good reminder for me to do this exercise again with our financial advisor.

 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #48

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Estimating How Long One Will Live  - In 2007, the calculator estimated 73  for me.  Only 20 years remaining :-(.

Eight Random Facts About Super Saver  - Here are some non-financial facts about me.

Why Most People Get Returns Less Than The Market  - Loss aversion is my main reason. I need to learn to cut my losses sooner.

Lessons From My Dad - Fair Buyouts - A good clause to build into a partnership agreement.

2008

Avoiding Investing Mistakes I Made In 2002     -  The pain of 08  - 09 is causing me not to do #4. I've sold out of almost all my stock investments.
Emotional Stages During A Bear Market      -   It starts with Denial.


2009

Early Retirement Planning - Our Important Age Milestones   - Mine are 59-1/2, 70, and 70-1/2.   I would add 62 since I am now considering taking Social Security payments at that age. 
Possible Scenario - A Long Bear Market   - Maybe it is still a bear market :-(

Preparing our Child for Job Market Uncertainty - I'm sure my daughter will not work for one employer like I did for my entire career.

2010
Distribution of Expenses by Category - Retirement vs. Working     -  Here's how retirement changed how our annual expense as a proportion of the total budget.

 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #47

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Less Than Half of Americans Have Job Satisfaction - This was the lowest percentage in 20 years.  I wonder how the Great Recession has affected job satisfaction.

I Won't Follow This Advice #4 - I don't like to pay for something I can get for free.

My Daughter's Currency - We've evolved to coupons which have some cash value.


2008

Riding A Bear Market    -  Bear markets offer shorting and buying opportunities.
Navigating Investments In Turbulent Times     -   Currently, I have sold most of our stock holding, contrary to what I wrote in this article :-)  Time will tell if I should have stayed invested or not.

Paid Volunteer Work - I consider all my paid jobs could be "paid volunteer" work, since I am compensated much less than my the job from which I retired.


2009

Early Retirement Strategy - Save, Invest and Repeat Often   - A simple and effective strategy.

Owning versus Renting a Home during Retirement  - Since a house ties up significant funds, I considered the benefits of renting after our daughter graduates from high school.


2010

Work for Love or Work for Money?    -  Here's my experience with both options. Working for love is fun but doesn't pay much.  Working for money pays more but is not as fun.

Taxes are Going Up - No Surprise   -  Just a matter of when, not if :-)


 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, investing, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #46

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Preparation for The Retirement Saving Challenge - Timeless Personal Finance Recommendations - Here are my timeless personal finance principles.

Retirement Saving Challenge - Finding Money To Save - Here's how we found the money we needed to save.

Lessons From My Mom - Save For Big Ticket Items - My mom's savings enable my parents to pay cash for their cars and make down payments on their home.


2008

Figure Out The "One Thing"   -  Ours was living  below our means.

2009

Easy DIY Car Repair - $250 Savings   - Sometimes it is worth doing it myself :-)

Rethinking Retirement - Perhaps retirements should be short sabbaticals..

Why Chrysler and GM are Doomed to Fail  - I still believe they will fail.   Maybe I should short their stocks :-)

2010

None

 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #45

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

None
 

2008

Driving Less? Check On Lower Insurance Premiums     -  I lowered my premium by 18.6% after retiring and elminating commuting miles.

Relocating To Reduce Retirement Costs    -   Some states have lower taxes and lower costs of living.  For now, we're not planning to move for these reasons.


2009

Living within our Means - Paying with Cash  - An easy strategy to to get to living within our means.

How Much is Needed to Retire? - Our number was 20 times my salary.  Fortunately, that gave us a margin of safety with the great recession occurred.

Perilous Times have Returned  - The silver lining is that I expect a great economic times to follow :-)


2010

A Promise Kept    -  My parents were able to raise us to adulthood.

Daddy Improvement Areas      -  I'm happy to report improvement in all three areas.

What I Did When Working for Not-So-Great Bosses - Here were my three strategies.


 To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #44

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

My Reasons For Taking An Expat Assignment    -  Promotion (more pay), experience and the location.
 

