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Books about Money I’m Most Excited to Get When the Library Re-opens

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books about money

The library is one of the things that I’ve missed most during California’s shelter-in-place. Our libraries have been closed since March. The San Francisco Public Library offers a number of wonderful things. There are a ton of great online resources during this time. However, I really love to read print books. I miss going to the library and picking up a big stack of them. I can’t wait until I can do that again.

Since our library’s workers have been moved over to other essential work during this time, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to. But when I do, there are some relatively new books about money that I’m looking forward to picking up. Here is what’s on my list:

Invisible Americans: The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty

I like to read a wide variety of books about money. Oftentimes I read self-help or how-to guides that assist me with personal finance. But I also enjoy reading memoirs, biographies, and non-fiction books about money that give me insight into economics at a grander level. I’m very intrigued by this book by Jeff Madrick. It explores how poverty, even when experienced relatively briefly, negatively impacts children.

It reminds me a bit of The Deepest Well in which Nadine Burke Harris explores the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. We need to remedy the financial problem of poverty for children if we want them to have better outcomes as adults. This is an important topic. So, while it may not be on a traditional list of books about money, it’s right at the top of my own list.

Rogue Money and the Underground Economy: An Encyclopedia of Alternative and Cryptocurrencies

This book by John C. Edmunds purports to give a strong overview of cryptocurrency from its history to its current role in the marketplace. This is a part of personal finance that I’m always seeking to understand better. Therefore, this is definitely one of the books about money that I’m eager to pick up when my library re-opens.

More Money Now: Use your Existing Skills, Connections and Technology to Start Earning Cash Today

This book by Michael Zechmann was published in 2018. However, my own library only got its copy recently. Therefore, I’ve never had the chance to read it. I’m curious to see what it says about how students, retirees, and others can make some extra money right now. I’d love to compare how the advice in it relates to the current situation given that COVID-19 has changed the landscape in some ways. Plus, I always like books about money that give me ideas for making extra cash. I don’t always use the ideas but sometimes they get me thinking about earning money in new ways.

Wealth Unbroken: Growing Wealth Uninterrupted by Market Crashes, Taxes and Even Death

Similarly, Rebecca Walser’s book was published in 2018 but only came to my library recently. This one is about long-term investing. Again, since it was published before the pandemic, some advice in it may not apply. However, its subtitle suggests that it’s actually all about how to weather storms, even an unprecedented one such as this. So, I think that bodes well and makes it worth at least checking out.

Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy

I’m very fascinated in the pros and cons of the gig economy. I’ve worked in the gig economy myself for a long time in various ways. I’ve watched the landscape change significantly over the past decade. I’m curious to see what this book by Alexandrea Ravenelle has to say about it all.

What books about money do you most hope to read soon?

10 Smart Podcast Episodes to Help You Understand Money During Coronavirus

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Smart Podcast Episodes

If you aren’t following financial podcasts, then you’re really missing out on a lot of terrific information. Here are 50 of the best money podcasts to get you started. In the past few months there have been some really smart podcast episodes for people who are interested in the way that the coronavirus pandemic intersects with finance. Even podcasts that aren’t solely focused on money have addressed this important topic.

Here are my top ten recommendations for smart podcast episodes related to COVID-19 and money:

1. Money and Coronavirus: Sam Sanders and Jill Schlesinger

This is the May 20, 2020 episode of It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders on NPR.

The episode begins by saying, “we are going to talk about the economy – but trust me, dear listener, it’s gonna be a chat that is ultimately uplifting in spite of all the numbers we’re all seeing.”

Sam goes on to note that:

  • One in four workers have lost their jobs since coronavirus began
  • More than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment
  • People want to know whether young, middle-aged, or older people are most impacted

That last point is what the podcast is about. Sam speaks with Jill Schlesinger about the economic impact on different generations. She doesn’t hesitate to say that this is the worst economic recession she has ever seen. Then they discuss the intersection of age and class with the economic impact of COVID-19.

(Fun fact: the second half of the episode is about a Judge Mathis newsletter. If you like something light following your coronavirus financial news, this is a good option.)

