Pushing MBA’s Out of the Driver’s Seat
July 14, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Economics
Long-time readers know that Mr. ToughMoneyLove is not a fan of MBA programs and, generally, their graduates. The former are mostly cash machines for students looking to borrow their way to an upgraded life. The MBA graduates, if they learn anything at all, it’s to bean count their employer into bad decisions. Witnesseth: Wall Street 2008 and U.S. car companies. I’m not the only one who thinks we need more engineers and fewer bean counters.
Money Advice for Parents of Kids who are Grad School Wannabees
June 24, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Money and Behavior
Some baby boomers have completed the task of helping their kids through college. Some of those kids are now contemplating graduate school, the kind that may cost a lot of money. These include law school and business school, where scholarship money is rare. Why are scholarships rare for those programs? Because many exist primarily to feed cash to the university. Our culture and economy do not need more lawyers or MBAs but the colleges don’t want you to think in that direction.
Weaning Ourselves off AT&T Wireless
May 27, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Spending
Our days of sending ridiculous amounts of money to AT&T wireless are almost over. We have been on a four-line wireless family plan with AT&T for several years. Two of us have had smart phone data plans added in, plus unlimited family texting. We were spending $200/month for our cell phones and another $30 for a landline. I had enough. Read more…
Overselling the College Degree
May 5, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Money and Behavior
I distrust the student loan industry and the higher-ed bureaucrats who exploit it relentlessly. Motivated by economic self-interest, student lenders and college officials have persuaded misguided politicians that “college for all” is a noble goal. It absolutely is not. Read more…
The Relative Decline of the Western Economies
April 16, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Economics
Many of us have a sense and concern that China (and even India) are on a path to overtake the U.S. and other western countries in economic might. There is a real basis for that concern, as reflected in actual GDP per capita and other important indicators. Read more…
My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer – Vol. 3.3
March 25, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Taxes
I’ve been negligent in writing about my recent experiences at the AARP Tax-Aide volunteer office. I will attempt to catch you up on the interesting (often joyful, sometimes depressing) stories of the taxpayers I have been helping. I will start with today’s session and then work backwards to catch-up. Read more…
Apple Fanboys Called Out
March 11, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Fools of Finance
The iPad 2 went on sale today. The mesmerized Apple fanboys and fangirls were lining up as usual. Instead of ranting (again) myself about this silly consumer behavior, I give you Splork: Undignified iPad 2 Consumer Dumbsh-ts
Wisconsin is Definitely Off My Retirement List
February 23, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Fools of Finance
Actually, Wisconsin was never on my list of possible retirement destinations but just to make sure I had enough reasons not to move there, the unions stepped up. Read more…
My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer – Vol. 3.2
February 18, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Taxes
An awesome day today as a volunteer at the AARP Tax Aide Office. More words of wisdom from the happily retired and a small world interaction. Read more…
My Life as a Volunteer Tax Preparer Ch. 3.1
February 12, 2011 by Mr. ToughMoneyLove
Filed under Taxes
Yesterday I began year 3 of my life as a volunteer tax preparer. It was good to be back at the senior citizens center and working with friendly taxpayers. Actually, for many, the more correct term would be “tax filers” because they don’t end up paying any income taxes. Read more…
