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Saving

Is a 4% Withdrawal Rate Too Conservative?

I don’t believe that one size fits all when it comes to retirement planning.  The standard rule of thumb that is generally accepted across the personal finance community and standard advice from traditional media is that in order to retire, you can assume a 4% safe withdrawal rate. This is …

How An Emergency Fund Made Life Easier

For years Mrs. C. and I have kept a fairly sizable emergency fund, because you never know what is going to happen.  During the last 4 years we have had to pay for 2 unexpected furnace replacements, 3 beater car replacements, a few medical expenses, and a funeral.  Early this …

Savings Rate

The Quarterly Savings Rate Challenge

Do you think you are saving enough money?  If you are like the vast majority of American’s my guess is the answer is no.  A full 2/3 of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency.  To combat this I see all sorts of gimmicky money saving challenges on Facebook, that usually …