2. Coronavirus: Financial Priorities

Speaking of Jill Schlesinger, the Jill on Money show has a lot of smart podcast episodes on this topic. These are short (10-20 minute) that answer questions you might have. My favorite is the May 20th episode on reassessing your Financial Priorities. But other recent episodes address key things including how coronavirus has impacted:

  • Negative interest rates
  • Needing a trust
  • Whether or not to buy Bitcoin
  • The Future of Work
  • Where to invest
  • Maxing out a Roth IRA early

3. Rent in the Time of Coronavirus

This is the May 26, 2020 episode of The Indicator from Planet Money on NPR. It’s a short episodes, less than nine minutes. Nevertheless, I think it’s one of the smart podcast episodes out there addressing a key issue affecting many of us today.

Individuals are struggling to pay rent. Some states have eviction moratoriums, some don’t. Even if you have one, how will you pay the back rent when things return to “normal”?

And if you’re a landlord, how do you cover mortgage payments if your tenants can’t pay rent? This podcast begins with a personal individual story that highlights this important aspect of money concerns during COVID-19. Then it goes on to discuss the issue at a national level.

If you want to get more information about the impact of coronavirus on personal finance, I definitely recommend this podcast. The April 20th episodes is about “coronavirus and the digital divide” and the April 2nd episode is about how businesses are pivoting to adapt to the “new normal.”

4. Falling Interest Rates and Real Estate Investing in the COVID Era

The How to Money Podcast is a smart podcast that is well worth tuning in to if you’re interested in financial matters. In particular, the show’s Friday episodes are specifically about the intersection of current news and personal finance. As a result, many recent episodes have looked at how COVID impacts our money.

The June 5, 2020 episode covers four key topics:

  • The increase in financial scams since COVID-19 began including stimulus check scams but also more unusual scams including pet adoption scams!
  • The pros and cons of falling interest rates for student loans, mortgages and other loans
  • Pay cuts at work for people who are still employed
  • Whether or not it’s a good idea to invest in real estate during this precarious time

5. Being Sold A Better You During COVID-19 with Amanda Montell

Some people love listening to really short podcasts. Other people like lengthy podcasts. I appreciate the former but tend to prefer the latter. I’ve just always loved long-format media. So I’m a particular fan of smart podcast episodes that are around an hour long. If you feel the same way, then be sure to check out this podcast. It is Season 6, Episode 7 of the Bad With Money Podcast.

This one is all about how people are taking advantage of the fear of coronavirus to sell you things that you don’t need. It’s about scams. However, it’s also just about smart – but sketchy – marketing. It discusses linguistics, the change in marketing language, and how we are “being sold a better you.” You’ll learn to look for keywords such as “contactless delivery.” You’ll learn to pay attention to companies pushing anti-anxiety or anti-virus products that might not actually help you out. It’s fascinating and I highly recommend this one.

6. Coronavirus: Is It Time to Give Up on Financial Independence?

The BiggerPockets Money Podcast is another one that has longer (hour plus) episodes. If you’re interested in FIRE information then it’s a good one to check out. Not all of the recent episodes directly relate to the impact of coronavirus. However, several of them do.

In particular, I liked the April 5th episode. They brought together four guests that retired from traditional employment and live the FIRE lifestyle. They come together to discuss how this pandemic is shaping and changing their lives as well as current and future finances.

7. Saving Money During Coronavirus: Some Not-So-Obvious Tips

Even though I love those long episodes, I do also think it’s helpful to listen to some “quick hit” tips. The WSJ Your Money Briefing podcast has episodes that are typically ten minutes or less. The May 27, 2020 episode is seven minutes rich with some great relevant-right-now money-saving tips. They emphasize “little hacks” that save just a tiny bit at a time. For example, there’s a reminder (and how to guide) to rank your expenses not determine what spending. Then you can cut that thing out and use the money as part of your weekly savings plan.

Other recent episode topics include:

  • How to Help Your Parents with Finances in a Pandemic
  • Unemployment Fraud Rises as Claims Hit Record Levels
  • Should You Withdraw From Your 401(k) During the Economic Crisis

8. Quarantine Life: What to Do Abut Kids, Celebrations, and “Free” Money

At thirteen minutes, this is one of the shortest episodes of The Rachel Cruze Show. She has some longer ones that address interesting topics including “what to do with your money during the coronavirus” and “how to bulletproof your emergency fund.” This one is a little lighter but I think it’s also really important for all of the people out there who have kids, especially kids who have birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations during coronavirus.

