Free Car? How I Sold My Car for the Price I Paid 5 Years Earlier
Did you know it’s possible to hack the car ownership game and drive a vehicle for free? While most people see cars as a financial black hole, there’s a clever workaround for those willing to embrace a bit of strategy and patience. Think of it as a real-life side quest where the goal is to outsmart depreciation and make your ride work for you, not against you. Intrigued? Strap in, because this article is all about turning that depreciating asset into a a free ride.
There’s a saying among car traders, “You make the money when you buy the car.” What that means is that if you buy the car for a low enough price, selling it for a profit won’t be hard
~Will Leppowski MoneyNing
In this geeky play-by-play, the author details how they bought a car for less than market value, drove it for five years, and sold it for the same price. Using platforms like Craigslist and eBay, they hunted for deals like a digital treasure hunter, armed with tools like Kelley Blue Book and NADAGuides. They minimized depreciation by buying an older model and keeping it in great condition. (So this side quest probably won’t work for you if you want this year’s model.) When it came time to sell, they leaned on seasonal timing and presentation upgrades to attract buyers. The result? A car ownership experience that reads like a win in a strategy game. Dive into the full article to level up your car-buying and selling skills!
A Midlife Crisis Without the Sports Car
Have you ever felt like the pursuit of success is an endless loop, leaving you with less satisfaction the closer you get? In a world that values achievement above all else, it’s easy to become ensnared in the meritocracy trap, constantly chasing degrees, job titles, and accolades in the hope of finding fulfillment. Yet, this relentless striving often leaves us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled, wondering if the very goals we chase are more burden than blessing.
At first, the freedom was incredible—my climbing improved, and I enjoyed a crowd-free existence. But soon, I realized that even climbing—something I’d once loved for the joy of moving over stone—was becoming another form of achievement.
~Clipping Chains
This article recounts one person’s journey to escape the grind of meritocracy by retiring early, only to discover that financial independence and leisure weren’t the answers they’d hoped for. From stepping away from a high-powered career to pursuing passions like climbing and writing, the author realized that the trap of striving extended even into these pursuits. Ultimately, they found meaning not in unchecked freedom but in purposeful work and connections to something larger than themselves. Drawing on lessons from Taoist philosophy and stories of collaborative effort, the article reminds us that true fulfillment comes from aligning our values with meaningful contributions—not just ticking off life goals. For a deeper dive into the author’s reflections and practical insights, the full article is a must-read.
3 Worst Performing Dividend Kings in 2024
What makes some investments rise while others fall, even among historically dependable stocks? 2024 delivered mixed results in the world of Dividend Kings, or companies with at least 50 years of consecutive dividend increases. While the broader stock market flourished, boosted by declining inflation and a series of Federal Reserve rate cuts, dividend-focused stocks lagged behind tech and growth sectors for the second year in a row. Amid this trend, a few Dividend Kings stood out for their underperformance, highlighting the complexities and risks of even the most reputed investments.
The 2024 Dividend Kings did not perform well in relative terms. This year, the Dividend Kings have climbed roughly 6.7% with dividends reinvested, as seen in the chart from Stock Rover*, which is worse than the Nasdaq Composite (+31%), Dow Jones Industrial Average (+14%), S&P 500 Index (+25%), and the Russell 2000 (+27%).
~Prakesh Kolli, Dividend Power
In this article, Prakash Kolli dives into why 2024 was a tough year for three Dividend Kings: SJW Group, Stepan Company, and Nucor. SJW Group struggled with regulatory delays and rising interest rates, which increased borrowing costs and hindered its ability to secure rate hikes. Stepan Company faced global headwinds, including inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, which squeezed margins and reduced demand for its specialty chemicals. Meanwhile, Nucor saw its profitability hit hard by falling steel prices, declining demand in key sectors like construction and automotive, and broader economic uncertainty. These challenges caused significant share price declines for all three companies, showcasing how even long-standing dividend stocks are not immune to market turbulence. If you are a dividend investor, you’ll want to dive into Kolli’s full analysis to explore how these setbacks unfolded and what they mean for investors.