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Bought a OBD II Code Reader for Check Engine Light

Several months ago my "check engine" light went on. I went to my local mechanic, who plugged in a code scanner and found my error. Since it didn't re-appear after resetting, he said he could try to fix it ($$$) or I could just leave it and it might … [Read the rest]

Our Current Simple-and-Steady Budgeting System

For the past several months, we've been using a crude but effective way of tracking our overall spending each month. The basic idea is that we only put the amount of money we actually want to spend into our primary checking account, and then pay all … [Read the rest]

FaceBook Advertising Coupon Codes: Free $300+ In Ads

If you have a website that you would like to promote, there are several coupon codes out there that can get you a free $200+ in credit towards Facebook Ads (update: codes are expired). In addition, if you join the Visa Business Network and install … [Read the rest]

Free Audiobook: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Audible.com is giving a free audiobook version of the popular personal development book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey. I've read about half of the print version, and it does have … [Read the rest]

Strategies For Maxing Out Your 401k/403b and Company Match, True-Up Contributions

Why the interest in 401k limits? Well, we found out that my wife now gets a company match to her 403b retirement plan. Score! I then wanted to explore how to maximize both our $16,500 401k limits and the company match. Example: Maxing Out But … [Read the rest]

2009 401k/403b Maximum Salary Contribution Limits

The 2009 inflation-adjusted limits for 401(k) and 403(b) defined-contribution plans are as follows: The 401(k) elective deferral limit goes to $16,500, up from $15,500. The "catch-up" amount allowed for those age 50 years and up increases to … [Read the rest]

Cosmetics Settlement: Free Cosmetics While Supplies Last

I'm a day late on this one, but perhaps there is some free make-up or perfume left: As part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed to members of the class for a maximum of seven days, while … [Read the rest]

Sprint Nextel Class Action Settlement for Early Termination Fees

Sprint Nextel recently settled a lawsuit over the early-termination fees (ETFs) on their contracts. I believe the it was over the fact that the ~$200 fee stayed flat even if you were on the last month of your contract. You can find details at … [Read the rest]

Add More Money Your Roth IRA – Undo and Redo Contributions After Losses?

So you listened to the financial experts and dutifully contributed $5,000 to your Roth IRA in early 2008. Unfortunately, stuff hit the fan and now you're left with a lot less. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to find some silver lining and shield … [Read the rest]

Free Equifax FICO Score Redux

Looks like Equifax and FICO are giving out another 10,000 free FICO scores (expired!). Again... no credit card or trial required. This is an official FICO score based on your Equifax credit file. Score only, no credit report. This time you don't … [Read the rest]

Historical Federal Tax Rates by Income Group

In my last post on 2009 marginal tax rates, reader Alexandria (aka MonkeyMama) made a very good point that planning our retirements around future tax brackets is very difficult as they change all the time. But isn't that what we are forced to do … [Read the rest]

2009 Marginal Rate Brackets For Federal Income Tax

For personal reference, there are the new 2009 federal income tax brackets, which have been adjusted for inflation. This is taxable income, so it is after any exemptions and either standard or itemized deductions have taken place, as well as pre-tax … [Read the rest]