My Money Blog

E-Trade Bank Max Rate Savings Account Review: 3.30% APY

Posted on November 15, 2006 // 23 Comments

Another no-fees no-minimums online savings account has arrived. This time it's E-Trade Bank with the Max-Rate Savings Account. After looking around, here are what I see as the pros and cons of this account as compared to other online … [Read the rest]

First-Time Home buyers, IRA Withdrawals, and Penalties

Posted on November 14, 2006 // 16 Comments

The IRS allows first-time home buyers to take money out of IRAs before age 59½ without penalty. Although I don't like the idea of taking money out of retirement accounts in order to pay for a house, I still would like to know what my options … [Read the rest]

Big List of Free Budgeting Tools and Software

Posted on November 13, 2006 // 60 Comments

More than a month ago, I wrote a post about tracking your spending for a month. I tried to think of the best way to budget, but I don't think there is anything that works for everyone. Everyone knows about MS Money and Quicken, so instead I've … [Read the rest]

To My Patient Bloglines Readers

Posted on November 12, 2006 // 8 Comments

Another feedback from my readers using Bloglines is that entries keep popping up as unread. My apologies, that is definitely annoying. (I don't use Bloglines myself.) It is mostly due to my obsessive need to re-edit my posts for spelling or … [Read the rest]

A Decade Of Net Worth History Revealed

Posted on November 12, 2006 // 19 Comments

A voyeuristic blow-by-blow after the jump... … [Read the rest]

Potential $100 in Gas Rebates For Citi Credit Protector Trial

Posted on November 11, 2006 // 17 Comments

I've written about those $15 checks that credit card issuers send you to try out their overpriced credit "protection" programs, so when I ran across this offer from Citibank for $100 in free gas rebate coupons for enrolling in a free 30-day trial, I … [Read the rest]

Free and Cheap Tips for Saving Energy This Winter

Posted on November 11, 2006 // 8 Comments

In addition to the Home Energy Analysis tool previously posted, here are some more no-cost and low-cost tips for saving energy from the Alliance to Save Energy. I've highlighted the ones that I personally should follow up on before it gets really … [Read the rest]

Weekly Peek Into My Del.icio.us Bookmarks

Posted on November 10, 2006 // 2 Comments

Okay, the old geezer that is I has finally opened up a Del.icio.us account. Here's what I've been reading this week: What?s the Difference Between ?Fee-Based? and ?Fee-Only"? at AllFinancialMatters - If you're paying someone else to handle your … [Read the rest]

I Bought Shiny New Used Toys

Posted on November 10, 2006 // 9 Comments

Click for bigger pics. Skiers: How much do you think they cost? … [Read the rest]

Roth IRAs For Everyone!

Posted on November 9, 2006 // 15 Comments

Back in May, legislation was passed that allows Traditional IRAs to be converted to Roth IRAs without any income restrictions in 2010. Previously, this conversion was only available to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $100,000 or less, no … [Read the rest]

Am I Putting Too Much Away For Retirement?

Posted on November 9, 2006 // 37 Comments

After reading my most recent net worth update, some of you must be wondering why I'm putting so much money into retirement accounts like 401k's and IRAs, especially given my mid-term goal of buying a house in a year or so. I mean, I can't touch this … [Read the rest]