Fraud attempts seem to be coming at us 24/7, and this story of a couple losing $180,000 from their brokerage account was very sad. However, what really caught my eye is that not only could they not track down the funds (where was it withdrawn to? … [Read the rest]
I've gotten a few reader questions about my personal cash and bond holdings, so I thought I'd combine them here. You may be surprised that I don't chase the top rates that much myself anymore, although I still do attractive deposit bonuses (most … [Read the rest]
Here’s my 2026 1st Quarter income update as a companion post to my 2026 1st Quarter asset allocation & performance update. Even though I don't focus on high-dividend stocks or covered-call strategies, I still track the income from my portfolio as … [Read the rest]
(Update: The previous offer ended 4/15 and the current offer is a $50 bonus with a new expiration date of 5/31/26. I did get my bonus the day after my direct deposit posted and my debit card was activated, so it was indeed simple and … [Read the rest]
Here's my monthly survey of the best interest rates on cash as of April 2026, roughly sorted from shortest to longest maturities. Banks and brokerages love taking advantage of idle cash, and you can often earn more interest while keeping the same … [Read the rest]
(Update: The end date for this offer has been extended to 5/31/26.) CIT Bank has a new limited-time Platinum Savings APY Boost Promotion, offering a boosted interest rate of 4.10% APY for 6 months on their Platinum Saving account that is 0.35% APY … [Read the rest]
(Update: Here is an alternative version, which only requires a checking account and does not require direct deposit nor a savings account. Thanks to reader Sweepster.) Back again, new expiration date 7/15/2026. Here's another megabank bonus to … [Read the rest]
A new Morningstar article points out that between December 2016 and December 2025, Vanguard investors contributed about $2 trillion in net investment flows, while also gaining $5 trillion in market appreciation (income and gains). They listed two … [Read the rest]
Here is my 2026 1st Quarter portfolio update that includes all our combined 401k/403b/IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts but excludes our house and small side portfolio of self-directed investments. Following the concept of skin in the game, the … [Read the rest]
Activation reminder for 2026 2nd Quarter. The credit cards below offer 5% cash back and up on specific categories, some fixed and some that rotate each quarter. It takes a little extra attention to which card you're using, but it can add up to … [Read the rest]
New limited-time 200k offer. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express is the premium co-branded rewards card for Marriott hotels. This card has a hefty annual fee, but a closer look reveals it's not as bad as it looks initially due to perks … [Read the rest]
New limited-time 175k offer. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express is the mid-tier co-branded rewards card for Marriott hotels. Right now, there is a limited-time offer boost, making it worth a look. Here are the highlights: 175,000 … [Read the rest]
The Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – 2026
Big List of Free Stocks from Brokerage Apps
Best Interest Rates on Cash - 2026
Free Credit Scores x 3 + Free Credit Monitoring
Best No Fee 0% APR Balance Transfer Offers
Little-Known Cellular Data Plans That Can Save Big Money
How To Haggle Your Cable or Direct TV Bill
Big List of Free Consumer Data Reports (Credit, Rent, Work)