Author: Bob Bennett

Oddities

The monkey business of picking coconuts: The modern ethical issue of ‘monkey slavery’

Seemingly out of nowhere the people are going bananas over “monkey slavery.” From the usual suspects, like PETA, to more unexpected individuals, like Boris Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds, people are up in arms over this purported exploitation of a wild animal. Since biblical times, animals have been working alongside people – oxen pulling plows and wagons, dogs herding cattle and sheep, and other dogs used … Continue reading The monkey business of picking coconuts: The modern ethical issue of ‘monkey slavery’

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History

Independence Day: The origin of fireworks and the 4th of July

According to Ron Swanson, “history began on July 4, 1776” when a small colony declared its independence from its motherland – one of the most powerful countries in the world, at the time. Now the United States celebrates its independence every 4th of July with fireworks, barbecues, and parties. However, when did we start using fireworks to celebrate our independence? Around 200 B.C. fireworks were … Continue reading Independence Day: The origin of fireworks and the 4th of July

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Advice

Budgeting 105 – DIY – Use the coffee can

“Back in my day,” was a phrase used by our grandparents to describe (1) how much harder things use to be; (2) how much better they had it; or (3) somehow both harder and better things were back in their day. One thing that the “Greatest Generation,” the generation who fought in World War II, had was a great distrust of banks and doing anything … Continue reading Budgeting 105 – DIY – Use the coffee can

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Advice

Finance 103 – Budgeting: Dave Ramsey’s ‘EveryDollar’ method

Give every dollar a purpose. It sounds simple, but is it? Financial guru and credit card killer Dave Ramsey has his method of helping people master their finances and get out of debt – the “Baby Steps.” Through these steps, people are led to financial peace and mastery of their money. The first thing you must do to begin your journey to financial peace is … Continue reading Finance 103 – Budgeting: Dave Ramsey’s ‘EveryDollar’ method

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Advice

Passive investing 101 – Surviving and thriving in chaotic times

During these turbulent times it is easy for investors to make poor decisions, such as changing your investing strategy. In their recent newsletter, Edward Jones said that the “hardest part of investing is the one we have the most control over – our emotions.” Historically, people make the wrong investment decisions because they act emotionally. When the market crashes, the best option is to buy … Continue reading Passive investing 101 – Surviving and thriving in chaotic times

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Advice

Money matters 101 – Setting financial goals and rolling with the punches

I found that if you have a goal, that you might not reach it. But if you don’t have one, then you are never disappointed. And I gotta tell ya . . . it feels phenomenal!” ~ Peter La Fleur Unlike the advice of Peter La Fleur in “Dodgeball,” you need to have financial plans to guide your life. Has your life taken a left … Continue reading Money matters 101 – Setting financial goals and rolling with the punches

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Advice

Investing 105 – It’s automatic, it’s systematic, it’s hydromatic: Investing with apps – Stash

Stash – Budget, Invest, and Plan Stash is a more user-friendly app and focuses on educating investors on how to best pick investments and balance a portfolio along with other financial advice. The app is not as straight forward as Robinhood where you click and buy; however, Stash offers DRIP and automated investing. The cost of Stash varies based on what you are using it … Continue reading Investing 105 – It’s automatic, it’s systematic, it’s hydromatic: Investing with apps – Stash

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Advice

Investing 104 – Don’t worry, be happy: Investing with apps – Acorns

Acorns – Set it and forget about it! Grow your financial “Oak Tree” slow and steady over time. Acorns follows the KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid – method of investing. Where Robinhood (see previous post) gave flexibility, Acorns helps you determine a portfolio that is the right mix of risk and return for you and that’s it. Further, Ascorn is all about small recurring … Continue reading Investing 104 – Don’t worry, be happy: Investing with apps – Acorns

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Advice

Investing 103 – I want it that way: How to invest with apps – Robinhood

If you decide to invest on your own, there are a number of apps with commission-free and low cost options. Here, I will (1) describe the apps; (2) describe the pros and cons of each app; and (3) identify which type of investor each app is best for. Also, I will provide my referral link for each app. If you want to try an app, … Continue reading Investing 103 – I want it that way: How to invest with apps – Robinhood

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Advice

Investing 102 – Where do I begin?

Once you understand the basic concept of investing – your money makes money for you – and decide to begin investing, where should you start? Different financial experts have different opinions on this, of course. First, most agree that you should find a financial advisor. Despite costing fees, sound financial guidance will save you far more than the cost of the advisor. Second, you should … Continue reading Investing 102 – Where do I begin?

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