Kip Tips
Great Advice From Around the Web
A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.
By Cameron Huddleston, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
August 4, 2010
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When I was growing up, my family didn't own the latest and greatest innovations. No PC or Atari in my house (it was the 1980s). It wasn't that we couldn't afford these things. My parents just weren't into electronics and tech gizmos. Perhaps their lack of interest in these things rubbed off on me because I've never felt the urge to own a big-screen TV, a Nintendo or even a smart phone.
My husband, on the other hand, loves all things tech. His birthday and Christmas lists are always filled with high-priced items that, in my opinion, we could live without. So as I was browsing the Web for my weekly roundup of financial advice, I found a great post on Get Rich Slowly on The High Cost of Modern Living that bolsters my case against spending big bucks on electronic and technological luxuries. The writer, Robert Brokamp, points out that the money we spend today to support a modern lifestyle of cable TV and iPhones is money we could be setting aside so we could retire sooner. Amen. Even if you don't agree, check out the post because some of the items on his list of stuff spawned to consume our money will give you a good laugh.
Here are more personal finance tips and insights from across the Web:
Where Not to Use Your Debit Card [Bucks]
Add one more place to the growing list of locations where you should be wary about using your debit card: gas station pumps.
How to Combine Finances for Couples [Consumerism Commentary]
Those couples who do decide to combine finances often stop at the minimum. They might create a joint checking account for shared expenses like rent or mortgage payments but don’t make an effort to take co-ownership of the complete financial picture.
What to Do When Your Beneficiaries Are Minors [Frugal Dad]
You may want to leave money to the kids. But you may fear they don’t have the experience or maturity to make smart decisions when it comes to cash.
9 Tips to Avoid Coupon Scams [Coupon Sherpa]
Coupons are easy to find and have become so popular that scammers regularly rear their ugly heads with sophisticated cons.
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