I've been thinking about all the various jobs I've held during my life. I remembered that even as a 10-year old child, I dreamed about being financially independent in the way that I worked for money and could live on my own - I wanted to be like … [Read the rest]
Crazy Idea: Double Your Savings Rate With Credit Card Bonuses
Posted on September 18, 2012 // 42 Comments
Every so often, I receive e-mails very similar to the one below regarding credit card bonuses. It's a valid question, so I wanted to make a thoughtful reply. Do you ever total up the amount that you actually save on your credit cards via bonus … [Read the rest]
Caine’s Arcade: Creative Kid Entrepreneur + Follow-Up
Posted on September 17, 2012 // 5 Comments
If you haven't seen this film about 9-year-old Caine and how he turned loneliness and boredom into his own cardboard video game arcade and an inspirational phenomenon, you must watch it now: (youtube link) There's also now a follow-up clip … [Read the rest]
AT&T Promotions – $25 AutoPay, $10 Paperless Bonus
Posted on September 17, 2012 // 10 Comments
If you are an AT&T Wireless, U-verse, Home Phone, or Internet customer, here are some promotions that are currently available. $25 for AutoPay Sign up for automatic payment of your bill via credit card or bank account and get a $25 prepaid Visa … [Read the rest]
Meet America’s Youngest Landlord
Posted on September 13, 2012 // 17 Comments
Here's a nice feel-good story about a financially-savvy teenager. 14-year-old Willow Tufano may be America's youngest landlord. She bought a house in a short sale in Port Charlotte, Florida for $12,000. The 3-bedroom house is now rented out for … [Read the rest]
How to Pay Zero Income Taxes in Retirement With Mixed IRAs
Posted on September 12, 2012 // 28 Comments
How about another mental exercise on taxes? I usually enjoy Christine Benz's articles on Morningstar, and When Taxes Collide With Your Asset Allocation was no exception. She presents the following scenario: Let's say a 65-year-old woman is … [Read the rest]
Save More vs. Earn More: A Dollar Saved Is Two Dollars Earned
Posted on September 11, 2012 // 76 Comments
Earn more. Save more. Those are the two ways to get out of debt and build wealth. I'm a big proponent of doing both, but for many people it may be easier to cut back on some luxuries rather than land a higher-paying job, start a side business, … [Read the rest]
College Tuition Inflation: Net Out-of-Pocket vs. Published Sticker Prices
Posted on September 10, 2012 // 16 Comments
Now that I have a renewed interest in college costs (read: a kid), I'm paying more attention to the ongoing student loan debt discussion. One major talking point is the rising cost, but there seems to be a big difference between the published or … [Read the rest]
Free Business & Finance Audiobooks on Audible.com
Posted on September 9, 2012 // 3 Comments
Here are some finance-related audiobooks from Audible.com (owned by Amazon.com) that are currently free with no trial required. Download them now, listen to them later. Via gymsock of SD. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful … [Read the rest]
Stop Delivery of Physical Phone Books – YellowPagesOptOut.com
Posted on September 7, 2012 // 14 Comments
Visit YellowPagesOptOut.com to stop the delivery of those huge phone books. The site is reasonably easy-to-use, although they ask for a phone number and I chose not to provide my real phone number to an industry based on unsolicited advertising. I … [Read the rest]
Loyal Financial Group – Possible Scam or Ponzi Scheme?
Posted on September 5, 2012 // 29 Comments
(Update: They are now blocking visits with my referral domain. You can view the site directly by typing in www.loyalfinancial.com.) I received an e-mail today asking me to look into Loyal Financial Private Investments at LoyalFinancial.com and … [Read the rest]
Coupons.com Savings Club Free 1-Year Membership
Posted on September 5, 2012 // 3 Comments
Coupons.com is - surprise! - a site that offers digital and printable coupons online to many major brands. They also have a "Savings Club" where you pay $30 a year and get access to bigger coupons and a Coupon Finder tool. To celebrate their … [Read the rest]
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