Learning About Bonds: Interest Rate Risk, Time Horizons, and Duration

For a long time, the my knowledge of bonds could be summed up in one sentence: Bonds are an IOU where you lend money to someone and they pay you interest plus your principal back eventually. There are many risks with bonds, and just two of them are … [Read the rest]

Free Google Voice Invite Giveaway

I almost forgot, I'm wanted to give away my Google Voice invite to a randomly chosen reader. So if you liked the features and money-saving opportunities, you can enter for a free GV invite by leaving a comment under this post with your First name … [Read the rest]

Free Edible Arrangements Box of Chocolate Dipped Fruit

Get a free 6-piece box from Edible Arrangements via their Facebook page. I was a little skeptical, but I got my coupon in less than 24 hours. Valid for first 100,000. Delivery is not included. Get one for your significant other and be romantic … [Read the rest]

Ways To Save Money With Google Voice

The telecom service Google Voice has been giving now new accounts faster recently, as well as now letting some current users invite others. I already have an account from back when it was GrandCentral, but I just requested an invite from Google … [Read the rest]

Will Replacing 401(k) Plans With Portable Pensions Fix Retirement Planning?

Traditional Three Legged Stool of Retirement (post, image via Michigan.gov) Over the weekend, I finally got around to reading this Time magazine article about Why It's Time to Retire the 401(k) which has been getting some buzz. The author … [Read the rest]

Thoughts About Bailouts and Bonuses

There seems to be a lot of noise about previously struggling financial companies who were begging for bailouts but now are paying out billions of dollars in bonuses to employees. I'm not trying to be political here at all, just thinking out loud. … [Read the rest]

Chase Freedom Credit Card

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Savings I-Bonds Update: September 2009 CPU-I Data Announced

New inflation numbers are out, so it's time for another semi-annual update: New Inflation Rate March 2009 CPI-U was 212.709. September 2009 CPI-U was 215.969, for a semi-annual increase of 1.53%. Using this official formula, the variable … [Read the rest]

PineCone Research Application Link (Paid Online Surveys)

Here is an updated application link at Pinecone Research, which is again accepting new members. (May expire at any time, so apply now if you're interested!) Looks open to all, but certain demographics will get more surveys. Only one person per … [Read the rest]

Existing Sprint SERO Plan Upgrade Tips & Tricks

This post is targeted for those who have the grandfathered cell phone plan called the Sprint Employee Referral Offer (SERO) plan. This plan is no longer available to the general public, but for $30 a month it gave us 500 minutes per month, … [Read the rest]

Free Experian PLUS Credit Score From American Express

Just a reminder that American Express cardholders can get a free look at their Experian PLUS credit score and credit report once every 12 months. This is Experian's own proprietary ("FAKO") credit score, but is the best you can get from Experian … [Read the rest]

MMB Incorrectly Labeled As Spam Site on WOT

There is a new web browser plugin called WebofTrust which is a "free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you … [Read the rest]