May 2009

The Money Tips Network

by Flexo

I’m happy to announce the formation of the new Money Tips Network, a conglomeration of a number of the best blogs focusing on personal finance and money. Consumerism Commentary has joined forces with these great blogs, and this group’s mission is to provide readers (and listeners) with with honest and helpful money tips. Why did ... Continue reading this article…

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CNN Will Grade Your Financial Health

by Flexo

CNN is featuring a short survey to help you determine your level of financial health. The result is presented in a form of a grade from F to A+. My result was an A; I lost points for not having any life insurance. The survey does not ask if there are any dependents. Right now, ... Continue reading this article…

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Personal Balance Sheet, Net Worth, Income, and Expenses, April 2009

by Flexo

Each month I open my personal copy of Quicken Home & Business to the public. This tradition was the original impetus for creating Consumerism Commentary in 2003. At that time, at the age of 27, I was about one year into managing my own finances. Prior to that, my own money was mostly something I ... Continue reading this article…

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Podcast 2: Recession-Proof Your Relationship and Mint’s New Features

by Flexo

In today’s podcast, Tom Dziubek talks with Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil about ensuring your marriage or relationship survives the recession. Tom also talks with Aaron Patzer, CEO of Mint, about the new financial advisory features released to beta testers. To listen, use the player above (Adobe Flash required), download the podcast here, subscribe to the ... Continue reading this article…

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Best of Consumerism Commentary, April 2009

by Flexo

Consumerism Commentary Podcast. During April, with the help of Tom Dziubek, a former podcaster from the Wall Street Journal, we launched the Consumerism Commentary Podcast. Tom and I will work to bring listeners interesting stories and interviews with people who matter in the world of personal finance. Last week, the first edition of the podcast ... Continue reading this article…

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Smithee’s Best Advice for Graduating Seniors

by Smithee

I’m not a financial planner, adviser, guru or anything of the sort. The reason I’m writing here today is because I screwed up big time. Fortunately for you, I think I’ve figured out where the mistake began. Recently I’ve been taking an informal poll of some of the people I would consider to be relatively ... Continue reading this article…

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What Percentage of Income Should Be Saved to Be Financially Responsible?

by Flexo

I’m pointing out a recent article featuring advice from Walter Updegrave, a senior editor of Money Magazine. Recently, he was asked to quantify the percentage of income that any individual should save in order for this particular action to be considered “financially responsible.” Normally, the advice I’ve seen suggests a rate somewhere between 10 percent and ... Continue reading this article…

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