Here's an update for my person-to-person (P2P) lending activity, which for me are unsecured loans between U.S. residents. It could be for credit card debt consolidation, car financing, business financing, or even buying a house. You can think of … [Read the rest]
Microlending Update: Kiva and MicroPlace Loan Performance
Posted on August 21, 2009 // 7 Comments
I saw some ads for Microplace today (probably targeted due to my internet browsing habits) and decided to check on my Microlending portfolio. If you're not familiar, microlending tries to alleviate global poverty by offering small loans to … [Read the rest]
Personal Finance Education, Delayed Gratification, and Marshmallows
Posted on August 20, 2009 // 17 Comments
Many people agree that there should be more personal finance education in school. This is supposed to be one of the keys to making the average person save more money, have less credit card debt, and invest wisely. You know, teach a high schooler … [Read the rest]
Free Sample of Nature Valley Trail Mix and Granola
Posted on August 19, 2009 // 4 Comments
Nature Valley is giving out a free sample of their Trail Chewy Trail Mix Bar and a pouch of Granola Nut Clusters when you sign up for their Eat Better America newsletter, which includes expert healthy meal ideas (sample newsletter). I just bought a … [Read the rest]
Finding The Actual Hotel Name On Hotwire.com Before Purchase
Posted on August 18, 2009 // 33 Comments
This is a follow-up to my 5-Step Guide to Finding The Lowest Rate For Hotel Rooms, which includes tips on using "opaque" sites like Hotwire.com and Priceline.com to save on hotel rooms. Specifically, I'll show you how to greatly improve your … [Read the rest]
Setting Up Automatic Credit Card & Bank Activity Alerts
Posted on August 17, 2009 // 23 Comments
I still love getting my bills via snail mail. I avoid online statements because I get over a hundred e-mails a day and it is very easy for me to put it off temporarily and never remember to read the e-mail again. A paper bill will stay on my desk … [Read the rest]
PineCone Research Application Link (Paid Online Surveys)
Posted on August 17, 2009 // 1 Comment
PineCone Research has re-opened their membership with an e-mail to current members. They remain one of the better paying and reliable survey companies, with a payout of $3 (check or PayPal) for each 15-20 minute online survey. The hardest part is … [Read the rest]
Links: Young Homeowners, Tracking Rent, 1930 Flashbacks, Cheaper Textbooks, & More
Posted on August 17, 2009 // 2 Comments
A Second Home, a Starter Budget - NY Times An article about a young couple who rent in Brooklyn but instead bought their first house in the Catskills - a two-bedroom, one-bath, 700sf fixer-upper for $95,000. Check out the picture gallery, I like … [Read the rest]
Unemployed: COBRA vs. Individual Health Insurance
Posted on August 14, 2009 // 65 Comments
With unemployment still at historic highs in many areas, a common concern is what to do about health insurance. A friend of mine was recently notified that he was going to be laid off, and so we talked about some of the options out there, and I told … [Read the rest]
How The Average U.S. Consumer Spends Their Paycheck
Posted on August 13, 2009 // 22 Comments
Here's an interesting graphic of the spending breakdown for the average U.S. consumer. It's based a theoretical household "unit" consisting of 2.5 people, not individuals. Looks like such a household unit spends approximately $50,000 per year. … [Read the rest]
Scottrade Brokerage Cash Management Tips
Posted on August 11, 2009 // 15 Comments
If you have an account with online broker Scottrade, or are thinking of getting one, this post is about moving funds in and out of your account. Like many brokers, the interest paid on idle cash sweep balances is very low at Scottrade, so it doesn't … [Read the rest]
The Power of Passive Index Fund Investing: An Example
Posted on August 10, 2009 // 18 Comments
The other day, I was trying to explain to a friend why I invest in index funds. I came up with this example, which I'm not sure is perfect but I thought I'd share it. Background: Market Cap Indexes When you hear "index funds", it traditionally … [Read the rest]
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