HSBC Bank Promo: 3% Cash Bonus on New Deposits, Up to $600 Total

Interest rates on liquid savings accounts keep dropping, making bank bonuses more attractive on a relative basis. Opening new accounts are more hassle, so I usually want at least double the interest rates I could get by doing nothing. This … [Read the rest]

The Warren Buffett Pilot Story: The Importance of Making a NOT To Do List

Even before COVID, I hated that feeling at the end of the day that comes after running around but not being able to list anything accomplished. Here's a helpful idea of what I call the story of Warren Buffett and his pilot. I've read a few … [Read the rest]

Vanguard Fair Value CAPE Chart

A lot of investment "analysis" is simply finding a reasonable and convincing way to explain present market prices. Whatever the price is, you can find a story to match. Working backwards like that means there usually isn't much useful nor … [Read the rest]

Chase You Invest Brokerage Transfer Bonus: Up to $725 Cash

Financial institutions increasingly want all of your money under one roof. Brokerage firms and robo-advisors are adding savings accounts and debit cards. Banks want to let you trade stocks. If you have built up some sizeable assets, you can make … [Read the rest]

Experian Boost Review: Improve Your Credit Score For Free By Adding Utility Payment History

If you're also guilty of watching more TV these days, you may have seen this strange TV commercial (embedded below) for a product called Experian Boost that promises to "boost your credit score instantly". Usually, good honest products don't need … [Read the rest]

Financial Independence Not As a Number, But Creating a Content Lifestyle

If you're reading this, then financial independence is probably a goal of yours. Yet, most people who accumulate a pile of money big enough to retire upon keep on working if they are able. Why? They may truly love their job and be willing to … [Read the rest]

Best Interest Rates on Cash – August 2020

Is it August? The days are all melding together in the MMB household. We've also reached the point where anything above 1% APY is worth a second look. Being willing to switch to bank or credit union CDs can still beat out Treasury bonds and/or … [Read the rest]

Free CFA Investment and Portfolio Management Books

The CFA Institute Research Foundation publishes some short finance ebooks on Amazon Kindle that qualify as continuing education credits for Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), a type of investment professional certification. The Finance Buff points … [Read the rest]

Online Shopping: Are You Being Tricked By These 15 Dark Patterns?

During these stressful times, many of us are doing a lot more shopping online (unfortunately for local retailers). The competition to get you to spend as much as possible has evolved to take full advantage of all of our psychological weaknesses. … [Read the rest]

Google Plus Class Action Settlement: Up to $12 Cash Payment

I received an email that Google settled a class action lawsuit claiming that the now-defunct Google+ social media service exposed your personal data in a harmful manner. You can submit a claim here, where you must attest to all of the … [Read the rest]

Kneading Dough Podcast: Athletes Talk Openly About Money

Another podcast that I discovered late is Kneading Dough, where famous athletes sit down and talk openly about their finances. Created by UNINTERRUPTED (founded by Lebron James and Maverick Carter) and sponsored by Chase, guests over the three … [Read the rest]

Marcus Bank AARP 0.10% APY Rate Boost, CD Special (EXPIRED)

Update: As of 2026, the partnership between Marcus and AARP appears to have ended. The information on this post is expired. This is a multi-part deal, but you may already have some of these accounts. Marcus is the online banking arm of … [Read the rest]