My Money Blog

Another Free $50 Credit From Sprint SERO

Posted on May 24, 2007 // 52 Comments

Wow, this deal keeps getting better. If you recently got in on the Sprint SERO plan (review), it looks like you can get another $50 discount. Thanks goes out to Jason for the tip. Just e-mail Sprint online and type something like this: Dear … [Read the rest]

Will Future Long-Term Stock Returns Be Less Than 8%?

Posted on May 24, 2007 // 24 Comments

While reading The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by Vanguard founder Jack Bogle, I found one of the chapters on predicting future stock returns especially interesting. Here's my attempt at summarizing it. What are we buying when we buy a … [Read the rest]

Finding A Home Buyer’s Agent: Commission Rebates, Interview Questions

Posted on May 23, 2007 // 42 Comments

We know that it is important to find a good buyer's agent that listens to our needs, will help us negotiate with sellers, and basically guide us through the entire buying process. On the other hand, we are very comfortable sifting through the MLS … [Read the rest]

Get A Refund On Airfare Price Drops With Yapta

Posted on May 22, 2007 // 18 Comments

I just saw a blurb on TV about a new site called Yapta, or Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant. On the surface, it's just another airfare price tracker that can be found on sites like Travelocity. But, if you've already purchased your ticket, … [Read the rest]

Tools For Evaluating Index ETF vs. Mutual Fund Purchases

Posted on May 22, 2007 // 9 Comments

Even though the expense ratio for an ETF may be slightly lower than a mutual fund, that doesn't necessarily completely explain the cost differential between them. In addition to any commission costs, there are also the issues of bid/ask spreads and … [Read the rest]

In Defense Of Buying: Our Housing Situation Explained

Posted on May 21, 2007 // 34 Comments

I'm probably going to be writing a good bit about our house buying process in the upcoming months, and wanted to clarify our position a bit. Of course, you are still free to disagree with me afterwards ;) Right now, we're just looking. So far … [Read the rest]

Free Text Messages with Sprint SERO Plan

Posted on May 21, 2007 // 67 Comments

I previously mentioned a cheap plan called Sprint SERO, and I know some of y'all have gotten on it. Here are some quick updates: Bad News - It appears that you can't order new lines online anymore, but must do it via telephone. I'm not sure … [Read the rest]

Gathering Local Statistics About A Housing Market

Posted on May 20, 2007 // 20 Comments

We're still casually browsing for houses long-distance, and have been using many online tools to help gauge the market. At the house value site Cyberhomes.com, we also found that it offered a lot of good statistics at the local level. This is … [Read the rest]

Realistic Goal For Graduates: Accumulate Double Your Annual Salary By Age 40

Posted on May 18, 2007 // 11 Comments

Enough with the fluffy stuff, how about some firm numbers. Imagine that a young college grad actually has the forethought to even think about what they need for retirement. They check out an online retirement calculator, and see their needed … [Read the rest]

My Favorite Commencement Speech

Posted on May 18, 2007 // 13 Comments

It's graduation time again, and I've heard more than my share of cheesy commencement speeches in my life. But here is one by Steve Jobs that I really enjoyed. Here is the text of the speech as well, but Jobs is a good speaker so I'd … [Read the rest]

Thoughts on Choosing Bond Index Mutual Funds

Posted on May 17, 2007 // 12 Comments

Now that Vanguard allows us to waive all their $10 low-balance fees, I need to reconsider my choice in bond funds. But which one? Here's a my brief and very generalized understanding of bonds, based on my own readings. Please use this only as a … [Read the rest]

Credit Limits Increased, Free Notary Public, and More

Posted on May 17, 2007 // 22 Comments

Some random bits: It's been a while, so I decided to again request automatic credit limit increases on my Citibank and American Express card. Got $3,000 in credit limits with no credit score hit. I also saved $10 by getting a free notary … [Read the rest]