I am actually looking forward to seeing where I stand financially here in the next day or two. From looking over things, there seems to be one thing standing out at me.
I made a crapload of money online this month. And that is awesome.
See, I own like 20 domain names or something. I have been developing them for a few months. And fortunately a lot of them got pageranks after the most recent pagerank updates. And that had helped up the online income.
Now I am dreaming of a time when I can make all my money online. Ahhh...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sometimes I REALLY hate Associated Content
Let me just put it out there - sometimes I really do hate Associated Content. Sure, I could not deal with them but let's face it - I am in some hella debt and they pay out 3 times a week for articles. So, I can't overlook that extra income for debt paydown. It sucks, but it is the way of life and the situation that I have gotten myself into.
So, why exactly do I hate them today?
Well, see, they have this new Call for Content thing that started up a few weeks ago. And in this they post what articles they are looking for and how much (if anything) they will pay for them. Then, if you see something that you want to write about you claim it and write about. Until yesterday, you could claim 5 articles at once. Now you can only claim 3 articles at once. That bites.
So, I have been snapping up those since there is a definite dollar amount attached and with normal articles you send to them you never really know if they are going to lowball you or give you what you are worth.
So, now we get today and my current beef with them. One of the articles that I snapped up on the call for content was a $6.50 article on 2008 Chevy Malibu preview. I carefully poured over the article requirements before writing this article yesterday. Before submitting said article I read over the requirements again.
Today I get notice from them that they have rejected it because it did not meet the qualifications set forth in the call for content. Like hell it didn't. But that was not what got me mad. It was the next line. It said I should resubmit for no payment because I would get page view bonuses.
Yes, that's right they wanted me to change upfront payment to no payment and give them this article as an exclusive article, which means I couldn't reprint it anywhere. Yeah, right!
The other calls for content that I did were $4 a pop, so I have to wonder if they are just trying to get these articles for free and never wanted to pay the $6.50. I did get paid for the $4 ones though.
I hate them. I can't wait until my debts are paid off and I don't have to sell articles for chump change to Associated Content.
And as for page views, I'm going to post that article somewhere else on the web. Maybe people searching for it will find it and I'll get some adsense money.
So, why exactly do I hate them today?
Well, see, they have this new Call for Content thing that started up a few weeks ago. And in this they post what articles they are looking for and how much (if anything) they will pay for them. Then, if you see something that you want to write about you claim it and write about. Until yesterday, you could claim 5 articles at once. Now you can only claim 3 articles at once. That bites.
So, I have been snapping up those since there is a definite dollar amount attached and with normal articles you send to them you never really know if they are going to lowball you or give you what you are worth.
So, now we get today and my current beef with them. One of the articles that I snapped up on the call for content was a $6.50 article on 2008 Chevy Malibu preview. I carefully poured over the article requirements before writing this article yesterday. Before submitting said article I read over the requirements again.
Today I get notice from them that they have rejected it because it did not meet the qualifications set forth in the call for content. Like hell it didn't. But that was not what got me mad. It was the next line. It said I should resubmit for no payment because I would get page view bonuses.
Yes, that's right they wanted me to change upfront payment to no payment and give them this article as an exclusive article, which means I couldn't reprint it anywhere. Yeah, right!
The other calls for content that I did were $4 a pop, so I have to wonder if they are just trying to get these articles for free and never wanted to pay the $6.50. I did get paid for the $4 ones though.
I hate them. I can't wait until my debts are paid off and I don't have to sell articles for chump change to Associated Content.
And as for page views, I'm going to post that article somewhere else on the web. Maybe people searching for it will find it and I'll get some adsense money.
Is the Fed lowering the rate again?
When I got up this morning one of the first things I did was scan the headline on AOL.com. Apparently there is talk that the Fed will lower the rate again. I got the impression that it could happen soon. As in today or tomorrow or something.
The last time the lowered the rate it made the value of the dollar drop pretty sharply. Currently the Canadian dollar is worth more than the US dollar! What will happen if they lower the rate again?!?
I kind of hope that they don't lower it because I would like to think that I will have enough debt paid down next year to take a trip overseas. And who knows how long it will take the dollar to bounce back?
The last time the lowered the rate it made the value of the dollar drop pretty sharply. Currently the Canadian dollar is worth more than the US dollar! What will happen if they lower the rate again?!?
I kind of hope that they don't lower it because I would like to think that I will have enough debt paid down next year to take a trip overseas. And who knows how long it will take the dollar to bounce back?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
retire on Google?
My dad called me today about a story he had read in the paper about senior citizens making loads of cash on Google Adsense. I did a search for the article and found it.
The aptly titled "Gray Googlers strike gold on the Internet" talks about people that have retired only to start websites and end up making loads of money off of Google adsense. Some of the people's websites are mentioned as well. It's a pretty interesting read.
