I pretty much have a general feeling of malaise right now. Hiring freeze at one job, big group meeting about how "we don't have to worry about layoffs... right now" at the other. And now it's time to look at my incredibly shrinking net worth... … [Read the rest]
February 2009 Financial Status / Net Worth Update
Posted on February 3, 2009 // 34 Comments
Last updated: April 13, 2016
Zecco Brokerage Raises Minimum Requirements For Free Trades
Posted on February 2, 2009 // 36 Comments
Zecco Trading announced on Friday via e-mail that they will be raising the minimum requirements to receive free trades on their accounts starting next month. Thanks to everyone who also alerted me. Dear Zecco Trading client, I'm writing to tell … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 1, 2015
$7,500 Credit For First-Time Homebuyers May Not Have To Be Paid Back
Posted on January 30, 2009 // 124 Comments
Since my post on the $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers has over 225 comments and growing, I thought I should point out that both the current House and Senate versions of the Obama Stimulus bill remove the requirement to pay back the credit … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 30, 2009
What’s Inside Your Target Date or LifeCycle Retirement Fund?
Posted on January 28, 2009 // 16 Comments
I ran across a BusinessWeek article today about retirement plans in 2008 from top 401(k) provider Fidelity Investments. It stated that although the average retirement account balance fell a whopping 27% to $50,200 last year, people actually … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 9, 2017
Bought a OBD II Code Reader for Check Engine Light
Posted on January 27, 2009 // 55 Comments
Several months ago my "check engine" light went on. I went to my local mechanic, who plugged in a code scanner and found my error. Since it didn't re-appear after resetting, he said he could try to fix it ($$$) or I could just leave it and it might … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Our Current Simple-and-Steady Budgeting System
Posted on January 26, 2009 // 32 Comments
For the past several months, we've been using a crude but effective way of tracking our overall spending each month. The basic idea is that we only put the amount of money we actually want to spend into our primary checking account, and then pay all … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 26, 2009
FaceBook Advertising Coupon Codes: Free $300+ In Ads
Posted on January 25, 2009 // 32 Comments
If you have a website that you would like to promote, there are several coupon codes out there that can get you a free $200+ in credit towards Facebook Ads (update: codes are expired). In addition, if you join the Visa Business Network and install … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 26, 2009
Free Audiobook: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Posted on January 25, 2009 // 10 Comments
Audible.com is giving a free audiobook version of the popular personal development book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey. I've read about half of the print version, and it does have … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Strategies For Maxing Out Your 401k/403b and Company Match, True-Up Contributions
Posted on January 22, 2009 // 23 Comments
Why the interest in 401k limits? Well, we found out that my wife now gets a company match to her 403b retirement plan. Score! I then wanted to explore how to maximize both our $16,500 401k limits and the company match. Example: Maxing Out But … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 22, 2009
2009 401k/403b Maximum Salary Contribution Limits
Posted on January 22, 2009 // 10 Comments
The 2009 inflation-adjusted limits for 401(k) and 403(b) defined-contribution plans are as follows: The 401(k) elective deferral limit goes to $16,500, up from $15,500. The "catch-up" amount allowed for those age 50 years and up increases to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 22, 2009
Cosmetics Settlement: Free Cosmetics While Supplies Last
Posted on January 21, 2009 // 10 Comments
I'm a day late on this one, but perhaps there is some free make-up or perfume left: As part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed to members of the class for a maximum of seven days, while … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 21, 2009
Sprint Nextel Class Action Settlement for Early Termination Fees
Posted on January 21, 2009 // 17 Comments
Sprint Nextel recently settled a lawsuit over the early-termination fees (ETFs) on their contracts. I believe the it was over the fact that the ~$200 fee stayed flat even if you were on the last month of your contract. You can find details at … [Read the rest]
Last updated: January 29, 2012
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