Ask the Readers

• Ask the Readers: Do you plan for the good times as well as the bad? (50 comments)

  This is a guest post from personal finance writer Gwendolyn Pearce, who has written previously on chicken coops and cooking challenges. In a recent post, staff writer Lisa Aberle provided an excell...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What will make you feel financially secure? (77 comments)

  If you’re a regular reader of Get Rich Slowly, you are focused on getting out of debt, saving, retirement goals – all of those money issues we all deal with. But at what point would you or do you ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Do you ever pay more to support a local business? (115 comments)

  Reader Jennifer Gwennifer raises a timely question: When I can, I try to support small, family-operated businesses instead of “big box” stores like Walmart. However, I live in a coastal area of N...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What will you trade this month? (27 comments)

  Our monthly challenges to the GRS community are meant to push you to flex those frugality muscles and think creatively about money. For those who are just starting their financial journeys, learning a...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: 4 options for the next step (56 comments)

  Ken is sending his financial situation into the GRS ether to see what you have to say. Here's a snapshot of his finances: I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article "What Next" and the "Ask the Re...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Do you save more or less than your parents? (111 comments)

  This post is from Ollie Geiger, a personal finance writer who contributes to MoneyRates.com. Whenever we visit my grandmother-in-law’s house, we always leave with paper towels. Lots of them. ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What will you invest in this month? (47 comments)

  And before you know it, it’s April, and hopefully, you’re starting to see some signs of spring where you live. Our first two challenges were about sowing some seeds, and now maybe we can watch the...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Would you give a child a credit card? (122 comments)

  I’m personally a proponent of making teenagers authorized users on credit cards. My thinking is that it gives the parent the opportunity to teach their kids about managing credit while they’re at ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What is the next step? (92 comments)

  J.D. wrote about the three stages of personal finance often. His definitions were: The first stage of personal finance involves learning the basics: understanding compound interest, reducing debt...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What can you do this month to earn an extra $150? (90 comments)

  And here we are in March! We’d like to check in with a series of challenges to help us achieve some goals this year. In February, we gave you the challenge of giving up something (or a series of som...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What are your favorite personal finance blogs? (154 comments)

  Of course, you’re a loyal reader of Get Rich Slowly – and we certainly appreciate it! But what other blogs do you read, and why do you like them? Many readers have mentioned Mr. Money Mustache ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Can you retire without a pension or 401(k)? (57 comments)

  This short reader post from GRS reader A Single Saver caught our eye. A 401(k) or IRA fund seems almost mandatory by personal finance standards, and yet, here a reader writes how her retirement looks ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Will you spend $130 on Valentine’s Day this year? or Stop laughing and tell us your plans for Valentine’s Day (64 comments)

  This short post is from personal finance writer Gwendolyn Pearce, who last wrote about no-money fun. According to the National Retail Federation, the average person is planning to spend $130.97 thi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What will you give up this month to save $250? (101 comments)

  Welcome to February! In early January, we asked people what are their savings goals this year. But reading El Nerdo’s post on Tuesday made me think about how focusing on a short-term goal could help...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is credit monitoring worth the money? (43 comments)

  Reader Bryce wrote to us this week with this question for the readers: “What are your thoughts on companies like freecreditreport.com, where they charge $16.95/month to have access to your Experian ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How much rent should I charge my in-laws? (121 comments)

  Money issues among family members are difficult, to say the least. A reader named The Lessor wrote to us recently about his sticky family situation: I have a brother-in-law who decided to pursue mini...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How do you manage your clothing expenses? (131 comments)

  It seems like the fight against Stuff is ongoing, whether it’s toys, electronics, books, CDs, tools or anything we consume. Yesterday, Holly talked about fighting the battle of the toy bulge. Recent...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What should you consider when buying a house at 25 (or any age for that matter)? (78 comments)

  This is a guest post from Jenna Forstrom. I always wanted to have my own house.  My parents flipped houses while I was growing up and I like creating spaces and using my hands, plus it always sou...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Why will you teach your children frugality? (45 comments)

  This is a guest post from Suba. She believes in living life instead of existing and she shares her thoughts at Wealth Informatics, a personal finance blog focused on living a high quality of life by i...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is traditional advice killing your job search? (24 comments)

  "Vince" was halfway through his MBA program and struggling to find an internship. So, he took his career counselor's advice and blasted his resume and cover letter to 30 companies."I just tried to ...Read more »

• Ask the readers: Do you repair your own car to save money? (81 comments)

  This post is from Ollie Geiger, a personal finance writer who contributes to MoneyRates.com. As a former auto mechanic and service manager, my dad's car expertise has saved our family from countles...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Do you lend money to friends? (108 comments)

  "What's a little money between friends?" That common question has wrecked more than a few friendships. Reader Alexa (who blogs at Single Moms Income) is in that situation now. She recently sent us a s...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How can we help pay for nieces’ and nephews’ education? (40 comments)

  Strategies for saving for college haven’t been discussed much on Get Rich Slowly over the years. And yet student debt has been a regular and pressing problem for many. Saving before you get to colle...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How can you help children appreciate delayed gratification? (33 comments)

  This post is from Ollie Geiger, a personal finance writer who contributes to MoneyRates.com. I had it pretty good as a kid. While I didn't get everything I wanted for birthdays or Christmas, my pa...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How do you build an inexpensive care package? (39 comments)

  This guest post was written by Jenny Saikwa who was inspired by Veterans Day. I'm not exactly sure how Spit made his entrance, but the little stuffed camel certainly meant a lot to my son during th...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What is your favorite ‘no-money fun’? (89 comments)

  This is a guest post from personal finance writer Gwendolyn Pearce. While I’ve never seen J. Lo. wearily balancing her checkbook in the “Celebrities are just like us” section of the tabloids,...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How do you keep holiday tipping in check? (243 comments)

  This post comes from J. Whiton. I’m preparing a holiday gift budget for family and close friends and realize I should factor in year-end gifts and bonuses to myriad people who provide services t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What is your most pressing financial issue? (98 comments)

  As Election Day draws (mercifully) near, that old question “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” comes up again and again. I’m not going to talk politics. However, I think the bette...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should you comment on a friend’s overspending? (113 comments)

  This post is from Ollie Geiger, a personal finance writer who contributes to MoneyRates.com. My wife has a friend who likes to talk about how broke she is. This friend - let's call her "Amber," sin...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What is your hobby worth to you? (115 comments)

  This guest post was written by Jenny Saikwa. Our friends' weeks and weekends are crammed full of various pursuits - soccer, baseball, gardening, scrapbooking, calligraphy, swimming, dressage, saili...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What odd things have you done to save money? (254 comments)

  This is a guest post from David Bakke. David is always looking for ways to save money and live frugally. He shares his tips and strategies on Money Crashers Personal Finance. During my journey to e...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: If parents are paying for college, are any majors off limits? (257 comments)

