I recently learned that Citi is removing the automatic travel insurance from their cards, effective September 1, 2009. If you’re anything like me, then I know exactly what you’re thinking… “Travel insurance? What travel insurance?” To be completely honest, I was vaguely aware of this coverage, but my card usage is primarily governed by one […]
Late last week, Ally Bank did something that’s been almost unheard of over the past year or so… They raised the interest rate on their online savings account. No, it wasn’t a large increase, but at least it wasn’t a decrease. It remains to be seen if anyone else will follow suit, but I doubt […]
I’m now convinced that investing through Lending Club is (at least for me) more than just a passing fancy. As such, I decided that it was high time to start tracking things in Quicken. I’ve actually been avoiding this task because I’ve already invested in over 100 loans, and the prospect of tracking so many […]
According to human resources consulting firm Mercer, the IRS might be forced to reduce 401(k) contribution limits in 2010. Next year’s limits, which are tied to inflation, will be announced in October. Inflation has been negative since March so, unless it picks up between now and October, the IRS will have no choice but to […]
Finance Freaks please step forward… Are you like me? The Personal Finance FREAK of the house? The one who is always pushing the envelope, always trying to cut costs, boost savings, etc. If that sounds like you, then let me first say… Well done! If you stay the course by spending less than you earn, […]
This is just a reminder that the good folks at Lending Club are offering FCN readers a $25 signup bonus* just for opening an account. Here’s how it works… 1. Visit Lending Club using a link in this post 2. Open and activate a lender account 3. The $25 will be automatically deposited in your […]
I recently received an e-mail from a reader who is interested in paying off her mortgage early. In it, she asked the following: Is it better to pay money monthly that is applied to your escrow or your principal? I would like to pay the equivalent of one extra mortgage payment a year, but I’m […]
We’ve been busy shopping around for home insurance for the condo that we’re buying. I’ve contacted several agents by phone and e-mail looking for a good deal. I’ve successfully reduced our car insurance bill by half simply by checking with different companies, so I know this will be worth the effort. Why do you need […]
As most of you know, I got an iPhone back in July. Since it arrived, I’ve had a blast digging through the App Store looking for life-changing apps. While I’ve found some real gems, I’m sure that I’ve missed out on some great ones. What follows is a rundown of the eight money-related iPhone apps […]
Has your bank increased fees related to your checking or savings accounts? According to a recent blurb in Money Magazine, banks have turned to account maintenance fees, overdraft fees, etc. in an attempt to make up for recent losses in other areas. “Recently, Bank of America boosted maintenance fees on certain checking accounts, Wachovia doubled […]
