My Money Blog

Running Out Of Time? File a Tax Extension

Posted on April 11, 2006 // 1 Comment

For those cutting it close to April 17th, it may be time to consider filing a tax extension. But while it's pretty easy to get an extension until October 15th to file your taxes, you still have to pay any tax you owe by the 17th. Still, the penalty … [Read the rest]

Choosing a Discount Stock Broker, Part 2

Posted on April 10, 2006 // 19 Comments

After some more research, I jotted down some thoughts on each of the six brokers I narrowed it down to last time. Again, these are all from my own admittedly-biased perspective and personal needs. TradeKing I have an account with TradeKing, and … [Read the rest]

Carnival of Personal Finance

Posted on April 9, 2006 // 21 Comments

I had a tough time deciding on how to host this week's Carnival. Honestly, I haven't read (or submitted to) one in weeks. As Carnivals get larger, the host tends to get overwhelmed and all you really get is a long list of links. If you're lucky you … [Read the rest]

WaMu Free Checking Account Opening Review

Posted on April 8, 2006 // 36 Comments

I opened a WaMu Free Checking account today at my local Washington Mutual branch today, and it was pretty easy. If I like it, I might move all my local banking there from BofA. All I needed to apply in-person was $1 (it's $100 online), driver's … [Read the rest]

Saving Money on Printer Ink with eBay and Staples

Posted on April 8, 2006 // 13 Comments

If you've been printing up a storm during tax season like me, you're probably also running low on ink. I just saw on TV that Staples is giving out $3 coupons for turning in any used ink or toner cartridge. The coupon can be used on anything in … [Read the rest]

Discover Platinum Gas Card: 0% APR + 5% Back on Gas

Posted on April 5, 2006 // 21 Comments

The Discover More Card - No Balance Transfer Fee* is currently offering no-fee 0% APR balance transfers and 0% APR on purchases for 12 months. The fine print clearly says "If you make a balance transfer with this application, there is no balance … [Read the rest]

Choosing a Discount Stock Broker

Posted on April 4, 2006 // 37 Comments

Is it weird that I'm excited to switch into my new portfolio? I just have to settle on a brokerage. Now, you are not going to find an exhaustive broker comparison here. I'm just one guy and I just want to find the best broker for me. I'm just selfish … [Read the rest]

Finding Inspiration In Others

Posted on April 4, 2006 // 9 Comments

As a follow-up to my Thinking Big post, sometimes my biggest problem is motivation. When you don't have a boss or deadlines breathing down your neck, it's easy just to sit back and slack off. As all the gurus say, you should surround yourself with … [Read the rest]

Thinking Big

Posted on April 4, 2006 // 22 Comments

Not only do I want to retire early, I want to have a great life on the way there. Duh, right? What I'm trying to say is that I don't really worry about money in the long-term anymore. My wife and I are educated, hard-working (well, I can be...), … [Read the rest]

Hosting the Carnival of Personal Finance

Posted on April 3, 2006 // Leave a Comment

I'm hosting the Carnival of Personal Finance next week. Go submit! I plan on taking a more active role in highlighting my favorite posts this time. … [Read the rest]

Presidential Bank Raises Rates to 4.37% and 4.62% APY

Posted on April 3, 2006 // 8 Comments

Presidential Bank has raised the rate on their Internet Checking Plus account (review) to 4.37% APY and their Premier Savings (review) to 4.62% APY. I still consider this my main checking account, but recently I've been considering a switch to HSBC … [Read the rest]

Final Draft Portfolio: Both ETFs and Mutual Funds

Posted on April 2, 2006 // 13 Comments

Ok, so here's my final draft for my new retirement portfolio. I've decided to go with a portfolio based closely on my Keep It Simple Portfolio. The twist is that I've decided to keep all my taxable funds in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), while … [Read the rest]