  This is a guest post from Jacqueline Whiton, who self-financed her undergraduate education and MBA. She is interested in personal finance and is saving to fund her three teenagers’ anticipated colle...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Do Your Morals Cost You More? (163 comments)

  This is a guest post from personal finance writer Gwendolyn Pearce. I'm considering building a chicken coop. I'm thinking about this choice because paying over $5 for a dozen eggs seems ridicul...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Maximize Store Loyalty Cards? (58 comments)

  Today's "Ask the Readers" comes to Get Rich Slowly from Luke Landes, founder of Consumerism Commentary. Retailers are eager to turn their customers into raving fans, and business owners, whether pr...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Charitable Giving? (220 comments)

  The deeper I get into the third stage of personal finance, the more I think about my responsibilities to help others who are in need. For years, Get Rich Slowly readers have been encouraging me to con...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Do You Want to Know About the Economics of Health Care? (240 comments)

  Today's "ask the readers" is a little different. Instead of giving another GRS reader advice, we're asking you to give us advice. For years, GRS readers have been asking for more information about ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Handle Money Mistakes? (62 comments)

  Getting started with smart money management can be tough. It can be frustrating. For one, you have to discard so many old habits. Plus you have to develop new habits. And, toughest of all, you have to...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Buy a New House? (162 comments)

  Sometimes personal finance problems have clear solutions: There's a right answer and there's a wrong answer. When you're new to money management, these answers might not seem clear, but they become cl...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Best Alternatives to Cable Television? (177 comments)

  I've written two major articles here at Get Rich Slowly about how to cut costs on cable television. In March 2007, I wrote about cheap alternatives to cable television, and in February 2009, I followe...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Self Improvement? (160 comments)

  I'm a firm believer in personal development. Self-improvement is part of living a rich life. In fact, when I started this blog six years ago, the self-improvement category was one of the first I imple...Read more »

• Frugal or Foolish? Our Cruise-Ship Wedding (200 comments)

  For the next week (or two), we'll be sharing "audition" pieces from folks interested in being new staff writers at Get Rich Slowly. Your job is to let us know what you think of each of these writers. ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Fun? (92 comments)

  Over the past year, I've occasionally used the "Ask the Readers" feature at Get Rich Slowly to poll people about their budgets and spending habits. So far, I've asked folks: How much do you spend...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Why Don’t People Talk About Money? (284 comments)

  On Wednesday, I visited a fifth-grade class in McMinnville, Oregon to talk with the kids about money. I had a great time, and I'll share more about the experience on Monday. Today, though, I want to s...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Items Worth the Extra Money? (171 comments)

  From time to time, I get queries from reporters asking me to comment on particular personal finance topics. I do my best to help these folks, especially when they ask something interesting. Recentl...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Do You Wish You’d Learned About Money? (178 comments)

  When we're young, we think we know it all. We make decisions — financial and otherwise — based on what little we know of the world, and these decisions are colored by a relentless optimism...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: One Expense Leads to Another? (111 comments)

  Have you ever bought something only to discover that this one purchase led to another? And another? And another? I have, and it's frustrating. Andrew thinks this sort of problem is frustrating, too...Read more »

• Is Your Spending Normal? (112 comments)

  Over the past year, one of the most popular features here at Get Rich Slowly has been the monthly "how much do you spend on X?" question. I started these informal and unscientific surveys on a whim. I...Read more »

• Saving Without a Goal (206 comments)

  For the past few months, I've been in a strange place with my financial journey. My retirement needs are met, as are my daily living expenses, so all I need to worry about is saving for short- and med...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Merge Finances and Philosophies? (132 comments)

  Everyone is different. That's the beauty of life — but also one of its greatest complications. When two people fall in love, the meshing of these differences can be both fun and frustrating, esp...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Which Credit Cards Do You Use? (237 comments)

  Though I steer clear of writing about credit cards at Get Rich Slowly, I use them all the time. I used to be an anti-credit card zealot. Because irresponsible use of credit cards had led me to tens of...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Save Money While Making Minimum Wage? (144 comments)

  It can be tough to get out of debt and build savings even if your income is above average. If it's average (or less), the challenge becomes even greater. And what if you're earning only minimum wage (...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Kids? (271 comments)

  The "Ask the Readers" feature has always been popular at Get Rich Slowly. It's a great way for people like you to ask questions about money, and, best of all, it's a chance to help others solve their ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Income? Or Negative Savings? (92 comments)

  I've been fielding reader questions at Get Rich Slowly for almost six years now. In that time, we (you and I) have answered 202 questions, most of which have been about the Big Picture, about things t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: All I Ever Worry About is Money (183 comments)

  Though I try to keep the "Ask the Readers" column general so that the advice can apply to many people, sometimes I get specific questions that seem important enough to be addressed. That's the case th...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Retire Early? (123 comments)

  Though many readers of this site have modest financial goals, others are more ambitious. Many want to get rich. (That's not surprising; after all, this blog is called Get Rich Slowly.) But I think mos...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Housing? (453 comments)

  Over the past few months, I've occasionally used the "Ask the Readers" feature at Get Rich Slowly to poll people about their budgets and spending habits. So far, I've asked folks to share their spendi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Basic Financial Frameworks? (81 comments)

  One common request from new GRS readers is some sort of central location where they can find a list of introductory articles to guide their progress. This is a great idea, and I'm working on it. Some ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Should I Save (and What Should I Save For)? (107 comments)

  Many of the reader questions I get here at Get Rich Slowly follow a familiar formula. The person sends me a breakdown of her income and expenses, also sharing how she's allocating her savings. From th...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: When Is It Okay to Use Your Emergency Fund? (101 comments)

  It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in want of a good fortune must be in possession of an emergency fund. Hilarious literary allusions aside, the emergency fund — or rainy-day ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can I Talk to My Parents about Money? (90 comments)

  In many families, money is a taboo subject. It's not something that's discussed openly. But this weekend, as people gather to celebrate Christmas, there will be lots of opportunities to bring up the t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Health Insurance? (335 comments)

  Behind the scenes, the GRS elves and I have been working to streamline the process for submitting reader stories, guest posts, and financial questions. As part of this, I've been reading through every...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Help a Homeless Friend? (117 comments)

  As the U.S. economy enters its fourth year of turmoil, average folks continue to struggle. At GRS, we've shared questions and stories about people who can't make ends meet, who are losing their homes,...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Staying Motivated to Save? (82 comments)

  Sometimes you do everything right — you work hard, you cut back on spending, you invest for retirement — but all of your effort seems for nought. You get sick. You wreck your car. Or, as h...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Black Friday Shopping Secrets? (98 comments)

  With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the holiday shopping season is about to move into high gear. In the past, I've consciously steered clear of holiday shopping, and especially of Black Frida...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Money Do You Need Before You Have Kids? (268 comments)

  For the most part, this site reflects my values and my experiences. That's natural. One of the first rules of writing is to "write what you know". This is one of the main reasons I've brought staff wr...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Gifts? (126 comments)

