Sound Advice

Don't wait too long to use your airline miles or credit card points Airline miles typically have expiration policies that vary by program, but many miles expire after a period of inactivity, often ranging from 18 to 36 months. For example, Air Canada Aeroplan miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months without qualifying activity, and other airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa have miles that expire after 36 months of inactivity. Some premium status members may have miles that never expire as long as they maintain their status. Credit card points also require attention because redemption rates, transfer options, and redemption methods can influence the value you get from your points. Airlines and credit card programs may change redemption rates or policies over time. Generally, it's wise not to hoard miles or points too long without redeeming because they can lose value, expire, or programs can devalue the rewar...

When is the best time of year to get the best prices when shopping? The best time of year to get the best prices when shopping depends on the type of item, but there are several key periods known for deep discounts: Major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day are excellent for big sales across electronics, appliances, furniture, and more. Post-holiday sales in January and late December often feature markdowns on seasonal items like winter clothing and holiday decorations. End of season clearance sales offer good deals on clothing: winter clothes in January-February, spring gear in May, summer wear in July-August, and fall attire in October-December. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday bring steep discounts on a wide range of products, including tech, clothing, and toys. Amazon Prime Day (several over the course of the year) is a good time for technology and home goods deals. Ba...

Why should investors ignore commercials about trading? Investors should largely ignore commercials about trading because these advertisements often exaggerate potential benefits, downplay risks, and promote strategies that are most unlikely to align with an individual’s financial goals or risk tolerance. Misleading Promises and Exaggerated Returns Many trading commercials emphasize quick profits or "secret" strategies, often using testimonials or simulated results that do not represent the average real-world experience. Such claims often encourage unrealistic expectations and impulsive decisions, which can lead to significant financial losses. Commercials typically neglect to fully explain the risks involved in trading, such as market volatility, leverage dangers, and the risk of losing a substantial portion of invested capital. They may also skip over hidden costs like commissions, spreads, and platform fees, which can eat into potential profits. Misalignment with ...