There was a discussion on Bogleheads recently about giving money to grandparents so that could invest in a 529 college savings plan for their grandchildren. While it brought more light on what I think is a flawed financial aid system, it also … [Read the rest]
Grandparents + 529 College Savings Plans = Loophole?
Posted on March 7, 2011 // 18 Comments
Last updated: July 26, 2012
Reaching the “I Can Do This” Moment
Posted on March 4, 2011 // 13 Comments
Like millions of other people out there, I decided to start trying to lose weight and get in better shape on January 1st. I cut out virutally all meat and was eating tons of fresh vegetables and whole grains. I went to the gym, ran outside, or … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 4, 2011
Net Worth & Goals Update – March 2011
Posted on March 2, 2011 // 23 Comments
Oh alright, here's another net worth update. My last snapshot was about 9 months ago. I know people like the voyeurism, but hopefully my commentary will also provide some helpful insights as to achieving our goals. Credit Card Debt I used to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 3, 2011
Low Cost Stock Broker Alternatives 2011
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 7 Comments
If you're thinking about switching online stock brokers, perhaps due to a price increase, here are some low-cost options. To avoid the common $50 to $75 ACAT transfer-out fee for moving your entire portfolio somewhere else, you can sell all your … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 8, 2017
Zecco Trading Ends Free Trade Offer, Now $4.95 Per Trade
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 4 Comments
Discount brokerage Zecco Trading announced this weekend that effectively immediately, they will no longer offer 10 free trades per month for those with assets of $25,000 and over. Here is partial text from the e-mail: Starting on March 30, 2011, our … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 24, 2012
2011 TradeKing New Account Referral: $100 Bonus
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 4 Comments
Online broker TradeKing.com has brought back their $100 sign-up bonus for new accounts. If you get a referral from an existing account holder, open a new account with at least $1,000, and make a trade, both people will get $100. TradeKing … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 20, 2012
$1 for Three DVD Rentals from Redbox (Again)
Posted on February 28, 2011 // 5 Comments
Groupon has a national deal through the end of March 1st that will get you three one-day rentals at RedBox kiosks for $1. Retail is $1 per day, so $3. If you don't have a Groupon account already, please use my sign-up link, and I'll get some … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 28, 2011
No Fee 0% APR Balance Transfer For 12 Months – Discover Card – Expires 2/28!
Posted on February 25, 2011 // 11 Comments
A reminder that this offer is scheduled to end on February 28th, 2011. The Discover More Card is available with no balance transfer fee through this online offer link, offering both 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 … [Read the rest]
Last updated: May 1, 2014
Dilbert and Bogart On “F#(& You” Money
Posted on February 25, 2011 // 9 Comments
Trying to think of a good name for your retirement fund? Here's a funny Dilbert comic about a colorful option: In fact, the origins of the term "F--- You Money" can be traced to actor Humphrey Bogart. The following quote is attributed to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 25, 2015
Hotel Bidding Tools For Hotwire.com and Priceline.com Travel
Posted on February 24, 2011 // 11 Comments
I'm working on planning our next travel adventure, and discovered a few new sites to help people navigate "opaque" hotel price engines Hotwire.com and Priceline.com. In my 5-Step Guide to Finding The Lowest Rate For Hotel Rooms, I outlined the … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 11, 2018
Application Tips For Individual Health Insurance
Posted on February 23, 2011 // 21 Comments
In a NY Times Op-Ed piece entitled Money Won’t Buy You Health Insurance, Donna Dubinsky shares her troubles with getting individual health insurance coverage, even though she has many millions from co-founding Palm. Based on this article, here are … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Stable Value Fund 2011 Interest Rate Announced
Posted on February 22, 2011 // 15 Comments
If you have a 401(k), 403(b), or similar retirement plan, you may have an investment option called a stable value fund. Sometimes it goes by a different name like Guaranteed Pooled Fund, but they are always marked as a conservative investment. The … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 22, 2015
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