  As Kris and I near the end our trip to Peru, we've begun to make preparations for our return home. That means shopping. I spent some time today buying books, for instance. Keeping in mind my recent...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Which Financial Products Do You Actually Use? (143 comments)

  The financial blogging conference last week was great. My colleagues and I had a lot of thought-provoking discussions, not only in the planned sessions but also late at night in the hotel lobby. One o...Read more »

• Reader Story (and Question): Saving Time and Money with Autopay (95 comments)

  This guest post from Jason is part of the "reader stories" feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — o...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Would You Sell a Collection? (77 comments)

  I am a collector. I always have been. When I was a boy, my parents gave me one closet in the trailer house to have as my very own. They called it the "rat's nest" because I'd fill it up with all the s...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Clothes? (339 comments)

  The "Ask the Readers" feature is well-loved here at Get Rich Slowly, but by far the most popular question I've ever asked came at the end of July. "How much do you spend on food?" I wondered, and GRS ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Get Started with Investing? (79 comments)

  I've begun to sort through the batch of questions GRS readers submitted a few weeks ago. Surprisingly, many of them are about the basics of investing. But looking at the archives, GRS hasn't covered i...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Cope with Financial Mistakes? (87 comments)

  Nobody's perfect. This should be obvious, but we all tend to forget it — and often. We judge other people for their mistakes, and often we judge ourselves even more harshly. I do this too. When ...Read more »

• How to Submit a Reader Story or Question to Get Rich Slowly (16 comments)

  Sunday morning is "reader story" time at Get Rich Slowly. Every week, I share a story sent in by a reader like you. Today, though, I'm going to take a time out to do some housekeeping. This morning, I...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: When Is It Not Your Fault? (256 comments)

  In popular American mythology, the rich work hard for their wealth. They've earned it. They deserve it. While this is often true, everyone can cite instances of people who have money due to fate and c...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Do You Spend on Food? (398 comments)

  Five years ago, I posted the first-ever "Ask the Readers" question here at Get Rich Slowly. "How much do you spend on food?" I asked in a short post (the likes of which one never sees around here anym...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Financial Success Stories? (324 comments)

  It's been a long, dark week for me. My mother is now safely ensconced in the "memory care" unit at a managed-care facility, but she's confused and scared. The staff says this is normal, and that she'l...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is a Used Car Still a Good Deal? (134 comments)

  Because new cars tend to lose value rapidly, the conventional wisdom is that it usually makes more sense to buy a used vehicle instead of a new one. But is this rule of thumb always true? Has it chang...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: But HOW Do You Track Every Penny You Spend? (186 comments)

  It's tough to dig out of debt (or make other changes to your spending habits) if you don't know where your money goes. I tried for years to turn things around, but was unsuccessful until I started tra...Read more »

• Best Savings Accounts for 2013 (100 comments)

  J.D. first posted this online savings account article back in March 2007, when interest rates were well over 1 percent. Since then, of course, interest rates at online banks have run under or just at ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can I Earn Extra Money? (121 comments)

  The realm of personal finance blogs is large. It's filled with general money blogs like Five Cent Nickel and The Simple Dollar and Get Rich Slowly. But there are many smaller corners of this world whe...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Pay Off the Mortgage or Keep the Money in Savings? (219 comments)

  It's tough to write a personal-finance blog for five years without repeating topics. New readers come and old readers go. Meanwhile, the needs of existing readers are constantly changing. I try not to...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: I’m Getting Older — Should I Save or Should I Travel? (112 comments)

  Long-time GRS reader Sheila (aka PawPrint) dropped a line earlier this year because she's facing a financial dilemma. She and her husband want to be responsible — to save for retirement — ...Read more »

• Reader Story (and Question): Financial Health vs. Mental Health? (191 comments)

  This guest post from "NotPollyanna" is part of the "reader stories" feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial s...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can I Handle “Required” Office Spending? (214 comments)

  "Money is more about mind than it is about math." — That's one of the fifteen tenets of the Get Rich Slowly philosophy. By this I mean that psychology and emotion and relationships play a bigger...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: But What If I *AM* Materialistic? (225 comments)

  I've received a lot of interesting out-of-the-ordinary questions from GRS readers recently. Two weeks ago, for instance, Rita asked about the moral implications of spending. This week, Crystal wants t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Is My Financial Obligation to My Family? (244 comments)

  Last Friday's question about the moral implications of spending prompted a great discussion, as well as a few personal messages. One of those e-mails was from Dave, who wrote with his own ethical dile...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Are the Moral Implications of Spending? (241 comments)

  Most reader questions I share at Get Rich Slowly are meant to solve a problem — somebody has a financial dilemma they're hoping you folks can help them fix. But Rita sent a different kind of que...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should We Rent or Should We Buy? (100 comments)

  Is it better to rent or buy? We've discussed this age-old housing question several times in the past, but it's always been on a theoretical level. Sometimes what seems simple in theory is tougher to f...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: I’ve Tracked My Expenses — Now What? (103 comments)

  At the end of August, a very patient Stephanie sent me an interesting question. When I didn't answer her e-mail, she sent it again in January. I replied, promising to post her question while I was in ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: A Fool and His Money… (138 comments)

  It's April Fool's Day, one of my favorite days of the year at Get Rich Slowly. It's the day I get to share the story of some foolish thing I've done with money in the past. This year, though, April...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Talk to Friends and Family About Money? (82 comments)

  Last spring, Andy submitted a question he hoped readers could help him with. I promised I'd post it...and then went to Alaska for ten days and forgot. Well, Andy's a patient man. And persistent. Last ...Read more »

• Follow-Up: Save More or See the World? (29 comments)

  I get a lot of requests for follow-ups to reader stories and reader questions. People want to hear how things turned out. Because I want to know how things turned out, too, I've started a semi-regular...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Saving vs. Debt Reduction (99 comments)

  The tone and content at Get Rich Slowly have shifted a lot in the past five years. When I started this site, I was a financial novice. I was learning about smart money management. Now, I'm in what I c...Read more »

• College Is a Big, Fat, Hairy Rip-Off! (But Save for It Anyway) (109 comments)

  This is a guest post from Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the adviser for The Motley Fool’s Rule Your Retirement service. He also has a newly reinvigor...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Should You Spend on Self Improvement? (89 comments)

  Ah, it's good to be home and finally getting back into something of a routine. As part of that routine, I've been reading hundreds of e-mails, including quite a few reader questions — like this ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Best Non-U.S. Personal Finance Sites? (50 comments)

  People are the same all around the world. Everyone struggles with the same things — including money. Because of this, financial advice from one country is generally applicable to other countries...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Sell My Car? (177 comments)

  The Friday "Ask the Readers" column generally follows a set format: I introduce the topic, share a reader e-mail, give my best advice, and then ask for your feedback. Today's column is a little differ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Motivate My Boyfriend to Save Money? (104 comments)

