Top 10 Largest US Companies 1985 vs. 1995 vs. 2005 vs. 2015 vs. 2025 (The Haystack Keeps Changing)

The late Jack Bogle was often credited with the saying: “Don’t look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack.” If you look at the entire "haystack" of the overall market as hundreds and thousands of individual companies, over time there … [Read the rest]

Big List of Free Consumer Data Reports 2026: Check Your Credit, Banking, Rental History, Insurance, and Employment Data

Checked and updated for 2026. Since these are available every 12 months, it is a good idea to check these near or around the same time each year. A lot of companies make their money by collecting and selling data - your personal data. It can be … [Read the rest]

IRS Identity Protection PIN Reminder: Prevent Tax Return Scams

Reminder for new tax season. Identity Protection PINs (IP PIN) have been updated for 2026 (they are updated every January). An important "hardening" tactic against identity theft is to obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. The … [Read the rest]

Apple Watch Standalone Phone on US Mobile Review

My older two kids do not have smartphones, but instead both have an Apple Watch SE w/ Cellular for basic calling and texting needs. (We like these Anxious Generation guidelines.) After a year on BetterRoaming service, which was the cheapest option … [Read the rest]

Navy Federal CU Specials: 13-Month CD at 4.00% APY w/ Add-On Feature

Updated January 2026. Navy Federal Credit Union is the nation's largest credit union, with a long history of serving active military members. More recently, they have expanded their field of membership to include veterans and family members of … [Read the rest]

Chase MyBonus 2026 Q1: Targeted 5X Points on Gas/Groceries/Restaurants

New quarter, new offers. A quick 2026 Q1 reminder that you can discover targeted offers for your Chase-issued credit card at Chase.com/mybonus. This includes both their in-house cards like Sapphire or Freedom Flex and their co-branded cards like … [Read the rest]

MMB Portfolio Dividend & Interest Income – 2025 Year End Update

Here’s my 2025 Year-End income update as a companion post to my 2025 Year-End asset allocation & performance update. Even though I don't focus on high-dividend stocks or covered-call strategies - I still track the income from my portfolio as an … [Read the rest]

Best Interest Rates Survey: Bank Accounts, Treasury Bills, Money Markets, ETFs – January 2026

Here's my monthly survey of the best interest rates on cash as of January 2026, roughly sorted from shortest to longest maturities. Banks and brokerages love taking advantage of idle cash, and you can often earn more money while keeping the same … [Read the rest]

MMB Portfolio Asset Allocation & Performance – 2025 Year End Update

Here is my 2025 Year-End portfolio update that includes all our combined 401k/403b/IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts but excludes our house and small side portfolio of self-directed investments. Following the concept of skin in the game, the … [Read the rest]

Webull ACAT Transfer Bonus: 3% to 4% of Assets ($2k/100k Minimum)

Updated with new offer. The Webull brokerage app is offering an updated ACAT Transfer bonus of up to 4% of assets transferred plus up to $100 in outgoing fee reimbursements on your first transfer of at least $2,000. This specific offer ends March … [Read the rest]

Prime Visa Review: $250 Instant Gift Card, 5% Back at Amazon + Whole Foods

Limited-time offer now scheduled to expire 1/8. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you probably spend a good chunk at Amazon and should at least consider the Prime Visa, a credit card (not store card) available only to Amazon Prime members. … [Read the rest]

Live Oak Bank: $200 Bonus on $20,000 Deposit (New and Existing Customers)

(Update: Offer is back. Again available to existing customers depositing new funds. Hat tip to reader David.) Live Oak Bank is an FDIC-insured internet bank that is focused on lending to small businesses. Their personal savings account has a … [Read the rest]