Only new purchases, only new cars, only specific cars, with an income limit. No much an incentive when prices are high due to tariffs.
thefinancebuff.com/deductible-c...
thefinancebuff.com/deductible-c...
Deductible Car Loan Interest in the New 2025 Trump Tax Law
The 2025 Trump tax law made car loan interest deductible with many strings and only temporarily. See what qualifies and what does not.
thefinancebuff.com
July 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Only new purchases, only new cars, only specific cars, with an income limit. No much an incentive when prices are high due to tariffs.
thefinancebuff.com/deductible-c...
thefinancebuff.com/deductible-c...
I sent a friend to my independent insurance agent. He saved $2,000 a year on homeowners insurance.
thefinancebuff.com/auto-home-in...
thefinancebuff.com/auto-home-in...
Using an Independent Agent for Auto and Home Insurance
Using an independent agent for auto and home insurance gives you a different channel for lower premiums. It's worth a try.
thefinancebuff.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I sent a friend to my independent insurance agent. He saved $2,000 a year on homeowners insurance.
thefinancebuff.com/auto-home-in...
thefinancebuff.com/auto-home-in...
Because a rich life in retirement isn't about spending money! I get huge satisfaction from reading a book on a park bench by the pond under a tree. How do you measure that financially?
> Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/22/s...
> Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/22/s...
Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't: Blanchett
The PGIM researcher finds some good news for clients who may need to cut back.
www.thinkadvisor.com
June 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Because a rich life in retirement isn't about spending money! I get huge satisfaction from reading a book on a park bench by the pond under a tree. How do you measure that financially?
> Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/22/s...
> Spending Drops in Retirement, but Satisfaction Doesn't
www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/22/s...
A buy-or-rent calculator implicitly assumes that homes of equal quality are equally abundant to either rent or buy. I only learned the real world doesn't work like that when I tried to rent.
> Confessions of a Financial Planner: I Bought a House for Three Years
kindnessfp.com/bought-a-hou...
> Confessions of a Financial Planner: I Bought a House for Three Years
kindnessfp.com/bought-a-hou...
Confessions of a Financial Planner: I Bought a House for Three Years | Kindness Financial Planning
This is the fourth article in the “Confessions of a Financial Planner” series about how I bought a house for three years.
kindnessfp.com
June 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
A buy-or-rent calculator implicitly assumes that homes of equal quality are equally abundant to either rent or buy. I only learned the real world doesn't work like that when I tried to rent.
> Confessions of a Financial Planner: I Bought a House for Three Years
kindnessfp.com/bought-a-hou...
> Confessions of a Financial Planner: I Bought a House for Three Years
kindnessfp.com/bought-a-hou...
If planning feels difficult, it's usually because you want more certainty than you can ever have. Things become much easier when you stop wanting to "optimize."
> Almost Every Financial Planning Decision Requires Judgment
obliviousinvestor.com/almost-every...
> Almost Every Financial Planning Decision Requires Judgment
obliviousinvestor.com/almost-every...
Almost Every Financial Planning Decision Requires Judgment — Oblivious Investor
Oblivious Investor
obliviousinvestor.com
June 6, 2025 at 3:15 PM
If planning feels difficult, it's usually because you want more certainty than you can ever have. Things become much easier when you stop wanting to "optimize."
> Almost Every Financial Planning Decision Requires Judgment
obliviousinvestor.com/almost-every...
> Almost Every Financial Planning Decision Requires Judgment
obliviousinvestor.com/almost-every...
We simply paid capital gains tax, both federal and state, when we moved from the home we had lived in for 20 years. Look at the bright side. The first $500k was tax-free.
asklizweston.com/qa-time-to-m...
asklizweston.com/qa-time-to-m...
Q&A: Time to move, but what about the capital gains?
Home sales can generate a potentially taxable capital gain that also can inflate future Medicare premiums.
asklizweston.com
June 5, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We simply paid capital gains tax, both federal and state, when we moved from the home we had lived in for 20 years. Look at the bright side. The first $500k was tax-free.
asklizweston.com/qa-time-to-m...
asklizweston.com/qa-time-to-m...
You will stop asking this question when you gain the superpower after realizing that a rich life in retirement isn't about spending money. Pursuing the five key 'good F words' (Family, Fulfillment, Fitness, Friends, and Fun) doesn't require maximum withdrawals.
ofdollarsanddata.com/whats-the-be...
ofdollarsanddata.com/whats-the-be...
What's the Best Withdrawal Strategy in Retirement?
The 4% Rule is just the beginning. Here’s how to spend money in retirement without running out.
ofdollarsanddata.com
June 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
You will stop asking this question when you gain the superpower after realizing that a rich life in retirement isn't about spending money. Pursuing the five key 'good F words' (Family, Fulfillment, Fitness, Friends, and Fun) doesn't require maximum withdrawals.
ofdollarsanddata.com/whats-the-be...
ofdollarsanddata.com/whats-the-be...
