Here a new time-waster: From the creators of LOLCats, GraphJam allows users to create charts that are funny and vote up the best ones. Two appropriate ones: I guess this explanation is patronizing then? And after yesterday... (Yes, … [Read the rest]
Conservative 529 Options: CollegeSure Tuition-Indexed CDs vs. Inflation-Protected Bonds (TIPS)
Posted on February 23, 2009 // 8 Comments
Recently, I have been exploring the "safe" options inside various 529 plans. This would be a good choice for those who want to feel like they are making continuous gradual progress and avoid the swings of the stock market, similar to what is offered … [Read the rest]
Nice & Simple Explanation of the Credit Crisis
Posted on February 20, 2009 // 31 Comments
By now, most of us have some sort of idea of what caused the current financial crisis. Some notable attempts at a simplified explanation include these Powerpoint slides with stick figures, this British comedy routine, and the "Giant Pool of Money" … [Read the rest]
Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan: Free $25 Opening Bonus
Posted on February 19, 2009 // 18 Comments
The Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 Savings Plan is again offering a $25 refer-a-friend bonus if you open an account and deposit at least $25 by May 31, 2009. You can be a resident of any state, and there are no application or annual fees. First … [Read the rest]
Don’t Be Stupid When Chasing Higher Yields
Posted on February 18, 2009 // 18 Comments
One of my biggest financial pet peeves is when people refuse to realize the connection between return and risk. Whenever you see an investment that offers a "guaranteed safe" or "insured" return that is significantly above what an FDIC-insured bank … [Read the rest]
Chart Comparing Historical Bear Market Periods
Posted on February 18, 2009 // 9 Comments
Via Calculated Risk, Doug Short has a series of charts comparing the movements of various bear markets. The one below compares the Dow starting in 1929 (Great Depression), the S&P 500 in 1973 (Oil Crisis), S&P in 2000 (Tech Crash), and the current … [Read the rest]
Measuring Prosperity: What Is Social Capital?
Posted on February 16, 2009 // 20 Comments
There are many forms of capital. Besides the usual definition of business capital (money), there is physical capital (a car, house, or other useful tool), human capital (your skills and education), and also social capital. According to Wikipedia, … [Read the rest]
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Highlights
Posted on February 13, 2009 // 43 Comments
The House and Senate have reached an agreement on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known everywhere as "that huge stimulus bill". I couldn't stop myself from taking a peek. Here are some details that directly affect most … [Read the rest]
Reader Questions: Lending Club Peer-to-Peer Lending Q&A
Posted on February 12, 2009 // 20 Comments
Back in December, I wrote a detailed review of the "new" LendingClub, a site which lets individuals lend money directly to other individuals and earn 7-20% interest (depending on credit scores). Many of you sent additional questions about … [Read the rest]
Rejected For A Bank Account? Get Your Free Annual ChexSystems Report
Posted on February 11, 2009 // 12 Comments
Last week, I heard a co-worker complain about being denied when trying to open a new checking account. I told her to check her ChexSystems report. ChexSystems is a consumer information database that contains information about your banking history, … [Read the rest]
Escape Card from Discover Review: 25,000 Mile Bonus + Free Primary Rental Car Insurance
Posted on February 10, 2009 // 4 Comments
The new Escape by Discover® Card is a new travel rewards credit card with some profit potential. Here's my review and analysis: 25,000 Miles Sign-Up Bonus ($250 credit towards Travel) You get 1,000 Miles for each month that you make any purchase … [Read the rest]
Links: Bear Market Lessons, Free School, Minimalist Kitchen, Job Ideas
Posted on February 10, 2009 // 4 Comments
Here are some more assorted links from my recent online wanderings... Lessons We Should Have Learned before the Bear Market Arrived This is a presentation by Jack Bogle, founder of The Vanguard Group, back in April 2001 after the last big stock … [Read the rest]
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