  Although we cover the topic once or twice a year, I constantly get questions from people who are frustrated by the financial habits of their spouses and partners. Some people are Spenders, and some pe...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should We Move to a More Expensive Part of the Country? (175 comments)

  The Friday "Ask the Readers" column generally follows a set format: I introduce the topic, share a reader e-mail, give my best advice, and then ask for your feedback. Today's column is a little differ...Read more »

• Follow-Up: Thrifting for Holiday Gifts (16 comments)

  As I mentioned earlier this week, I get a lot of requests for follow-ups to reader stories and questions. People want to hear how things turned out. Because I want to know how things turned out, too, ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: The Best Online Bank for Service and Security? (144 comments)

  It's been a while since I've written about the best online bank accounts. Usually when I cover online banks, I'm focused on their interest rates, such as in this constantly-updated list of which onlin...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should We Buy Our Dream House? (212 comments)

  What happens when a great opportunity comes along, but you don't quite have the resources to take advantage of it? That's what Greg wants to know. He and his wife have found their Dream House. They th...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is It Okay to Buy a Christmas Gift from a Thrift Store? (169 comments)

  The holiday season can test a frugal person's patience: There are so many temptations to spend. Sure, we all want to enjoy the festive nature this time of year, but where do you draw the line? And how...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Negotiate with Credit-Card Companies? (54 comments)

  A reader calling herself Florida Girl dropped a line recently to share her story of financial woe. Though she's beginning to get a handle on her finances, she's struggling to cope with the cost of her...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can We Afford to Buy a House? (176 comments)

  Though they could fall farther, housing prices are starting to seem reasonable again in many parts of the United States. Mortgage rates are cheap, too. Naturally, that means some GRS readers are begin...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is It Okay to Refinance a Mortgage to Get Cash for Other Goals? (59 comments)

  I have a backlog of "ask the readers" questions since I didn't publish any while I was vacationing over the past month. As soon as possible, I'll get to those I've promised to post. Today, however, I ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Help! I’m Overwhelmed! How Do I Get Started? (153 comments)

  I'll admit it: I'm way behind on posting reader questions. I get tons of questions, and can never reply to all of them. I do ask a handful of folks if they'd like to put their problems to the general ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Are Your Favorite Finance Books? (92 comments)

  Well, Book Week has come to a close at Get Rich Slowly, and while it was an interesting experiment, it's not likely to happen again any time soon. For one thing, I learned that doing book reviews t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Financial Advice for an 18-Year-Old? (114 comments)

  Last week, Isaac asked Get Rich Slowly readers for advice on how to handle life after grad school. He's about to enter the workforce and needed tips on what to do until he gets his first paycheck. Isa...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Survive Until I Get My First Paycheck? (95 comments)

  Isaac wrote recently with a question about how to make the transition from college to the Real World. He has a good degree, but it'll take him time to find a job, especially since the economy is still...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Sell My Home to Pay Off My Debt? (99 comments)

  Yesterday we had a great discussion about some of the financial choices I'm facing, but today it's time to look at a decision a GRS reader is trying to make. Catherine wrote to ask if it makes sense t...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: “Help! I Co-Signed on a Loan and Now I Wish I Hadn’t!” (143 comments)

  Ah, relationships. Without other people, money management would be easy! Easy-er, anyhow. But love, family, and business relationships tend to make people do things they know they really oughtn't. ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Which Credit Cards Do You Use — and Why? (218 comments)

  I'm always reluctant to cover credit cards here at Get Rich Slowly. There are other sites that do it better. Besides, I'm still not wholly convinced they're a good idea. Plus, my wife — who is alway...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Invest or Prepay My Mortgage? (181 comments)

  Kelley wrote recently with the sort of dilemma I get asked about all of the time: Is it better to invest or to prepay a mortgage? We've covered this topic in the distant past, but it's time to review ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Methods for Effective Money Management? (132 comments)

  On Monday I confessed that since I stopped tracking my spending, I've actually had some trouble paying my bills. It's not that I don't have the money — I have plenty! — but that I no longe...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: From London to Los Angeles? (74 comments)

  When Kris was young, her family moved all of the time. Her father was in the Air Force, so they were rarely in one place for long. I, on the other hand, have always lived within the same 25-mile radiu...Read more »

• The Calculus of Cats and Dogs (172 comments)

  The other day, I made a passing comment in my article about judging (or not judging) others. I mentioned that although my friend Michael is in dire financial straits, he's still making life decisions ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Take Out a Loan to Buy a Car? (114 comments)

  If smart money management were just about math or opening the highest interest savings account, this stuff would be easy. But there are a variety of complex factors that come into play when we have to...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Am I Being Foolish for Saving So Much? (132 comments)

  Some of my favorite questions come from readers who are worried that they're saving too much. This is a great problem to have. For example, Henry wrote recently with this dilemma: I've been readi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Choose a Savings Account? (45 comments)

  Here's a little twist to the typical Ask the Readers column. Yesterday, I exchanged e-mail with financial writer Liz Weston. She gave me advice for this Friday's post, and in return she asked the foll...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Talk About Money with Teenagers? (66 comments)

  Most readers here at Get Rich Slowly have their own tale of a financial turnaround. Many of us were just plain dumb with money when we were younger, and it took us years (or decades!) to realize the e...Read more »

• The Perils and Pangs of a Pricey Purchase (95 comments)

  This is a guest post from Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the adviser for The Motley Fool’s Rule Your Retirement service. He contributes one new articl...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Stick With My Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? (54 comments)

  In February, Get Rich Slowly reader Abby wrote with questions about her adjustable-rate mortgage (or ARM, for short). She's had an ARM for seven years now, and the rate is due to reset in 2010. She wa...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Sell the Car or Keep It? (141 comments)

  I love the sometimes-weekly Ask the Readers feature, even if I'm not great about sticking to my intended schedule. And usually I'm able to work with folks to condense their questions to a small space,...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Figure the Calculus of Kids? (163 comments)

  I keep intending to retain "ask the readers" as a regular Friday feature — and I keep failing. You folks send me tons of great questions, and I'd love to share more of them. This week, for examp...Read more »

• What Did Your Parents Teach You About Money? (122 comments)

  February was National Parent Leadership Month, which highlighted the role parents play in shaping the lives of their children. As a sort of tie-in, the most recent poll in the Get Rich Slowly sidebar ...Read more »

• What Does It Take to Make You Switch Banks? (170 comments)

  This article is by staff writer Adam Baker, whose own blog featured the hit post 42 Ways to Radically Simplify Your Financial Life. When I was 14 years old, I opened my very first checking account ...Read more »

• Reader Question: How Much Life Insurance Do You Need? (84 comments)

  This is a guest post from Sanford Ellowitz, a New York State licensed insurance agent. He has over 25 years experience in the insurance and financial services industries. He's also a Certified Financi...Read more »

• How to Get the Best Rates on Your Savings — Safely (64 comments)

