If you aren't familiar with them, Redbox and DVDPlay are little DVD rental kiosks that only cost $1 per day to rent. Redbox can be found in many McDonald's, and DVDPlay's tend to be in Safeway grocery stores. Limited selection, but not bad for … [Read the rest]
2008/2009 NonDeductible IRA Contribution Decisions
March 4, 2009 By 20 Comments
With the market in another funk this week, I was reminded that I had until April 15th to make my IRA contributions for 2008. It could get worse before then, or it might bounce up again, I have no predictive powers either way. I don't like to be … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 4, 2009
Simple Prosperity on Enjoying The Present
March 3, 2009 By 31 Comments
Another quote I like from the book Simple Prosperity: "The modern mind," writes Wendell Berry, "longs for the Future as the medieval mind longed for Heaven." Berry argues that we've been conned into believing that the present is something we need … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 3, 2009
Links Roundup: Food and More Edition
March 2, 2009 By 15 Comments
Maybe I was just hungry this week, but a lot of my financially related links happened to be about food! CNN reporter lives on food stamps for a month What's it like to eat with a food budget of $176 a month? Some frugal families may find that … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 9, 2018
Brown Bag Lunch Idea: Make Your Own Hot, Melty Sandwiches
March 1, 2009 By 32 Comments
Some foodies may turn up their noses, but say hello to my new lunch buddy! It's a sandwich maker, which apparently have been around for decades. My wife introduced me to them originally in college, but we had to throw it away a few years ago … [Read the rest]
Last updated: December 29, 2014
Setting Long-Term Financial Goals: Looking Back 5 Years
February 27, 2009 By 36 Comments
Some readers have noticed that I am no longer tracking the progress towards my long-term financial goal. That's because I don't have one! It used to be a million dollars by age 45, but I have dropped it since it doesn't motivate me on a daily or … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 27, 2009
$8000 Housing Stimulus Tax Credit: Requirements and Common Questions
February 26, 2009 By 232 Comments
Still lots of questions about the $8,000 First-Time Home buyer Tax Credit. Here are some answers: What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? You are considered a first-time homebuyer if: - You purchased your main home located in the … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 26, 2009
Book Review: Pilgrimage to Warren Buffett’s Omaha (Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting)
February 25, 2009 By 18 Comments
There are hundreds of books about how to invest like Warren Buffett. For whatever reason, I haven't read any of them (yet). For one, if really wanted to invest like him, why not just invest with him and buy a share of Berkshire Hathaway? A Class … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 25, 2019
More Fun With Charts: Credit Crisis Edition
February 24, 2009 By 7 Comments
Here a new time-waster: From the creators of LOLCats, GraphJam allows users to create charts that are funny and vote up the best ones. Two appropriate ones: I guess this explanation is patronizing then? And after yesterday... (Yes, … [Read the rest]
Last updated: March 14, 2014
Conservative 529 Options: CollegeSure Tuition-Indexed CDs vs. Inflation-Protected Bonds (TIPS)
February 23, 2009 By 8 Comments
Recently, I have been exploring the "safe" options inside various 529 plans. This would be a good choice for those who want to feel like they are making continuous gradual progress and avoid the swings of the stock market, similar to what is offered … [Read the rest]
Last updated: February 23, 2012
Nice & Simple Explanation of the Credit Crisis
February 20, 2009 By 31 Comments
By now, most of us have some sort of idea of what caused the current financial crisis. Some notable attempts at a simplified explanation include these Powerpoint slides with stick figures, this British comedy routine, and the "Giant Pool of Money" … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 5, 2011
Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan: Free $25 Opening Bonus
February 19, 2009 By 18 Comments
The Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 Savings Plan is again offering a $25 refer-a-friend bonus if you open an account and deposit at least $25 by May 31, 2009. You can be a resident of any state, and there are no application or annual fees. First … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 29, 2014
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