Watching the Olympics has been both inspiring, entertaining, and also taking up a lot of free time. I can't believe the amount of dedication these people have towards their goals. I am trying to go back to setting regular monthly goals, and … [Read the rest]
Focusing On Your Circle of Financial Influence
Posted on August 12, 2008 // 20 Comments
In an effort at personal development, I am currently reading the long-time bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey. I got the book years ago from some sort of corporate … [Read the rest]
Choosing Between Multiple Investment Options For 401k or 403b Plans
Posted on August 11, 2008 // 15 Comments
My mom has been asking me to look over her 401k plan, as she has been worried about its performance and suitability recently. In fact, she changed all the future contributions to 100% bonds a while back. As her 401(k) had somewhat limited choices … [Read the rest]
FNBO Direct Video Contest: 6 MMB Readers Won $500!
Posted on August 8, 2008 // 20 Comments
After pointing out that the FNBO Direct video contest (since ended) was giving out $500 to the Top 20 semi-finalists and there were only 14 entries at the time, many more people decided to give it try. Well, it turns out that my readers are much more … [Read the rest]
$7,500 Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers
Posted on August 7, 2008 // 621 Comments
Updated March 2009: Please see this post about the new $8,000 Tax Credit for First-Time Buyers! I've been hearing a lot about this new $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers, which is part of the newly passed 2008 American Housing Rescue and … [Read the rest]
Comparison Of Different Ways To Generate Income In Early Retirement
Posted on August 6, 2008 // 29 Comments
As outlined in this previous post about One Way To Track Your Progress Towards Financial Independence, you can say you've reached financial independence when your "passive" investment income equals your monthly expenses ("crossover … [Read the rest]
Microsoft Live CashBack Promotion: 70% Off Magazines and More
Posted on August 5, 2008 // 22 Comments
Microsoft's Live Search engine now has a cashback system - the idea is that you can compare products and prices using their search engine, and then buy through them and get cashback. This is similar to existing cashback portals like eBates ($10 … [Read the rest]
August 2008 Financial Status / Net Worth Update
Posted on August 4, 2008 // 32 Comments
Credit Card Debt If you're a new reader, let me start out as usual by explaining the credit card debt. I'm actually taking money from 0% APR balance transfer offers and instead of spending it, I am placing it in high-yield savings accounts that … [Read the rest]
Finding Local and Affordable Items On My Bucket List
Posted on August 1, 2008 // 29 Comments
As a successful early retiree points out, sometimes it may not be simply money keeping you from accomplishing your dreams: Retirement forces you to stop thinking that it is your job that holds you back. For most people the depressing truth is that … [Read the rest]
WaMu Savings 3.75% APY: Should I Stay With A Struggling Bank?
Posted on July 31, 2008 // 58 Comments
While logging on to my WaMu account I noticed (as did reader Alvin) that the WaMu savings account* is now paying 3.75% APY as of 7/31. Some pages still say 3.30%, but my account details confirm the 3.75% APY. (Login and click on "About this … [Read the rest]
A Modest Proposal For Hopeful Stock and Fund Pickers
Posted on July 30, 2008 // 20 Comments
I believe in holding a diversified, low-cost, passive investment portfolio. However, at the same time there is so much financial hype out there that I understand the natural tendency of people (especially intelligent, hard-working, competitive … [Read the rest]
Marriage & Money Quiz by Money Magazine: Did We Pass?
Posted on July 28, 2008 // 8 Comments
Money magazine has an article this month about how many married folks don't know the details about their spouse's finances. In one study, half of the pairs questioned came up with completely different answers when asked to estimate their family's … [Read the rest]
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