Archives for June 2006

Bought Some Bridgeway, Selling Individual Stocks

Posted on June 4, 2006 // 8 Comments

As a follow-up to my post Researching Bridgeway Funds and BRSIX, I went ahead and opened an account with Bridgeway and bought $2,000 of BRSIX. I chose Bridgeway over other Micro-Cap alternatives for a variety of reasons.

First, after looking at the Micro-Cap ETFs, none of them were truly indexes either, as you really can’t be in this sector. They all have their own unique algorithm for choosing which stocks to hold, for better or worse. Also, since the ETFs are new it is unknown how they will react to large inflows or outflows of money as Micro-Caps are very volatile. These concerns are mentioned in this CBS MarketWatch article.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Investing //

June 2006 Financial Status / Net Worth Update

Posted on June 2, 2006 // 12 Comments
Net Worth Update June 2006

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Goals //

Best ATM or Credit Card For Foreign Travel?

Posted on June 2, 2006 // 70 Comments

Just because you’re overseas on vacation, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still pay attention to fees. Visa and Mastercard charge a standard 1% “conversion” fee on all foreign transactions (even if they are in US dollars!.) Many major credit card issuers charge you up to another 3% on top of that. Why? Because they can.

But by selected the best credit card in your arsenal, you can minimize the damage. Flyertalk has a great resource listing all the card issuers and the rates they charge. Don’t forget to also take into account the cashback program of your specific card, as you’ll still earn it on foreign purchases.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Credit Cards //

This Week’s Carnivals

Posted on June 1, 2006 // 1 Comment
  • Carnival of Investing at Journey to Financial Freedom
  • Carnival of Personal Finance at My Open Wallet
  • Festival of Frugality at Mighty Bargain Hunter
  • Carnival of Debt Reduction at Kirby on Finance
Filed Under: General //

Off To Asia

Posted on June 1, 2006 // 12 Comments

greatwall.jpgI’m off to Asia tomorrow for a family trip. I still have to pack and do a million other things beforehand, but it should be awesome!

Although I love to travel, I never buy souvenirs (except as gifts). I try to follow the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” policy, except for buying a postcard from each place. My ultimate goal is to have an entire wall covered with postcards. Right now I have only have about a 3′ x 3′ block, so I’ve got lots to go =)
[Read more…]

Filed Under: General //

Only Have $50 a Month? So What, Start Investing!

Posted on June 1, 2006 // 13 Comments

This post is for those who aren’t investing regularly for their retirement yet. Not just saving, investing. In order to retire right, you’re gonna have to beat inflation. That means no savings accounts! I wrote previously about IRA Options For Those Starting Out, with various options for those who with limited funds.

How this? In addition to TIAA-CREF which was already mentioned, T. Rowe Price will let you open an account and invest in their funds for only $50 a month if you sign up for their Automatic Asset Builder program. There may be a $10 annual low balance fee, but don’t let ten bucks stand in your way. Start! Here’s a little secret: $50 a month is nothing.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Investing //
« Previous Page