My Money Blog

Free Star Alliance Silver Elite Status (Free Checked Bag on Continental/United and US Airways)

Posted on March 14, 2011 // 13 Comments

British Midland International, an airline based in the UK, is currently offering new members of their frequent flier club Diamond Club instant a free upgrade to Silver Elite status, good for 12 months. The important associated perk is that this … [Read the rest]

Bought A Pre-Made Emergency Bug-Out Bag

Posted on March 11, 2011 // 11 Comments

(As I publish this post, I see that California and Hawaii are on a tsunami watch after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. Goodness.) Earlier this week, my brother-in-law sent me a link to a post on the Art of Manliness blog on How to Make a … [Read the rest]

Getting Married To Save Money On College Tuition?

Posted on March 10, 2011 // 11 Comments

After seeing my Grandparents and 529s article, a reader sent me a link to WhyPayTuition.com, which is a matchmaking site that promotes the idea of getting a "convenience" marriage solely for the purpose of reducing your tuition bill: The easiest … [Read the rest]

Creating Lifetime Income via AARP Immediate Annuity

Posted on March 8, 2011 // 15 Comments

While perusing through old magazines in the dentists office, I came across an ad for annuity with the usual headline "Get a monthly income check GUARANTEED for life". I took a picture of the ad, the payout rates are below: The specific … [Read the rest]

MicroPlace Microlending: Free $20 to Invest

Posted on March 7, 2011 // 12 Comments

As you may know, I support microlending to poor entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva and Microplace. I have a little under four thousand dollars spread across both sites, and intend to continuously reinvest my principal and any … [Read the rest]

Grandparents + 529 College Savings Plans = Loophole?

Posted on March 7, 2011 // 18 Comments

There was a discussion on Bogleheads recently about giving money to grandparents so that could invest in a 529 college savings plan for their grandchildren. While it brought more light on what I think is a flawed financial aid system, it also … [Read the rest]

Reaching the “I Can Do This” Moment

Posted on March 4, 2011 // 13 Comments

Like millions of other people out there, I decided to start trying to lose weight and get in better shape on January 1st. I cut out virutally all meat and was eating tons of fresh vegetables and whole grains. I went to the gym, ran outside, or … [Read the rest]

Net Worth & Goals Update – March 2011

Posted on March 2, 2011 // 23 Comments

Oh alright, here's another net worth update. My last snapshot was about 9 months ago. I know people like the voyeurism, but hopefully my commentary will also provide some helpful insights as to achieving our goals. Credit Card Debt I used to … [Read the rest]

Low Cost Stock Broker Alternatives 2011

Posted on February 28, 2011 // 7 Comments

If you're thinking about switching online stock brokers, perhaps due to a price increase, here are some low-cost options. To avoid the common $50 to $75 ACAT transfer-out fee for moving your entire portfolio somewhere else, you can sell all your … [Read the rest]

Zecco Trading Ends Free Trade Offer, Now $4.95 Per Trade

Posted on February 28, 2011 // 4 Comments

Discount brokerage Zecco Trading announced this weekend that effectively immediately, they will no longer offer 10 free trades per month for those with assets of $25,000 and over. Here is partial text from the e-mail: Starting on March 30, 2011, our … [Read the rest]

2011 TradeKing New Account Referral: $100 Bonus

Posted on February 28, 2011 // 4 Comments

Online broker TradeKing.com has brought back their $100 sign-up bonus for new accounts. If you get a referral from an existing account holder, open a new account with at least $1,000, and make a trade, both people will get $100. TradeKing … [Read the rest]

$1 for Three DVD Rentals from Redbox (Again)

Posted on February 28, 2011 // 5 Comments

Groupon has a national deal through the end of March 1st that will get you three one-day rentals at RedBox kiosks for $1. Retail is $1 per day, so $3. If you don't have a Groupon account already, please use my sign-up link, and I'll get some … [Read the rest]