It works if you get a small system and can get significant governmental subsidies. When government pays for most of you bill, it usually works out in your favor. If you have to buy at market rates, you’re better staying with other investments.

I so wish I could swim. I’ve taken 3 beginner adult “learn to swim” courses and all I can do is float on my back.

Yes. Dependng on your state, it can be a HUGE savings. But you need to do your homework.

I have to say, a few of these suggestions are taking frugality to a fault, particularly when you say to rent, and not buy. The problem with buying isn’t that it’s a bad decision, it’s that like a great many things, buying more than you can afford is a bad decisions. Most banks will offer you loans for twice what you…

It’s true, which is why I mentioned it briefly at the end of the post. But I figure if you know what you’re doing with credit card rewards, you’re aware of the fee vs. rewards thing. That’s kind of a separate topic, but I see what you’re saying.

Very helpful. I subscribe to graze and NatureBox. Graze is very useful for on-the-go snacking, such as packing a quick treat in my backpack if I need to rush to the library. Their snacks are often very good, and if you don’t like one, you can label it as “trash” and never get it again. Their flapjacks are heavenly.…

If you’re in a decent financial situation and don’t live very close to the old/rental home, I would strongly consider using a property management company. That digs into your profits, but they handle getting the right tenants in there and taking care of the property.

If you like taxes, just wait! When you sell you have §1231 and recapture to deal with!!

Love swimming! Been doing it 2-3 times a week. But also walk almost everyday. Can’t run hurts my knees too much!

Or bike, or an elliptical, or walk up an incline at a moderate pace. Running is definitely harder on your body.

Some studies say you need at least some impact or to lift heavier weights on occasion. It helps maintain joints (seems counterintuitive) and bone density.

Yeah, that’s kind of why I specified high-interest debt in the article. It really depends on what your interest rate is. We wrote about it in a bit more detail here: http://twocents.lifehacker.com/how-to-save-fo…

It depends in what capacity that broker works. I wouldn’t recommend the traditional broker who is paid transitionally...these brokers are the types that make recommendations based on “suitability” which is really easy to stretch. They typically recommend things like annuities and mutual funds with large loads, or…

I don’t think your feelings are rare at all among many men and women...I asked my wife recently, if we weren’t married and she didn’t know anyone in the business, if she would invest her money. She said “Probably not, because I wouldn’t know what I’m doing.” I asked her if she’d call a financial advisor for help, and…

Thanks! Ha, I can imagine. Yeah, it’s a shame these myths won’t die, because I think they keep a lot of people from investing. I avoided it altogether for a while, because I’d heard all these things, and it seemed so scary, confusing, and overwhelming. It’s easy once you separate myth from fact.

Be careful with that, though. There are some REITs that fell 90% or more in most recent recession. Like you’ve heard a million times....diversification has its benefits, but REITs can certainly be part of that plan.

I don’t think anyone is arguing you shouldn’t buy a home.

If I’m at a busy bar with a group of people and I’m hosting them (meaning I’ll be placing the orders), I’ll approach the bartender, put a $20 on the counter, and say “Hi I’m tipping you up front bec I can tell you’re busy. We’re sitting over here but I’ll order all our drinks.” Then I place my order. If the bill is…