The Federal Reserve further cut their target Fed Funds Rate to zero in March, so we continue to see a steady stream of rate drops on cash savings. I hope that some of you got a nice rate locked-in if you tried to refinance your mortgage. Here's … [Read the rest]
National Emergency Library: Free Digitized Book Access During Pandemic
Posted on April 2, 2020 // Leave a Comment
It is estimated that 1 in 5 students across the world are currently unable to attend school. In response, the Internet Archive opened the National Emergency Library, which suspends the normal lending waitlists on its 1.4 million digitized books. … [Read the rest]
CARES Act: Stimulus Checks, Unemployment, Student Loan, IRA/401k, HSA/FSA Changes
Posted on March 31, 2020 // 14 Comments
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the federal government approved a third round of economic relief. There is plenty of media coverage, but after reading multiple articles I noticed that nearly all of them miss at least one thing that another … [Read the rest]
The Hype Cycle of DIY Investor Self-Confidence
Posted on March 31, 2020 // 1 Comment
In an article about the challenges of autonomous vehicles, I came across a chart of the Hype Cycle from the consulting firm Gartner that supposedly models the life cycle of new technology: Maybe it's just me, but I found this curve to also … [Read the rest]
Good Time to Convert Traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs?
Posted on March 29, 2020 // 13 Comments
It might be a little painful, but it may be worthwhile to check on your pre-tax IRAs during this dip. If you have been thinking of converting your "Traditional" IRAs over to Roth IRAs, your shrunken gains will lead to a smaller tax bill now, while … [Read the rest]
Amazon & Target Buy 2 Get 1 Free Board & Video Games, Targeted $5 eBook Credit
Posted on March 28, 2020 // 3 Comments
Amazon and Target have a few sales on video games and board games to help with that cabin fever. Amazon.com. Get 3 for the price of 2 on board games and video games. Also, check to see if you are targeted for this Amazon Spend $20 Get $5 eBook … [Read the rest]
Sprint Unlimited Kickstart: Unlimited Talk, Text, Data For $35/Month
Posted on March 27, 2020 // 28 Comments
Sprint has an Unlimited Kickstart plan with unlimited talk/text/data for $35 per month, per line. No annual contracts. You can bring over your own compatible phone, or buy one from them. Online orders only. New customers only. Requires port-in of … [Read the rest]
Tiny Beautiful Things: Knowing The Right Path But Afraid
Posted on March 26, 2020 // 2 Comments
My favorite non-financial genre is nonfiction travel books, and after finishing the bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, I quickly moved on to her compilation of life advice columns called Tiny Beautiful … [Read the rest]
“This is a Temporary Setback – I’m a Long-Term Investor!”
Posted on March 25, 2020 // 7 Comments
When the market sell-off first started in February, there were several articles proudly pointing out how few 401k investors made any changes to their accounts. Nobody panicked! Yay! I remember thinking that such a declaration of victory was rather … [Read the rest]
Special Coronavirus Relief: Paid Leave, Mortgage Payments, Student Loans, Credit Cards, and Unemployment
Posted on March 22, 2020 // 2 Comments
Wow. I thought that I was prepared, but I must admit that I was still shaken by last week. For those facing severe financial emergencies right now, so I have tried to collect information and links to where you can hopefully find some help. Be … [Read the rest]
Federal and State Tax Payment Deadline Extensions Due to Coronavirus
Posted on March 18, 2020 // 8 Comments
Updated March 20th. The US Treasury has announced taxpayer relief for federal tax in response to COVID-19. Here is the Treasury press release, official IRS notice, and a CNBC article. On March 20th, the filing deadline was also changed. Below is … [Read the rest]
List of Free Educational Resources (and Free High-Speed Data)
Posted on March 16, 2020 // 4 Comments
Here is a list of newly-available resources to help folks manage having their kids home all day long for weeks at a time! From getting free data to free lesson plans and materials. Free Data Access All four major US carriers — AT&T, … [Read the rest]
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