Well, it took me nearly six months to take my own advice, but… I logged into TreasuryDirect last night and bought some Series I Savings Bonds. We were initially delayed by some snags in setting up my wife’s account, and then time simply got away from us.
I was finally prompted to act by news [...]
Archive for April 2010
Buying Series I Savings Bonds
Written by Nickel - 9 Comments
Published on April 22nd, 2010 - 9 Comments
Filed under: Saving & Investing
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Filed under: Saving & Investing
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Don’t Take a Vacation From Your Budget
Written by Matt Jabs - 9 Comments
My wife and I spent the first eleven days of this month enjoying our debt free vacation. Although we didn’t exceed our budgeted vacation spending, we found that the unstructured life of vacation could easily spill over into our every day financial lives when we got back home.
Vacation spending
When on vacation, it’s common to approach [...]
AmEx Gold Card 25k Signup Bonus
Written by Nickel - 8 Comments
It’s back! American Express has offered a 25k point signup bonus in the past, but not for a while. I recently received word, however, that they’ve revived this promo, offering a 25k point signup bonus for the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card.
This bonus is good for a free plane ticket, or up to $250 [...]
Published on April 21st, 2010
Modified on March 3rd, 2012 - 8 Comments
Filed under: Credit Cards
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Modified on March 3rd, 2012 - 8 Comments
Filed under: Credit Cards
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Buying Life Insurance: One Company or Two?
Written by Nickel - 2 Comments
A reader named Sandra recently wrote in with a question about buying life insurance. Here’s what she asked:
I have a life insurance question. I am looking for life insurance for my husband and me. I understand everything about how to purchase it and ways to choose which is best for you, but I have never [...]
Published on April 21st, 2010 - 2 Comments
Filed under: Insurance
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Filed under: Insurance
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Planning Your Dream Wedding on a Budget
Written by Laura Martinez - 6 Comments
Wedding Season Approaching!
My in-laws had a wedding last summer that was absolutely beautiful, and it didn’t break the bank. It didn’t happen by accident, though, as it took some planning on their part. Everyone there had a great time and I think they did a fantastic job organizing it.
Now that the peak wedding season is [...]
Published on April 20th, 2010 - 6 Comments
Filed under: Frugality
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Filed under: Frugality
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Tax Deferred vs. Roth Retirement Contributions
Written by Nickel - 18 Comments
If given the choice, should you make traditional (i.e., tax-deductible) or Roth retirement contributions? This has been a hot question in financial planning circles ever since Roth plans were created in 1997.
For the sake of simplicity, I’m going to restrict today’s discussion to IRAs, but it’s applicable to any retirement vehicle with a tax-deferred vs. [...]
Published on April 19th, 2010 - 18 Comments
Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing
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Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing
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Low Interest Credit Cards
Written by Nickel - One Comment
This post continues our series describing features of the best credit card offers in specific categories. So far we’ve taken a look at PenFed credit cards, Chase credit cards, Citibank credit cards, and Top 8 Balance Transfers. Today we’re happy to bring you information about the best low interest credit cards. A great low interest [...]
Published on April 17th, 2010
Modified on May 11th, 2012 - One Comment
Filed under: Credit Cards, Reviews
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Modified on May 11th, 2012 - One Comment
Filed under: Credit Cards, Reviews
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Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)?
Written by Nickel - 5 Comments
There once was a time when people worked the same job their entire life and retired with a pension. Now? Not so much. Instead, most people work multiple jobs during their lifetime, and their retirement is funded by money accrued in their 401(k).
So… When you switch jobs, what should your old 401(k)?
Don’t cash it out
First [...]
Published on April 16th, 2010 - 5 Comments
Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing, Taxes
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Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing, Taxes
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How Much Money Do You Need to Retire?
Written by Nickel - 45 Comments
Over the past several months, JD over at GetRichSlowly has been running a poll that asked the following question:
If you were 65 and retiring today, how much do you think you would need?
Interestingly, 42% of respondents said they’d need over $1M, and 27% said they’d need more than $2M. At the other end of the [...]
Published on April 15th, 2010 - 45 Comments
Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing
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Filed under: Retirement, Saving & Investing
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Thoughts on Lending Money
Written by Matt Jabs - 13 Comments
I’m willing to bet that most of you have either loaned money to friends and family, or have been asked to do so. How did the experience pan out for you? Were you able to maintain a sound relationship with that person, or did it suffer because of the money?
Over the years, I have developed [...]
Published on April 15th, 2010
Modified on April 16th, 2010 - 13 Comments
Filed under: Miscellany
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Modified on April 16th, 2010 - 13 Comments
Filed under: Miscellany
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