Oct
6
Are Scandals Inevitable in Regulated Industries?
October 6, 2008 | 1 Comment
… its footing.
Note how Will Hutton characterizes the crisis:
This is a crisis that has been 30 years in the making - a Gordian knot of libertarian free-market fundamentalism, unregulated globalisation, the collapse of social and political forces committed to fairness, the explosive impact of financial innovations such as 'securitisation', and sheer greed.
In fact "libertarian free-market fundamentalism" hasn't really existed in the scandal industries (banking, telecom, …
Sep
21
Why Money Market Funds Aren't Safe
September 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… funds may be an attractive option. However, I fail to see the advantages of money market fund for the Average Joe.
Aug
29
Do Succesful People Watch Television?
August 29, 2008 | 1 Comment
… about.
Childish world view - because the plots on all TV shows usually resolve them within 30 or 60 minutes, there is a tendency for the TV watcher to over generalize. They tend to see the world in black and white, the good guys and the bad guys.
Unable to hold 2 opposing thoughts in mind at one time - Often TV viewers have a hard time considering 2 view points and critically analyzing them. In order to be wealthy, you need to constantly examine what is working and what's not. …
Aug
27
Interest Rates Increasing?
August 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… 9 Month
3.75%
12 Month
4.00%
18 Month
4.00%
24 Month
4.00%
30 Month
4.00%
36 Month
4.00%
48 Month
4.00%
60 Month
4.25%
HSBC is offering a 3.5% rate on their Online Savings account right now. See all HSBC rates here. That's where I hold most of my savings. ING Direct is offering 3%. Not a big difference but if you have enough money, it's worth it to shop around.
I'll keep my money in liquid savings right now. …
Aug
1
Should You Buy a New Car for Better Gas Mileage?
August 1, 2008 | 2 Comments
… get it titled (licensed). Excise tax in this state is 3%. If I spent $10,000 it would cost me $300, $20,000, $600. You get the point. So it would require 2 months of gas just to pay the tax on the vehicle. What about the $10,000 to $20,000 (or higher) I would have to pay for the vehicle itself?
That just doesn't make sense. If you really want to save money, drop your cable TV subscription or cell phone service. Stop eating out as much. These things are optional.
When Does …
Jul
30
The Real Reason I Paid Off My Mortgage
July 30, 2008 | 3 Comments
… seem to be a short-term low-risk investment that will return an after tax return in excess of most 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates. About a year ago, several online savings accounts were offering 6% APY, and PenFed had a 6.25% CD promotion. Those might have tempted some of the more risk adverse people, as they were probably safer than paying down your mortgage.
Jeff is making a good point here. Interest rates (for investors/savers) are terrible. That is the number one reason I …
Jul
29
More Reasons to Pay Off Your Mortgage
July 29, 2008 | 4 Comments
… you are able to take advantage of this deduction then you should. However, paying $1 to save $.30 just doesn't make sense to me.
There is no investment that is as secure as a paid off mortgage and that also returns 8-12%. I really wish there was, but I don't know of any right now. I'd be all over it.
What I'm really looking for is the formula I can plug into Excel that demonstrates that paying off your mortgage is a bad decision. As of yet, I have not come across it.
I'm …
Comment by Jeff: … of time (around 30 years) is reasonably secure—and it …
Jul
14
… even though she had prepaid for the room through an online travel agency, plus held another $300 for possible incidentals without her knowledge. Because her card is tied to her checking account, she was broke.
And consider the experience of Scott Huelskamp, editor of a trade publication for rehabilitation professionals. He checked into The Red Rock Casino Resort Spa outside Las Vegas for a conference and was asked for a card to cover what he calls "the dreaded incidentals" he …
Jun
26
When Will I Get My Stimulus Check?
June 26, 2008 | 36 Comments
… should be in the mail by:
00 – 09
May 16
10 – 18
May 23
19 – 25
May 30
26 – 38
June 6
39 – 51
June 13
52 – 63
June 20
64 – 75
June 27
76 – 87
July 4
88 – 99
July 11
- Stimulus Payment Schedule (irs.gov)
Mailing Date is Based on Social Security Number of the First Taxpayer
The mailing date of the stimulus payment is based on the social security number of the person listed first on the tax …
Comment by Chris: … you payment of $300, that sounds correct. You would …
Jun
25
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage? The Easiest Test Ever
June 25, 2008 | 4 Comments
… should do that.
What do you think? Have you paid off your mortgage? Do you want to? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Comment by Jeff: … when you have a 30 year fixed mortgage (and don't have …