I am currently reading The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau (review coming shortly). In one of the early chapters, he talks about an exercise where you write out how your perfect, idealized day would go in great detail, hour-by-hour. I've … [Read the rest]
AutoSlash.com: Car Rental Price Search Engine
Posted on March 14, 2011 // 18 Comments
It's always fun to find out new tools to save you time and money. Started by some regulars on the Flyertalk travel forum, AutoSlash.com is a website specifically made for car rentals. Yes, all the big guys like Expedia and Hotwire do car … [Read the rest]
Free Star Alliance Silver Elite Status (Free Checked Bag on Continental/United and US Airways)
Posted on March 14, 2011 // 13 Comments
British Midland International, an airline based in the UK, is currently offering new members of their frequent flier club Diamond Club instant a free upgrade to Silver Elite status, good for 12 months. The important associated perk is that this … [Read the rest]
Bought A Pre-Made Emergency Bug-Out Bag
Posted on March 11, 2011 // 11 Comments
(As I publish this post, I see that California and Hawaii are on a tsunami watch after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. Goodness.) Earlier this week, my brother-in-law sent me a link to a post on the Art of Manliness blog on How to Make a … [Read the rest]
Getting Married To Save Money On College Tuition?
Posted on March 10, 2011 // 11 Comments
After seeing my Grandparents and 529s article, a reader sent me a link to WhyPayTuition.com, which is a matchmaking site that promotes the idea of getting a "convenience" marriage solely for the purpose of reducing your tuition bill: The easiest … [Read the rest]
Creating Lifetime Income via AARP Immediate Annuity
Posted on March 8, 2011 // 15 Comments
While perusing through old magazines in the dentists office, I came across an ad for annuity with the usual headline "Get a monthly income check GUARANTEED for life". I took a picture of the ad, the payout rates are below: The specific … [Read the rest]
MicroPlace Microlending: Free $20 to Invest
Posted on March 7, 2011 // 12 Comments
As you may know, I support microlending to poor entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva and Microplace. I have a little under four thousand dollars spread across both sites, and intend to continuously reinvest my principal and any … [Read the rest]
Grandparents + 529 College Savings Plans = Loophole?
Posted on March 7, 2011 // 18 Comments
There was a discussion on Bogleheads recently about giving money to grandparents so that could invest in a 529 college savings plan for their grandchildren. While it brought more light on what I think is a flawed financial aid system, it also … [Read the rest]
Reaching the “I Can Do This” Moment
Posted on March 4, 2011 // 13 Comments
Like millions of other people out there, I decided to start trying to lose weight and get in better shape on January 1st. I cut out virutally all meat and was eating tons of fresh vegetables and whole grains. I went to the gym, ran outside, or … [Read the rest]
Net Worth & Goals Update – March 2011
Posted on March 2, 2011 // 23 Comments
Oh alright, here's another net worth update. My last snapshot was about 9 months ago. I know people like the voyeurism, but hopefully my commentary will also provide some helpful insights as to achieving our goals. Credit Card Debt I used to … [Read the rest]
Low Cost Stock Broker Alternatives 2011
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 7 Comments
If you're thinking about switching online stock brokers, perhaps due to a price increase, here are some low-cost options. To avoid the common $50 to $75 ACAT transfer-out fee for moving your entire portfolio somewhere else, you can sell all your … [Read the rest]
Zecco Trading Ends Free Trade Offer, Now $4.95 Per Trade
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 4 Comments
Discount brokerage Zecco Trading announced this weekend that effectively immediately, they will no longer offer 10 free trades per month for those with assets of $25,000 and over. Here is partial text from the e-mail: Starting on March 30, 2011, our … [Read the rest]
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