Posts by Len Penzo

When Pigs Fly: How I Fought a Parking Ticket and Won
May 23, 2013 - Sometimes you can beat City Hall. Here are the steps to take if you think the ticket you received was unjust.

10 Key Characteristics of Debt-Free People
Apr 11, 2013 - Why do some people -- no matter how much they make -- get into debt, while others -- no matter how modest their means -- don't?

Extended Warranties: 4 Questions to Ask
Mar 21, 2013 - From RVs to TVs, no matter what you buy these days, you get the hard sell for an extended warranty. Here's how to know whether to bite.

The Embarrassing Anatomy of a Phishing Scam
Mar 14, 2013 - You may be too sophisticated to fall for phishing scams, but many aren't. Check out this post and forward it to anyone you think could be vulnerable.

9 ‘Oops’ Moments That I Ultimately Paid For (One Way or Another)
Mar 07, 2013 - We all make mistakes – sometimes costly ones. Here are some of my family's recent memorable mishaps, along with the price tag and responsible party. Do you have a similar list?

Are You an Unwitting Financial Time Traveler?
Jan 17, 2013 - It's easy to forget that taking on excessive debt – and continuously spending more than you earn – greatly reduces the wealth you can accumulate down the road.

7 Ways to Commit Financial Suicide
Nov 13, 2012 - Having children too early or choosing the wrong place to live can have a significant impact on your finances.

What’s the Fastest Way to Pay Down a Mortgage Early?
Oct 09, 2012 - When it comes to paying down a mortgage early, is it better to make a single large extra principal payment annually or 12 smaller ones each month?

4 Things to Consider Before Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
May 24, 2012 - There's more to consider than just losing a paycheck. When you do the math, being a stay-at-home mom can actually save you money.

Does Birth Order Influence Our Finances?
May 10, 2012 - Some experts insist birth order determines your financial behavior. Here's why that's ridiculous.

Why Bad Drivers Prefer Aftermarket Car Parts
May 01, 2012 - They're cheaper, sometimes better, and easy to find. If you get into a fender-bender, don't blindly head to the dealer.

How to Find a Plumber Who Won’t Rip You Off
Apr 19, 2012 - Here's how to find a plumber who will clean up your problem – and not clean you out.

Tip Inflation: Why Do We Pay More for Bad Service?
Apr 12, 2012 - Back in the 1950s, a good tip was 10 percent. Now we pay 15 percent for bad service. What happened?

How Much Should You Pay the Babysitter?
Apr 05, 2012 - Figuring out how to pay a babysitter is almost as confusing as having kids in the first place. So here are some guidelines that will help you set the right rate.

5 Crazy Ideas That Resulted in Million-Dollar Paydays
Mar 29, 2012 - Warning: You're going to be mad reading these ideas, which any one of us could have dreamed up first.