The aptly titled "Gray Googlers strike gold on the Internet" talks about people that have retired only to start websites and end up making loads of money off of Google adsense. Some of the people's websites are mentioned as well. It's a pretty interesting read.
budget success...maybe
I was looking over my spending tracking spreadsheet last night and I got pretty stoked. It looks like I was finally able to get our grocery spending down some. I may have to run to the store for a couple of things before the month is up. But still, it appears to be looking pretty good.
Now if I could just figure out what to do about those times that I am out for whatever reason and have to be gone during a meal time. That is pretty much the only time we are going to restaurants. If there was a way to kick that we would be doing even better on our food spending.
Now if I could just figure out what to do about those times that I am out for whatever reason and have to be gone during a meal time. That is pretty much the only time we are going to restaurants. If there was a way to kick that we would be doing even better on our food spending.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Refinance your mortgage and have a higher tax bill?
I live in an apartment, so I don't have a mortgage. But I imagine if I did and I had a crappy interest rate that I would want to refinance into a better interest rate.
Apparently that can have some negative repercussions. According to an article on MSN, if you don't follow some little-known rules for calculating your home mortgage deduction, you can be writing off too much interest. Instead of saving on taxes, you could wind up owing them.
Two thoughts: Yikes! and Why?!?
Apparently, only the interest on your original mortgage balance, plus an additional $100,000, qualifies for a deduction.
And it seems that lenders are not telling consumers about this. And to pour salt into the wound, so to speak, banks send customers a Form 1098 early in the new year, which most use to prepare their taxes. This document shows total interest paid for the year, and doesn't take into account the refinance. So, people blindly use this number when they do their taxes.
I bet a LOT of people are doing this incorrectly. Then they probably get audited and owe a ton of money. IRS- grrrr.
Apparently that can have some negative repercussions. According to an article on MSN, if you don't follow some little-known rules for calculating your home mortgage deduction, you can be writing off too much interest. Instead of saving on taxes, you could wind up owing them.
Two thoughts: Yikes! and Why?!?
Apparently, only the interest on your original mortgage balance, plus an additional $100,000, qualifies for a deduction.
And it seems that lenders are not telling consumers about this. And to pour salt into the wound, so to speak, banks send customers a Form 1098 early in the new year, which most use to prepare their taxes. This document shows total interest paid for the year, and doesn't take into account the refinance. So, people blindly use this number when they do their taxes.
I bet a LOT of people are doing this incorrectly. Then they probably get audited and owe a ton of money. IRS- grrrr.
Free Tacos on Tuesday!
In case you don't already know, you can get a free taco from Taco Bell on Tuesday! Unfortunately you can only do this between 2pm and 5pm, which will mean a lot of people stuck at work can't do it. But you only get one taco and it's because someone stole a base in the world series game. There may be another chance to get a free taco too if another base is stolen. I can't wait. I am so all over free food from Taco Bell.
The carnivals are up
Carnival of Debt Reduction #111 is up today at I've Paid Twice for This Already...
The them of this carnival is "what is scarier than debt?"
The Carnival of Personal Finance is up at Millionaire Mommy Next Door.
It is the Trick-or-Treat edition. There is a contest for all of the bloggers that have articles in the carnival.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Eating out cheaper than cooking?
There was an article on the front page of MSN today on Is eating out cheaper than cooking?
Of course eating out is not cheaper than cooking. I am certain that there are somethings where it is, but in the overall scheme of things, not so much.
I noticed in the article that the problem here seems to be these people's choices. For instance, the one woman in the article said she dines out because of the cost of groceries. The example she gave was buying chicken wings at the store and it being $8. Of course, she could have got a whole bag of frozen Tyson chicken breasts from the freezer section for around $9. She was just making bad choices in what she was buying.
Of course eating out is not cheaper than cooking. I am certain that there are somethings where it is, but in the overall scheme of things, not so much.
I noticed in the article that the problem here seems to be these people's choices. For instance, the one woman in the article said she dines out because of the cost of groceries. The example she gave was buying chicken wings at the store and it being $8. Of course, she could have got a whole bag of frozen Tyson chicken breasts from the freezer section for around $9. She was just making bad choices in what she was buying.
I am the word of the day
When I checking my gmail this morning I noticed the link in the little ads section for today's word of the day. Then I cracked up. This word, it was made for me. And maybe even you too!
See what you think...
Ah, isn't that just too funny? But in a tragic sort of way :)
See what you think...
impecunious \im-pih-KYOO-nee-uhs\, adjective:
Not having money; habitually without money; poor.
