My Money Blog

Other Places To Stash Your Cash

Posted on May 6, 2006 // 25 Comments

Being my money blog and all, I inherently have a biased focus on the best places to keep own my money based on my own personal tax situation, time horizons, and existing accounts. So far I've mostly talked about the banks in my online savings … [Read the rest]

Free GainsKeeper with Scottrade Account

Posted on May 6, 2006 // 10 Comments

Another nice feature of my Scottrade account that I noticed recently is that they offer GainsKeeper free with every account. GainsKeeper is an add-on program available for all brokers that offers a lot of useful tax-related features such … [Read the rest]

Are Credit Card CashBack Rebates Taxable?

Posted on May 5, 2006 // 13 Comments

Hmm... the media seems to be addressing all my questions today. This Wall Street Journal column addresses the taxation of credit card rebates: The IRS hasn't issued any specific public guidance on whether cash-back card rebates are subject to … [Read the rest]

NY Times Article on Online Banks

Posted on May 5, 2006 // 13 Comments

Thanks to David for sending me this New York Times article about online savings accounts. I really think this market is maturing, especially since Citibank is entering the fold. Here's an interesting quote: Unlike credit card users, who freely … [Read the rest]

Merging SEP and Rollover IRA Funds with Traditional IRA

Posted on May 4, 2006 // 6 Comments

I love Vanguard, but it seems all their funds require $3,000 to open, except for the STAR fund, which really doesn't interest me. Unfortunately, I could only contribute $2,500 to my SEP-IRA for 2005. Arrgh. The good thing is that, if you have a … [Read the rest]

Stock and Options Trading Book Suggestions?

Posted on May 3, 2006 // 24 Comments

I'm currently finishing up All About Asset Allocation by Richard Ferri and I think I've had my fill of books about index funds. Now that my primary portfolio is set up (I'm fighting the urge to tinker already), I'm considering splashing around with … [Read the rest]

Barrier To Success: Fear Of Failure

Posted on May 3, 2006 // 20 Comments

I've been feeling very unsatisfied with myself recently. Initially I thought it was pure laziness (which I'm sure still plays a part), but in fact I think it is the fear of failure. There are so many ideas that I haven't tried or put off because 'I … [Read the rest]

Announcing… My New ETF and Mutual Fund Portfolio!

Posted on May 2, 2006 // 16 Comments

I've done it! I got tired of my market-timing foolishness and bought IVV anyways today. I also put in orders to exchange all my Vanguard funds to try and match the asset allocation I decided on previously. Here's what my actual portfolio looks like … [Read the rest]

May 2006 Financial Status / Net Worth Update

Posted on May 1, 2006 // 17 Comments

Intro My large credit card debt is on purpose, so please don't yell at me to pay it off with my cash ;) Please see my posts on taking advantage of no fee 0% APR balance transfers for more information. In short, I'm borrowing the money for "free" and … [Read the rest]

Window-Shopping For Your Own Small Business

Posted on May 1, 2006 // 9 Comments

Although I have no real plans to buy an existing business, after a comment on my Thinking Big post I have been much more keen on evaluating local small businesses in my area. What's their niche? What kind of overhead and time commitment does it … [Read the rest]

Bank of Mom and Dad

Posted on April 28, 2006 // 26 Comments

The New York Times just ran an article titled 'The Bank of Mom and Dad'* about parents giving financial aid to their children well beyond college. Examples range from paying for extended schooling to paying for doggie daycare. Coincidentally, Make … [Read the rest]

HSBC Direct down to 4.50% APY, Presidential Savings at 4.75%

Posted on April 28, 2006 // 13 Comments

Some quick rate announcements: I called HSBC and confirmed that the rate on their HSBC Direct account is going back down to 4.50% APY after April 30th. Presidential Bank's Premier Savings Account is now up to 4.75% APY (still 4.37% for checking). … [Read the rest]