My Money Blog

TradeKing New Account $50 Bonus

Posted on August 3, 2009 // 3 Comments

Online broker TradeKing.com has brought back their $50 sign-up bonus for new accounts as part of celebrating National Friendship Day. If you get a referral from an existing account holder, fund it with at least $1,000, and make a trade, both people … [Read the rest]

WT Direct Extends $150 Promotion to August 15

Posted on August 3, 2009 // 2 Comments

Online bank WT Direct has extended the terms of their $150 bonus promotion such that you only need to have your account funded by August 15th (previously July 31st). You can read about the details in this previous WT Direct $150 bonus post. Keep … [Read the rest]

Goldstar: Half-Off Local Events In 8 Major Cities

Posted on July 31, 2009 // 1 Comment

Feeling the recession, but still want to get out of the house? You might consider signing up for Goldstar, which helps you to "Go out more". They offer half-price tickets on plays, concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibits. So far, it … [Read the rest]

Free Wireless Internet Access at Barnes and Noble

Posted on July 30, 2009 // 8 Comments

Barnes & Noble bookstores and AT&T are now offering free wireless internet access to everyone. You can use this storefinder to see which ones have free Wi-Fi. Seems like they are now promoting their own e-Books as well through the service. Via … [Read the rest]

EPA Changes MPG Ratings Last-Minute For Cash For Clunkers

Posted on July 29, 2009 // 15 Comments

In my post Does My Car Qualify For Cash for Clunkers?, one of the major requirements was that the car must have a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg or less, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Many people have been complaining that their old car gets … [Read the rest]

Rental Property vs. REZ Residential Index ETF

Posted on July 28, 2009 // 16 Comments

Many people see owning a rental property as a ticket to prosperity. But wouldn't it be nice if you could simply own an interest in a rental property, but not have any of the accompanying hassles? I'm far from an expert in this field, but let's … [Read the rest]

Jamba Juice Buy One Get One Free Coupon

Posted on July 28, 2009 // 5 Comments

Jamba Juice just sent me this buy 1 get 1 free coupon. Expires 8/9. Good for those overheating states right now! Yes, it is overpriced fruit. … [Read the rest]

Steal This Book

Posted on July 28, 2009 // 59 Comments

How do you read a book that you can't buy in bookstores or find in libraries... because people keep stealing them since the title is Steal This Book? Even used copies are selling for double the retail list price. By reading a ripped off copy on … [Read the rest]

Why Social Security Is Going Broke: Two Simple Charts

Posted on July 26, 2009 // 50 Comments

In 1940, the required age to receive full benefits from Social Security was 65. According to chart below, most people didn't even reach 65 at that time. Today, average life expectancies are over 11 years longer (and still rising), yet the full … [Read the rest]

The Hawthorne Effect and Better Money Management

Posted on July 24, 2009 // 18 Comments

I was reading an article in Wired Magazine about improving one's health with new personal metrics devices such as the Nike+iPod kit, which is a neat device that helps you easily track and records details about your running. Did you know that all it … [Read the rest]

Warning: Banks Automatically Renew CDs Upon Maturity, 7-Day Grace Periods

Posted on July 23, 2009 // 37 Comments

It's hard to believe that back in August 2008, I was able to get a 5% APY 12-month CD from Washington Mutual (now Chase). Since it's almost time, I called today to see if I could designate how I wanted the funds to be disbursed upon maturity. … [Read the rest]

Should Home Equity Be Part Of Your Portfolio Asset Allocation?

Posted on July 22, 2009 // 19 Comments

When people talk about asset allocation, they usually refer to the relative amount of stocks or bonds in their portfolio (like the model portfolios shown here). But I am occasionally asked whether to include personal home equity in asset allocation. … [Read the rest]