Well, the big boys are getting their rescue/bailout plan, but I guess ours got lost in the mail... So what should we do? I think that everyone should take a second look at their cash reserves. Do you have enough? What Job Security? These days, I … [Read the rest]
Your Own Financial Rescue Plan, Part 1: Adequate Cash Reserves
Posted on October 15, 2008 // 20 Comments
Last updated: July 25, 2013
Quicken Online Now Free: Joining Yodlee, Mint, Geezeo, Wesabe
Posted on October 14, 2008 // 46 Comments
Quicken Online is now free. It used to cost $3 per month ($36/year). This established brand name is now directly competing with other free online account aggregation services like Mint, Geezeo, Wesabe, and Yodlee MoneyCenter. I guess they decided it … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 9, 2017
250 Free Business Cards From Quickbooks ($5 Shipping)
Posted on October 12, 2008 // 8 Comments
In my last Amazon.com order, there was a flyer for 250 free business cards from Intuit Quickbooks. I have been meaning to get new business cards with my new address, so I tried it out. Even in this digital age, business cards are a great way to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 21, 2014
What Is The Source Of Long-Term Stock Market Returns? (or… Do Stocks Really Always Go Up?)
Posted on October 10, 2008 // 27 Comments
Why do we think that the stock market will always go up? Why has it gone up over long periods of time historically? For instance, let's look at this graph: Source: A Random Walk Down Wall Street There is one theory that I have read … [Read the rest]
Last updated: June 21, 2010
Current Market Conditions: My Thoughts… And Yours?
Posted on October 8, 2008 // 86 Comments
A couple of people asked my opinions on all this financial market turbulence. I really don't have that many coherent thoughts these days, but if you really want to know, here is a sample of what has been going through my head: People need to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 8, 2008
WaMu/Chase Lowers Interest Rates, Time To Move Banks?
Posted on October 7, 2008 // 49 Comments
Some eagle-eyed readers let me know late last night that WaMu/Chase quietly made a change to their offered interest rates. Their online savings account is now at 3% APY when attached to their free checking, down from 4%. Not too bad, but no longer … [Read the rest]
Last updated: July 25, 2013
October 2008 Financial Status / Net Worth Update
Posted on October 6, 2008 // 33 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]
Last updated: October 6, 2008
Planning For Early Retirement Makes Me Happy
Posted on October 3, 2008 // 15 Comments
In a recent issue of Money magazine, Walter Updegrave shared the results of a recent survey by insurer Northwestern Mutual and health education company LLuminari. It showed that people who perform financial planning tend to feel happier than those … [Read the rest]
Last updated: September 27, 2015
New $50 Signup Bonus For TradeKing Brokerage
Posted on October 2, 2008 // 21 Comments
Online stock brokerage firm TradeKing has a new $50 sign-up bonus for new accounts. To qualify, you must open with at least $2,500, make one trade, and not take it out for 6 months. There is no referral required, just be sure you see the $50 … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 3, 2012
Bought Some More 5% APY Bank CDs From WaMu/Chase
Posted on October 1, 2008 // 27 Comments
I went ahead today and bought some more of the 12-month CD at 5% APY from Washington Mutual/Chase. Here's why: Reason #1: Chase agreed to honor WaMu CD rates From the official FDIC WaMu takeover page: 6. Will I continue to earn interest at the … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Free FICO Credit Score From Equifax (No Trial)
Posted on October 1, 2008 // 56 Comments
Equifax is currently running a campaign that is giving out your FICO credit score for free (expired) based on your Equifax credit report. There is no credit card or free trial subscription required, so you don't have to cancel anything. Only … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 14, 2011
Good Time To Check Your Risk Tolerance Again?
Posted on September 30, 2008 // 23 Comments
I should really stop looking at CNN.com and CNBC.com, but nobody will stop talking about it so here I am talking about it too. Moo. :) If you watch your portfolio closely and are feeling nervous and/or scared, then perhaps this is a good time to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 8, 2017
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