The standard personal finance magazine advice is to apply for as few credit cards as possible, ostensibly to keep your credit score high. However, a recent Consumer Report article which tries to make the same case, actually ends up making a better … [Read the rest]
Top Credit Card Bonuses Roundup – July 2011
Posted on July 26, 2011 // 16 Comments
If you have a good credit score and the discipline not to get into consumer debt, you can profit from your responsibility by participating in various credit card sign-up incentives. The bonuses are not subject to tax, and by applying for only the … [Read the rest]
Book Review: Early Retirement Extreme
Posted on July 25, 2011 // 27 Comments
Earn more, or spend less. That's what you have to do in achieve financially independence. My own philosophy has been to try and earn more than average, perhaps look about average to casual observers, and spend below average. Now, what if instead … [Read the rest]
S&P 500 at 1300: A Look Back 3 Years Ago
Posted on July 21, 2011 // 11 Comments
I was looking through some old posts looking for writing inspiration, when I found this one that I had completely forgotten about: S&P 500 at 750: Thoughts From A Market Timer - Published 11/21/2008 I still remember that night rather vividly. … [Read the rest]
Reading: Calorie Labels Fail, Family Income Growth is Deceiving, Law School Economics
Posted on July 20, 2011 // 1 Comment
Here's some articles that caught my eye this week: Calorie counts don’t change most people’s dining-out habits - Washington Post Apparently, telling people the amount of calories on menu items doesn't change their eating habits, cheap or not. … [Read the rest]
Health Insurance Now Required To Provide Free Vaccinations
Posted on July 19, 2011 // 10 Comments
There are many changes to health care that have come and are coming from the Affordable Care Act. For example, if you are a young adult looking for health insurance, you can now be covered under your parent's plan (if it covers children) until you … [Read the rest]
Investment Portfolio Update: Asset Allocation & Fund Holdings – July 2011
Posted on July 18, 2011 // 23 Comments
This an update for my investment portfolio, including 401(k) plans, IRAs, and taxable brokerage holdings. There have been only a few small changes since my last portfolio update. As always, this is our own personal portfolio and may not … [Read the rest]
Free Popcorn with Facebook Like & Smartphone
Posted on July 18, 2011 // Leave a Comment
More social media bribery! Yahoo Movies will give you a coupon for a free small popcorn if you "Like" them on Facebook. The coupon will be sent via text message. Good at Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres or Edwards Theatres locations. … [Read the rest]
Virgin Mobile $25 a Month Plan w/ Data : Price Increase on July 20th
Posted on July 15, 2011 // 57 Comments
Virgin Mobile has a set of no-contract Beyond Talk plans that include minutes and unlimited data. Their lowest plan currently offers 300 minutes and unlimited data for only $25 a month. Previous post with more details here, but now you can buy an … [Read the rest]
Netflix User Poll: How to Handle The New Pricing Changes?
Posted on July 14, 2011 // 47 Comments
Netflix users around the country are abuzz about Netflix's new pricing plans. Previously, all DVD plans included unlimited internet streaming. Late last year the prices were upped slightly to $10 a month for 1 DVD out at a time, $15 for 2 DVDs, and … [Read the rest]
US Treasury Ends Paper Savings Bonds in 2012
Posted on July 14, 2011 // 20 Comments
According to a press release, the Treasury will no longer sell paper U.S. savings bonds through banks and other financial institutions as of January 1, 2012. You can still buy electronic savings bonds through TreasuryDirect.gov. I didn't see … [Read the rest]
Wow, I Actually Found Some Unclaimed Money
Posted on July 12, 2011 // 17 Comments
Over the years, I've read numerous articles about "missing money" that the government may be holding for me. I would always enter my name, but there was never any unclaimed property for me... until today! I was reading an Businessweek article … [Read the rest]
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