  Over the past year, one of the frequent questions I get is: "Where I can safely invest my money to get a decent return?" For example, Joseph wrote in November: Around February/March I should have $...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Pick the Best Credit Card? (128 comments)

  Sometimes I get questions that are out of my league. In the past, I've just sort of ignored these, but I'd like to try to answer more of them. To do this, I'm going to start asking for tips from some ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Life After a Maxed-Out IRA? (82 comments)

  It's been a long time since we had an Ask the Readers around here. Time to remedy that situation! Jeff recently wrote with a question about saving. The lucky dog has saved so much that he doesn't know...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Do You Buy Christmas Gifts For Your Spouse? (165 comments)

  This article is by staff writer Adam Baker. Baker recently listed the Top 10 Money Movies of the Decade. At this point, I hope you've done most of your Christmas shopping (and/or making). Only the...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Handle Peer Pressure? (207 comments)

  Your friends and family influence you. They affect the way you view life. If your friends are frugal, it's easier to be frugal yourself. But if they're wrapped up in consumerism and materialism, and c...Read more »

• Is There a Generation Gap in Saving? (122 comments)

  I'm old-school: I went to the bank to make a deposit today. (I make most of my deposits in person, inside the branch.) While I waited, I chatted with the teller, whom I know from many previous visits....Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Do You Do for Frugal Fun? (144 comments)

  I used to wonder why my colleagues' blogs became strangely silent when they were working on their books. Haha. I don't wonder anymore. Writing a book is an all-consuming process that's difficult to de...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Why Are YOU Saving for Retirement? (125 comments)

  As I shared yesterday afternoon, although I believe National Save for Retirement Week is important, I find the topic dreadfully dull when stretched out for a week of blog posts. Lesson learned. Sti...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What If Your High-Paying Job Makes You Miserable? (108 comments)

  On Thursday, I featured a guest post from Free Money Finance that proved to be surprisingly controversial. His five steps to six figures in seven years offered solid common-sense career advice for tho...Read more »

• How Much Should You Have in Savings? (117 comments)

  A couple of weeks ago, we had a fine discussion about how much we should save for retirement. But how much should we have saved for today? How much should we have in cash reserves? As I write my ow...Read more »

• When Is It Okay to Finance Fun? (103 comments)

  At AskMetafilter last week, a user asked a question I've been thinking about a lot lately. Now that I have my finances firmly under control, now that I'm building wealth, is it ever okay to finance fu...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Should You Save for Retirement? (152 comments)

  How much should you save for retirement? Carla dropped me a line because she's puzzled where the standard "save 10% of your income for retirement" advice originated. She's afraid that ten percent isn'...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Face a Family Financial Crisis? (91 comments)

  With the arrival of the GRS staff writers, the semi-regular "ask the readers" column has a new home. Look for this feature most weekends. "Ask the readers" is your chance to get (and give) advice abou...Read more »

• Compound Interest: One Percent Can Make All the Difference (42 comments)

  How many of you consider the effects of compound interest (or "compound returns", if you prefer) when you make financial decisions? I mention the concept from time-to-time — and I've even devote...Read more »

• What Got You to Get Better? Reasons for Change (86 comments)

  This is a guest post from Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the advisor for The Motley Fool’s Rule Your Retirement service. He contributes one new articl...Read more »

• Ask The Readers: What Is Your Appetite for Risk? (75 comments)

  This is a guest post from A.J. Clark, a long-time lurker at Get Rich Slowly. A.J. is a potential Staff Writer for GRS. He is a recent college graduate who writes software in the financial services ind...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Happens *After* You Use Your Emergency Savings? (64 comments)

  A comfortable "rainy day" fund is a key component to most personal financial plans. The experts don't agree on the exact amount to keep in an emergency fund — advice ranges from three to twelve ...Read more »

• Employee or Entrepreneur? The Pros and Cons of Self-Employment (110 comments)

  In my recent review of Pam Slim's Escape from Cubicle Nation, Chett left the following comment: I was talking with a good friend last week who is self-employed. I told him I envied his entreprene...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Save More or See the World? (166 comments)

  I've written a lot lately about finding balance. It's important to save for the future, but how do you balance that with enjoying today? Each of us has to address that question in our own way. A reade...Read more »

• Good-Bye, Microsoft Money! 16 Powerful Personal Finance Programs (275 comments)

  As of today, Microsoft Money is no longer available for purchase. Microsoft has essentially conceded that there's no demand for the product. From the website: With banks, brokerage firms and Web site...Read more »

• The First Three Steps to Financial Freedom (54 comments)

  The hardest part of money management is just getting started. Once you have some momentum, it's easier to make the right choices. Kay has been reading personal finance blogs for almost a year now, and...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Handle a Windfall? (79 comments)

  It's been a while since we touched on the subject of windfalls: money that unexpectedly falls into your lap. It's been so long, in fact, that I've started to receive questions about them, including th...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Tips for Tackling Big Financial Goals? (50 comments)

  Lance wrote recently with some questions about goals. First, he's worried that he should have more than just one. Second, his only goal seems daunting. He's looking for advice: I wanted to get so...Read more »

• The GRS Money Mailbag #1 (86 comments)

  This week's "Ask the Readers" is a little different. After reading Trent's weekly "mailbags" at The Simple Dollar for the past year, it occurred to me that a similar format might work for Get Rich Slo...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Makes You Feel Rich While Being Frugal? (161 comments)

  Earlier this week, Aaron asked whether repaying debt should be an obsession. I replied that for some people, "gazelle intensity" makes more sense. (Trent from The Simple Dollar is one of these folk...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Choose a Mortgage Broker? (58 comments)

  For most of us, buying a home is the largest purchase we'll ever make. There can be a lot of pressure to get things just right; you don't want to pay more than you have to. A good broker or lender can...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Save Money on Books? (127 comments)

  Most of the questions I receive from readers are about their specific financial situations. But occasionally somebody writes with something a little different. Yesterday, for example, Joshua wrote to ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Debt Consolidation or Consumer Credit Counseling? (79 comments)

  One of my favorite parts of Get Rich Slowly is the weekly "Ask the Readers" section. It's fantastic to see how well this community pulls together to help each other find solutions to financial dilemma...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Help! I’ve Been Laid Off! (109 comments)

  In December, I shared a guest post that provided 10 essential steps to take before you're laid off. But what if it's too late? What if you've already lost your job? In this economy, more and more peop...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Where’s the Fun in Personal Finance? (101 comments)

  I've received a ton of great questions and comments recently that probe beyond the basic mechanics of money management and get to the heart of why we do these things. For example, Brent dropped a line...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Do You Do When Frugality Gets You Nowhere? (166 comments)

  In general, the frugal person who saves and invests will slowly build wealth, and will find herself far ahead of her peers. But sometimes the progress is slow — or even non-existent. When this h...Read more »

• Finding a Good Job in a Bad Economy (73 comments)

