Author: 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo on September 12, 2013
Always pay thyself first, and knoweth the difference between needs and wants.
Which Brown-Bag Sandwich is Cheapest This Year?
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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?
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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)
Len Penzo 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?
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo on November 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?
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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?
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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
Len Penzo 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?
Len Penzo 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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