Ten Big Tips for Recent College Graduates Graduating from college is a big adjustment for most students as s/he has to trade-in an insulated, academic, environment for the so-called “real world.”  The transition from student to working adult is critical, especially in regard to getting your personal finances off on the right foot.  The foundation a recent grad lays in […]

Lynnae at BeingFrugal.net posted on 12 steps to a prosperous New Year. Via BeingFrugal.net 4 Things we are duped into thinking we need.  Via BluePrint For Financial Prosperity. Arguments for paying off your mortgage early.  Via The Greenest Dollar Paul from CrackerJack Greenback has a series on how to deal with being laid off.  Via CrackerJackGreenBack 36 ways to earn […]

I came across some old philosophy books in my study this morning and it got me thinking about the value of an undergraduate degree in philosophy.  And I can already hear the jokes, so please keep them to yourself!  At first glance, a Bachelor of Arts degree (Why Major in Philosophy) in philosophy provides no real practical application in the […]

I’m often asked what my favorite meals or recipes are and folks are shocked or confused when I say something like Sautéed Escarole with Garlic or baked broccoli or that I treasure a ripe organic pear over a well marbled sirloin steak.  However, it’s true, I like my food simple and fresh (preferring fish over red meat, raw nuts over processed […]

(photo: cooking onions at home) According to an Indiana Business Review article, individuals in the United States between the ages of 25-54 spend an average of $2833.00 each year on eating out (this is according to 2004 data).  While the number is not surprising, it did get me thinking about personal finance and daily eating habits.  Given the current economy, […]

I like using our oven as often as possible during the winter months because not only do roasted vegetables, meats, etc. taste great but your oven adds a little bit of heat to your kitchen. One oven recipe I turn to often is roasted winter vegetables.  Here is what you’ll need: –    1 large red onion–    2 medium sized sweet […]

>>CLICK HERE AS THE LOCATION OF SCORDO.COM HAS CHANGED Recently, our extended family has been going through a difficult period caring for my 89 year old grandfather (Nonno Vincenzo).  Nonno Vincenzo has been housebound for the last year suffering from dementia, et. al.  I was named after Nonno Vincenzo and we share many of the same traits (including being calm most of […]

An investing 101 entry that describes index funds, ETF’s, etc.  Via Get Rich Slowly How do children affect financial goals and priorities?  Most folks don’t think of this issue until after they have children (then it’s too late). Via Get Rich Slowly A pros and cons of credit card use debate; to me, the answer is obvious, but don’t take my word […]

One of the most important life skills you can teach your child is how to save or, more specifically, why it’s important to save.   My parents would often bring me to the bank as a small child and I observed my mother writing and cashing checks, depositing money, etc.  By the time I was 7 or 8 my parents told […]

Along with making our own wine and sun dried tomatoes,  my family also cans fresh plum tomatoes every August for use throughout the year.  The canned tomatoes are used mostly for making tomatoe sauce.  Canning your tomatoes produces a better tasting tomato sauce and, of course, saves you money over the long term (especially after you’ve owned the canning equipment for several years). Tomato […]