My Money Blog

Tidbits From Warren Buffett’s Biography, The Snowball: The Early Years

Posted on May 20, 2009 // 16 Comments

I am currently reading The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. As an authorized biography of Warren Buffett intended for the general public and not a book specifically about investing per se, I think that so far it … [Read the rest]

Chase Checking Account $100 Bonus Coupon Code

Posted on May 20, 2009 // 44 Comments

Chase Bank is offering a $100 bonus if you open a new Chase Checking(sm) account with $100 and either set up direct deposit or make five debit card purchases. Through the link, they will e-mail you a coupon with a unique code that you must print … [Read the rest]

WaMu (not Chase yet) Free Checking $100 Bonus

Posted on May 20, 2009 // 29 Comments

WaMu is offering a $100 bonus (Update 2: Found new link, thanks to reader Matt) if you open a WaMu Free Checking account and set up direct deposit or make five debit card purchases. Selected fine print: Bonus/Account Information — To qualify for … [Read the rest]

Sharebuilder Raising ACAT Outgoing Transfer Fees

Posted on May 19, 2009 // 1 Comment

Since we're on this topic, I was also notified that brokerage firm Sharebuilder is raising their outbound account transfer fees in mid-June. The fee to transfer an entire account out to another broker will rise to $75 from $50. The fee for a … [Read the rest]

EverBank Changes Fees On FreeNet Checking and Yield Pledge Savings Accounts, Makes ATM Rebates Automatic

Posted on May 19, 2009 // 9 Comments

I received a notice that EverBank is making a few changes to some of their more popular accounts as of June 1, 2009. Below is a summary. FreeNet Checking The Everbank FreeNet Checking account is their high-yield checking account with ATM … [Read the rest]

Mini-Recession Gardening: Growing Our Own Herbs

Posted on May 15, 2009 // 25 Comments

During World War II, victory gardens were small gardens in civilian homes started in order to support the war effort. Now it looks like the new term is "recession gardens", as people try to reduce costs and increase their green factor. So many … [Read the rest]

Costco Membership Certificates – Free Chicken, Coffee, Photo Prints, & More

Posted on May 14, 2009 // 34 Comments

Update: Costco is no longer allowing me to sell these certificates. Sorry! See Is Costco Executive Membership worth it? … [Read the rest]

Free Chocolate Bar Fridays From Mars

Posted on May 14, 2009 // 3 Comments

Every Friday until 9/25/09 starting at 9am ET, Mars is giving out 250,000 coupons for a free candy bar at RealChocolate.com. Also, an additional 250,000 coupons will be made available tomorrow, May 15th. Includes M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Dove Bar, 3 … [Read the rest]

LendingClub: My P2P Loan Portfolio Update (+Bonus)

Posted on May 13, 2009 // 49 Comments

I've been meaning to post some smaller updates about my ongoing experiences with person-to-person lending at LendingClub, but I decided to wait and roll them up into one larger post. Current Portfolio I now have a total of 32 active loans with … [Read the rest]

Terminix Inspection and Protection Plan For Termites: Worth It?

Posted on May 12, 2009 // 106 Comments

Another one of my new joys of home ownership is having to worry about termites eating my house from the inside out. Munch munch munch! The previous owners were signed up for something called the Terminix Inspection and Protection Plan, and the … [Read the rest]

FedEx Shipping Discount Code: Up to 30% Off Overnight + Permanent Discount

Posted on May 12, 2009 // 4 Comments

I received a snail-mail postcard that advertised up to 30% off certain FedEx Express shipping services, and 10% off FedEx Ground until May 31st, 2009. After that, you'll still get either 16% or 8% off eligible services. Seems like a potentially … [Read the rest]

Forever Stamps Not A Good Investment, Will Never Outpace Inflation

Posted on May 9, 2009 // 30 Comments

Postage rates will rise on Monday, May 11th. For example, a first-class stamp will become 44 cents, up from 42 cents. For some reason my Costco keeps reminding me of this, promoting the fact that they are selling a pack of 100 Forever stamps at a … [Read the rest]