Portfolio management Cutting the flowers I return to the subject of selling stocks. As I noted in my post of February 1, 2026 the evidence seems clear that money managers’ weakest point is in selling. The task that leads to the worst performance is the decision to sell. I would guess the same is true of individual investors. In a nutshell, it comes from the impulse to ‘cut the flowers and water the weeds’. In […]

I’m turning 65 and will apply for Medicare next month when my 6-month enrollment window opens. I plan to choose a Medigap plan but am unsure how to select a carrier. I’ve reviewed Humble Dollar threads, done web research, and consulted Claude, but I’d value your personal experiences and wisdom. One wrinkle: Our permanent address is in Texas, but we own homes in two states and may relocate in about five years. Should I choose […]

Fresh zucchini are sliced thin and coated in spices before being baked in the oven. Paired with a zesty avocado la crema dip, these savory, crispy zucchini chips sure to satisfy your potato chip craving with zero guilt!  What can I expect?  Baked zucchini chips are a nutritious take on classic potato chips. They are savory and crunchy just like traditional chips but are full of nutrients and fiber. You can also pan fry these zucchini chips in quality oils for a boost in energy and flavor. All you have to do is slice the zucchini, dredge it through an egg, coat with dry ingredients, and sprinkle with cheese. Then, bake the “chips” in the oven for a few minutes (or pan fry them), and they’re ready to eat! Paired with a creamy avocado la crema dip, they make for a tasty snack that will satisfy your tastebuds and leave you feeling full!  Are Baked Zucchini Chips Healthy?  Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox! Let’s take a look at the main ingredients: Zucchini  Almond flour Seasonings  Eggs  Parmesan cheese Avocado Oil Zucchini, almond flour, seasonings, and eggs are all natural, nutritious food sources. Each have their own health benefits. Add them to recipes for added nutrients and flavor, and you can’t go wrong!  But what about Parmesan cheese? Is dairy healthy? Here’s what we know. Dairy is full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and natural fat energy. But if everyone consumed dairy all of the time, dairy farming would become abusive and unsustainable.. Let’s be mindful of our dairy intake. Buy dairy that comes from pasture raised cows and try to eat less.  But what about the Oil? Isn’t it laden with unhealthy fats? Many people worry about trans fats when it comes to cooking oils. However, these fats are associated with the industrial processes of hydrogenation which modifies the chemical structure of oils.  High-quality oils (like olive oil and avocado oil) provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and they are a great source of energy. So, don’t dismiss the role of oils in your diet. Cook with them! Embrace them as a natural and delicious source of essential nutrients, and appreciate the richness they

Are the flashy financial apps that promise the world just not working for you? Maybe it’s time to go back to the basics. Old-school money-saving techniques might sound strange, but they’re coming back and saving people thousands. Let’s take a closer look at seven blasts from the past for better money management. The Envelope System If you aren’t a fan of traditional budgeting, you might love the envelope system. This is where you use multiple envelopes, usually in different colors or with labels, where you put cash for each budget category at the beginning of the month. If the cash is gone when you reach for it, it’s gone for good.  The 50/30/20 Rule One of the tried-and-true budgeting methods is known as the 50/30/20 rule: budget 50% for your needs (rent, utilities, and groceries), 30% for wants (going out to eat and hobbies), and the final 20% for savings and debt repayment. It’s a simple, easy-to-remember formula that promotes mindful spending and helps you save for future goals! Let Go of Luxuries Do you indulge in the finer things, maybe a bit too much? Adopting a more frugal mindset doesn’t sound revolutionary, but living below your means almost always means more financial security and peace of mind. It’s less about giving things up and more about prioritizing a lifestyle focused on saving, investing, and avoiding debt. Make It Yourself One of the most common financial strategies from the past is to get creative with what you have. A DIY mentality saves money while also encouraging resourcefulness. Whether it’s making greeting cards by hand or sewing a button, these seemingly small purchases or expenses add up. So put your financial future into your own hands: literally! Negotiate To Save Negotiation seems like a lost art, but it’s a priceless skill that could lead to a better price on a car or a bigger salary. People are often shocked to learn how much they can save simply by asking. Sure, it’s awkward at first, but remember: the worst they can say is no, so why not give it a whirl? The 30-Day Rule Impulse buys are the Achilles heel of many budgeters. But it’s even worse for larger purchases. For these, we recommend the 30-day rule: sit on a potential purchase for 30 days before buying. If you’re still thinking about it, it might actually be worth it. But will you still be thinking about it? Nine times out of ten, you won’t be. Investing in Yourself Here’s one of the best and oldest pieces of advice: invest in yourself. Education is the key to unlocking many doors in your life. It could be as simple as taking a course or reading a book; upskilling is becoming one of the most important things you can do in an increasingly competitive job market. So don’t be afraid to spend a little on your education. Just think of it as an investment! Read More: 16 Shockingly Extreme Frugal Habits That Actually Save

Today had all the hallmarks of being a fun day… and it was! In the morning we drove to a bike shop in the middle of a maze of rice paddies. We had the option of golf caddies, e-bikes or normal bikes for a couple of hours of fun tootling around, finding landmarks on the […] The post Taiwan, Day 5: Rice paddies and the Breezy Blue. appeared first on Burning Desire For FIRE.

There’s a personal finance cliche that debt is the devil. This makes sense to me when it comes to onerous debt like carrying a credit card balance. But the more time I spend in wealth management the more I realize that the intelligent use of debt can make sense even if you have a high net worth. Lots of rich people use debt as a tool. When Mark Zuckerberg bought his California home, he took out a 30-year fixed-rate …

As the national average for gas remains relatively stable, California drivers are facing a drastically different reality. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, running for the Governor’s office has officially called on state leaders in Sacramento to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax, characterizing the current pricing structure as a “man-made disaster” that is crushing the budgets of working families. Read the rest

Many people take beautiful photos every day without realizing that those photos can become a real source of income. With the rise of online platforms and digital marketplaces, photographers no longer need a studio, expensive equipment, or professional connections to start selling their work. Even simple photos taken with a good smartphone can attract buyers […]