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About me - Andrew Allen

Interests: Photography, Teaching and Playing Guitar, Running, Reading, Writing

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Personal Finance > Financial Planning Book review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki: 2 of 12
In Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Kiyosaki describes the lessons that his two dads taught him about money and its management. To clarify, he had one biological dad and the other was the father of his friend. One of them was highly educated with multiple advanced degrees, the other had an 8th grade education. One was very wealthy, the ot... More..
Health & Fitness > Exercise Tips Running on a treadmill vs. running outdoors: 9 of 33
Running on a treadmill has the benefit of a more cushioned ride with lessened strain on one's body. A treadmill can be built with a shock absorption system which dissipates jolts and pounding, rather than them being absorbed by the legs and joints of the runner. Additional benefits of running on a treadmill include the abilit... More..
Personal Finance > Credit Cards Should teens have credit cards?: 22 of 77
Ah credit cards, that ubiquitous accompaniment that goes along with any person of status. Might as well start early on building credit, eh?While some can handle the responsibility that comes with a credit card, the vast majority of people whether adult or teenagers do not pay off their balance each month. Studies have estimat... More..
Sports & Recreation > Training & Equipment How to get started with distance running: 2 of 7
One of the most important things to consider if interested in distance running is a person's present physical condition. Getting a doctor's clearance prior to beginning a program should be first on the agenda.Next, the runner should make certain they have a good pair of comfortable running shoes. Shoes can make or break a run... More..
Sports & Recreation > Running Marathon training guide: 2 of 6
People who run marathons are crazy. Seriously. 26.2 miles is an extraordinarily long distance. Up to 20 miles is reasonable but beyond that begins the insanity.If however you still insist on running one, let me adequately prepare you for what is to come. You should begin training a minimum of 18 weeks prior to the race. Runni... More..
Personal Finance > Retirement Who can set up a Roth IRA?: 2 of 6
Perhaps you've heard of Roth IRAs but don't know a lot about them. Are you eligible? What does setting one up entail?A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) refers to a retirement plan which grows tax free. This differs from a 401(k) in that money placed into a 401(k) is funded by pretax dollars from a person's paycheck. M... More..
Sports & Recreation > Running Base training for distance running: 1 of 3
When looking to begin training for a 5k or a distance farther than this, there are several things to keep in mind. The training schedule should be a guide to work from not a slave master. Life happens, so the schedule can be adjusted accordingly and as what works best for you is determined. The first phase should be base trai... More..
Personal Finance > Stock Market Should you invest in mutual funds or individual stocks?: 11 of 25
The vast majority of people should invest in mutual funds. Essentially, a mutual fund is a conglomeration of various stocks, and/or bonds, and cash. It is funded by many investors pooling their money together and rely on the expertise of a professional mutual fund manager who with a team of analysts manage the investments. Th... More..
Arts & Humanities > British Literature Book reviews: 1984, by George Orwell: 12 of 25
This classic story of Orwell's imagined future in 1984 written during the 1950s is a stark warning against totalitarian systems of government. In the story the government is headed by a shadowy figure titled Big Brother. This popular reference to "the man" or other monitoring organization originates in this story. The basic c... More..
Relationships & Family > Tips for Marital Happiness Should couples live together before getting married?: 61 of 124
Certainly, most people do not think a close relationship will end, so what's wrong with sharing this ultimate intimate act with that special someone? Although we might like to think otherwise, studies have shown that 39 percent of those who cohabitate before marriage break up. Of those cohabitators who do get married, 72 perc... More..