April 2010

Don’t forget your can opener

April 30, 2010
Financial freedom goals

Will you be one of those misers found dead in a bed with his nose touching the ceiling because of all the money stuffed under the mattress?

15 comments

Why the U.S. (and the U.K.) is not Greece

April 28, 2010

The economic situation in the US and UK is very different from the train wreck in Greece. The blogosphere needs to get some perspective.

2 comments

Tax relief upfront is the same as tax relief later: Pensions versus ISAs

April 28, 2010
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There are many reasons why you might use a pension instead of an ISA, but make sure you understand how the tax reliefs compare.

15 comments

Weekend reading: Current asset valuations

April 24, 2010
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Where are we at, and what looks cheap? Dangerous questions that this post blindly stumbles into. Plus this week’s links.

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Do you want to retire early enough to save 75% of your income?

April 23, 2010
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If you want to retire much earlier than the rest of the population, then you’re going to have to do things different.

19 comments

How to profit from an interest only mortgage

April 22, 2010
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An interest only mortgage gives you more control over a huge chunk of your money, but with responsibility comes risk.

10 comments

Video: Jeremy Clarkson on pensions

April 21, 2010

Jeremy Clarkson is right: Pensions don’t attract ‘hot chicks at nightclubs’. But just wait til they see the size of my ISA…

7 comments

Goldman Sachs: Yesterday a giant squid. Tomorrow calamari?

April 19, 2010
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Goldman Sachs? In a murky deal? Involving sub-prime debt? And arrogant bankers? With it’s reputation? Please, pass me the smelling salts.

8 comments

Weekend reading: Why I’ve sold a few shares as the bull marches on

April 17, 2010
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A huge but wildly waffle-riddled update on my personal portfolio and recent activity. Plus the week’s best links!

20 comments

Living frugally for early retirement

April 16, 2010
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The best way to save money every day is to make big decisions that change your lifestyle automatically and forever.

26 comments

Video: John Maynard Keynes versus Friedrich von Hayek

April 14, 2010
Keynes versus Hayek video

The Keynes versus Hayek debate is an old one, but rarely if ever has it taken place in the back of a limousine packed full of honeys…

13 comments

Do you realise you’re paying more income tax?

April 12, 2010
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Congratulations, you’re paying more income tax this year to fund profligate public spending. If this is news to you, you’re not alone.

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Weekend reading: The immigration issue

April 10, 2010
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Why is cleaning your sewers because you don’t want to – and do you really want to send them home? Plus the week’s best links.

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Bond default probabilities: by rating

April 9, 2010
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When investors flock to high-yield bonds, they often do so heedless of the risks. Here’s some data on corporate bond defaults.

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Early retirement: The extreme method

April 8, 2010
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In part one of his guest series, Jacob explains how early retirement and living on less isn’t just a self-orientated decision. The planet can’t go on like this, either.

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The truth behind the Natwest Black Card’s shocking APR

April 6, 2010
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Does Natwest really charge 51.8% APR on its Black Credit Card? Well, not exactly… but the card is still an expensive luxury.

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Weekend reading: The tin pot gold mine

April 3, 2010
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You don’t need to make a fortune to die rich – more evidence from the front-line of frugality. Plus the week’s best reads elsewhere.

5 comments

What can a first-time buyer in the South East buy for less than £250,000?

April 1, 2010
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Stamp duty for first-time buyers was scrapped in the budget, provided they contain themselves to spending less than £250,000. Easy, unless you live near London.

17 comments