She talks about how the nice thing is she doesn’t have the pressure of “doing too much” for these celebrations because COVID-19 means that they’re just going to be at home. Nevertheless, you can do some fun memory-making things without spending much money. She also offers half a dozen suggestions for free entertainment at home for kids (that aren’t necessarily for parties or celebrations.)

9. Coronavirus, Oil, and Kansas

Have you ever wondered about the price of oil? Do you understand how it’s determined and what role global economics plays in that? If not (or even if you would just like a recap), this is one of those great smart podcast episodes that provides a succinct explanation. And it does so through the lens of coronavirus.

As they say at the top of the podcast, they “follow the plunge in oil prices from a viral outbreak in China to a meeting in Vienna to a little mom and pop oil business in Kansas.” They explain the history of OPEC. Then they delve into the geopolitics of oil prices. This episode came out early in the coronavirus pandemic, on March 11, 2020. It’s a Planet Money podcast episode.

10.The Emotions of Money with Suze Ormon

Suze Orman’s Women & Money podcast has several episodes that directly address the impact of coronavirus on personal finance. For example, March 22nd was about Getting Real With Your Money During the COVID-19 Crisis and March 29th addressed the stimulus.

However, my favorite recent episode doesn’t have COVID in the name or podcast description, and yet it seems highly relevant right now. It’s about The Emotions of Money. She talks about how desperate, and even suicidal, people feel because they are financially desperate. She shares that her own cousin took his own life in this situation last year.

Suze talks about how important it is not to let emotions dictate our financial decisions, including if/how we choose to deal with the stock market. In the face of not just coronavirus but also the BLM movement and the larger political landscape, emotions are running high. We can cope with those emotions in many ways, but she suggests we don’t let fear and anxiety make our financial decisions for us.

Am I missing any of your favorite recent podcast episodes about how coronavirus has impacted finances? Educate me by sharing in the comments!

Streaming Services You Should Cut Out Now

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Streaming services

When it comes time to reign in your spending, the little things are almost as important as the big ones. While streaming services are nice to have, a lot of the time we end up paying for ones we barely use. Not only that, but a few of them even share common content that is available on other platforms. All of these are things to take into consideration when cutting some out to save money. To help make the decision a little easier, here are the streaming services you should cut out now.

The One You Forgot You Had

We have all done it. Maybe it started as a free trial, or just the one you snagged to binge on particular show, but they both ended the same way. You were checking your bank account, and you were hit with the “oh yeah” moment. Oftentimes this comes after months of paying for it without knowing it. Now, what some will do is say “well I paid for the month, might as well keep it and see what’s on.” Don’t be that person. If you forgot about it once, you’ll do so again. Cancel your subscription and enjoy the time you have left with it.

The One You Only Watch One Show On

Sort of ties into the top one, but this is for those who intentionally keep those subscriptions running. If you only watch one or two shows on the streaming service, there is no reason to keep it running year-round. If the premier of a season really sneaks up on you, it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes to start your plan back up and watch to your heart’s content. Don’t waste $200 on something that should only need to cost $15-30.

The One With A Bunch of Projects “In the Works”

The name of the game for most streaming services is original content. The quality and quantity of exclusives is what really sets each one apart from the others. If you end up paying for one that is slow to put out new stuff, you can always cancel and start back up when they have actually finished a few things up. None of the big services really have a problem getting content out, but when it comes down to the wire, count out the original series that you actually must see as they come out on each service. Whichever has the lowest number can go for now, and you can catch their “in the works” projects as they come up.

At the end of the day, this decision will be different for everyone. For this reason, I have refrained from naming any specific services. I personally only subscribe to two streaming services, because I only watch a few shows. I understand that others have a lot of different things they like to see, though, so my recommendations won’t exactly help much. Just keep these factors into account, and make sure you aren’t just buying up every service until you end up essentially paying a premium cable bill.

