My Money Blog

A Maxed Out Roth IRA = $11 a Day

Posted on August 13, 2007 // 31 Comments

$10 here, $25 there. What's the point of doing all these little things? For the most part, I look at grabbing freebies and bonuses as a hobby. Sure, there are a million different ways to make more money, and on a pure hourly-return basis it may … [Read the rest]

Deadline For Transferring 403(b) Plans Approaching

Posted on August 13, 2007 // 1 Comment

I've been reading up more on 403(b) plans since my wife is getting one. Although similar to a 401(k) in many ways, there are some important differences. Did you know that if you are unhappy with your administrator, you may be able to transfer it to … [Read the rest]

Sign-up Bonus: Free $5 From TextPayMe

Posted on August 12, 2007 // 51 Comments

The new service TextPayMe allows you to send money via your cell phone. Right now, if you sign up and confirm your cell phone takes text messages, you get $5. They seem to be legit, with a mention at CNN/Business 2.0. I just signed up, and got the $5 … [Read the rest]

Housing Bubble Talk: The Real Estate Cycle Is Moving Along Nicely

Posted on August 11, 2007 // 27 Comments

I couldn't help but catch some of the news coverage about this week's continuing fallout from subprime loans, the resulting stock market wobbles, and the overall tightening of the credit market. CNBC's ratings must be through the roof. Then tonight … [Read the rest]

Got A Camera And Some Free Time? Work For Google!

Posted on August 10, 2007 // 16 Comments

In an effort to gather even more information for Google Maps and to promote advertising on it, Google is offering now work (as an independent contractor) under the role of Google Business Referral Representative: As a Google Business Referral … [Read the rest]

Make Money From Credit Cards: 0% Balance Transfer Profit Calculator Tool

Posted on August 9, 2007 // 65 Comments

My series of articles on How To Make "Free" Money From 0% APR Balance Transfers has been very popular and many readers have also jumped in. Despite the risks, I'm still happily earning some money from the credit card companies for a change, and … [Read the rest]

Health Insurance Benefits: Should I Choose the HMO or PPO Plan?

Posted on August 8, 2007 // 47 Comments

Starting a new job means signing up for benefits. In terms of health insurance, this has usually boiled down to choosing either an HMO or PPO plan for us. I still have never been offered the option of a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a … [Read the rest]

Running On A Gilded Hamster Wheel

Posted on August 7, 2007 // 40 Comments

The New York Time recently published an article In Silicon Valley, Millionaires Who Don?t Feel Rich about people who have big savings and big salaries, but still keep working crazy hours: Mr. Kremen estimated his net worth at $10 million. That … [Read the rest]

Free Samples of Schick and Gillette Razors

Posted on August 6, 2007 // 16 Comments

I'm running low, but hopefully with these offers below, my streak of at over 5 years of not having to pay for razors can continue... Credit goes to Bargainshare. In my opinion, all razors are uni-sex. :) Free Schick Quattro Razor (don't forget to … [Read the rest]

August 2007 Financial Status / Net Worth Update

Posted on August 6, 2007 // 25 Comments

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 5-6% interest. Along with other things, this helps me earn … [Read the rest]

TradeKing Review: $4.95 Online Stock Broker

Posted on August 5, 2007 // 36 Comments

By request, I'm posting a review of my opinions experiences with online discount broker TradeKing. I've actually had an account with them for over a year now. This will be done from the perspective of a buy-and-hold investor in stocks and ETFs, not … [Read the rest]

4 Ways To Tell If You’re On Track For Retirement

Posted on August 4, 2007 // 24 Comments

August's issue of Money Magazine asks: Are You Doing The Right Things (For Retirement)? Although a bit mundane, it's offers a quick gut check. Here are the questions and my answers: 1) Are you maxing out your 401(k)? I think I put in $10,000 … [Read the rest]