My Money Blog

Book Review: Common Sense on Mutual Funds

Posted on January 12, 2005 // 2 Comments

It took me a bit longer than I thought, but I finally wrapped up Common Sense on Mutual Funds by John C. Bogle. Overall, I liked the book, but not as much as some of the others I have read. The first three Parts have to do with Investment … [Read the rest]

E*Trade Traditional IRA Liquidated

Posted on January 11, 2005 // 1 Comment

I finally got around to selling the contents of my E*Trade IRA today, in preparation for moving it to Vanguard. My holdings? Just two funds: Janus Mercury (JAMRX) - Bought in 2001, back when I was young, foolish, and bought things that were … [Read the rest]

Financial Blogs and my new favorite RSS site – NewsGator

Posted on January 11, 2005 // 1 Comment

As blogging continues to grow, so do financial blogs - just check out my expanding list of links on the right. And happily so, I do enjoy other people's views on things and opinions, from Canadian to Urban Woman to Technical Traders. However, there … [Read the rest]

The Vanguard Four Mutual Fund Portfolio

Posted on January 10, 2005 // 3 Comments

While rooting around the Morningstar and Diehards forums, I came across an interesting idea - the Four Mutual Fund Portfolio. It consists of the following: Money Market Fund (Cash) Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX) Total International Index … [Read the rest]

Car Insurance Thoughts – Reviewing Deductible and Coverage Levels

Posted on January 9, 2005 // 1 Comment

I currently own a very reliable 1995 Nissan outright (no loan), and just got a my semi-annual bill from State Farm for $450. My insurance is pretty reasonable, now that I am over 25 and married, my last accident was over 8 years ago, and my car … [Read the rest]

Saving money on Life Insurance and my Health Goal by 6/05

Posted on January 9, 2005 // 1 Comment

As the new year begins, sign-ups for gym memberships skyrocket as people make their (often fleeting) resolutions by signing long contracts that can cause major headaches. However, I have another reason to get in shape this year: Life Insurance. … [Read the rest]

Where I park my liquid cash right now

Posted on January 7, 2005 // 3 Comments

(Note: interest rates updated as of 3/7/05) As interest rates continue to rise, there is again reason to really scrutinize where you park your liquid cash, as that "free" checking account really isn't free when your money could be earning it's … [Read the rest]

Monthly Goal due 1/31: Asset Allocation Implementation

Posted on December 30, 2004 // 3 Comments

Now that I have chosen my Asset Allocation, I want to implement it and be fully invested in the stock and bond market by 1/31. This might be tricky, as I am moving some assets away from E*Trade and according to the paperwork it can take up to 4-6 … [Read the rest]

Asset Allocation Decided

Posted on December 30, 2004 // 6 Comments

After some thought and reading, I have decided on the following asset allocation ratio for my current age and position: 70% Stocks / 30% Bonds Although since I am only 26, some people say I should be more aggressive, I am being realistic in the … [Read the rest]

January 2005 Financial Status Update

Posted on December 29, 2004 // 2 Comments

Not quite 2005, but I'm going on vacation on Friday, so here is my monthly snapshot: My net worth increased by $3006 since last month's snapshot, which is pretty nice but a little skewed since I get paid bi-weekly and I got 3 paychecks this … [Read the rest]

Die Hard! The Vanguard Way

Posted on December 27, 2004 // 1 Comment

Wasn't Die Hard a great movie? It's even got a Christmas theme =). I can't remember a single thing about the sequels though... Anyways! Diehards.org is a forum for people to discuss mutual funds, more specifically Vanguard mutual funds but not … [Read the rest]

Modest Needs: Small Change. A World Of Difference.(TM)

Posted on December 25, 2004 // 2 Comments

ModestNeeds.org is a non-profit 501(c) charity, operating predominanlty online, with a goal of helping people who live paycheck to paycheck survive past life's unexpected speed-bumps and perhaps save them from a slippery slope to financial ruin or … [Read the rest]