General money Expert Voices Today

The Hybrid Car Theory of Investing

I am a late adapter. For example, I only just started using my cell phone for just about all my calls, so it is probably not surprising that I haven't ever driven a hybrid car until now. But, I rented one this week--I didn't seek it out; it is all that the people at Hertz had--and I love it. Yes, sure, I like the fact that I am helping to save the environment, but the appeal to an old cheapskate me is the gas mileage. I am getting about 50 miles to the gallon. What has this to do with investing? A lot. More…

I Know I should Feel Bad, but...

"In tough times, even the billionaires worry," read the headline in the newspaper the other day. To which I say (churlishly, I concede): It is very hard to feel sorry for people who have a lot more money than you do. More…

Leverage

“The best negotiating position to be in is when you can push back from the table, say ‘no thank you,’ and walk away without a single regret.” A very smart lawyer told me that years ago. And that remains true today. Keep it mind, the next time you are trying to strike a deal. If you are in the position where you can walk away, you are bound to get everything you want. If you aren’t, you need to know what you can live with…and once it reaches that point where you can't, you need to be prepared to walk away. More…