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Keep or Close Old Bank Accounts? How To Manage Multiple Bank Accounts

In 2019, I opened new accounts at the following banks and credit unions in order to earn higher interest on my cash reserves. Some of the offers are now expired, but the idea is to show you that I do accumulate new accounts every year: SoFi … [Read the rest]

Solo 401k vs. SEP IRA Contribution Limit Example For $50,000 Income

I use a Solo 401k plan because it lets you contribute the most tax-deferred money for a modest amount of self-employed income. At the end of each year, I can more clearly estimate my total income for 2019 and thus my maximum contribution limits. … [Read the rest]

Best Interest Rates on Cash – December 2019

Here's my monthly roundup of the best interest rates on cash for December 2019, roughly sorted from shortest to longest maturities. I track these rates because I keep a full 12 months of expenses as a cash cushion and also invest in longer-term CDs … [Read the rest]

Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Opening Process Review

It took me an extra year to get around to it, but it only took me about 15 minutes to actually open and fund my new Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). I even donated stocks instead of just cash, but the donating appreciated securities … [Read the rest]

Amazon Prime Photos: Free $15 Amazon Credit for First-Time Users

One of the perks of Amazon Prime membership is that you get unlimited cloud storage of your photos in full resolution. Amazon Photos is currently offering targeted users a free $15 Amazon promo credit if you download the Amazon Photos app (iOS, … [Read the rest]

The Double Tax Advantage of Donating Appreciated Stocks Directly

If you own stocks in a taxable brokerage account and make charitable donations, consider donating your stocks this year instead of just writing a check. Why? Given the all-time market highs, your stocks, mutual funds, and/or ETFs probably have … [Read the rest]

This Vanguard Chart Is Why Schwab Bought TD Ameritrade

The big news while I was on vacation was that Schwab bought TD Ameritrade for $26 billion in an all-stock transaction (press release). Well, first Schwab shaved off 17% of TD Ameritrade's value by cutting their trade commissions to zero, and then … [Read the rest]

Giving Tuesday 2019: Double Your Impact With Matching Donations

Tuesday, December 3rd is Giving Tuesday 2019, an international day all about giving support through charities and nonprofits by donating money and goods or volunteering your time. In case you aren't inundated with mailings already, this time of year … [Read the rest]

Amazon Black Friday Cyber Week+ 2019: Gift Cards, Apple iPad, MacBook, Samsung, Bose Deals + Stackable Discounts

Updated with new deals. Most recently added: Here are all of the discounted gift cards with Last-Minute Deals Samsung Galaxy Watch Active (40mm) now $149 Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 W/ Enhanced Sleep Tracking Analysis, Auto Workout … [Read the rest]

Thankful: Replacing “I Have To” With “I Get To”

One trick that I picked up these year was to replace "I have to" with "I get to" when I start feeling tired, stressed, and grouchy. It's a simple way to remind myself to be thankful for many of the everyday things we "have" to do. Here are some … [Read the rest]

TopCashBack: $25 to Spend at Walmart Freebie (New Members)

TopCashBack.com rebates you back a percentage of your purchases made through online stores like Macys.com or Walmart.com. There are many such cashback portals, but TopCashBack promises to rebate you 100% of all commissions earned. If you are going … [Read the rest]

Andrews FCU 3-Month/84-Month Certificates at 3% APY

Andrews FCU has a few special certificate rates going on right now. These aren't my idea of doorbusters, but interest rates are low again and these do manage to break the 3% APY barrier (barely). 3-Month Share Certificate at 3.01% APY ($1,000 … [Read the rest]