Last fall, my wife’s bike was stolen. Don’t be too sympathetic. The bike was a hand-me-down from my dad that wasn’t really the right frame size for her. Her current job is a 10-block commute, so she walks to work...
Let’s start with a more basic question: Can you max out your 401(k)? The answer is: not likely. According to 2010 data from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 6.7% of 401(k) participants contributed the maximum (then $16,500, now $17,500) to...
At a time when we have more personal finance advice than ever before, why are so many Americans in bad financial shape, and why do we say money is our number one worry in surveys? Helaine Olen, who has written...
This is my Valentine’s Day column, and it’s not about how to save on flowers or where to buy the top ten gifts guaranteed to impress your sweetheart. No, just as couples come up with their own holiday traditions, I...
Mint.com user and Facebook fan Aaron writes: It would be great to have a post that lists out some of the top books to read for personal finance. I know there are different types of people using Mint (ranging from...
It’s still January, and I’ve already made progress on one of my financial New Year’s resolutions: lighten my wallet. While I have made some progress, it’s just not very much progress. The story began last year. I was carrying a...
At my other job, I write about food. Just as personal finance writers often return to favorite topics like Roth IRAs and not buying expensive coffee, every food writer eventually writes about their recommended basic set of kitchen tools. If...
A friend recently asked me for mortgage advice. I explained how to shop around for a good rate, and then I added my catchphrase: “You didn’t ask, but…” Like anyone involved in the world of finance, I’ve seen a lot...
Happy New Year! We have a deal. A so-called “fiscal cliff” deal, that is. The backstory on the fiscal cliff: Remember the debt ceiling debate in summer 2011? It sure seemed like a big deal at the time, and investing...
Folks, I know what you’re whispering when I walk into the room: “That guy really knows his tax-advantaged accounts.” It’s my one superpower. (Well, I’m also pretty good at making omelets.) A New Year is upon us and now is...
Last fall, my wife’s bike was stolen. Don’t be too sympathetic. The bike was a hand-me-down from my dad that wasn’t really the right frame size for her. Her current job is a 10-block commute, so she walks to work... 
