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Tools For Evaluating Index ETF vs. Mutual Fund Purchases

Even though the expense ratio for an ETF may be slightly lower than a mutual fund, that doesn't necessarily completely explain the cost differential between them. In addition to any commission costs, there are also the issues of bid/ask spreads and … [Read the rest]

In Defense Of Buying: Our Housing Situation Explained

I'm probably going to be writing a good bit about our house buying process in the upcoming months, and wanted to clarify our position a bit. Of course, you are still free to disagree with me afterwards ;) Right now, we're just looking. So far … [Read the rest]

Free Text Messages with Sprint SERO Plan

I previously mentioned a cheap plan called Sprint SERO, and I know some of y'all have gotten on it. Here are some quick updates: Bad News - It appears that you can't order new lines online anymore, but must do it via telephone. I'm not sure … [Read the rest]

Gathering Local Statistics About A Housing Market

We're still casually browsing for houses long-distance, and have been using many online tools to help gauge the market. At the house value site Cyberhomes.com, we also found that it offered a lot of good statistics at the local level. This is … [Read the rest]

Realistic Goal For Graduates: Accumulate Double Your Annual Salary By Age 40

Enough with the fluffy stuff, how about some firm numbers. Imagine that a young college grad actually has the forethought to even think about what they need for retirement. They check out an online retirement calculator, and see their needed … [Read the rest]

My Favorite Commencement Speech

It's graduation time again, and I've heard more than my share of cheesy commencement speeches in my life. But here is one by Steve Jobs that I really enjoyed. Here is the text of the speech as well, but Jobs is a good speaker so I'd … [Read the rest]

Thoughts on Choosing Bond Index Mutual Funds

Now that Vanguard allows us to waive all their $10 low-balance fees, I need to reconsider my choice in bond funds. But which one? Here's a my brief and very generalized understanding of bonds, based on my own readings. Please use this only as a … [Read the rest]

Credit Limits Increased, Free Notary Public, and More

Some random bits: It's been a while, so I decided to again request automatic credit limit increases on my Citibank and American Express card. Got $3,000 in credit limits with no credit score hit. I also saved $10 by getting a free notary … [Read the rest]

Buffett and Munger On Index Funds

Here's a nice Reuturs article interviewing Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger shortly after the recent Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting. On index funds and beating the market: Warren Buffett said on Sunday most investors are better off … [Read the rest]

Hello Six Figures! My Inexperienced Thoughts On Careers

Even though this blog is about money, and the source of most people's money is from their jobs, I don't really talk about careers that much. One reason for this is because I'm not experienced at the corporate game. I've never reached the point in … [Read the rest]

Make-A-Goal Experiment Final Check-In: How Did You Do?

Exactly six months ago on November 16th, on a whim I started a Make-A-Goal Experiment. I wanted to encourage people to set a six-month goal for themselves, and follow through with tracking it for six months. I even promised a prize for those that … [Read the rest]

Why Aren’t Money Managers Paid Purely On Performance?

I recently received an e-mail that went like this: "It's not expenses that matter, it's total return after expenses. You could charge 1% but if I make you 30% who cares? Why don't people understand this? I offer my clients superior performance … [Read the rest]