10 
4 | § ¶Savings Accounts
-- Not always the best option
Savings accounts are simple instruments that when used judiciously become a pillar of a great investment strategy. I use them all the time (or their siblings, the money market accounts and certificates of deposit accounts). I use them for emergency funds, or to save for a big purchase or grand vacation. I also use them as a holding place until I can stash enough money to invest in something bigger: a house, some stocks, treasury bond, or mutual fund.
But I have never confused a savings account with an investment. A savings account is just a way of holding money in a safe way, protected from thieves and casualties, and possibly shielded a bit from inflation.
Let me explain you why you should consider other options in your investment strategy.
Read More 9 8 | § ¶Blog Support
-- Advertisements, donations, etc.
I admire people who have been able to make some money out of blogging. My blogging is for fun, as I confess I do not get more than $50 USD a month in add revenue. So far I have used the easy and proved Adsense program, and as with most things in life that are easy and proved, rewards are little.
I do, however, admire those who spend the time and effort to build a profitable endeavor. I also admire those who at least want to cover the costs of blogging, specially if they use creative means. Some of the creative means I have found in financial blogging sites are:
- Jason Herrington of http://www.MyFinancialBlog.com - Asks for donations to buy software that will allow financial bloggers to blog on his site. Donators get featured on the site, and are sorted according to amount donated.
- Neville on http://www.NevBlog.com - Sells add square units for $50 each. A pretty steep price, but the add appears to be permanent, on a high traffic blog.
- The Kirk Report - Provides access to a member's only day-trading advice website that complements the free information provided in the free blog. ($50 USD)
11 4 | § ¶Gift Cards
-- Should we use them on the holiday seasson?
Mighty Bargain Hunter and Consumer Commentary have their opinions on Gift Cards or Gift Certificates. So do I.
In my opinion, cold Cash is easier and more flexible than any Gift Card. Unless there is an incentive for the buyer to get a gift card (discount?), cash is easier. And unless there is some taboo issue against cash, I think it is better received. But I do appreciate a Gift Card.
Like any other gift, they can be perceived as good or bad. Some analysis on this topic:
Read More 9 8 | § ¶Fast Food
-- The Healthy and Economical Way
The Fast Food industry has been associated with the obesity problems in our society. The restaurant industry has also been associated with depleting the pockets by providing a lot of convenience at the expense of economic responsibility (it is possible for a family of four to eat less expensively at home than at a fast food, if the same quality of food is considered).
You can't blame a company for wanting to get your money, or for providing a tasteful product (usually full of calories) to entice you to depart from your hard earned cash.
However, you do have the power to enjoy their convenience while spending less, and eating sensibly. For example, my wife and I do visit fast food establishments occasionally. When we do not feel like eating a lot, we share an extended "combo/trio" that fills us up without leaving us guilty of gluttony.
Read More 2 11 | § ¶Medical Services While Traveling
-- Not the same as home
Not every country has a similar medical service than the one at home. You may not even have the same rights, assurances, or legal protections -- they may be better or worse. The medical personnel, even while carrying the same titles as the ones at home, may have more or less education/experience. It is important to recognize those ideas, as well as the fact that your medical insurance may not cover expenses overseas.
Japan has one of the best medical service systems in the world. They are super-clean, antiseptic people who value health, and care for their health issues promptly. The only issue is understanding how to navigate through the system, specially if it is all in Japanese.
Let me tell you about my Japanese Experience.
Read More 3 11 | § ¶Use up those miles!
-- And Points, Rewards, etc.
On October 21st the Financial Times mentioned that the number of unredeemed air miles in US Airlines loyalty programs have increased to 15,900 Billions of miles. For airlines this means a liability of 700 Billion US Dollars. Given the financial state most of the US Airlines are right now, it is doubtful they would allow passengers to redeem those miles very fast.
My advice: Cash 'em while you can!
Let me tell you why...
Read More 13 2 | § ¶Use a Stamp, Save on Gas
-- Save time, money and the environment
Some errands are better done by mail.
The other day I offered a book to a friend. Since I didn't had it right there, he offered to stop by and pick it up. However, he lives around 30 miles away from me. That is 60 miles round trip. When you take into account that the cost of driving (depreciation, gas, repairs, etc) is around 50 cents per mile, it would have meant spending $30 to get a book worths $7 (if new). Even if you only account for gas costs, that is 3 gallons on a 20 MPG car, and at $2.50 a gallon, that is $7.50. I decided to ship it out for $1.57 via first class mail (weighting it on my kitchen scale, consulting the price on http://USPS.gov, and grabbing stamps on a postal outlet that sits right on my route to work, and dropping it on the office mailbox).
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