My Money Blog

Tips On How To Cancel A Credit Card… Profitably!

Posted on October 3, 2007 // 33 Comments

You may have already heard from me and other articles that canceling a credit card does not help your credit score. But sometimes, you just have to do it. For example, you may have an annual fee or some ongoing customer service nightmare. What's … [Read the rest]

Choosing Between Limited 401(k) Investment Options

Posted on October 2, 2007 // 26 Comments

Many of us are faced with the dilemma of putting money into a 401k due to the tax-advantages, but only being presented with limited investment options. Personally, up until now to have 401k's all run by the giant Fidelity, but this time around we … [Read the rest]

October 2007 Financial Status / Net Worth Update

Posted on October 1, 2007 // 40 Comments

About My Credit Card Debt If you're a newer reader, you may have some concerns about my high levels of credit card debt. I'm actually borrowing money for free at 0% interest, putting it in high yield savings accounts that earn me 5% interest or … [Read the rest]

Zecco Trading Changes Free Stocks Trades Offer

Posted on October 1, 2007 // 16 Comments

Zecco Trading has just changed their pricing for new accounts from 40 free trades/month to 10 trades/month, and there is a new requirement that you must have $2,500 in account equity (cash + value of stocks). If you have less than $2,500, then trades … [Read the rest]

Have You Noticed How Much Free Online TV There Is?

Posted on September 30, 2007 // 16 Comments

I'm probably way behind the times, but I'm impressed by how many full episodes of TV shows are free online now. I had completely missed the first episode of the new season of Beauty and the Geek (a horrible show that I'm ashamed to admit I watch, … [Read the rest]

Free Book on Index Funds For Filling Out Risk Survey

Posted on September 29, 2007 // 9 Comments

Right now, if you visit the IFA.com home page you will see an offer for a free e-Book version [pdf] of the book Index Funds: The 12-Step Program for Active Investors if you fill out a 'Risk Capacity Survey'. This is actually a pretty good book; … [Read the rest]

Getting Defensive About Spending Habits

Posted on September 28, 2007 // 58 Comments

Here's a mild little rant to end the work week. It's about people judging other's spending habits. Let's start off with those who think there are some who save too much. Take this comment received by MyTwoDollars: You always talk about saving … [Read the rest]

A Few Updates About Banks and Interest Rates

Posted on September 27, 2007 // 84 Comments

Lots of e-mails coming in from banks today... HSBC Direct drops from 5.05% to 4.50% APY. Yeesh... not a good sign for online savings accounts in general! FNBO Direct announces that the new rate as of 1/13/13 is 0.85% APY. Ho-hum, about what I … [Read the rest]

Flip Side: Finding The Best Active Mutual Fund Managers

Posted on September 26, 2007 // 18 Comments

Yesterday, I posted about why I chose against investing in most actively-managed funds. I actually do hold one actively-managed fund right now, the Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Market Fund (BRSIX). Why did I choose this fund? It turns out that … [Read the rest]

Alan Greenspan Interview On The Daily Show

Posted on September 25, 2007 // 7 Comments

Alan Greenspan was a guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart recently, mainly to promote his new book The Age of Turbulence but conveniently after the recent rate cut. It was amusing seeing Greenspan in the hot seat. Via the Bogleheads. Update: … [Read the rest]

Talking Myself Out Of Buying Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Posted on September 25, 2007 // 40 Comments

As anyone can see, I like to invest my investment portfolio in passively-managed mutual funds. There are numerous reasons for this. For one, the average actively-managed fund underperforms the average passive fund. In addition, even if a fund … [Read the rest]