Happy New Year! 2012 has come to an end, which makes this monthly update into an annual wrap-up of the trailing total returns for selected asset classes. Passive ETFs are used to represent major asset classes, as they represent actual investments … [Read the rest]
If you're like me, you may wonder if a New Year's resolution is even worth the bother. By chance, I was listening to an NPR interview today with a Dr. John Norcross, a psychology professor who decided to study this phenomenon. Listen, download … [Read the rest]
For some reason, cash is old-fashioned and now it's common to give out gift cards in the form of prepaid credit cards. If you have a prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card and you want to use up an odd remaining amount like $3.34 … [Read the rest]
Winner Announcement! The contest is now closed. The winning entry was picked using Random.org with the Timestamp: 2012-12-25 03:28:18 UTC. Congratulations to Anthony T (aXXXXXX@gmail.com), the lucky winner of $2,500. You should have received an … [Read the rest]
Google has just announced on their Google Play page that you can now upload your music library to Google Play, and they will scan them and keep a copy in the cloud for free and let you stream to your devices as needed. This "digital music locker" is … [Read the rest]
It may not work in time for Christmas anymore, but here's another offer for a free 1-year Shoprunner membership. Enter offer code RUNNER. No credit card required, it is optional, just asks for an e-mail address. Shoprunner is similar to Amazon … [Read the rest]
Ah, holiday tipping. This little post still gets a steady stream of comments, even several years later... Invariably this time of year, all the "tipping experts" of the world unite and tell us ignorant folk what to do. Is it just me, or is it a … [Read the rest]
Many people will log into their brokerage accounts in December and be surprised by some curious losses. Not to worry, most likely this is due to your mutual distributing either capital gains and/or dividends. Mutual funds and ETFs are baskets of … [Read the rest]
You may be familiar with Credit Sesame from my popular free credit scores with no trials post, as they offer you a free credit score based on your Experian credit report, updated once a month. They make money by presenting you with credit-related … [Read the rest]
Even though I know you can get cheap, basic cell service for under $10, I do find value in having a smartphone with mobile data, for business reasons and mobile hotspot use if nothing else. My current contract is coming to an end, so I've been … [Read the rest]
Behavioral economists are constantly trying to find ways to convince us do the "right" things like save for retirement. Why is it so hard to give up short-term perks for larger, long-term rewards? For example, take my True Cost of Holiday … [Read the rest]
Forgive me frugalistas, but I've only recently discovered the retro trend that I call YSIJ - Yummy Stuff in Jars. A friend of ours recently provided homemade passionfruit butter in classic Ball glass jar, which was awesome. Another friend gave us … [Read the rest]
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