CONFUCIOUS say: “Focus long enough on financial problem, it go ‘poof’ and disappear.” Okay, the great philosopher did not say that. He’s way smarter. All the focus in the world won’t fix a problem, unless it’s backed up with actions. What financial issues should Gen X be addressing now, in 2015? We’ve all got different […]
NAH! Go the whole hog! Literally. Buy the fattened pig! It’s the annual Christmas spendathon. Make it your mission to kick-start the economy. Why deny retailers a little Christmas joy? Get your credit card into a frenzy. Work it, baby! Until you can smell burning plastic. I don’t need to tell you to do that. […]
Let’s start easy – no insurance at all will save thousands of dollars a year. And if you’re a nihilist, don’t really love your spouse and kids, or believe you’re invincible and that bullets rebound off you like Superman, this could work for you. (Do you want me to tell your kids, or will […]
On my first big overseas trip, back in the mid 90s, I loaded up my credit card with cash. While I was drawing on my savings, I made cash advances and purchases with virtually no fees, apart from currency conversion fees, which were modest. That bank wised up to that one! By my next big […]
They’re awesome! Free flights, Christmas shopping paid for, wine deliveries … and it doesn’t feel like I’m paying for them. And I’m not really. And many others who enjoy the benefits of rewards cards don’t pay either. But someone is. Rewards program benefits are not really paid for by the bank. They are paid for […]
Call a family meeting in the backyard. Tell them to close their eyes, as you have a pre-Christmas surprise for them. Unfurl the garden hose and turn the tap on full. Now, calmly, press the hose trigger and spray them mercilessly, like you were crowd-controlling rowdy protestors. Hose down those expectations! Kids make Christmas Day […]
WHAT? Whoa! Really? You’re asking me to solve an out-of-control, national, credit-card bingeing problem? How about something simpler? Perhaps stopping Australians drinking beer? Halting the Ebola Virus? Smashing our druglords’ supply chains? I could get shorter odds at the TAB on me brokering peace with Islamic State. There’s nothing actually wrong with credit cards. They’re […]
Um, bit embarrassing. I think my accreditation to speak authoritatively here has lapsed. The division of labour in our house means I only go to the supermarket five minutes before people arrive to get forgotten items. However, with beer shopping, I do have A+ qualifications. So, the following is largely from Mrs DebtMan. “Sign up […]
With the way markets have behaved in the last two months? Possibly next decade. Maybe in another generation’s lifetime. Kidding. However, I don’t have a crystal ball. If I (reluctantly) must pin a tail on this donkey, I’d suggest about 2017. That would make it a decade from one peak to the next. That […]
“She works hard for the money, so you better treat her right.” Donna Summer’s 1983 classic was written about a restroom attendant. Could easily have been about the world’s “oldest” profession. Or about any of us and our relationship with our banks. Banks should treat us right. Sadly, they often don’t. They are great at […]
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