http://bootstrapeconomist.org Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:31:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The last vehicle I owned, a 2002 Ford Focus SVT was sold at a loss because the monthly payments were more than I could bear. When I sold my car, I was nearly bankrupt and cut every expense that I could to repay outstanding credit card debt. Living in Philadelphia; ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/07/01/leasing-my-first-car/ Dear Acura Dealers, I am not paying more than $435/mo, all-in on a 2009 Acura TL without the technology package. First dealerhip in South Florida to match this offer, earns my business. http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/06/24/leasing-an-acura-tl/ I have been a fan of twitter since I begun using the service two years ago. Twitter is a a mini blogging tool that asks one question: What are you doing? Posts are short; up to 140 characters to be exact, and can be sent or received through the web, ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/04/16/misconceptions-in-140-characters-or-less/ Last week, economist Tim Harford wrote an article for Forbes discussing the behavioral economics behind using credit. It is Harford's premise that the human brian is wired for immediate gratification especially if we can postpone the consequences. It is for that reason, that we are unable to properly comprehend the ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/03/26/how-i-use-credit-wisely/ When I graduated college with $13,645.22 in credit card debt on top of approximately $90,000 in undergraduate student loans, I was crushed. At a time when I should be enjoying financial freedom afforded to a young professional with consistent pay, I was saving pennies in an effort to reclaim my ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/02/21/teaching-americas-youth-about-personal-finance/ I am a fan of Facebook. This is part nostalgia for the service I joined within hours of it arriving at my alma mater's campus, and part appreciation for foresight turning it into one of the World's largest social networks. The strategy was simple; build buzz for a new social ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2009/01/21/keeping-facebook-locked-down/ Last week I had an unexpected opportunity to negotiate an automobile contract for a client who was in need of a new vehicle. Following a five (5) year financial plan developed based on my experience repaying personal debts; we are reducing their reliance on consumer credit and helping them save ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2008/09/15/how-to-negotiate-an-automobile-lease/ Thursday night an old friend and NFC East football foe were watching the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants kick off the 2008 NFL season. We watched the contest at my neighborhood pub, St. Stephen's Green, where the background conversation overshadowed the match's in-game commentary. During one of the ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2008/09/06/microsoft-advertising-campain-evokes-nostalgia-apple-still-catering-to-consumers/ Prior to its abolishment on the Federal level in the early 19th century, citizens could be placed in prison for failure to repay their debts. Debtors prisons were cold and unwelcoming buildings with no heat, cramped living quarters, and overcrowding. This made for unbearable and nausiating living conditions for citizens ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2008/06/06/now-leaving-debtors-prison/ My first opportunity to learn the banking industry came while I was searching for my third, six-month cooperative education experience while attending Drexel University's LeBow College of Business. My first two cooperative education experiences had placed me with large corporate companies and I was seeking a localized experience. I chose ... http://bootstrapeconomist.org/2008/06/04/mergers-and-acquisitions/