My Money Blog

Predicting the New I-Bond Rates For May 2007

Posted on April 22, 2007 // 5 Comments

Just like last last April, using the newly released March CPU-I data and the information in my How To Predict I-Bond Savings Bond Rates post, we can now try to predict the upcoming I-Bond rate announcement on May 1st. The CPI-U in September 2006 … [Read the rest]

Zecco Free Trades Broker Review, Part 1: Introduction and Opening Process Overview

Posted on April 22, 2007 // 125 Comments

I decided to open a brokerage account with Zecco.com. This is not going to be my main brokerage account just yet, but I do plan on using it. (I'm going to revive my Play Money account, for those that have been reading for a while. More on this … [Read the rest]

Las Vegas: Getting Lucky, 1000x Slot Jackpots, ATM Fees

Posted on April 20, 2007 // 10 Comments

I'm back from Sin City and I am exhausted. Let's see what kind of money-related and non-incriminating stories I can tell :) Not quite whales, but... we did stay in the Player's Room Suite at New York New York. It's the ultimate players … [Read the rest]

The Las Vegas Coupon Run: Is Frugal Gambling An Oxymoron?

Posted on April 20, 2007 // 13 Comments

If you're going to Vegas, should you even bother worrying about being frugal? I mean, I've never seen so many Hummers in my life, and you need sunglasses while walking around at 4am. It's the land of excess. But one idea for the frugalites out … [Read the rest]

What Features Make Up The Ultimate Checking Account?

Posted on April 19, 2007 // 29 Comments

If you're comparing checking accounts, what are the features that one should consider? It's not all about the interest rate. In no particular order, I would want: Low minimum balance requirement - This helps include more people, and there is … [Read the rest]

Parallels Between Gambling And Investing

Posted on April 17, 2007 // 19 Comments

I'm writing this while at the airport on the way to Las Vegas, so please bear with me. The analogies might be a bit of a stretch, but here are some ways I think gambling is a lot like investing... Debate as you like. Costs matter. If you believe … [Read the rest]

Vanguard Offers More ETF Equivalents To Their Index Mutual Funds

Posted on April 16, 2007 // 27 Comments

With Vanguard recently launching their new bond ETFs, I can almost reconstruct my entire portfolio of Vanguard mutual funds using their equivalent ETFs instead. While they won't work well for everyone, I am glad that Vanguard is offering this option … [Read the rest]

My Current Bank Account Setup To Maximize Interest

Posted on April 15, 2007 // 66 Comments

Over a year and a half ago I shared how I juggled my bank accounts to maximize interest. It was the best I could do then, although it was a bit annoying as transfers between banks still took a couple of days. My current set up now involves … [Read the rest]

April 17th Is Coming! How I Estimated My Tax Liability For Tax Extension Form 4868

Posted on April 14, 2007 // 14 Comments

Please don't take the following as tax advice. It's what I did, not necessarily what others should do. I'm filing Form 4868 for an automatic extension of time to file my tax return. But that doesn't give me any extra time to pay any taxes owed, so … [Read the rest]

More Thoughts On Buying Vs. Renting Calculations

Posted on April 14, 2007 // 15 Comments

There were some great comments on the NY Times buy vs. rent article, and many of them echo my own sentiments. Buying versus renting a house is a very individual decision. I do agree that the point of the article is that due to people's differing … [Read the rest]

Where Are All My 1099 Forms?

Posted on April 13, 2007 // 8 Comments

Here I am, trying to start on my taxes but wondering why only half of my clients sent me a 1099-MISC this year! It turns out that businesses do not have to send a 1099-MISC to corporations no matter how much money they paid them. My business is an … [Read the rest]

New York Times Weighs In On Buying Vs. Renting A Home

Posted on April 12, 2007 // 14 Comments

I am still "away from the office", but here is a very interesting New York Times article about buying versus renting a house I wanted to share - A Word of Advice During a Housing Slump: Rent. I'll add more commentary after I fly back tomorrow, … [Read the rest]