Discipline Is the Key to Ending Financial Moronity

Anyone familiar with this blog knows that prior to my 40th birthday, I was a financial moron. And that’s not me be self-deprecating. It’s just the cold, hard truth. Heck, I didn’t even know what an emergency fund was until I was 42. The good news for the financially moronic, however, is this: personal finance …

The Chris Matthews Leg Tingle and Financial Independence

During the 2008 primary season, MSNBC host Chris Matthews experienced something rapturous as he listened to a speech being delivered by then-candidate Barack Obama. He described the feeling as follows: “I have to tell you, you know, it’s part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama’s …

The Real Culture War

Up until I was 40 years old (I’m 55 now), I floundered financially. I wasn’t a basket case. I was able to pay my bills. But I was using debt to live beyond my means and acquire the superficial symbols of success—a car, a condo, a host of electronic equipment, and a bunch of credit …

Personal Finance and Ethics

In January of this year, I wrote a post about experience envy. I was very envious of such blogging luminaries as Paula Pant and Maggie Banks riding elephants in exotic lands. But happily, with the aid of Mrs. Groovy and some chocolate moonshine, I was able to work through my FoMO issues and come to …