Len Penzo

Len Penzo's irreverent, eponymous personal-finance blog, Len Penzo dot Com, covers money with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. It was honored by Kiplinger as a Best Money Blog in 2010.

4 Ways Duct Tape Can Fix Your Personal Finances
4 Ways Duct Tape Can Fix Your Personal Finances

on November 21, 2013

Duct tape can be used to fix just about everything else on the planet, so why not your personal finances too?

The 10 Commandments of Personal Finance
The 10 Commandments of Personal Finance

on September 12, 2013

Always pay thyself first, and knoweth the difference between needs and wants.

Which Brown-Bag Sandwich is Cheapest This Year?
Which Brown-Bag Sandwich is Cheapest This Year?

on September 5, 2013

The cost to make six of the 10 most popular brown-bag sandwiches fell this year, but the price for salami and albacore tuna more than doubled.

Why I Run My Household Like a Business
Why I Run My Household Like a Business

on July 25, 2013

He’s the chief executive officer of the household and his wife is the chief financial officer.

Blind Taste Test: Which Ice Cream Is Best?
Blind Taste Test: Which Ice Cream Is Best?

on July 18, 2013

Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s go up against the likes of Dreyer’s and the Costco Kirkland brand.

Why Cellphone Insurance Is Not Worth the Cost
Why Cellphone Insurance Is Not Worth the Cost

on June 13, 2013

After all, insurance is supposed to protect you from losses you can’t afford to replace.

Yet Another Reason Why I Hate Buying Tickets From Ticketmaster
Yet Another Reason Why I Hate Buying Tickets From Ticketmaster

on June 6, 2013

Ticketmaster seems to have come up with another annoying way to make money from its hapless customers.

When Pigs Fly: How I Fought a Parking Ticket and Won
When Pigs Fly: How I Fought a Parking Ticket and Won

on 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
10 Key Characteristics of Debt-Free People

on April 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
Extended Warranties: 4 Questions to Ask

on March 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
The Embarrassing Anatomy of a Phishing Scam

on March 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)
9 ‘Oops’ Moments That I Ultimately Paid For (One Way or Another)

on March 7, 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?
Are You an Unwitting Financial Time Traveler?

on January 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
7 Ways to Commit Financial Suicide

on November 13, 2012

Having children too early or choosing the wrong place to live can have a significant impact on your finances.

Reverse mortgage
What’s the Fastest Way to Pay Down a Mortgage Early?

on October 9, 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
4 Things to Consider Before Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

on 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?
Does Birth Order Influence Our Finances?

on 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
Why Bad Drivers Prefer Aftermarket Car Parts

on May 1, 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
How to Find a Plumber Who Won’t Rip You Off

on April 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?
Tip Inflation: Why Do We Pay More for Bad Service?

on April 12, 2012

Back in the 1950s, a good tip was 10 percent. Now we pay 15 percent for bad service. What happened?

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