Bummer, I'm finally out of checks. I try to write as little checks as humanly possible and pay for everything with credit cards to get cash back, but still, things like rent, graduation gifts, giving to charity, gradually deplete my checkbook. Last … [Read the rest]
Don’t Buy Checks From Your Bank
Posted on December 6, 2005 // 25 Comments
Last updated: October 23, 2016
December 2005 Financial Status / Net Worth Update
Posted on December 5, 2005 // 9 Comments
Last updated: November 3, 2014
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk: Bored Money
Posted on December 3, 2005 // 10 Comments
Amazon.com recently released a beta program called Mechanical Turk for using human intelligence to solve problems that are very difficult for computers to do. For example, you figure out the name of a band from the album cover, and you get paid 2 … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 6, 2011
Maximizing Your Citi / Chase 5% Cash Back Cards
Posted on December 3, 2005 // 17 Comments
For those of you that have the Citi Dividend Platinum Card that gives you 5% cash back for supermarkets, drugstores, and gas stations - be sure to use them to their fullest. 1) Gift Cards - Don't buy at the retail store, try to buy them at the … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 24, 2011
My Dream Future
Posted on December 3, 2005 // 13 Comments
Thinking about goals and the future some more, I have this picture in my head of our dream future in 5-10 years: - I work at a job I enjoy for only 20 hours a week - My wife also works at a job she enjoys for only 20 hours a week - We both share … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 5, 2006
Plan To Retire Later Instead of Earlier?
Posted on December 3, 2005 // 9 Comments
Talking with my parents about their retirement plans has been very enlightening. I found out that my dad fully intends on working until he is at least 70 years old. I guess it's not a total surprise, he is a bit of a workaholic, likes his job, and … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 5, 2006
Evaluating My Parent’s 401k Portfolio, Part 2 – QandA
Posted on December 1, 2005 // 9 Comments
So I gave my mom a call today to ask her some questions about her 401k portfolio. Here's a summarized transcript: Me: I looked at your 401k statement. Mom: Good! Me: What kind of other retirements assets you and Dad have? Mom: Umm... I think I … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 5, 2006
Gimme Gimme Gimme, err.. Give Give Give
Posted on December 1, 2005 // 10 Comments
'Tis the Season of Giving. And that means tons of snail mail from all kinds of charitable organizations. Everyone wants of piece of your generosity. I haven't even heard of half these organizations - Endangered seahorses? Home-bound elderly folk … [Read the rest]
Last updated: May 9, 2007
4-Week T-Bill Ladder Complete
Posted on December 1, 2005 // 9 Comments
I now have 4 consecutive 4-week Treasury Bills as a ladder, so next week one will mature and I will buy another 4-week T-Bill the same day with the proceeds. I'll keep this rotating money as my emergency fund until the rates are non-competitive. … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 6, 2011
Evaluating My Parent’s 401k Portfolio, Part 1
Posted on November 29, 2005 // 18 Comments
After my parents learned of my interest in personal finance topics over Thanksgiving, my mom just sent me her last 401k statement and asked me what I thought. She is 55, and works for a small firm and therefore her 401k is serviced by a small … [Read the rest]
Last updated: August 5, 2006
Saving Bonds Revisited – Rate Comparisons and Thoughts
Posted on November 28, 2005 // 14 Comments
(Please also see the previous discussion of Savings Bonds) The end of November has snuck up on me, and I've been putting off until now deciding whether to buy more I-Type Savings Bonds. I already did the math to see the rates for the worst case … [Read the rest]
Last updated: October 10, 2011
How To Get Around The $100,000 FDIC Limits
Posted on November 28, 2005 // 6 Comments
Most people have seen the notices online or in your physical bank that your deposits in an FDIC Insured bank account are insured up to $100,000. But what if you find yourself with more than $100,000 in cash? Say, in between home selling and buying? … [Read the rest]
Last updated: April 29, 2014
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