Around the web 2/28/2015

Not all lottery winners are financially irresponsible. Take this woman in Ireland, for example, who is investing her lottery winnings into her hometown (and charities), to provide opportunity for others:
http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/unemployed-woman-wins-46-million-lottery-jackpot-gives-2-million-away/

Antoine Walker, however, had to learn his lesson the hard way. He now advocates the importance of saying "no." Walker plans to spread this message in his forthcoming book and documentary about his personal financial struggles. (This book and documentary will probably make him another windfall! It seems that he's learned his lesson, though--perhaps he'll hang on to his money this time around!)
http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/antoine-walker-blew-110-million/


Think Bill Gates is the richest person ever? Think again! Time for a history lesson:
http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/deeper-look-life-mansa-musa-richest-human-ever-lived/

This is why I prefer Android over iOS...and, really, why I don't recommend buying Apple products: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/35889/20150227/googles-sundar-pichai-calls-out-apple-irresponsible-charge-much.htm
To be clear, I think Apple makes quality products. I also think they charge too much for their quality products, and--like the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright--don't trust their customers enough.

Excellent advice on how to build a Warren Buffett-like portfolio that puts your money to work for you: http://www.dividendmantra.com/2014/10/create-your-own-miniature-berkshire-hathaway/

And, if you've ever wondered what $1 trillion would look like in $100 bills (US), there's a rendering here: http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/1-trillion-dollars-look-like/

Excited about getting the latest smartphone? Don't be.

This weekend, manufacturers will show off their latest and greatest smartphones at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow. Buzz is building among tech fans--but I'm not drinking the Kool-Aid.

As detailed at BGR, a tech site for mobile consumer devices, it's better for your wallet if you're not an early adopter of mobile (or, really, any) technologies. This graph explains why not:

Pretend to Be Poor: Contentment, not investment, is the secret to financial freedom

On the website Pretend to Be Poor, Neil and Kalie Brooks advocate the idea that contentment with one's life is the secret to financial freedom: http://www.pretendtobepoor.com/the-secret/ There's a lot of wisdom in this--the people who outspend their income are the ones who are trying to show off, or trying to please other people.

If you're content with your possessions and lifestyle, then you are truly free from having to worry about money!

In another post here: http://www.pretendtobepoor.com/mindless-austerity/, they discuss "mindless austerity." This works well in tandem with automating your finances. Many think you should pay your bills automatically so you won't be charged a late fee.

The corollary advocated in this article is that you should automatically adopt habits that encourage you to stay within your budget, like packing your lunch and shopping at discount grocery stores. I agree!

I encourage you to check out the Pretend to Be Poor website here: it has a lot of useful advice!

Bound no more!

Tired of being bound to your cell phone carrier? You may not be!

As of February 11, 2015, a U.S. law called the "Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act" went into effect. What does this mean?

You can unlock your phone and [hypothetically] sign up with another carrier, whether you have a contract phone or a phone on an off-contract, prepaid plan (as I recommend here).