Saturday, July 21, 2007

Am I a Personal Finance Junkie?

Here are five signs that I may be one :-)

Track and update Personal Finance numbers regularly. Regularly, for me, means at least monthly. For some, it could be weekly, daily or (gasp) even hourly. The numbers may include net worth, total debt, stock holdings, earnings, and other financial numbers.

Enjoy talking about financial topics in public. It just seems normal to discuss finances anytime. This includes work, holiday gatherings, dinner with friends and parties. It seems normal to ask, "So which mutual funds are offered in your 401K?" or "Do you think the iPhone will drive Apple earnings next quarter?"

Read financial periodicals or watch business television for entertainment. Periodicals include the business section of the local paper, the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine (or any number of financial magazines) and, of course, blogs. Business TV includes Nightly Business Report, CNBC, and Bloomberg, and several more.

Often wonder why other people aren't very knowledgeable about personal finance topics. Can't believe people don't know about their company's 401 k matching program, their health benefits, or different mortgage products. Talk ticker symbols (e.g. GOOG) instead of the stock name, Google. Blog, teach, or pontificate about economics or personal finance to impart knowledge to others.

Think about or research personal finance topics during a large part of free time. Interested in how to do 0% credit card balance arbitrage, found the absolute best interest rate or deal, or still trying to find the next Microsoft, Apple or Google. Sometimes do stock analysis and investing as a hobby.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2007 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't care how many reasons you come up - you CANNOT be a Personal Financial Junkie! Unless you don't you any of the info you gather - then you're a Personal Financial Dummy!

SingleGuyMoney said...

I too am a personal finance junkie. Anything dealing with money can alwats keep my attention

Unknown said...

Another sign--Your spouse can be talking about any subject; however, you only hear finances.

For example: Wife, "We should do something this weekend." You hear, "We should spend some money this weekend."

LOL

Anonymous said...

I feel good to become a personal finance junkie :)

You should see the secret of wealth book, it really teach you to manage your financial life

Ronald Kang
www.HobbyIn2Wealth.com

Beyond the Consumer said...

"For example: Wife, "We should do something this weekend." You hear, "We should spend some money this weekend.""

Ahh! This is me!

L. Marie Joseph said...

I am also addicted to the words finance and money. Radio, print, TV, whatever

Super Saver said...

All,

Thanks for your comments. I guess there are lots of us out there :-)

Anonymous said...

"For example: Wife, "We should do something this weekend." You hear, "We should spend some money this weekend.""

That is TOO funny. That sound exactly like me! I feel bad for my wife sometimes. =)

Great article - I think I match enough of these to count as a junkie. =)