2008

Being A Good Father     -  Here are my criteria for being a good father.
Is $1 Million Needed To Retire?   -    It depends :-)

2009

More Free Summer Activities for Kids   - In this economy, free is good.

Unexpected Medical Expenses - Another Good Reason for an Emergency Fund      -  Medical costs are generally a part of the reason for insolvency.

Ready for Retirement? - Some Questions Worth Considering - Here are questions a colleague and I considered.

How Taxes are Increasing for the Not-So-Rich  - Surprise! Taxes have increased.

2010

Is $1 Million enough for Retirement?  - Two years later, experts say "no."

Taxing Thoughts - Another unfair way to tax the haves for the have nots :-)


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, tax, career or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #43

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

My House Payment As A Percent of Salary   - We were typically in the  20-25% range.
 

2008

How We Think About Our House Financially     -  We do not take any financial risks with our house. Here's our financial do's and don'ts for our house

Manage Retirement Withdrawals Carefully  -  A good approach is to withdraw less in down markets and more in up markets.  Needless to say, we have been withdrawing less for the since 2007.

Redistribution Of Wealth    -  Here's why government programs to redistribute wealth won't deliver the desired effect.


2009

Who's to Blame for Losses in our Retirement Savings?   - The majority of the blame rests with us, because we, and we alone, are responsible for our financial well being.

Next Generation Bailout Acronyms     -  Here's what I really think about the bailout and stimulus programs :-)


2010

None


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #42

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Quit Today   - Quit chasing the unattainable goal of a career that is rewarding emotionally and financially and one that fulfills a personal life mission.

Personal Finance Tips - Country & Western Style  - My entertaining look at personal finance tips.

Wealth Building Dilemma - The Rich Do Not Save - For people that think higher incomes with help them save, think again.

 
2008

How To Profit From Bubbles    -  No bubble for stocks yet.   Maybe for precious metals, but it's too late for me to profit for a precious metal bubble.

Create Habits To Get The Desired Result   -  For me, a good financial habit works better than micromanaging.

When Past Results Often Guarantee Future Performance    - When dealing with companies and people, past results often predict future performance.


2009

Free Summer Activities for our Four Year Old     - The movies are $1 this year, but the other ideas are still free.

Our Principles for Saving    -  Start early, save often and save a lot.

Our Recipe for Early Retirement  - These elements worked for us.  YMMV.


2010

Our Three Financial Measures  - In our household, we measure three values to determine our financial health: investment income, total savings, and total debt.

Childhood Money Misperceptions - After writing this, I realized that some children do not grow out these beliefs :-)


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #41

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

A Retirement Strategy - Die Broke  - I learned about selling our house and buying an annuity from this book.

The New Entrepreneurship - I read this article by Penelope Trunk when I was still working.  She was right about having control over my work and a flexible lifestyle making me happier.  For reference, my approach is to work part time jobs that have very flexible hours.

Risk Allocation In A Wealth Portfolio - I'm still working on reducing my aspirational portion :-)

Having Children When One Is Older - I'm still happy that we had a child when we were older.
 
2008

Twelve "Best Ever" Financial Tips From MSN Money     -  I thought these were great tips.

Consider More Than One Scenario When Making A Decision   -  Unless, of course, one is always right:-)
Financial Readiness For Early Retirement   - Here are some of the elements that we considered when deciding about early retirement.


2009

Saying Bye Bye to our Mortgage    - Here's why we paid off our mortgage.

Investing for the Next Bull Market   - Some good tips on putting money back into the stock market.

We've Achieved Zero Debt - Paying off our mortgage made us debt free.


2010

Life Extending Habits  - Here how changes in these four areas can reduce the risk of death.


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #40

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Is Anything Really NEW In Personal Finance? - The personal finance principles I follow are simple and timeless.


 
2008

Greater Focus On Retirement Transition     -  A reminder of why I should go back to early retirement :-)
Thanks Mom For The Financial Training   - I owe a lot of thanks to my Mom for my success in personal finance.

