My Money Blog

Audits: Another Reason to Form a Corporation or LLC

Posted on April 19, 2006 // 4 Comments

I forgot about another reason to form an LLC or corporation: Tax Audits. Here are some stats from 2004: IRS Audit Rates Sole Proprietors with income < $25k: 3.15% Sole Proprietors with income $25-100k: 1.47% S-Corporations (all): … [Read the rest]

Reasons to Incorporate or Form an LLC

Posted on April 18, 2006 // 14 Comments

I've been reading LLC or Corporation?: How to Choose the Right Form For Your Business by Nolo Press, which writes a lot of do-it-yourself legal books aimed for the public. Some of the little details just make my head spin, but here are the main … [Read the rest]

Taking Advantage Of Comcast New Customer Deals

Posted on April 17, 2006 // 24 Comments

I hate moving. But one perk is that I get to become a 'new' customer again for Comcast. You may recall that I bargained myself down to $19.99/mo for six months for Comcast High-Speed Internet last year (saving $138). Now that those six months are … [Read the rest]

Always Put Everything In Writing!

Posted on April 17, 2006 // 17 Comments

I'll explain later if I can, but always. put. everything. in. writing. Handshake or verbal agreements that involve money or services promised are stupid. Even if it's between 'friends'. Me stupid. … [Read the rest]

How Long Should You Keep Records?

Posted on April 16, 2006 // 20 Comments

Since the taxes are done and the IRS has already cashed my check (funny how quick they are at that!), it's time to throw away some of the paperwork that I've accumulated through the year. I usually keep all my pay stubs, bills, and other papers in … [Read the rest]

mBlogs.org: Get Your Own Free Money Blog!

Posted on April 15, 2006 // 11 Comments

There has been a big jump in money-related blogs recently, and I would like to support that with my new free blog community - mBlogs.org (short for moneyBlogs). I've been sitting on this idea for months now, mostly because it won't be very … [Read the rest]

Emotional Attachment To Inanimate Objects

Posted on April 15, 2006 // 15 Comments

As we pack up our things for our move down the road, my wife and I are constantly arguing about what to throw away and what to keep. Of course, I think all her stuff is "stuffed animals and junk", and all my stuff is "useless gadgets and crap". I … [Read the rest]

Some Cheap Financial Magazines

Posted on April 13, 2006 // 33 Comments

I just ran across MagazinePriceSearch.com, which helps you compare prices on subscriptions, with some even rivaling those on eBay. Beware that some sites listed auto-renew you when the subscription expires! Some current examples (none of these … [Read the rest]

2006 Q1 Financial Goals Progress

Posted on April 13, 2006 // 6 Comments

The first quarter of 2006 is over, time to check in on my progress towards my 2006 Financial Goals. Separate business and personal financial worlds. - Partially done, but not completely. Still need to research LLC v. S-Corps. Open a SEP IRA for … [Read the rest]

Scottrade Referral Program Details – 3 Free Trades

Posted on April 12, 2006 //

Thinking of opening up a new account at Scottrade? I've had an account with them for years. They offer 3 free online trades if you are referred by an existing customer. The referrer also gets 3 free trades. To get the the three free trades that … [Read the rest]

Scottrade Review: Brokerage Account Opening Experience

Posted on April 12, 2006 // 73 Comments

I recently opened a stock trading account at Scottrade. Here were my reasons: $7 limit trades. Not the best, but good enough for me. Local broker. It's nice to have somewhere I can drive to in 10 minutes and be face-to-face with a human. Much … [Read the rest]

Running Out Of Time? File a Tax Extension

Posted on April 11, 2006 // 1 Comment

For those cutting it close to April 17th, it may be time to consider filing a tax extension. But while it's pretty easy to get an extension until October 15th to file your taxes, you still have to pay any tax you owe by the 17th. Still, the penalty … [Read the rest]