  Plonkee, my colleague from "across the pond", e-mailed me recently with a question about the recession. She wonders what job prospects are like for recent (or soon-to-be) college graduates. Unfortunat...Read more »

• The High Cost of Cats and Dogs: Are Pets Worth the Money? (233 comments)

  Kris and I don't have kids. We have cats. We have four of them.    Our "children": Nemo, Simon, Maxwell, and Toto. We'd have more, but Kris won't allow it. She says I'm in danger...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Organize Your Account Information? (86 comments)

  Between my personal accounts, my business accounts, and the joint accounts I have with my wife, it's difficult for me to keep track of my essential information. As we've been working to refinance our ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Prioritize Savings Goals? (72 comments)

  Once you've paid off your debt, it's time to save. But for many of us, it's difficult to know where to start. Via Twitter (and edited slightly), @funkyknitwit asks: How do you set priorities with s...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Two Questions About Saving (93 comments)

  I've been swamped lately. As a result, the reader questions have been piling up. There's a huge backlog. Today I'm going to tackle two related questions at once. Do you have an opinion on the best pla...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is It Unethical to Work a Second Job? (211 comments)

  To build wealth — or to get out of debt — you must create a positive cash flow. That is, you must spend less than you earn. One way to do this is to cut costs. Another is to increase your ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Rent Out Your Spare Room? (114 comments)

  Last month, Alison from Diamond-Cut Life shared a guest post about providing lodging to a housemate in exchange for work (instead of rent). Her story prompted a number of readers to ask about the mech...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: When Is It Okay to Spend Your Savings? (84 comments)

  Amanda wrote with a question this week that I think many GRS readers can relate to: When is it okay to spend your savings? My husband is currently unemployed so we're just living on my salary, b...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Money Would it Take For You to Compromise Your Principles? (207 comments)

  An Allegory There was once a man who became a vegetarian. Because he believed that all living creatures have souls, he swore he would never again consume animal flesh. For three years, he ate only ...Read more »

• Reader Survey: Which Personal-Finance Books Should I Review? (86 comments)

  My personal-finance library is growing at an alarming rate. Authors and publishers send me preview copies of their works. I pick up cheap copies of old books at thrift stores. And, it's true, Get Rich...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: When Does It Make Sense to Refinance a Mortgage? (111 comments)

  So much for vacation. I just can't keep myself away from you guys! While surfing around this evening, I found a story at USA Today about how mortgages are at a 37-year low. A 30-year fixed-rate mor...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Are Local Banks Better Than Big Banks? (109 comments)

  Personal finance is about more than just money. People make financial choices because of emotion, of course, but they also make decisions based on their principles. Some people are guided by their fai...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do Children Affect Financial Priorities? (90 comments)

  When you're on your own (or even with a partner), money decisions are generally straight-forward. You set personal goals and you work toward them. But what happens when you add children to the mix? Ho...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Talk to Your Loved Ones About Money? (80 comments)

  What happens when you take control of your finances, but the other people in your life continue to struggle? I've heard this question from two people lately. During the Q&A of my talk at the library l...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can I Know Whom to Trust? (60 comments)

  Joleen wrote this week with a unique situation. She's a Canadian who has been working overseas in China for the past six years. She has accumulated substantial savings in the local currency, but has n...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Twenty-Something Needs Help! (191 comments)

  In general, when I share reader questions, I try to keep them as broad as possible. I get a lot of requests for advice about specific situations, but I try to steer those to the Get Rich Slowly discus...Read more »

• What’s in the Ideal Personal Finance Book? (98 comments)

  After months on the back-burner, I've begun to think about a potential Get Rich Slowly book again. The main problem is that there are already hundreds of personal finance books already on the shelves....Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Cash Do You Stash? (260 comments)

  "How much cash do you carry in your wallet?" my friend Michael asked at lunch last Sunday. "I don't know," I said. "Somewhere between $40 and $100, I guess. That's how much I take out of the ATM w...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Choosing a Bank During the Credit Crisis? (72 comments)

  The more the credit crisis spreads, the more it affects the average person. Kristen wrote last week looking for advice. She's not in a panic, but she is wondering what she should do: I wanted to ...Read more »

• Are You Worried About Today’s Economy? (44 comments)

  I drove to the box factory earlier this week to chat with my former co-workers. While I was there, I asked my cousin Nick (the bookkeeper) for info on the company retirement plan. I still have $80,000...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Cope with Spending Addiction? (94 comments)

  Nicki wants to get out of debt, but she can't — she has a spending addiction. She's hoping that other Get Rich Slowly readers can give her advice. Here's an abridged version of her story: I...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Should We Spend Our Inheritance? (74 comments)

  Most of the questions I receive are from readers in their twenties and thirties. Many of them are just starting out in life. But money issues nag everyone. Donald wrote the other day with the sort of ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: The Psychology of Credit Cards? (105 comments)

  Cory is a young man who wants to do the right thing. He's been making smart financial choices, and he wants to continue to do so. But he's worried that using his credit card is too easy. He's come to ...Read more »

• Reader Survey: How Did You Get Into Debt? (187 comments)

  Last week, National Public Radio's "On Point" program highlighted credit cards, consumers, and a nation in debt. I was honored to be a guest on the show. Harvard Law professor Elizabeth Warren, an ...Read more »

• Energy Conservation in Alaska: What Worked? What Did Not? (30 comments)

  Last April, Dan wrote to ask GRS readers for help with a sudden energy crisis. Because of a natural disaster, electricity costs in Juneau, Alaska jumped from $0.11 per kilowatt-hour to $0.53 per kilow...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can I Get My Wife to Talk About Money? (91 comments)

  Money management can be difficult, even when you're on your own. Throw a life partner into the mix and things get more complicated. What can you do if you and your spouse just aren't on the same finan...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Get Started with Investing? (70 comments)

  Christina sent a question that puzzles many people — including me. Once we've established good personal finance habits, we know that it's time to begin investing. But how? Christina writes: ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Cope with Socially Obligated Spending? (147 comments)

  Allen recently attended a family wedding that put a hole in his budget. He wonders how to cope with societal pressure to spend: How do you deal with social situations where you have to spend? I j...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Cope with Financial Disaster? (22 comments)

  The floodwaters in Iowa have crested and begun to recede, but they'll leave a swath of devastation in their wake. Trent at The Simple Dollar — who lives near the flooding — recently shared...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Find Who My Creditors Are? (17 comments)

  Even during my bleakest financial periods, I was able to make payments to my creditors on time. Not everyone is so fortunate. Some people give up and eventually lose track of where they owe money. Nic...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Can College Students Save Money? (100 comments)

  Stephanie wrote with a common question: How can a college student save money when she doesn't make enough to make ends meet? Here's her story: I am a full-time college student living on my own fo...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Buy a Car or Pay Off Debt? (124 comments)

  Earlier this week, April wrote with a personal finance predicament. She and her husband need to buy a car, but it's not something they'd budgeted to do any time soon. Fate intervened: My husband ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: “I’m Doing Well Financially But My Family Is Not” (147 comments)