(Early) Retirement - The Final Frontier  - Little did I know how much of a frontier it would be :-)  Early retirement is a lot more challenging that when I wrote this post in May 2008.


2009

This Recession has been a Wake Up Call    - The 2007 - 2009 recession has been a wake up for many people, including those with good personal finance skills.

My Epiphany about being Self Employed  - Being a successful business owner is 85% about acquiring customer leads for the business.


2010

Securities I Won't Buy - I avoid publicly trade partnerships.

Spend Less Earlier or More Later - Here's my rationalization for paying with cash right away instead of over time.

Parents Are No Longer Super Human - For me, there was a time that they were :-)

Getting Old isn't for Wimps  -  My body parts break down more frequently and heal more slowly as I've become older.

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #39

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007 

Retirement Planning By Age   - Retirement planning and saving does different by age group and also depends how much has been done at earlier ages.

The New Work-Life Balance - Think Choices  - To me, the term work-life balance is an oxymoron, a non sequitur, and a misnomer.

Real Estate Decline? - Reduce One's Property Tax  - A silver lining, although a small one.

Retirement Planning - Focus On SPENDABLE Net Worth  - If I can't spend it, it's not worth much :-)

Lessons From My Daughter - Have Fun  -  I like learning from kids.


2008

Properly Assessing Risk    -  A common error is that estimates of the future are often grounded in the present.

Avoiding Annual Membership Overload   - We're down to zero annual memberships.


2009

On Surviving Early Retirement during the Financial Crisis   - We survived, although I did do some part time work to reduce our withdrawal rate.


2010

None


To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #38

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

A Capital Gains Tax Break For Retirees  - I like a 0% tax rate:-)

Our Brains Make Change Hard - Perhaps we are wired to be the way we are.

I Won't Follow This Advice #1 - There are some ideas I won't follow.

Making Bonds Part Of My Portfolio - It's tough to find good bond investments now with the interest rates so low.


2008

Compost and Mulch At A Big Discount    -  $25 versus $300.

Advertising Mind Tricks   - Here are some of the mind tricks that cause me to think past the advertising before buying.


2009

Outsmarted by a Four-Year Old  - My daughter has become quite the negotiator.


2010

Understand the Rules First Before Bending Them    - One should understand the principles of basic financial concepts before venturing into more complex financial products.
A "None of the Above" Option is Needed  - What our election system needs is a "none of the above" voting option.  That way we give the political parties and their candidates a reality check since I believe "none of the above" would be a winner in many races :-) .

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement, parenting, political or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #37

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Retirement In My Forties - What Would I Do?    - This post was a good prediction.

2008

When Was Life Harder - Then or Now?    -  Although my nephew believes it's now, I think it depends.
An Elegant Solution For Those Wanting Higher Tax Rates  - For all those wanting higher tax rates, I offer a solution.


2009

None


2010

Pizza Strategies for Personal Finance   - The questions of more slices or a bigger pizza can also be applied to personal finance.

Still Learning - A great benefit of early retirement is having the opportunity to learn about professions and businesses through part time work.

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #36

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Deferred Income Can Significantly Help Retiring Early   - For me, having deferred compensation may be a key enabler to retiring in my forties. Of course, there is always a downside risk that the stock options will expire worthless, if the company does not do well.

Would I Do The Expat Assignment Again?   - Knowing what I know now, the answer is absolutely yes.

Being A Big Kid - Frugal Entertainment    -   Not only is playing like a kid fun, it also can be very inexpensive.


2008

Teach A Child To Become A Millionaire      -  Start saving early and use the power of compound interest.

Adjustments In Early Retirement - Here are some of the ones I've experienced, which I did not expect.



2009

None


2010

A Gift of Opportunity  - When I was a child, our family didn't have much. However, I now know I received something that was much more valuable: opportunity.

Still Learning - A great benefit of early retirement is having the opportunity to learn about professions and businesses through part time work.
To me,the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, career, investing, retirement or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #35

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Expat Frugality  - An oxymoron but possible :-)

Estimating The Value Of My House  - Despite the real estate crash, I still like to estimate the value of our house.

