Who is “Fred the Frugal Eagle?”

Looking for more financial education and ideas on saving? (who isn’t right?) Here’s a resource that may click with you:

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis  is offering a financial education series called Soar to Savings and featuring a cartoon character called “Fred the Frugal Eagle.” Here’s an excerpt from the site:

Fred is a bald eagle, a symbol of the United States. Not long ago, bald eagles were on the endangered species list—and some people think that savers are on the endangered species list, too. But the bald eagle is back, and Fred the Frugal Eagle is here to help take savers off the endangered species list. As you work through the course, Fred will help explain the ins and outs and benefits of saving.

Soar to savings covers various financial topics such as: [Read more...]

Forbes Best New Car Deals

I pass this Forbes article along as FYI for anyone considering buying a car. My personal opinion is that cars are too darn expensive. Not that I think they will get cheaper because either: [Read more...]

Get Audio Education from the Social Security Site

For those of you nearing retirement, at retirement or not even close, who have questions about social security and Medicare, I present to you this handy page from the SSA website:

Social Security Publications

Here there are audios as well as written articles (in PDF format) that you can listen to to learn about such things as applying for Medicare early, SSI, part D and more.

The audio and PDF are easy to access on mobile devices such as smart phones and iPads. Enjoy!

 

Always “Count” Your Change

“Wow they sound fake”

~ my friend Joe commenting when I dropped these quarters on the desk

 

I had lunch today and the bill came to just over $10. I plunked down $15 and the server brought me back my change. When she put down the tray, I noticed the quarters make an odd sounding clang. So I looked closer:

I noticed the dates – a bit old right? And what were quarters and silver (hint) dollars made from before 1965? You curious what these are worth? This site is helpful: Coinflation

Bottom line for me – lunch cost me NEGATIVE 6 bucks:) as each quarter is worth just under $6 with today’s silver price.

The side lesson here is now you know how much prices have risen since 1965. At the time, the quarter had the purchasing power of $6 in today’s money. Inflation destroys purchasing power and makes us all poorer. Right now, in their efforts to prop up banks, the European region, and bond & stock markets, central banks worldwide are printing money, easing interest rates and buying bonds – basically cheapening the currency. Learn to protect yourself.

Interestingly, regarding the headline quote from my friend Joe – isn’t it funny when REAL money sounds “fake” to people and the quarters made from cheap metal sound “real?” Take that into considering when thinking whether or not you are being hoodwinked by government leaders bent on printing confetti money to “solve” our problems.

Bottom line question to ask – if you plan on living another 20-40 years, will your income keep up with cost increases like this (25c to $6 in 45 years)? Take appropriate actions.

Note: for some ideas on financially protecting yourself, go to my company website here: Walnut Hill Advisors, LLC