ReFirement is great, but you don't need an advisor to ReFire. Experimenting with the five key 'good F words' (Family, Fulfillment, Fitness, Friends, and Fun) yourself is a key part of the journey.
www.kitces.com/blog/refirem...
www.kitces.com/blog/refirem...
"ReFire" Instead Of 'Just' Retire: Planning With Purpose
For clients who are anxious or uncertain, instead of traditional retirement planning, advisors can use the "ReFire" framework to help plan with purpose.
www.kitces.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
ReFirement is great, but you don't need an advisor to ReFire. Experimenting with the five key 'good F words' (Family, Fulfillment, Fitness, Friends, and Fun) yourself is a key part of the journey.
www.kitces.com/blog/refirem...
www.kitces.com/blog/refirem...
Extending the enhanced ACA subsidies isn't included in the bill, which means the 400% Federal Poverty Level cliff will return in 2026, regardless of whether this bill passes the Senate or not.
www.kitces.com/blog/republi...
www.kitces.com/blog/republi...
Republicans’ 2025 Proposed Tax Bill: Analyzing Individual Tax Provisions
Analysis of Republicans' 2025 proposed tax bill, which lays out specifics for extending (and adding to) the impending sunset of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
www.kitces.com
June 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Extending the enhanced ACA subsidies isn't included in the bill, which means the 400% Federal Poverty Level cliff will return in 2026, regardless of whether this bill passes the Senate or not.
www.kitces.com/blog/republi...
www.kitces.com/blog/republi...
Taxes are part of the prices you pay for your lifestyle. Being wealthy means you’re less influenced by prices. You prioritize the quality of life over the costs.
> Higher state taxes don't drive away wealthy residents
www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2025/04/high...
> Higher state taxes don't drive away wealthy residents
www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2025/04/high...
June 4, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Taxes are part of the prices you pay for your lifestyle. Being wealthy means you’re less influenced by prices. You prioritize the quality of life over the costs.
> Higher state taxes don't drive away wealthy residents
www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2025/04/high...
> Higher state taxes don't drive away wealthy residents
www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2025/04/high...
Some phone plans charge $12 per day when you use mobile data outside the U.S. I bought an eSIM for less than $2 for my one week international trip.
eSIM for International Travel Mobile Data Roaming
U.S. phone companies charge exorbitant prices for international mobile data roaming. Buying an eSIM for international travel costs under $10.
thefinancebuff.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Some phone plans charge $12 per day when you use mobile data outside the U.S. I bought an eSIM for less than $2 for my one week international trip.
Whether high deductible health insurance with HSA makes sense should be obvious. If it's borderline, paying an advisor to evaluate these tradeoffs will likely negate all the benenfits there may be.
www.kitces.com/blog/ben-dob...
www.kitces.com/blog/ben-dob...
Why HSAs Aren’t Always Worth The 'Triple Tax Savings'
While HSAs offer significant tax advantages, advisors can play a key role in helping clients weigh these benefits against the potentially higher costs of HDHPs.
www.kitces.com
May 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Whether high deductible health insurance with HSA makes sense should be obvious. If it's borderline, paying an advisor to evaluate these tradeoffs will likely negate all the benenfits there may be.
www.kitces.com/blog/ben-dob...
www.kitces.com/blog/ben-dob...
I’m surprised it didn’t say anything about getting an eSIM for your phone.Also, you don’t need to buy VPN. Many home WiFi routers have one built in. Check the manual for yours.
A Packing List of Apps to Download Before You Travel (Gift Article)
Your bags may be ready to go, but do you really have everything you need? Here are some apps that can make your travels smoother, safer and more fun.
www.nytimes.com
May 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I’m surprised it didn’t say anything about getting an eSIM for your phone.Also, you don’t need to buy VPN. Many home WiFi routers have one built in. Check the manual for yours.
Financial institutions want their own power of attorney forms. Choose the ones you’re going to stay with long-term and fill out their forms.
asklizweston.com
May 9, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Financial institutions want their own power of attorney forms. Choose the ones you’re going to stay with long-term and fill out their forms.
Using the CMA as it's designed without any optimization is already quite good. Optimizing it earns an extra 0.25%. If you hold an average balance of $10k throughout the year, you lose $25 by not optimizing. I'll let Fidelity earn that $25.
frugalprofessor.com/the-ultimate...
frugalprofessor.com/the-ultimate...
The Ultimate Guide to Fidelity’s Cash Management Account (CMA) - Frugal Professor
I’ve used Fidelity’s Cash Management Account (CMA) as my primary “checking,” “savings,” and “cash management account” for over six years. I recommend this setup to my students. I recommend it to my…
frugalprofessor.com
April 28, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Using the CMA as it's designed without any optimization is already quite good. Optimizing it earns an extra 0.25%. If you hold an average balance of $10k throughout the year, you lose $25 by not optimizing. I'll let Fidelity earn that $25.
frugalprofessor.com/the-ultimate...
frugalprofessor.com/the-ultimate...
I hold a TIPS fund in a Traditional IRA.
