My Money Blog

IRS Calculator To Help Determine Sales Tax Deduction

Posted on February 1, 2007 // 1 Comment

If you itemize deductions and live in a state with sales tax, give the IRS Sales Tax Deduction Calculator a spin. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on Schedule A of the Form 1040 in 2006 have the option of deducting the amount of state and local … [Read the rest]

Model Portfolio #5: A Random Walk Down Wall Street

Posted on February 1, 2007 // 7 Comments

(This is the fifth in my series of Model Portfolio Comparisons.) First written in 1973, Burton Malkiel's A Random Walk Down Wall Street (my review) has become an investing classic, pioneering the controversial idea that stock prices are random and … [Read the rest]

Reminder: Track Your Expenses For A Month

Posted on January 31, 2007 //

Just a quick reminder that I'm tracking my expenses in February, and everyone with a similar inclination should join in the fun. Here are the categories I assigned myself in PearBudget: Regular Expenses - Housing, Phone, Cable, Internet, … [Read the rest]

This Week in the Carnivals

Posted on January 31, 2007 // Leave a Comment

If you can't get your fill of financial talk, mosey on over to the Carnival of Investing (Monopoly Edition!), Carnival of Debt Reduction, and the Carnival of Personal Finance. Here are a few that stood out: Looking to learn from someone who's had … [Read the rest]

Wachovia Bank $50 Bonus For Free Checking Account

Posted on January 31, 2007 // 20 Comments

Wachovia Bank is offering a $50 sign-up bonus for opening one of their Free Checking accounts. The account looks pretty good, with no monthly service fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. However you will get a hard credit … [Read the rest]

All About Our Failed Online Business Idea

Posted on January 30, 2007 // 29 Comments

It's failure time! I've talked a little bit about an online business idea that my wife and I had about a year ago. I've even showed a few prototypes. But we've finally laid all hope or desire to pursue this business to rest. Here's the … [Read the rest]

Should I Do My Own Taxes Or Hire An Accountant?

Posted on January 29, 2007 // 42 Comments

I mentioned earlier that I am forgoing all the free federal and state tax filing software options and paying an accountant this year. A reader asked why. That's a good question, here's what I (as a non-tax pro) think the decision process should look … [Read the rest]

Our 2007 Financial Goals, By Quarter

Posted on January 28, 2007 // 12 Comments

Where are my annual goals? Right now our lives are in a state of limbo, with several pieces that need to fall into place. First and foremost, we are both working towards getting jobs in a new city. After that, we'll have a better idea of what our … [Read the rest]

AGLOCO: Get Paid To Surf The Internet

Posted on January 27, 2007 // 14 Comments

I've been getting a steady stream of e-mails for months now about a company called AGLOCO. Apparently, they are starting an application that shows ads on the bottom of your computer screen (screenshot). They make money off the ads, so they pay you … [Read the rest]

HSBC Direct Offering 6.00% APY On New Money Through 4/30

Posted on January 27, 2007 // 30 Comments

HSBC Direct is offering a promotional 6.00% APY on new money only between January 29, 2007 and April 30, 2007. This for both new and existing accounts. They are pretty restrictive on the meaning of "new" money, so you can't just take money out and … [Read the rest]

My Expense Tracking Plan Of Attack! (Join Me?)

Posted on January 25, 2007 // 57 Comments

I fell off the budgeting wagon months ago, and haven't been back on since. I'm still saving a good chunk of money each month, but it's high time that I drink my own Kool-Aid and start tracking my expenses. I haven't been overly impressed with … [Read the rest]

Free iPod Shuffle From Hedgestreet Arrived

Posted on January 25, 2007 // 11 Comments

For everyone that joined me in the Hedgestreet iPod promotion, your patience should be rewarded shortly. In fact, I'd check your inbox for an e-mail titled "HedgeStreet iPod Shuffle Promotion" if you haven't gotten it already. I think I should … [Read the rest]