About My Credit Card Debt Newer readers may be alarmed by my high levels of credit card debt. In short, I'm borrowing money for free and keeping it in safe investments while earning me interest. Along with other things, this helps me earn extra … [Read the rest]
Our Savings Rate Is (Still) Negative: Should We Worry?
Posted on February 4, 2007 // 27 Comments
A few days ago, the US Department of Commerce released1 that the nation's savings rate for 2006 was negative 1%. This means as a whole we spent more than we earned after-taxes, again. (It was also negative for 2005). Much is being made about how … [Read the rest]
Free Samples From Wal-Mart
Posted on February 3, 2007 // 2 Comments
Manufacturers often give away free samples of their new products that will soon be on Wal-mart shelves. Even if you don't shop there, you can sign up for those free samples here. Currently available: - Dove shampoo for color-treated hair - … [Read the rest]
Are Online Savings Accounts Becoming A Commodity?
Posted on February 3, 2007 // 32 Comments
As online savings accounts get more and more popular, I get the feeling that they are becoming a mature product, almost a commodity. Sure, there will still be the occasional promotions, but for the most part all of the banks now are hovering around … [Read the rest]
Starting Your Own Portfolio Out With Limited Funds
Posted on February 3, 2007 // 3 Comments
All of these suggested portfolios were developed by smart people who did their homework. But none of them are the same! This is because every single one also made compromises based on their interpretation of current research, simplicity, … [Read the rest]
Model Portfolio #6: Merriman’s FundAdvice Ultimate Buy and Hold
Posted on February 2, 2007 // 31 Comments
(This is the sixth in my series of Model Portfolio Comparisons.) Paul Merriman also runs his own money management firm. He also writes at FundAdvice.com, which has a lot of interesting articles about investing in no-load mutual funds, with and … [Read the rest]
IRS Calculator To Help Determine Sales Tax Deduction
Posted on February 1, 2007 // 1 Comment
If you itemize deductions and live in a state with sales tax, give the IRS Sales Tax Deduction Calculator a spin. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on Schedule A of the Form 1040 in 2006 have the option of deducting the amount of state and local … [Read the rest]
Model Portfolio #5: A Random Walk Down Wall Street
Posted on February 1, 2007 // 7 Comments
(This is the fifth in my series of Model Portfolio Comparisons.) First written in 1973, Burton Malkiel's A Random Walk Down Wall Street (my review) has become an investing classic, pioneering the controversial idea that stock prices are random and … [Read the rest]
Reminder: Track Your Expenses For A Month
Posted on January 31, 2007 //
Just a quick reminder that I'm tracking my expenses in February, and everyone with a similar inclination should join in the fun. Here are the categories I assigned myself in PearBudget: Regular Expenses - Housing, Phone, Cable, Internet, … [Read the rest]
This Week in the Carnivals
Posted on January 31, 2007 // Leave a Comment
If you can't get your fill of financial talk, mosey on over to the Carnival of Investing (Monopoly Edition!), Carnival of Debt Reduction, and the Carnival of Personal Finance. Here are a few that stood out: Looking to learn from someone who's had … [Read the rest]
Wachovia Bank $50 Bonus For Free Checking Account
Posted on January 31, 2007 // 20 Comments
Wachovia Bank is offering a $50 sign-up bonus for opening one of their Free Checking accounts. The account looks pretty good, with no monthly service fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. However you will get a hard credit … [Read the rest]
All About Our Failed Online Business Idea
Posted on January 30, 2007 // 29 Comments
It's failure time! I've talked a little bit about an online business idea that my wife and I had about a year ago. I've even showed a few prototypes. But we've finally laid all hope or desire to pursue this business to rest. Here's the … [Read the rest]
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