The other day, I was trying to explain to a friend why I invest in index funds. I came up with this example, which I'm not sure is perfect but I thought I'd share it. Background: Market Cap Indexes When you hear "index funds", it traditionally … [Read the rest]
The Power of Passive Index Fund Investing: An Example
August 10, 2009 By 18 Comments
Last updated: August 10, 2009
Free US Airways Silver Preferred Status For 90 Days
August 9, 2009 By 4 Comments
US Airways is running a promotion where you can try out their Silver Preferred "Elite" status for 90 days. Normally, you'd have to pay $200 or fly 25,000 Preferred-qualifying miles (or 30 qualifying segments) within a calendar year. You must … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2009
OptionsXpress $100 New Account Bonus via Referral
August 7, 2009 By 12 Comments
Here's another solid opening account bonus for an online broker. OptionsXpress is offering new customers a $100 bonus if they open an account with a referral from a current customer. You must maintain an average balance of $500 for 6 months, and make … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 25, 2015
Historical Net Worth & Goal Chart Updates
August 7, 2009 By 6 Comments
I finally got around to updating all my net worth charts and graphics. Here is my net worth since I started tracking it on this blog in December 2004: You can also view my net worth since graduating from college in my Net Worth page. You … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 7, 2009
State Farm Auto Insurance & Rental Car Coverage
August 6, 2009 By 29 Comments
Do you know if your auto insurance company will cover you in an accident in a rental car? According to a survey by Progressive Insurance, only 25% bother to ask. We are looking into booking a rental car for a week, so I called State Farm to … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 6, 2009
Monthly Net Worth Update – August 2009
August 5, 2009 By 33 Comments
Credit Card Debt For newer readers, I have taken money from credit cards at 0% APR and placed it into online savings accounts, bank CDs, or savings bonds that earn 4-5% interest (much less recently), and keeping the difference as profit. I even put … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 13, 2016
Costco Membership Certificates w/ $50 in Free Costco Coupons
August 4, 2009 By 32 Comments
Update: Costco is no longer allowing me to sell these certificates. Sorry! See Is Costco Executive Membership worth it? … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 30, 2010
Stock Market Timing Using Historical Moving Averages
August 3, 2009 By 27 Comments
In the wake of the recent stock market drops, there has been a increased amount of interest in certain market timing systems that would have told an investor to be "out" of the market during late 2008 and early 2009. Below are a sample of the more … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
TradeKing New Account $50 Bonus
August 3, 2009 By 3 Comments
Online broker TradeKing.com has brought back their $50 sign-up bonus for new accounts as part of celebrating National Friendship Day. If you get a referral from an existing account holder, fund it with at least $1,000, and make a trade, both people … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 3, 2012
WT Direct Extends $150 Promotion to August 15
August 3, 2009 By 2 Comments
Online bank WT Direct has extended the terms of their $150 bonus promotion such that you only need to have your account funded by August 15th (previously July 31st). You can read about the details in this previous WT Direct $150 bonus post. Keep … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 29, 2014
Goldstar: Half-Off Local Events In 8 Major Cities
July 31, 2009 By 1 Comment
Feeling the recession, but still want to get out of the house? You might consider signing up for Goldstar, which helps you to "Go out more". They offer half-price tickets on plays, concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibits. So far, it … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 26, 2011
Free Wireless Internet Access at Barnes and Noble
July 30, 2009 By 8 Comments
Barnes & Noble bookstores and AT&T are now offering free wireless internet access to everyone. You can use this storefinder to see which ones have free Wi-Fi. Seems like they are now promoting their own e-Books as well through the service. Via … [Read the rest]
Last updated: May 19, 2012
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