  Personal finance would be easy if it were only about the numbers. But it's not. Money management not only requires that we master our own whims and emotions, but that we navigate the sometimes rocky w...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement? (75 comments)

  Personal finance is filled with tough decisions. Prepay the mortgage or invest the money? Pay down high interest debt first or use a debt snowball to tackle the small balances? Roth IRA or traditional...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: “Help! I’m Living on Credit!” (75 comments)

  Jason sent me a question yesterday that neatly encapsulates a lot of the mail I receive, as well as rounding up some of the topics we've been discussing this week regarding life after school. "I'm liv...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Advice for College Grads? (157 comments)

  Tomorrow I'll be giving a short presentation about personal finance to a group of seniors at Western Oregon University. I'll begin by providing a brief version of my own post-college financial failure...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Energy Conservation Tips? (76 comments)

  Dan wrote with a question unlike any I've received before. He lives in Alaska, where the residents of Juneau have been confronted with a sudden energy crisis (more here). Here's Dan's story: I am...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What If Somebody You Know Steals Your Identity? (111 comments)

  Recently in the Get Rich Slowly discussion forums, SouthernGent posted a perplexing problem. Here's his story: My wife and I have been debt-free for over three years now, meaning no credit card d...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Do You Splurge On? (161 comments)

  I write a lot about frugality, about saving for the future. But what about enjoying life today? My friend Matt recently asked, "Amid all the saving and sacrifices you make to keep your financial life ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Keep from Losing Control? (59 comments)

  Jay wrote with a question that I think most of us have had to face at one time or another: What do you do when you feel like you're slipping into bad financial habits? Here's his story: I have no...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Manage Your Money? (193 comments)

  Tomorrow I'll be participating in a brainstorming session about online personal finance tools. The people behind this workshop want to know what the average person is looking for when she chooses a to...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Live Frugally Without Seeming Like a Loser? (164 comments)

  In Wednesday's discussion about how to live on less and love it, Steve left an interesting comment: One topic I never see covered is “extreme finances” or even simple frugality in relationshi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Prepare for Enormous Debt? (74 comments)

  Consumer debt is bad. Buying lots of Stuff on credit cards is a sure path to financial woe. But while some people argue that all debt is bad, most experts agree that certain debts are acceptable (good...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What Can I Do If My Girlfriend Isn’t Serious About Money? (90 comments)

  In the Get Rich Slowly forums, DannyBoy has a question that I think many people face: "What can I do if my girlfriend isn't serious about money?" He writes: I'm the sort of person who essentially...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Choose VOIP Telephone Service? (78 comments)

  Lauren recently wrote with the sort of technical question I usually route to the Get Rich Slowly forums. (The forums are a great place to get help with your specific financial situation.) She's lookin...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What’s the Best Way to Compare Credit Cards? (43 comments)

  In October, Michael wrote with a question about credit cards. Because I try to discourage credit card use, I haven't posted it. But my attitude is beginning to soften. Michael's question now seems per...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Quality Early Retirement Resources? (42 comments)

  Most of the advice at Get Rich Slowly is targeted to people like me: middle-class Americans in their mid-thirties who have struggled with debt. But many other people have money questions, too. Christi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: I’m Not Good With Money — How Should I Handle a Windfall? (76 comments)

  Mitch recently wrote to me with one of the toughest reader questions I've seen yet. He lives a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, but will soon be coming into a lot of money. He wants to know what he sho...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is Now a Good Time to Buy Index Funds? (64 comments)

  A shaky stock market makes people nervous. Naturally, they're scared of losing money. Alex, a reader in the U.K., wrote to say that he's finally ready to begin investing, but he's not sure that now is...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should I Prepare My Own Taxes or Go to an Accountant? (90 comments)

  Earlier this month, I mentioned that I haven't prepared my own taxes since 2001. I pay somebody else to do them. I did them on my own for fourteen years before they became too much for me to handle. T...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How To Find Work That You Love? (92 comments)

  During yesterday's discussion about the value of a college education, several people noted that it's difficult to decide what to study when you don't know what you want to do with your life. This remi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Personal Finance Books as Gifts? (74 comments)

  I've deftly managed to avoid Christmas hype so far in 2007, but that ends this weekend. We'll pick a tree on Saturday. On Sunday I'll start my (virtual) shopping. My family exchanges $5 gifts, and it'...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Keep Frugality Fun and Interesting? (55 comments)

  Thrift is an essential skill for overcoming debt and building wealth. Even a billionaire like Warren Buffet preaches the virtues of pinching pennies. But can a frugal life be fun? What do you do when ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What to Do When Money and Ethics Clash? (51 comments)

  Here's a personal finance truism: if your employer offers a 401(k), be sure to take advantage of any matching funds. That's a terrific idea, but what if doing so presents an ethical dilemma? Eric wrot...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do I Find a Good Lawyer (or Accountant)? (26 comments)

  Jonathan recently wrote with a common question: How does one find a good lawyer or accountant? I've heard from several sources — including The Millionaire Next Door — that wealthy peopl...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Buy a Home, or Max Out Retirement Savings? (77 comments)

  The toughest personal finance choices are those where your heart wrestles with your mind. Justin wrote because he's found a great place to live, but it's just on the edge of what he can afford. He wan...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Best Brick-and-Mortar Banks? (94 comments)

  Last March I shared a list of the best online high-yield savings accounts. Rates have been dropping, and I intend to post an update. Meanwhile, I've received a couple of questions recently about the b...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Live Debt-Free? (101 comments)

  I will be debt-free by Christmas. In just a few weeks, I will have repaid all my consumer debt. Only my mortgage will remain. It's taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but the end is near. I'm ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do Couples Combine Finances? (60 comments)

  Most young couples must eventually decide whether to keep separate or joint financial accounts. We've discussed the pros and cons of each method, but we've never explored the practical considerations:...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Am I Saving Too Much? (71 comments)

  George, who has been reading Get Rich Slowly since it was a single entry on my personal blog, writes with a curious question. By adhering to sound personal finance practices, he's reached the destinat...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Tips and Tricks to Save on Food? (119 comments)

  Food budgets vary widely, even for similar families living in the same city. As we've discussed in the past, one family of four might budget $800/month for food, while another budgets $300, and a thir...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Help! I’m in Debt! (66 comments)

  I've received several questions lately from young adults, just out of school, who are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Here's one from Ryan, who is feeling overwhelmed by debt: I'm 21 year...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Manage Health Care Costs When You’re On Your Own? (42 comments)

  Sometimes reader questions force me to learn about aspects of personal finance that are outside my realm of experience. For example, I don't deal directly with health insurance. We're covered under my...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Can You Help a Family Member in Financial Trouble WITHOUT Loaning Them Money? (73 comments)

  "The Tim" is in a bind. He'd like to help his brother-in-law out of a tight spot, but he's not interested in loaning him money. What are his options? Here's his story: My brother-in-law is curren...Read more »