How to Find Cheap Super Bowl Tickets

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cheap superbowl tickets

While the world won’t know which teams are headed to the 2020 Super Bowl until Sunday, February 2, people are already working to secure tickets. For some, whether their favorite team is playing isn’t as important as being there for the big game. However, if you want to see the event live, tickets are usually pretty expensive. Luckily, there are things you can do to secure relatively cheap Super Bowl tickets.

Be a Season Ticket Holder

Current season ticket holders for any NFL team have the best shot at only paying face value for Super Bowl tickets. The NFL distributes a set number of tickets to each team, with the most going to the AFC and NFC championship winners.

The teams that become the AFC and NFC champions secure 17.5 percent of the available tickets each. Season ticket holders for those team usually get the first crack at them, after certain other VIPs (like owners, managers, players, and players’ families) get their tickets.

In 2020, the Miami Dolphins get access to 6.2 percent of the tickets, as the host team gets more than the remaining 28 teams. Everyone else divvies up 33.6 percent, meaning each of those 28 teams only gain access to 1.2 percent of the available tickets. Again, after VIPs, season ticket holders likely have the best odds of getting a reasonably priced ticket.

Usually, the teams hold a lottery drawing to determine which season ticket holders get a chance to buy tickets. They draw names until their available pool is sold out.

The NFL controls the initial destinies of the remaining 25.2 percent of tickets. They make their way to various partners, sponsors, media organizations, and networks.

Shop the Resale Market for Cheap Super Bowl Tickets

If you aren’t a season ticket holder, then heading to the resale market is your best option. People who purchase tickets but aren’t able to attend the Super Bowl will sell their tickets through various exchanges, giving anyone a chance to buy them.

It’s important to note, if you were hoping to find cheap Super Bowl tickets selling at or below face value, that isn’t going to happen in nearly every case. The secondary market sets prices based on the principles of supply and demand and, for the Super Bowl, demand always exceeds supply.

However, by shopping around, you may be able to find seats for less with one resale site than on another. Additionally, the price for tickets may fluctuate as teams are eliminated during the playoffs. The strength of a teams fanbase plays a role. Similarly, season ticket holders whose team is in contention today but doesn’t end up in the Super Bowl may be offloading their tickets later, impacting supply at that moment.

The Only Cheap Super Bowl Tickets Are…

As you can see, calling any Super Bowl tickets cheap is pretty hard. However, it is possible to get your hands on tickets without paying a bundle; you just have to win them.

Radio stations, media groups, news outlets, and a variety of other entertainment organizations often hold contests where Super Bowl tickets are the prize. Food and beverage manufacturers or restaurants and businesses that sponsor the NFL or the Super Bowl may also offer some up in sweepstakes or contests.

While your odds of winning may be low, if you do get chosen, you could end up with free tickets. However, you will have to pay taxes on the value of the tickets when you file in 2021, so keep them in mind if you are lucky enough to win.

Do you have plans to score cheap Super Bowl tickets? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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5 Tips for Hosting a Cheap Super Bowl Party on a Budget

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cheap superbowl party

Millions of people around the country are preparing to kick back and enjoy one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. In some cases, Super Bowl parties are massive affairs involving dozens of partygoers, full food spreads, décor, and more. Whether your party is going to be big or small, finding ways to save money is always a wise move. If you need to host a cheap Super Bowl party on a budget, here are five tips to help you get started.

1. Consider a Potluck

Since food can be one of the largest expenses for any Super Bowl gathering, hosting the event as a potluck can help you stretch your budget. Plus, most partygoers will be happy to bring a dish, as it is a small thing to do to enjoy time with friends, family, and the big game.

Now, if you want your potluck to go smoothly, you may either want to assign dishes or have people announce what they want to bring in advance. This can help ensure that you don’t end up with half-a-dozen veggie platters or every attendee just bringing chips, as you can intervene if there is not enough variety or keep all of the items aligned with a theme.

Not only is a potluck cost-effective, but it can also reduce the amount of stress you experience. After all, not having to create every dish yourself is a huge weight off your shoulders.

2. Make It BYOB

If you want to have a party with adult beverages, making your Super Bowl party BYOB (bring your own booze) may be your best option. Alcohol can great incredibly expensive, so requesting that everyone bring their own can be a gamechanger for your budget.

Plus, you get the added bonus of not hearing any complaints about what kind of drinks are or are not available. You do not have to worry about anyone’s taste but your own, as they can bring what they want to drink.