The Difference Between Risk and Fear   -   Fear takes over when the absolute loss become large.

College Admissions - What I Consider the "Right Stuff"   - To me, it's not just good grades.


2008

Agility Versus Skill     -  Showing agility is good, demonstrating skill is better, and having both is the best.

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow - Counterpoint   - Not in my case :-)


2009

Why Do Small Businesses Fail?  - It's not for lack of ideas or passion.

Privilege and Responsibility - With privilege comes responsibility.

Five Signs of Getting Old -  It's not just thinning or graying hair.

2010

I Avoid Financial Advisors with These Characteristics - Here are some of the key misses in my expectations of financial advisors I've met.

To me,the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, career, investing, political, retirement or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #34

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

How To Retire In My Forties - Here were our three must haves.

Ranking One's Net Worth  - One of the most read posts on My Wealth Builder..

The Impact of Inflation  - I calculated the impact of 3 and 5% inflation.

Another Tax Break For Children - Hire One's Own Kids  - Kids cost a lot :-) Might as well get every tax break I can.

2008

Personal Finance Simplification - Brokerage Account Consolidation  - A good plan but I didn't execute it after the higher cost brokerage lowered its fees.

Become A Millionaire  - An example of how compounding interest can help achieve this goal.

Degrees That Lead To A Profession  - With the high cost of a college eduction, getting a job should be a primary objective.



2009

Keeping Records of our Charitable Deductions  - Good record keeping is important.

A Roth Conversion Strategy For a Declining Market - Here's how I try to maximize the tax benefit of a Roth conversion.

Claiming a Parent as a Dependent on a Tax Return -  Here is my understanding of the tax rules.

2010

None

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, career, investing, political, retirement or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Timeless Articles from the Archives #33

It's been over four years since I started My Wealth Builder. As I think about topics to write , I often remember, "I've written about that before," and decide to find a new topic. However, since many principles of personal finance are timeless, I want to include them in a recent post on My Wealth Builder. Therefore, I have started a series called "Timeless Articles from the Archives" which highlights posts from the same week in 2007-2010.


2007

Learning From Other's Experiences - Find an experienced person who as done it before to guide one to success.

Corporate Programs for Personal Use - One benefit of working for a large corporation is that hotel, airline and credit card premiums are sometimes made available to employees.

Another Cost Of Having Debt - Wealth Destruction - Having $25,000 of debt can cost one over $2,600,000 of wealth.

The "R" Word - Here are my areas of personal finance Responsibility.


2008

Personal Finance Simplification - Credit Card Consolidation - Our goal was to get to and maintain two cards, one for each of us. We were able to get to three.

Don't Forget To Include Non-Wage Income When Doing A Tax Return - People sometimes forget about 1099 income because they "didn't get to spend it," as in the case of CD interest or reinvested mutual fund dividends. However, the IRS considers 1099 income taxable and expects it to be reported when filing a tax return.

Three Events That Can Cause Wealth Destruction - There are sometimes uncontrollable events that can also lead to wealth destruction. Here are three types of events that have potential to cause wealth destruction.

Early Retirement Stories - While each early retirement story had different specifics, there seemed to be some consistent themes.

The Science Of Addiction - What creates addiction is the mechanism of intermittent reinforcement, where rewards are randomly related to the actions taken. As a result, rewards occur unpredictably, creating higher releases of pleasure inducing dopamine in the brain than when rewards occur predictably.

Intellectually, I know that I should just invest in low cost diversified equity index funds and accept the overall return of the market. However, I still enjoy buying individual stocks with a small portion of my savings and getting the occasional thrill when the purchased stock goes up significantly in one day or over a year:-)


2009

Kindergarten Decision Dilemma - Holding back our daughter a year for kindergarten turned out to be the right choice.


2010

Creating One's Financial Future - Although it is impossible to predict the future exactly, it is very possible to steer the future towards favorable financial scenarios by the choices made today.

To me, the content of these posts are still relevant today and worth reading again.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, career, investing, political, retirement or saving advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2011 Achievement Catalyst, LLC