Comments on: The Money Diaries: The 30-something Scrooge member who’s starting to automate his finances

By: Joes Money

Joes Money — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:22:15 +0000

Loved the read. Thanks!

By: nick

nick — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:53:25 +0000

Am living in Paris, so could potentially do an international money diary entry. Imagine it would be similar to someone living in NYC. All my bills are automated although personal checks are still quite common in France. Have not found any French blogs on personal finances, so I assume they’re not as interested in such things. Lots of food and wine blogs though…

By: Chris bautista

Chris bautista — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:02:59 +0000

How about a money diaries entry from someone outside the US?

Would really love to see how people around the world try to work out their finances.

Cheers!

By: Arkad

Arkad — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:09:05 +0000

This is a great day in the life take on running personal finances. Now that I’ve advanced a few levels by going back to steady work (after bouncing from ad hoc and tenuous set ups since December(!)), I’m more conscious of the way I spend and make money. It’s inspiring to see others improving their lives through finances. Onward!

By: Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:47:46 +0000

Buppie, a Money Diaries about a young couple is a GREAT idea. If you’re willing to do one (and it’s good), I’ll post it. Email me with details.

Also, I have 1 or 2 extremely detailed posts on saving money on eating out in my Scrooge Strategy.

By: Buppie

Buppie — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:32:02 +0000

I think it would be helpful if people posted their state or metro area – just to give readers a sense for the cost of living and what’s normal.

I think automation can be great, but I prefer to do it on the bank side and not on the side of the company where the bill is going. Many of them require that you make any changes 1-2 weeks in advance and for those juggling debt (student loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc.) making those changes in advance even if it’s to increase your payment is annoying and the bank route tends to offer more flexibility. I usually use my bank’s free online bill pay so that I can retain control even if the payment’s automated.

Ramit, I love the money diaries. I’d like to see a young professional couple profiled – especially folks with kids. Plus, I’d like to see some advice about dealing with eating out, which seems to be an Achilles heal for so many.

By: Neil Nehrer

Neil Nehrer — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:40:25 +0000

Thanks for your reply Ramit, it does completely suck. I might have over-reacted but when I saw that email I could have strangled the nearest government employee . Thanks for the great site.

By: Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:21:53 +0000

Yeah Neil, it’s a legit government regulation, and it completely sucks. Remember, though, this is for SAVINGS accounts. You can do whatever you want for checking accounts, which is how my system works (by centering transfers from your checking). So while it’s unfortunate for having 6+ sub-savings accounts, you can basically still workaround this.

By: prufock

prufock — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:16:35 +0000

Don’t worry, I wasn’t making an accusation I can believe this is the real deal, and he sounds like a good student.

By: Neil Nehrer

Neil Nehrer — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:16:15 +0000

Does anyone know anything about a regulation preventing more than six withdrawals a month from you savings account? I received an email today from ING stating

“Based on recent activity in your Orange Savings Account™, we want to remind you that you cannot make more than six withdrawals from your account each month. This is a federal regulation that all banks are required to follow for savings accounts like this one, so if this type of activity occurs more than three times in any 12-month period, we will have to close your account.”

How am I supposed to automate my savings if they are going to close my account if I make too many transfers? I’m super-pissed about this government interference in my finances.