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Entries from July 2008

Anheuser-Busch Sold! The End Is Nigh

July 17th, 2008 · 3 Comments

It looks as though nobody joined me in my quest to save American beer because the unthinkable has happened:  Anheuser-Busch has agreed to be acquired by InBev, an evil Belgian conglomerate (they speak French and Flemish, which is also an evil language).  Adding insult to injury, InBev’s final bid came in at only $52 billion!
Since buying [...]

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Tags: Commentary · News

Four Tips To Invest In A Low-Return Environment

July 16th, 2008 · No Comments

With the stock market officially in bear market territory and even more gloom on the horizon, the next decade isn’t shaping up to be too hot for stock returns.  To make matters worse, sustained periods of excessively-low interest rates and easy lending criteria seems to have stimulated inflation, further eroding the purchasing power of even positive returns.  [...]

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Tags: Investing · Personal finance · Portfolio

Why A Four Day Work Week Should Be Mandatory

July 15th, 2008 · 1 Comment

Last week, Flexo from Consumerism Commentary asked whether a four-day work week is a good idea.  I think it’s a great idea.  In fact, it’s so good I think it should be strongly encouraged by the government, if not out-right required.  Why?  Because it would help solve a lot of our worst problems in one [...]

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Tags: Commentary

The Benefits Of Inflation

July 14th, 2008 · 1 Comment

Inflation gets a bad rap.  Sure, runaway inflation is horrible for any economy; nobody is denying that.  But is inflation always bad for society?  Many, if not most, of economists think not.  In fact, inflation can have some powerfully positive effects on the economy.  Following are some of the most-commonly cited benefits of inflation.
Is Moderate Inflation [...]

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Tags: Economy

Weekend Link Love And Carnival Roundup 7.13.2008

July 13th, 2008 · No Comments

Special thanks to Mighty Bargain Hunter for including my post on the Permanent Portfolio in this week’s carnival of personal finance.  This week’s theme was the American Flag and our distinguished host did a great job.  Here are a few of my favorite posts from the carnival.
Would You Risk Your Life To Get Out Of Debt?  [...]

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Tags: General

Save Money On Booze By Getting Somebody Else To Pay For It

July 10th, 2008 · No Comments

As many of you know, this past friday was the fourth of July, which means one thing:  lots of booze.  It also means lots of socializing with scantily clad people.  This combination presents quite a problem to the frugal individual:  how do you drink and have a good time without spending all your money?  Easy!  .
Get [...]

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Tags: Frugality

The Best Stock For The Next 90 Days!

July 9th, 2008 · No Comments

Just kidding, there is no “best stock” for the next 90 days.  Nobody can predict short-term stock movements.  No, not even your broker or your best friend who claimed he made $18 million speculating on penny stock.
Crystal Ball Liquidation Sale
Instead of hunting for the next “hot stock,” you would be better off creating a diversified, balanced [...]

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Tags: Personal finance

Reducing Your Expenses Is Better Than Increasing Your Income

July 8th, 2008 · No Comments

It may seem controversial to say something like “reducing your expenses is better than raising your income.”  After all, who doesn’t want more income?  Of course, more income is always better than less, even taking taxes into account.  Every dollar earned increases your after-tax income at least a little.  The problem is, due to our [...]

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Tags: Personal finance

Frugal Ways To Lose Weight

July 7th, 2008 · 4 Comments

It’s summertime.  Do you know what that means?  It’s time to get in shape so you look hot on the beach!  Few things in life are as important as looking good in a bathing suit.  Sure, Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world, but do you think he turns heads on [...]

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Tags: Frugality

Weekend Link Love And Carnival Roundup

July 6th, 2008 · No Comments

Than’s to Lisa at Greener Pastures for including my post about logical fallacies in the financial media in this weeks Carnival of Personal Finance #159.  Some of my favorite posts of the carnival:
How The Rich Spend Their Time by Smart Money Daily.  Surprise surprise, wealthy people spend less time being idle and more time being productive.  The [...]

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Tags: General