I've always thought of 403(b)s as identical to 401(k)s, just for non-profit and educational institutions. But upon discussing this with a teacher, I found out that they can have their own unique problems: primarily high-priced annuities. Did you … [Read the rest]
Do You Have a 403(b) Plan? Don’t Miss 403bWise.com
Free AirTran Ticket With $10k Deposit at SunTrust Bank
SunTrust Bank is offering a free roundtrip ticket on AirTran (16 bonus A+ Rewards credits) for depositing $10,000 of new money into a Premium Money Market Performance Account by March 9, 2007. You must keep it there for 90 days, and the account … [Read the rest]
Tracking My Expenses: Mid-Month Update
I've been dutifully recording my expenses for two weeks now. Here are a couple of observations so far. It really is simple and flexible. Just as I had hoped, this method is much less stressful that when I had to worry about synchronizing … [Read the rest]
Make-A-Goal Experiment Follow Up
Three months ago on November 16th, 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 checked in … [Read the rest]
Prevent Cell Phone Overages With WatchMyCell
Constantly checking up on how many cell phone minutes you have left? The Windows application WatchMyCell logs into your online account page for you and tracks how many minutes you have left. It will even send you an text message or e-mail whenever … [Read the rest]
Weekend Project: Start Your Own Side Business Selling T-Shirts Online
Here's something to talk about while you're out and about tonight - What would be a clever and new T-shirt idea? CafePress lets people sell their own art and design work without any of the hassle. They handle the printing, shipping, webhosting, … [Read the rest]
Tax Efficient Mutual Fund Placement For Maximum Return
After choosing your asset allocation, it is still important to think carefully about where to place each type of investment. After all, what you actually keep is your return after taxes. For example, a stock index fund that tracks the S&P 500 will … [Read the rest]
SaveDay: One Day A Week Of No Spending?
Key Bank is encouraging people to designate a SaveDay, where "you take what you would have spent.. and don't." The idea is to cut out optional purchases on one day of the week, and instead save it. It's a nice idea. Here's the commercial: I … [Read the rest]
Wells Fargo Lowers Requirements for Free Stock Trades
Wells Fargo is now offering 100 free online trades per year if you have $25,000 in brokerage equity, loan balances, or deposits with them (down from $250,000). This seems to be in direct response to Bank of America's Free Trade program, which … [Read the rest]
Instant Business Idea: Sell Seasonal Gift Baskets From Your Driveway
There's always a lot of interest for home-based businesses with flexible hours. (Why wouldn't there be?) Here's one unique example that I drove past today on a busy local street: In case you can't make out the sign, it says "Valentine's … [Read the rest]
Do You Make A Six Figure Salary? Share Your Story.
Even though the $100,000+ salary club gets less exclusive each year with inflation, it is still considered by many to be a sign of success. According to reports, only about 5% of workers nationwide make six figures. Although it is by no means … [Read the rest]
5 Romantic Yet Money-Saving Ideas For Valentine’s Day
I'm no Casanova by any stretch of the imagination, but I have managed to navigate and survive my share of Valentine's Days so far. Some were extravagant, some were very simple, but they were all great. Here are five tips from my own experiences, … [Read the rest]