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Class Action Settlement Roundup – Breyers, Clif Bars, Cash App, Earth Rated, MLS Realtor Fees

November 8, 2024 By Jonathan Ping Leave a Comment

Time to clean up some browser tabs! Here are some class action settlements that may apply to you as of November 2024. The trick is to take action and file now before you forget… and then forget! I say this because they could take several months or longer to finally pay out. When they do show up, it’ll be a nice surprise. Many times they end up more than the initially indicated amount.

Vanillaicecreamsettlement.com – Was Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream really as natural as they advertised?
Barsclassaction.com – Should Clif Bars and Z Bars be marketed as healthy given their sugar content?
Cashappsecuritysettlement.com – Cash App data security incident.
ERcompostablesettlement.com – Earth-Rated compostable poop bags became/are/were really popular. But are they really compostable?
Realestatecommissionlitigation.com – If you sold a house recently on MLS and paid a commission to a real estate brokerage, check this out.

Last updated: November 8, 2024

2025 401(k) Contribution Limits Announced; New Super Catch-Up for Ages 60-63

November 5, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 1 Comment

The IRS officially announced the new 401(k) contribution limits for 2025 (full news release), which also included a new “super catch-up” allowance for people who are ages 60-63 at year-end 2025. Strangely, it goes back down once you are age 64. I hadn’t heard of this before now. As usual, by “401(k)” I mean that it applies to 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan.

The 2025 base 401(k) contribution limit is increased to $23,500, up from $23,000. This WSJ article (paywall) has a handy chart for reference.

The 2025 base IRA contribution limit remains at $7,000 (subject to income limits). Taken together, “maxing out” your IRA and 401(k) now takes more than $30,000 a year even ignoring any catch-ups. That’s a lot, but whatever you can cram in there may get roughly a 30% boost towards your final retirement balance.

Last updated: November 5, 2024

Fidelity Rewards Visa Credit Card Review: 2% Flat Cash Back, No Annual Fee ($150 Sign-Up Bonus, $100 TSA PreCheck Credit)

November 4, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 77 Comments

(Update November 2024: This card has added a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit worth up to $100 every four years. Might be handy for existing cardholders that have this as an idle card. Currently a $150 sign-up bonus for new customers as well. … [Read the rest]

Last updated: November 5, 2024

Visualizing Asset Allocation Choices: Risk vs. Return vs. Probability

November 3, 2024 By Jonathan Ping Leave a Comment

Howard Marks published another Oaktree Capital memo recently, Ruminating on Asset Allocation, which included several insights about asset classes and how to create a portfolio. I recommend reading the entire thing, but here are a few highlights … [Read the rest]

Last updated: November 3, 2024

Savings I Bonds November 2024: 1.20% Fixed Rate, 1.91% Inflation Rate (3.11% Total for First 6 Months)

October 31, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 1 Comment

Update: Savings I Bonds bought from November 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025 will have a fixed rate of 1.20%, for a total rate of 3.11% for the first 6 months. As a quick and dirty comparison, the nominal yield on 5-year Treasury bonds is currently … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 31, 2024

Groupon: Costco New Membership $65 w/ $45 Costco Gift Card

October 31, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 6 Comments

The Groupon deal for a new Costco Gold Star Membership is back, this time for the regular price of $65 you can get the following: 1-year Gold Star membership ($65 normally by itself) Membership card for the Primary Cardholder and one … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 31, 2024

Bilt Mastercard: Earn Rewards For Paying Rent w/ Any Landlord (November 1st Rent Day / Avios Transfer Bonus)

October 30, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 12 Comments

Update for Rent Day 11/1. For Rent Day on Friday 11/1, Bilt Rewards is offering the following additional perks. I got my Hilton Gold status last month with no issues. Note the grocery perk is actually for 10/30 and 10/31. 50% bonus on … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 30, 2024

Acorns Early 1% Match on Kid Custodial Accounts / Acorns Later 3% Match on IRA Contributions

October 30, 2024 By Jonathan Ping Leave a Comment

Acorns, known for their "Round-Ups" on purchases that encourage recurring small savings of spare change and beyond, also has a match program for IRA contributions. They also just added a new match program for UTMA/UGMA custodial accounts for … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 30, 2024

IRA and 401k Accounts Can Earn You 30% More After 40 Years

October 29, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 13 Comments

We're all told that we should use IRA and 401k accounts to save for retirement due to their great tax benefits. But how valuable exactly are those benefits? 🤔 A huge difference? A little difference? This Morningstar article crunches … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 30, 2024

Pepper Rewards App: 8% Back on Amazon Gift Cards for 15 Days (New Users) + Crazy Flash Sales + AmEx Offer

October 29, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 22 Comments

(10/29 Only Flash Sales: Sam's Club 14X/142% Off (Works at Walmart too!). Amazon Fresh 14X/14% Off (Works at Amazon too!). See new offers daily in-app with the Inbox 📩 envelope icon. Confirm the Boosts on screen before you click "Buy gift … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 29, 2024

Robinhood Gold Review: 1% Deposit Boost Ends 11/25/24

October 29, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 31 Comments

Update October 2024: Well, that didn't last very long. Right as competitors rush to copy the feature, Robinhood sends me a message that the last day to get your 1% Deposit Boost is November 25, 2024. Update June 2024: The 1% Deposit Boost for … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 29, 2024

Capital One Shopping: $40 Bonus w/ Browser Plugin Install (Actually Useful)

October 28, 2024 By Jonathan Ping 12 Comments

Capital One Shopping is a shopping rewards portal that works via a web browser plugin, while also looking for eligible coupons and lower prices from different sellers. When you shop through an eligible merchant, you earn cashback rewards. Right … [Read the rest]

Last updated: October 28, 2024