Fixed for 2026. I initially wrote this calculator in 2007. Hey, at least you know it wasn't AI! Some of you may be wondering how well your specific portfolio performed last year (or over any specific period of time). Let's say you started the … [Read the rest]
I haven't paid "full price" for a cellular phone plan for decades, but that doesn't mean there haven't been any trade-offs. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) buy network capacity in bulk from major carriers (MNOs like T-Mobile, Verizon, … [Read the rest]
Callan Associates updates a “periodic table” annually with the relative performance of 9 major asset classes over the last 20 years. Above is the most recent snapshot of 2006-2025, which you can find on their website Callan.com. The best performing … [Read the rest]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
The Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – 2026
Big List of Free Stocks from Brokerage Apps
Best Interest Rates on Cash - 2026
Free Credit Scores x 3 + Free Credit Monitoring
Best No Fee 0% APR Balance Transfer Offers
Little-Known Cellular Data Plans That Can Save Big Money
How To Haggle Your Cable or Direct TV Bill
Big List of Free Consumer Data Reports (Credit, Rent, Work)