Best Asset Location for TIPS Ladder: Taxable, Tax-Deferred, or Roth?
If you are a DIY investor (or professional financial planner) that is looking to geek out on the intricacies of the tax treatment for holding Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), check o…
www.mymoneyblog.com
March 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I hold a TIPS fund in a Traditional IRA.
Collecting bad debts costs money. You hold the bag when your middleman chooses not to collect bad debts for you.
www.mymoneyblog.com/peerstreet-b...
www.mymoneyblog.com/peerstreet-b...
PeerStreet Bankruptcy Update (March 2025): Why I Avoid Fractional Real Estate Now
My last update on the PeerStreet bankruptcy was about a year and a half ago. PeerStreet marketed high-interest investment loans backed by real estate in $1,000 fractional increments. A few days ago…
www.mymoneyblog.com
March 31, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Collecting bad debts costs money. You hold the bag when your middleman chooses not to collect bad debts for you.
www.mymoneyblog.com/peerstreet-b...
www.mymoneyblog.com/peerstreet-b...
Young people have human capital, but human capital isn’t that reliable. What used to be worth a lot can diminish fast.
www.youngmoney.co/p/what-happe...
www.youngmoney.co/p/what-happe...
What happens when knowledge is commoditized?
A few short thoughts on where the value accrues in a post-AI world.
www.youngmoney.co
March 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Young people have human capital, but human capital isn’t that reliable. What used to be worth a lot can diminish fast.
www.youngmoney.co/p/what-happe...
www.youngmoney.co/p/what-happe...
This is a common misunderstanding. The 5-year clock on each Roth conversion goes away after 59-1/2 as long as you had your _first_ Roth IRA at least 5 years ago.
Q&A: When it comes to Roth IRAs, 59½ and 5 are the magic numbers
Roth IRAs have complicated rules that differ for accounts that you fund directly versus those that are funded through conversions.
asklizweston.com
February 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This is a common misunderstanding. The 5-year clock on each Roth conversion goes away after 59-1/2 as long as you had your _first_ Roth IRA at least 5 years ago.
Telehealth is a great option when you have something simple.
Sesame Telehealth Visit for $29 with Costco Discount - Frugal Professor
Our oldest kid came back from school with a terrible earache today. Given the time of day, it was too late to get into our primary care physician. My wife scheduled an appointment at our local CVS Minute...
frugalprofessor.com
February 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Telehealth is a great option when you have something simple.
This doesn’t sound like a great vacation to me.
The Cutthroat Game of Snagging a Pool Chair on Vacation
Travelers wake up at 4, work in shifts to secure seating in prime locations without getting on the wrong side of the lounge-chair law
www.wsj.com
February 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This doesn’t sound like a great vacation to me.
Tax loss harvesting works best when you make large ongoing investments. The benefits fade when your ongoing investments become small relative to the existing portfolio.
MSN | Outlook, Office, Skype, Bing, Breaking News, and Latest Videos
Your customizable and curated collection of the best in trusted news plus coverage of sports, entertainment, money, weather, travel, health and lifestyle, combined with Outlook/Hotmail, Facebook,…
www.msn.com
January 29, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Tax loss harvesting works best when you make large ongoing investments. The benefits fade when your ongoing investments become small relative to the existing portfolio.
Long-term TIPS yields are almost double the I Bonds fixed rate now.
New 10-year TIPS gets real yield of 2.243%, highest for this term in 16 years
By David Enna, Tipswatch.com The Treasury’s auction of $20 billion in a new 10-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Security — CUSIP 91282CML2 — generated a real yield to maturity of…
tipswatch.com
January 29, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Long-term TIPS yields are almost double the I Bonds fixed rate now.
Most people aren't affected by WEP or GPO or their repeal. If you were affected, your benefits will increase now. Re-run your claiming strategy with the Open Social Security calculator.
https://www.kitces.com/blog/social-security-fairness-act-windfall-elimination-provision-government-pension-offse…
https://www.kitces.com/blog/social-security-fairness-act-windfall-elimination-provision-government-pension-offse…
Social Security Fairness Act Repeals The WEP And GPO
Planning considerations for Social Security Fairness Act, and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
www.kitces.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Most people aren't affected by WEP or GPO or their repeal. If you were affected, your benefits will increase now. Re-run your claiming strategy with the Open Social Security calculator.
https://www.kitces.com/blog/social-security-fairness-act-windfall-elimination-provision-government-pension-offse…
https://www.kitces.com/blog/social-security-fairness-act-windfall-elimination-provision-government-pension-offse…
Spending more during the lifetime will leave a lower ending balance, and vice versa. That's not surprising. If I'm equally happy with spending more or less, does it matter which way I go?
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/best-flexible-strategies-retirement-income-2
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/best-flexible-strategies-retirement-income-2
www.morningstar.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Spending more during the lifetime will leave a lower ending balance, and vice versa. That's not surprising. If I'm equally happy with spending more or less, does it matter which way I go?
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/best-flexible-strategies-retirement-income-2
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/best-flexible-strategies-retirement-income-2