Treasury vs. TIPS vs. Breakeven Inflation Interest Rate Update (September 2023)

Just as I track the interest rates on savings accounts and CDs, I also follow the real rates of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Right now, the real (inflation-adjusted) yield on TIPS are reaching 10+ year highs and worth a closer … [Read the rest]

Parallels Between Running and Personal Finance Advice: Listen, Experiment, Self-Assess, Adapt

I've recently taken up the hobby of running (very slowly) and have been making my way through the available Libby eBooks for both tips and inspiration. Running advice feels similar to personal finance advice in many ways. There are some broad … [Read the rest]

Project Gutenberg + AI = Free High-Quality Audiobook Classics

Project Gutenberg is well-known as a volunteer-driven, non-profit project that digitizes free public-domain books, mostly those whose copyright has expired. However, their eBooks were often uncomfortable to read as plain text. Standard eBooks … [Read the rest]

US Bank Business Checking: Up to $800 Bonus

US Bank has up to a $800 bonus when you open a new Business Checking account using the promo code Q3BUS23 and complete the following activities. Offer valid through October 31, 2023. Open a U.S. Bank Business Checking account (Silver, … [Read the rest]

The Hidden Effect of Securities Lending in Index Funds and ETFs (Are They Already Free?)

Morningstar has an educational article called Understanding Securities Lending in ETFs (also see the full whitepaper) that provided a lot of real-world numbers in an often overlooked area that actually affects the majority of ETF and mutual fund … [Read the rest]

TradeStation Brokerage: $150 Bonus with $500 Deposit

TradeStation is a brokerage targeted at active traders of stocks, ETFs, stock options, futures, and futures options. Right now they have a $150 bonus promotion when you deposit $500 or more into a new TradeStation Securities account with promo code … [Read the rest]

Michigan MESP 529 College Savings Plan: $100 Bonus Per Accountholder/Beneficiary Combo

The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) is offering a $100 bonus when you open a new account by 9/30/23 and deposit $1,000+ within 10 business days of establishing the account. Your $100 matching deposit will arrive by 1/31/24. The 529 … [Read the rest]

Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan: $50/$100 Bonus Per Beneficiary

The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan is offering a $50 or $100 bonus when you open a new account and meet these deposit requirements: $50 bonus: Open with a minimum initial deposit of $250 and set up recurring contributions via bank account or … [Read the rest]

Bond Drawdown and Growth Comparison Charts: Short vs. Intermediate vs. Long-Term Bonds

When investing in bonds, one of the decisions is how long you want the "term to maturity", or how much longer the bond will pay interest and then upon maturity repay the principal. The longer the term, the more sensitive the bond price is to … [Read the rest]

Schwab Cash Sweep Options – Increase Yield 10X, Updated September 2023

Updated September 2023. Charles Schwab became a major player by offering discounted stock trades back when high commissions were the norm. These days, nearly every broker offers $0 commission trades on online equity/ETF trades. Where they differ … [Read the rest]

Best Interest Rates on Cash – September 2023

Here's my monthly roundup of the best interest rates on cash as of September 2023, roughly sorted from shortest to longest maturities. There are often lesser-known opportunities available to individual investors. Check out my Ultimate Rate-Chaser … [Read the rest]

ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan: $100 Bonus Per Accountholder/Beneficiary Combo

The ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan is offering a $100 bonus when you open a new account by 9/30/23 and deposit $1,000+ within 10 business days of establishing the account. Your $100 matching deposit will arrive by 1/31/24. The ScholarShare … [Read the rest]