Welcome to YouHaveMoreThanYouThink.org. I am Shawanda Greene, personal finance enthusiast. Subscribe via RSS feed or e-mail to receive updates!

How My iPhone Paid for Itself

July 7, 2009
Thumbnail image for How My iPhone Paid for Itself

In May 2009, I was in the market for a mattress. I’d slept on an air mattress for about a month before it began to deflate for no apparent reason. Once the air mattress gave up on me, I decided there was no point in buying another. It was time to look for a more long-term solution.

6 comments Read the full article →

20 Foolproof Ways to Finish Poor (Part 2)

July 7, 2009
Thumbnail image for 20 Foolproof Ways to Finish Poor (Part 2)

This post is the second in the three part series 20 Foolproof Ways to Finish Poor. Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of some of these items in the past. Okay, I still struggle with number 19. I’m a lazy bum.

1 comment Read the full article →

Just airing a beef

July 6, 2009
Thumbnail image for Just airing a beef

I witnessed something truly egregious today. As you can see from the photo, I have a neighbor who failed to break down their moving boxes and recycle them. Ideally, they would’ve let the greater Washington, D.C. area know they had boxes to give away on Craigslist or Freecycle. This particular neighbor might not know there’s a super easy way to make sure their boxes are reused before heading to the landfill. For that, I’ll let them slide. HOWEVER…

0 comments Read the full article →

Good Debt?

June 30, 2009
Thumbnail image for Good Debt?

Almost since I started reading about personal finance, experts in the field have been harping about how student loans are “good debt.” The only other types of debt that fall into this category, according to most financial gurus, are mortgages and business loans. We’re only going to focus on student loans, but I think the others are worth noting.

0 comments Read the full article →

20 Foolproof Ways to Finish Poor (Part 1)

June 29, 2009
Thumbnail image for 20 Foolproof Ways to Finish Poor (Part 1)

Ever wonder how some people make insolvency look so easy? If you’re envious of their ability to make dumb financial decisions look so smart, then envy no more. This post is the first in a three part series. I’ve compiled a total of 60 foolproof ways that you too can end up broke, busted, yea, even bankrupt. Use these techniques sparingly. Two or three should do the trick.

4 comments Read the full article →

8 DIY Strategies to Boost Your Credit Score

June 24, 2009

Request a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have a right to receive a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  AnnualCreditReport.com doesn’t provide a FICO score with your free [...]

1 comment Read the full article →

Blog Post Preview: Boosting Your Credit Score

June 23, 2009

Just wanted to let my readers/viewers know what I’m working on. I got the urge to write about improving your credit score. Although I believe we should rely on credit as little as possible, FICO is just a reality of the world we live in. Until we’re wealthy enough to pay cash for everything, let’s [...]

0 comments Read the full article →

It’s Not About the Money

June 22, 2009
Thumbnail image for It’s Not About the Money

No longer can I sit quietly while commenters on popular personal finance blogs dismiss the importance of scrimping on toiletries. Apparently, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with meaningless cost cutting strategies. Well, I’m not so busy that I can’t be bothered to restrict my toilet paper use and cutting a dryer sheet in half isn’t beneath me. Although it’s a well known fact that I’m a scrooge, refusing a needy comrade a piece of gum isn’t about the money. It’s about my time.

2 comments Read the full article →

5 Tips to Stay Motivated and Get Out of Debt

June 16, 2009
Thumbnail image for 5 Tips to Stay Motivated and Get Out of Debt

Like losing weight, getting out of debt can be a long and toilsome process. However, piling on debt is easier than piling on the pounds. There aren’t any quick and easy fixes, so I’ve listed 5 tips that will help you stay motivated while you climb your way out of debt.

5 comments Read the full article →

The Purpose of an Emergency Fund. Hint: It's Not What You Think

June 9, 2009
Thumbnail image for The Purpose of an Emergency Fund. Hint: It's Not What You Think

I was talking to a friend today about the difference between an emergency fund and a sinking fund.  She heard the term “sinking fund” on The Dave Ramsey Show so she called me up to ask if I’ve ever heard of one.  Well, I listen to The Dave Ramsey Show too, and if I remember [...]

3 comments Read the full article →