By Pete on Dec 31, 2008 in Featured, Home & Real Estate | Post a comment
Buying a home right now is a ridiculous idea (sorry realtors … for telling it like it is)!
Why on Earth would someone want to take out a home mortgage right now … right in the heart of this current economic crisis? First off, the housing market is in the crapper as I write this, and the wheel-turners and gatekeepers of this failing industry are still trying to get too much money, for too little house (we truly have to go back to the mid 1990’s for anything resembling a fair price). Secondly, the banking industry is suffering with the same outmoded plan of action (try to get a loan right now to see what I mean)! For all of this mayhem, you can pretty much thank the current administration (who millions will be throwing a worldwide party for when they leave office next January)!
What I will now tell you is the truth, and nothing but the truth: The right time to buy will be in a couple of years, because it will take nearly that long to clean up the trash and corruption that has been plaguing us for nearly a decade now! And while you’re waiting, like the smart people are doing, you might as well start saving for that glorious day when you and your family can walk through your first home’s front door, knowing that you did the right thing!
Just think about this fact: you don’t have the money right now for a huge down payment on a home (huge meaning 25% or more) but you certainly will when the time is right, if you at least try out some of the easiest ways to save (that most people aren’t thinking or telling you about) which I have included below: Continued
By Pete on Dec 30, 2008 in Automotive & Gas | Post a comment
I did it!
I actually drove from my pad in Boca Raton, to my parents place up in PA (22 loooonnnnggg hours later). Then I had tons of fun for a week … and then I reversed direction and headed back home (21 even looonnngggeeerrr hours, with a whining dog, tons of holiday traffic, a fiancée who maybe wanted to punch me in the head a couple of times and 5 Red Bulls later).
That lengthy trip by car gave me so much time to think about everything (the playoff hopes of the Philadelphia Eagles … “Whose God is the right God?” … “What exactly are Dipping Dots made of?” etc. and etc.)! And then my focus, as it should have been the whole time, turned towards the other drivers on the road. Then I did some further analysis, and figured out what I considered to be my top 5 worst driving mistakes (which in turn are mostly performed by straight-up dingbats, morons, freaks, people I want to kick in the mouth, pain-in-the-asses and anyone else who doesn’t give two bits about keeping the roads safe around them). Enjoy (and change your ways if they sound familiar): Continued
By Geoff on Dec 30, 2008 in Bad Spending Habits, Cash Flow, Credit & Debt | Post a comment
Debt consolidation can be a great way to start tackling your debt – whether it’s just lowering your rates, getting a better loan, or cutting your payments to get debt free faster.
The one thing you need to consider regarding debt consolidation is whether or not you can aggressively start paying off your debt via debt consolidation. Remember, debt consolidation doesn’t reduce your debt; it just helps it to be more manageable. You will need to analyze your finances to see if you can truly start paying off your debt. See where you can cut back on your expenses. You’re going to have to make some personal sacrifices if you want to get out of debt. If, even after you analyze your finances, you just can’t seem to set aside enough each month to significantly pay down your debt, debt consolidation might not be the solution for you. In this case, you’re going to want to consult a debt counselor.
By Pete on Dec 29, 2008 in Career | Post a comment
Are you a rock star performer at work? Thinking about getting a new job, because they’re not paying what you think you’re worth? Well, let me tell clue you in on something: that’s a very common scenario, and thankfully one that has a very easy answer! “What is it,” you ask? “Stay at this place and just ask for a raise, idiot!” is my response to that. Seriously, in this economy you really don’t want to go job-hopping right now, and since your current employer knows how swell of a guy you are (or aren’t, if you’re not) this is the path of least resistance!
Important to note: only morons think about leaving a job when they feel underpaid! Forget about what the head honcho tells everyone else about the budget restraints this year (that crazy talk is only used to keep the cowards at bay, while those who have the cojones to ask will be the only ones to receive) as this doesn’t apply to you (if you choose to accept this mission). Continued
By Geoff on Dec 26, 2008 in Cash Flow, Money Management | Post a comment
Hey, we’re all recovering and enjoying a holiday weekend. What gives with you?
Our Money Remix guru Pete is reconnecting with his Philadelphia roots. Maybe he’ll pick up some awesome new Eagles stuff while he’s there? Knowing Pete, that is a definite maybe. (I know, that’s an oxymoron, or whatever it’s called, but gimme a break, it’s Christmas!)
Pete will be back at the helm next week. I’ll be doing my contributing writing to Money Remix, too. We’re on the watch for good stuff and thoughts to send your way, so be on the lookout…for sure!
Oh, did we mention this? From all of us at Money Remix, to all of you…hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a terrific New Year. Let’s face it, we all deserve it!
