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When to get aggressive with the mortgage paydown
Chris Farrell Dec 15, 2011
My question is, if your mortgage rate is higher than what you could expect from investing, wouldn't it make more sense to pay on the mortgage? This is almost the same as the concept of paying off the credit card with the highest rate first. What are your thoughts on this? John, Rapid City, SD
We got an inheritance. Now what?
Chris Farrell Dec 14, 2011
My husband and I recently inherited over $150,000, which is more than enough money to pay off our mortgage OR invest for our retirement. My husband wants to pay off the mortgage, leaving us with very little to invest. I prefer to put the bulk of the money "to work" via a nationally known and reputable financial services group, using a conservative and long-term approach. What do you suggest? Susan, Brookville, IN
Stick with low risk
Chris Farrell Nov 21, 2011
Our primary aim is to have a deposit for a house in 3 years. We have saved a reasonable sum of money but did not want it to linger in a current or savings account for 0.75%. We are deciding either investing at low risk or paying off mortgage. We have to sell our current house to buy a new house. My mortgage rate is 4.99%, so after tax rebate it is about 3.99%. Most investing opportunities are giving us about 2% at low risk and 3-5% at medium risk. After tax one would have to take another 1.25% off the return. We would like some advice. Thanks, Tom and Anne, Boston, MA
Use a reel mower.
Angela Kim Jan 5, 2011
If you have a reasonable sized lawn, start using a reel mover. This is what Grandpa would have used and they are quite effective. Needs no gas. No...
Use the sun to help you cool.
Angela Kim Jan 5, 2011
Install a solar-powered attic fan. You can read more here.
Don't throw away paper towels.
Angela Kim Dec 21, 2010
Every American uses around a dozen sheets of paper towel a day to dry hands after washing them. That adds up to a huge number of trees being cut...
Give Green Gifts
Adriene Hill Dec 24, 2010
I reported on a story for Marketplace Money this holiday season on my quest for the perfect green holiday gift. Along the way, I discovered with...
Recycle your Christmas tree
Adriene Hill Dec 24, 2010
Christmas hasn't even come and gone and I'm already thinking about getting rid of the tree. I just don't want to forget in the hustle and bustle of...
Rent a tree for the holidays.
Angela Kim Dec 14, 2010
Instead of buying a tree that's been freshly cut or buying an artificial tree, try looking for alternatives in your community. For example, in...
Stop your dishwasher when it goes into drying mode.
Angela Kim Dec 8, 2010
We use the dishwasher a lot and most of them don't do much of the drying in the drying cycle but use a lot of energy. I generally stop it when it...
