I have to say that changing your own oil should be done at least once by every car owner. It takes me less than 15 minutes to do and for the $11 I am saving (price of quick lube minus materials) that comes out to $44/hr after tax. Now if I earned more than 128k a year perhaps it might be worth it. For those wondering ...more

In theory the average US citizen (43k/yr) will have earned $1.7M over their 40 year working years and have paid $267,000 in taxes leaving $1.4M. How they spend or save that 1.4M is up to them.

I think you meant OR not AND. If you pay 20% down there is no PMI (or MIP for FHA) but if you accept less than 20% down then you have PMI. (Which currently you will have until you reach 20% equity, unless you are in an FHA loan in which case you also have to had been paying the loan for at least 5 years (or have a 15 y...more

@5437 - Yes simple math that anyone should know, but unfortunately  finances for most people is not about the math, but the emotions. If you always want instant gratification then you will be hard pressed to just look at the math and rationally pay your debts when a new TV can be bought adding only $50 to your monthly ...more

I have to agree with Someone. Annual Fees are what I avoid so each time I get the Visa Black Card invite (it is a pretty invite) it goes into the shredder. The only reason I would even think of accepting is if I travelled a lot for the concierge services. However I don't as I still haven't taken in all the places right...more

Even though I automate I still have to see each payment twice (once in Quicken about two weeks before and then the email from the bank notifying me that it has happened). Yes the automation takes some of the "sting" out of it (it is just numbers right? :D) but having goals that we are saving for gives us the motivation...more

Hmm interesting list. Don't agree with it, but of course I am not your average 20-29 person. 1) Television - Yes people can watch shows and movies on the computer or cell phone, but the gaming consoles still need a large display. I do not see the device we call a television going away, but movies and shows might be ...more

This actually is the what all from any pay grade should be doing, not only does setting purchase goals, growing and preserving your own food, and having a budget save you money but it gives you confidence in your future. It builds self-esteem and tender feeling in the home.

The real question is how necessary are these items? GPS? How often do you use it, if it says in your glove box all the time then apparently not very often. Most of the time if I am going to a place that I do not know I'll just print out directions before leaving the house, cheaper than an unused GPS. Next a DVD play...more