However, do make a few conveniences available. For example, make sure you have plenty of ice, cups, stir sticks, corkscrews, bottle openers, and similar items on-hand and highly accessible. If you have a cocktail shaker or other barware, consider making it available as well if you are okay with the items being used during a party.

Additionally, clear out your fridge as much as possible or have a cooler filled with ice at the ready. That way, your guests can cool their drinks easily once they arrive. You may also want to give attendees a way to mark their drinks, such as a Sharpie, so they can identify which ones belong to them with greater ease.

3. Figure Out What You Have

Instead of heading straight to the store, take a moment and see what you may already own. Go through your cupboards to see what food and drink items are there and plan your menu around what you’ve already bought. Then, check closets or storage areas for decorations you may have kept from other events or a previous Super Bowl party.

Any time that you can use an item you already own is an opportunity to save money. Do not plan your shopping list until you take full stock of what you have on-hand. Otherwise, you might buy something you did not actually need.

4. Seek Out Coupons and Sales

Certain foods are incredibly popular during the Super Bowl, so stores and manufacturers offer deals to entice you to buy specific options. Before you shop, take some time to review sales flyers and find coupons. Go through your mail, get the Sunday paper, or get online to see what may be available and then plan your purchase from there.

Additionally, if you have a rewards club or other members at your supermarket, make sure to check for any unique deals that may be available. If you aren’t a member, then signing up may be wise, as it really can help you save all year-round.

5. Consider Delivery or Takeout

If you are hosting a large party, sometimes opting for delivery or takeout is actually a smart choice. Many pizza places and similar restaurants that offer takeout or delivery may run specials in conjunction with the big game, so you could actually score a pretty great deal if you compare your options.

Plus, by going with delivery or takeout, you do not have to dedicate any time to cooking. Instead, you can spend time with friends and family or handle other tasks you need to finish.

If ordering out doesn’t seem like your thing, check out these easy, cheap Super Bowl recipes.

Bonus Tip: Get An Accurate Headcount

Just make sure that, before you order, you get a fairly accurate headcount. That way, you can estimate how much food you will need so you can find a deal that best suits your needs. Otherwise, if you order too much food, not only are you spending more than you needed to, but the leftovers may go to waste if you can’t finish them in a timely manner. If you didn’t order enough, you would risk needing to make an emergency food run during the game or disappointing your guests, both of which are not ideal.

Ultimately, all of the five tips above can help you host a great Super Bowl party on a budget. Consider giving one, a few, or all of them a try and see which options are best for you.

Do you have any tips for hosting an amazing Super Bowl party on a budget? Share them in the comments below.

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How Much is a Super Bowl Commercial?

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how much is a super bowl commercial

More than 100 million people will be tuning in for the Super Bowl this year. On top of ticket sales, viewers spend billions on merchandise, food, and alcohol for the big game. Another number that generally gets a lot of attention is the cost of an ad that airs during the event. How much is a Super Bowl commercial this year?

The Cost of Super Bowl Commercials

Can you believe that a Super Bowl commercial only cost $37,500 in 1966? In fact, Super Bowl ads were just half their current price 12 years ago. Take a look at a timeline of the cost of a Super Bowl commercial below.

How much is a super bowl commercial

How much is a super bowl commercial

Much of the fluctuation in the cost of a Super Bowl commercial has to do with the number of people who will tune in. As mentioned above, around 100 million people will watch the game this year. However, the very first Super Bowl only expected 24 million viewers. As the popularity of the event grew, so did the price tag for advertising.

How Much is a Super Bowl Commercial in 2020?

In 2020, Super Bowl commercials are priced up to $5.6 million. This is just a slight hike from last year’s $5.2 million price tag for a 30-second ad during the big game. On top of that, the average price of a ticket to the Super Bowl comes in around $7,000.

More Americans are betting on the Super Bowl this year as well. It is estimated that 26 million American adults plan to bet on Super Bowl LIV, wagering over $6.8 billion. That is a 15% increase from last year’s game.

There is no doubt the Super Bowl impacts the economy in a huge way every year. Billions of dollars (and 1.38 billion chicken wings) are circulated around this single event.

Photo: Mike Mozart

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