Most of my friends on Facebook show themselves doing something they love as their profile pictures. Hiking, partying, sitting on a beach. But ones that are now real estate agents? I get the standard "Hey, I'm a real estate agent!" pose. You … [Read the rest]
Iowa Floods: Reconsidering Flood Insurance
Posted on June 17, 2008 // 33 Comments
This is not how I like to get reminded of things, but sometimes that's just how it goes. I hope all those out there affected by the floods are at least safe. A few months ago I wrote about buying flood insurance even if you are not required to … [Read the rest]
US Mint Lets You Buy Cash With A Credit Card
Posted on June 16, 2008 // 38 Comments
Reader Chris sends in a way to turn credit into cash: I just discovered a great way to turn credit into cash. This would be great to use with a 0% intro APR card and stick in the bank. Circulating $1 Coin Direct Ship Rolls If you go to … [Read the rest]
Applying the Concept of Kaizen To Personal Finance
Posted on June 15, 2008 // 24 Comments
Kaizen is a a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous, gradual improvements in all areas of life. A popular example is that of Toyota Motors, where any worker can stop the entire factory line if they see an abnormality and worker suggestions … [Read the rest]
HSBC Direct Online Savings Back Up To 3.50% APY Until 8/15
Posted on June 12, 2008 // 20 Comments
I love no-fee no-minimum balance online banks because I can always keep them open in case they kick up another rate promotion. Also, no worrying about making a ton of small debit purchases at the beginning of each month! HSBC Direct announced … [Read the rest]
Rewards Checking Accounts: Higher Interest Worth The Extra Trouble?
Posted on June 12, 2008 // 187 Comments
UPDATE: Rates have dropped, but these checking account still maintain around 2% APY edge over traditional online savings banks and 3% APY over big megabanks. You may have seen some billboards or heard a radio ad around town for a local credit … [Read the rest]
Drink Starbucks? Sign Up For Their Rewards Program
Posted on June 9, 2008 // 11 Comments
The NY Times reports that Starbucks has a new rewards program where you can get free soy milk/syrup, free same-visit refills on drip coffee (hot or iced), and two free hours of WiFi per day. It's free to sign up, but you will need a Starbucks gift … [Read the rest]
Calculating Life Insurance Needs: Capital Needs Analysis
Posted on June 9, 2008 // 12 Comments
There are a bunch of different ways to determine how much life insurance you need, from a simple "ten times your salary" to complex Monte Carlo simulations. Somewhere in between is the "capital needs analysis", which is often used by insurance … [Read the rest]
Test Drive a Saleen Sports Car, Get Paid $25
Posted on June 9, 2008 // 13 Comments
Still more proof that recession is upon us... Sports car maker Saleen is offering folks a $25 gift card for test-driving one of their speedy but expensive cars. Pictured above is a Saleen-modified Ford Mustang S281 RF with 465 horsepower, 425 … [Read the rest]
Funny Piggy Banks
Posted on June 6, 2008 // 24 Comments
Posting has been light due to a short vacation, but should pick up again next week. Here's a funny piggy bank I found at a small gift shop: Guess where all the money ends up... Okay, not everyone with me found it funny. :) It is certainly … [Read the rest]
4 Free Reports With Your Personal Insurance, Employment, and Tenant History
Posted on June 4, 2008 // 11 Comments
Most of us know about the free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. This is mandated by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which basically says that consumers should be able to see (and dispute) the massive amount of … [Read the rest]
June 2008 Financial Status / Net Worth Update
Posted on June 3, 2008 // 34 Comments
Credit Card Debt If you're a new reader, let me start out as usual by explaining the credit card debt. I'm actually taking money from 0% APR balance transfer offers and instead of spending it, I am placing it in high-yield savings accounts that … [Read the rest]
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