My Money Blog

May 2008 Financial Status / Net Worth Update

Posted on May 5, 2008 // 26 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]

Spring Cleaning: “One Year Rule” For Reducing Clutter

Posted on May 4, 2008 // 32 Comments

photo: sindesign I spent most of today going through all our stuff to see what would go in the house. The one negative of having your employer pay for relocation costs is that you are less motivated to fully purge all of your belongings... As … [Read the rest]

The Coming Collapse of the Middle Class?

Posted on May 2, 2008 // 61 Comments

Sound a bit bleak, but this lecture by Professor Elizabeth Warren explores how a middle class family in 1970 differs financially from one in 2005. The full title is The Coming Collapse of the Middle Class: Higher Risks, Lower Rewards, and a … [Read the rest]

New Series I Bonds Fixed Rate is… ZERO

Posted on May 1, 2008 // 34 Comments

Wow, harsh. No wonder they finally started to enforce the buying limits recently. Hope people bought what they could in April. … [Read the rest]

Good Credit Can’t Protect You From Ignorance

Posted on May 1, 2008 // 48 Comments

Maybe I just didn't get enough sleep last night, but the media really has to do a better job to find people with problems that I can sympathize with. The title of this Fortune article is Good credit can't protect borrowers from bad loans - "More … [Read the rest]

Zecco Switches To Electronic Statements and Trade Confirmations

Posted on May 1, 2008 // 13 Comments

For those of you who have been using Zecco and their free stock trades, no longer will you have to endure a paper trade confirmation being mailed to your home for every single trade. Here's how to switch: How do I sign up for Paperless? Just sign … [Read the rest]

Wise Investing Made Simple by Larry Swedroe

Posted on April 30, 2008 // 11 Comments

I've been getting back into reading financial books, but am really behind in writing reviews for them. One book I finished last month was Wise Investing Made Simple by Larry Swedroe, which promises "Tales to Enrich Your Future". The key word is … [Read the rest]

Do You Have More Questions About Buying A House?

Posted on April 30, 2008 // 29 Comments

I have organized all of my experiences as a first-time homebuyer to one central page. It's huge, sometimes I can't believe I wrote all that stuff. Hopefully it can be of some help so other folks. Although I have few things left, I seem to be close … [Read the rest]

How To Buy Paper Series I Savings Bonds

Posted on April 28, 2008 // 48 Comments

While on my lunch break, I went over and bought some Series I Savings bonds, due to their high interest rates described here. Technically I had two more days until the 30th to get an April 2008 issue date, but I didn't want to cut it too close in … [Read the rest]

Updates: Earn $100+ In Free Money Trying Out Financial Services

Posted on April 27, 2008 // 16 Comments

Here's an updated list of companies willing to pay you to try out their services. None of these listed require a credit check. See links for more info. RevolutionMoneyExchange $25 Bonus. Offer extended to May 15th, so get in by then if you haven't … [Read the rest]

IRS Economic Stimulus Check Promotions: 10% Bonus at Albertson’s, Kroger, K-Mart, Sears, and More

Posted on April 27, 2008 // 38 Comments

The economic stimulus checks are coming! Before depositing your tax rebate at the bank, it might be a good idea to see what retailers will offer you for it. While I don't necessarily like the idea of treating this extra money as different from any … [Read the rest]

No Rice For You!

Posted on April 25, 2008 // 37 Comments

While shopping at Costco yesterday, I was greeted with a peculiar sign: We bought one bag, which apparently did not require supervisor approval. My weak understanding of all the buzz: 1. Rice prices globally are rising. 2. This is greatly … [Read the rest]