• How To Escape the Gift Trap (60 comments)

  This is a guest-post from my wife. Amanda recently sent J.D. an e-mail looking for advice about gift-giving: My husband and I have made huge lifestyle changes since our son was born with conge...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Should You Carry a Loan When You Can Afford Not To? (76 comments)

  Monday's collection of car links sparked more discussion than any link dump I've ever posted. A lot of you have strong opinions on the subject. Katie writes that all the talk about cars made her think...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What if You’re Frugal But Your Roommates Aren’t? (61 comments)

  Eleanor wrote with a question that could test even the mightiest personal finance expert. "What," she asks, "can you do when you want to save money and your roommates don't care?" I share a house...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Personal Finance During a Health Crisis? (28 comments)

  What would you do if you knew you were dying? How would a cancer diagnosis affect your personal finance decisions? The Travelin' Man from Stuff You Oughtta Know isn't dying yet, but he's had a scare. ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Find a Job? (46 comments)

  Mandy from Personal Finance 101 needs advice on job-hunting. She recently moved across the country, and now finds herself looking for work. She could use some tips. I've decided to break down and...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What’s the Best Way to Save for a Down Payment? (50 comments)

  When I asked recently for topics you'd like to see covered at Get Rich Slowly, many of you expressed interest in learning more about how to purchase a home. Jason sent the following question: ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Is It Better to Invest or to Prepay a Mortgage? (194 comments)

  Paul writes with a common question that illustrates how challenging personal finance can be, even when you're doing the right things. Sometimes it's difficult to choose between several good options. H...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Get a Job When Nobody Will Give You a Chance? (38 comments)

  Last fall I wrote an entry entitled "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" I described how it's difficult to know what you want to do when you're 21. (And how sometimes it's difficult to know what...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring? (175 comments)

  Jim N. writes with a question that most frugal young gentlemen eventually face. How much should I pay for an engagement ring?  I realize that the ideal answer is, "Don't spend a lot on the ring b...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Cheap Places to Live? (91 comments)

  Money Minx has decided to make a frugal leap of faith, to move to another city in order to save money. But she has one stipulation that's causing problems. She's come to Get Rich Slowly readers for he...Read more »

• When Did You Start Caring About Your Finances? (59 comments)

  Cap at Stop Buying Crap recently asked: "When did you start caring about your finances?" This is an interesting question. I've always believed that my finances were important to me, but I never actual...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: When Does This All Pay Off? (97 comments)

  Annie is a young woman who seems to be making all of the right moves. She has an emergency fund, she's saving for retirement, she's living frugally, and she's paying off her debt. But she's beginning ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Much in an Emergency Fund? (91 comments)

  Andrea writes with a question about emergency funds: Does it make sense to keep six to eight months of expenses in an emergency fund? I always thought so. However, when I was doing my MBA, a clas...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Save for a Down Payment, or Put Money into Home Equity? (27 comments)

  Matt has a question about the best way to save for upgrading his house: My wife and I bought a small house before our wedding, and we know that eventually (say, within the next five years) we'll ...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Credit Emergency! (42 comments)

  Jana writes in with a credit emergency. She's been following Get Rich Slowly, and is learning how to handle her own personal finances, but she has a friend who is in a predicament beyond her realm of ...Read more »

• My Parents Ruined My Credit! (27 comments)

  Last month a reader wondered how her family's credit history affected her own. This month Daniel has a slightly different problem: his parents did ruin his credit, though indirectly. He writes: W...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Finding a Financial Advisor? (33 comments)

  Last week we helped a reader get started with stocks. This week Rebecca asks how to take the next step. Where should she go for help? For my birthday this year my Grandmother gave me some stocks....Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Where to Start With the Stock Market? (42 comments)

  Jono is ready to dive into stock investing, but he doesn't know where to begin: I currently attend UCLA and am just a first year (undergraduate), but I am extremely interested in investing in sto...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Do You Buy One Home While Selling Another? (13 comments)

  Ryan recently wrote with a question: What things should you consider when you're buying a new house while trying to sell the one you own? What's the best way to coordinate closing dates to allow y...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How Will My Family’s Credit History Affect My Own? (15 comments)

  An anonymous reader is worried about her family's poor credit history: How will my family's credit history affect my own? My family has an awful credit history. My father was once a very success...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Escaping from an Upside-Down Loan? (29 comments)

  Many of us are in similar positions: we've discovered sound personal finance skills, but only after making some dumb decisions. I'm still paying down a $16,000 home equity loan that represents my resi...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Advice for the Old and Wise? (31 comments)

  Most financial advice is meant for those starting out in life, or for those who have made mistakes and are looking to recover. But what if you're already on top of things? The Saint recently wrote for...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Best Tools for Tracking Resolutions? (19 comments)

  Kathy W. writes: Do you know of any websites to help track progress on financial (and other) New Year's Resolutions? These sites would be excellent for tracking goals in 2007: General Joe'...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: So Much Debt, So Little Time? (26 comments)

  Joseph and his partner have made all the right moves. They carry no credit consumer debt, but they're still burdened with student loans and a mortgage. They're barely able to make ends meet, and are w...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Emergency Fund or Debt Snowball? (40 comments)

  Ben writes with an interesting predicament, and he hopes GRS readers can provide some guidance. He's trying to dig out of debt and establish an emergency fund, but which is more important? I recent...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Help for a Broke New Yorker? (37 comments)

  Amanda is in a bind. She's making all the right financial moves, but they've left her feeling broke. She's come to the Get Rich Slowly readers for help. I'm 23. I've been out of college and working...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: What if You Have No Credit History? (71 comments)

  Elizabeth writes with a common question: what do you do if you have no credit history? Here's her story. What would you recommend for a young person who has no credit history, but would like some (...Read more »

• Reader Survey: Shopping Malls or Thrift Stores? (38 comments)

  When I was young, I loved to go to the mall. In high school, if I needed to shop for clothes, I shopped at the mall. If I wanted to buy books, I went to the mall. If I wanted new records or tapes (rem...Read more »

• Reader Question: Methods for Tracking Expenses? (19 comments)

  One excellent way to spend less than you earn is to track every penny you spend. But how detailed should you be? Jamie's been struggling with this question. He writes: I have begun to track all m...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: Non-U.S. Personal Finance Sites? (27 comments)

  Chris writes with a great question: I am an avid reader of [your site] for a long time now! Since I will start my first full-time job in about four months, I am interested in an investing strategy,...Read more »

• Ask the Readers: How to Get Started in Life? (18 comments)

  Over the past week, I've received a barrage of messages from people seeking specific personal finance advice. While I'm willing to offer help where I can, many times the questions lay outside my area ...Read more »

• Reader Question: Socially Responsible Investments? (6 comments)

  A Get Rich Slowly reader recently submitted a question: "What options exist for socially responsible investment?" My husband and I save, and we own a house and may invest in more property later,...Read more »