My Money Blog

iPhone App Giveaway: Compound Interest Calculator

Posted on February 1, 2010 //

A company contacted me to see if I wanted six free coupon codes for their compound interest calculator iPhone app. It seemed like a win-win, they get publicity and readers get some free stuff. Also, I could actually try it out since I have an … [Read the rest]

Costco Promotion Code: Free Coupons with New Membership

Posted on February 1, 2010 // 5 Comments

If you're considering starting a new Costco membership, you should buy it through this special offer page. This looks to be the same program I sold certificates for in the past through a marketing vendor, but now Costco sells them directly. … [Read the rest]

Fidelity U.S. Bond Index Fund (FBIDX): Trying To Beat The Benchmark?

Posted on January 28, 2010 // 22 Comments

Since I am expanding my portfolio to beyond just IRAs and 401ks, I will need to move my more tax-inefficient investments like bonds into those tax-deferred accounts. This way, I'll put more of my stocks in a plain taxable account which is taxed at … [Read the rest]

24 Hour Fitness Promo: $0 Initiation Fee and $29.99/Month

Posted on January 27, 2010 // 14 Comments

24 Hour Fitness has some promotions right now for those interested. You can get $0 Initiation Fee and $29.99 Monthly Dues on All-Club Sport Memberships. Expires 1/31/10. Offer not valid in Reno, Northern CA, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and other … [Read the rest]

“Fear the Boom and Bust”: Hayek vs. Keynes Economics Rap

Posted on January 27, 2010 // 19 Comments

Ever heard the term "Keynesian economics" and wanted to learn more? Here's a new rap video that explores the competing theories from the Austrian business cycles of Friedrich von Hayek and the interventionist theories of John Maynard Keynes. Yes, … [Read the rest]

H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Discounts (TaxCut)

Posted on January 24, 2010 // 4 Comments

I don't know how long this will last, but right now former H&R Block TaxCut fans can get H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Federal + State for only $25 from Amazon, including five federal e-files and free Super Saver shipping. Retail is $45. From … [Read the rest]

Sharebuilder – 10 Free Automatic Investment Plan Trades

Posted on January 24, 2010 // 4 Comments

Here's a another Sharebuilder promotion, this time for existing customers. (New customers should grab their free $50 sign-up bonus first and then come back). Visit this page, click on "Kick-start your account" and then log into your account. Although … [Read the rest]

ExxonMobil Speedpass Promo: Up to $20 in Gas Rebates

Posted on January 24, 2010 // 7 Comments

Buy gas from Exxon Mobil? If you are a new Speedpass customer and activate by 1/31/10, you’ll receive a 5¢ per gallon rebate on fuel purchases for 90 days in most states, up to a max of $20. In certain states, you'll just get a flat $20 - FL, LA, … [Read the rest]

Discover Card Matching Haiti Donations

Posted on January 20, 2010 // 7 Comments

If you have a Discover More Card from the old $50 bonus, or any Discover card that has the earns their CashBack Bonus, you can donate your balance towards Haiti relief directly to the American Red Cross and Discover will match it 100% … [Read the rest]

Free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream with ChunkMail

Posted on January 20, 2010 // 3 Comments

A tipster told me that if you join the Ben & Jerry's fan club newsletter, called ChunkMail, they will email you a printable coupon good for a free single scoop at your local Ben & Jerry's shop. I was skeptical, but it did indeed come for me. … [Read the rest]

Sharebuilder – $50 Bonus, IRAs Get Free Trades During 2010

Posted on January 20, 2010 // 10 Comments

Sharebuilder has a new promotion offering free window trades for all of 2010 if you open an IRA with them before April 15th (1,500 max). These usually cost $4 each, $12/month for 6, or $20/month for 20. Thanks to reader Ron for the tip. Open an IRA … [Read the rest]

2010 Roth IRA Income Limits Effectively Removed

Posted on January 18, 2010 // 20 Comments

Okay, let's try this again. There are no longer any income phase-outs on Roth IRA conversions from Traditional IRAs. As in previous years, individuals or couples with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over a certain limit are ineligible to … [Read the rest]