This section of my site is for my brief (I seem to have a problem with being brief) notes or comments on finance, politics or just anything that strikes me. This is the part of the site that is most like a true blog. Enjoy.

I've updated my links page with a new link to pfblogs.org.

A quick not about my upcoming book. The slow process of getting this done has taken a major step forward and I expect to have something in about a month from now.

It's been a little while since I posted because I am feverishly trying to finish my book. That's right I'm writing a book. I did manage however to put this post together since it had such relevance to my book.

I think a big part of this site is to let you know that brokerages and mutual fund companies want to sell you something to make themselves rich rather than help to make you rich. This article on Marketwatch.com is a perfect example.
Bill Donoghue writes:"Putnam's latest advertisement includes some impressive numbers -- but none of them reflects portfolio performance. Seriously, who are they trying to fool?"

Well I've been away for a while having traveled to the west coast for some wine tasting and other vacation activites. That trip inspired this post about the good life. And this post about my shopping trip to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
When I got back from my trip I was feeling a bit under the weather but should now be back to my normal yet irratic posting schedule.

I've updated my links page with a couple of links to writers I enjoy reading on Marketwatch.com.
I've also added a few new posts so check out my welcome page.
I think this post on the Motley Fool suports my post on people who are in trouble because of the high price of gas. I agree with Ms. Yochim that saying gas prices are the reason you're falling behind in other places is just and excuse for poor financial discipline.

this post to test yourself and your ability to scale back your over-spending. Or this post that was my response to some unbeleivable spending I saw mentioned in an article.

Check out this article on the Money Magazine website. We all hate taxes right but that doesn't mean any idea that sounds good really is. Check my post on the subject of taxes.

September 19, 2005: When you don't experience something, no matter how common it is for others, you're shocked when you see it. I'm talking about the price of cigarettes. I don't smoke so I have no idea how much it costs but last night I was in the store and saw a guy buy a pack for $5.65. I know it's hard but quitting will save those who smoke a lot of money in addition to their health.

Things you should never do: Bounce a check, pay ATM fees, pay the minimum to a credit card, pay a bill late, (more to come)

Need Vs. Want: Chuck Jaffe at Marketwatch.com has an article that says people are caught between wanting things and worrying about the future. Basically it's a struggle between instant gratification and saving for the future. Or as I call it the struggle between need and want.

A good article on the hidden cost of the things we buy. It's not just the cost of things, it's the maintenance and upkeep on them after you buy.

I was in a spending mood the other day. I don’t usually get that way but I thought that I might want to catch up on some DVD purchases I was planning. I was a big fan of the show “Quantum Leap” and I own the first two seasons on DVD. I figured why not pick up the third season.
Why not? Because I haven’t watched the second season yet. After watching the first season how many times do you think I’ve gone back and watched them again? That’s right, never. So why did I buy them in the first place? The same holds true for other DVD collections I have. I might watch one or two episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” now and then but did that occassional viewing justify the money I spent on each season?
The same is true of various “Simpsons” seasons I have although I do tend to watch these more often than the other programs I own. I was shocked to see that I spent about $250 on the various DVD series I have. I know friends who have much more extensive collections than I do but who have trouble making ends meet financially.