I find it interesting that E*Trade announced that it would cuts its fees and commissions just a month after I moved all of my accounts out of their brokerage. I guess I wasn't the only one to do so. Capitalism in action! $19.99 per trade + bogus … [Read the rest]
“Bypass Compsulory Web Registration. Common Sense Isn’t.”
Posted on February 14, 2005 // Leave a Comment
It's really annoying when sites like The New York Times and CBS Marketwatch make you register before being allowed to enter their site and be presented with ads (and occassionally read some content). Above are the slogans of BugMeNot.com, which … [Read the rest]
Should I diversify into REITs?
Posted on February 13, 2005 // 5 Comments
I thought I'd poke around online and read about some ETFs today and look for a suitable one for my Ameritrade account since I am just keeping $2k in there so I can have real-time quotes (part of this month's goal). I have thought about investing … [Read the rest]
Monthly Goal due 2/28: Setting up “Play Money” Account
Posted on February 11, 2005 // 5 Comments
How is it the 11th of February already?!?! Work is keeping me busy, but I still need to set a goal for this short month. I'll keep it relatively simple. What I am doing is making the ~$5,000 in my FreeTrade account my "Play Money" account. I am … [Read the rest]
Traditional IRA to Roth IRA Conversion Dilemna
Posted on February 9, 2005 // 6 Comments
Now that all of my IRAs are at Vanguard, I can decide whether to convert my $5,000 Traditional IRA to combine with my Roth IRA. After reading up on some pertinent articles at Fool.com and Fairmark.com, here are my thoughts. Right now I am … [Read the rest]
Where did my Annual Bonus go?
Posted on February 7, 2005 // 3 Comments
I got my bonus! Well, most of it anyway. After all taxes I ended up with barely more than 50% of the gross amount. For some reason I have been laboring under the false impression that there is a special tax bracket for bonuses. But after some … [Read the rest]
Some great questions and (hopefully) some good answers
Posted on February 6, 2005 // 3 Comments
A few days ago, a visitor VJ posted a some good questions and points in a comment in this thread. Here is his post again: Great blog, and very impressive and logical thoughts given your relative newness to the topic! I work in finance, but in … [Read the rest]
Monthly Goal Update: Asset Allocation Implementation
Posted on February 5, 2005 // 3 Comments
My goal for last month was to implement my chosen asset allocation plan. Here is my current status: 1) My E*Trade Traditional IRA is liquidated and transferred to a Vanguard Traditional IRA where it is currently invested in VTTHX. I am going to … [Read the rest]
“Millionaire in the Making” Also Plays the 0% APR Game
Posted on February 3, 2005 // 1 Comment
Here is yet another Millionaire in the Making. The interesting thing is that he also takes advantage of 0% APR balance transfers on credit cards to earn interest. In this case, he took out $60,000 and looks to earn $1400. If you assume the rate … [Read the rest]
February 2005 Financial Status Update
Posted on February 2, 2005 // 1 Comment
Wow, I can't believe it is February already! January was a blur, but here my current financial snapshot: … [Read the rest]
All Moved In – Moving Expenses and Looking Forward
Posted on February 1, 2005 // 7 Comments
Whew! All the boxes are unpacked (Well, 95%) and the cable guy came by today. I have been pretty unhappy with my telephone provider for the last year, with them double-billing me for 4 months and then disconnecting me last week on Thursday instead … [Read the rest]
“Good” Credit Card Debt – How-To Play the 0% APR Game, Part 2
Posted on January 31, 2005 // 23 Comments
This post is old, please see my updated guide on How To Make Money From 0% APR Balance Transfers (This entry is continued from Part 1.) 3) Getting your money: Some banks such as MBNA, CitiBank, and Chase will allow you to either transfer your … [Read the rest]
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