Ah, isn't that just too funny? But in a tragic sort of way :)
Friday, October 26, 2007
the Cali fires = expensive produce
I heard something interesting on the news in regards to the fires in California. Apparently most of our fruit and greens come from California during the winter. So, thanks to these crazy fires the cost of those things will go up quite a bit this winter. I didn't even think about that until I heard them say it on the news.
So, that means that the ole grocery budget may need some adjustment here soon. I think we buy a fair amount of stuff from the produce section so I suspect that we will notice it. Of course, I know that you can get oranges from Florida in the winter, so maybe it will just mean a little tweaking in what we are eating instead.
So, that means that the ole grocery budget may need some adjustment here soon. I think we buy a fair amount of stuff from the produce section so I suspect that we will notice it. Of course, I know that you can get oranges from Florida in the winter, so maybe it will just mean a little tweaking in what we are eating instead.
Buy hair for $100,000?!?
What a crazy story I saw on Yahoo.
A former CIA operative sells a lock of Ernesto "Che" Guevara's hair for over $100,000.
Say what?!? Who would pay that for someone else's hair? It is certainly interesting. A bookstore owner is who purchased it and plans to display it in his bookstore. So, I guess this is maybe some sort of marketing move. But if that is the case will he really make that much in sales from people coming to see that? And isn't he worried about someone stealing it?
A former CIA operative sells a lock of Ernesto "Che" Guevara's hair for over $100,000.
Say what?!? Who would pay that for someone else's hair? It is certainly interesting. A bookstore owner is who purchased it and plans to display it in his bookstore. So, I guess this is maybe some sort of marketing move. But if that is the case will he really make that much in sales from people coming to see that? And isn't he worried about someone stealing it?
Aahhh, McDonald's monopoly
It is teasing me. Thankfully the game is almost over. The lure of prizes and freebies is pretty strong. Must fight it. Of course, I don't like the food there. So that helps. Ah, I hate when I fall prey to snazzy marketing.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
mutual fund check up
I snuck at peak at my rollover IRA earlier today. Usually I only look at it at the first of the month. Well. I mean, I try to only look at it once a month. Otherwise I would check it every day and be all addicted to the fluctuations of the market.
Anyways. I have my money split between two funds. One has been doing really well the entire time I have had it there. And the other not so much. It has its good days but it is not consistently up like the other. So, I've decided that once it is up again I need to sell it and put my money in something else.
Anyways. I have my money split between two funds. One has been doing really well the entire time I have had it there. And the other not so much. It has its good days but it is not consistently up like the other. So, I've decided that once it is up again I need to sell it and put my money in something else.
hooray for coupons
I like to use coupons but for some reason I hate cutting them out of the paper each week. So, today I sat down with 3 Sunday's worth of coupons and set to work. I was happy to see that there were Red Lobster coupons in there! Now, if I can cash in some of my points at MyPoints for a giftcard to Red Lobster and use the coupon we should be able to get in and out for nothing but the tip. Dining out is so much better when it is free, or almost free.
Of course, the same goes for cooking. I almost always think that someone else's cooking is better. It must be a psychological thing since I don't have to do any of the work. Heh.
Of course, the same goes for cooking. I almost always think that someone else's cooking is better. It must be a psychological thing since I don't have to do any of the work. Heh.
check out this weeks carnival of money stories
It seems like there are a zillion blog carnivals out there. One of the ones that I recently found out about is the carnival of money stories. You can catch the 31st carnival of money stories this week! It is being host over at Stop the Ride! which is also a new blog for me.
Sam's cool Christmas stuff - danger for me
I love going into Sam's at this time of year. They always have a lot of really cool Christmas stuff. You know, the prepackaged gift sets that you do not see any other time of year. Of course, this is also kind of dangerous as it leave me wanting to buy things that I do not need. Ah, but I do love to look at all of that cool stuff.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
extra job thoughts
Been thinking about getting a part time job somewhere. Maybe a restaurant. Or a place like Starbucks. It would be nice to get a discount on restaurant food though. And if I could get free food, even better. Plus the extra cash would be nice. Haven't made up my mind yet though
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A mac & cheese restaurant?
I was looking at the articles on Entrepreneur and came across an article on one-hit wonder businesses. It is about businesses that are making money by focusing on only one thing.
There is a restaurant that only serves mac & cheese. It serves it many ways - but that is all it serves. And it's making money.
There is a restaurant that only serves grilled cheese sandwiches.
Craziness. I think I have read before too about a place that only sells PB&J sandwiches.
Such a simple idea,but so profitable. I need one of those!
There is a restaurant that only serves mac & cheese. It serves it many ways - but that is all it serves. And it's making money.
There is a restaurant that only serves grilled cheese sandwiches.
Craziness. I think I have read before too about a place that only sells PB&J sandwiches.
Such a simple idea,but so profitable. I need one of those!
Haggle free car shopping?
I was reading a story on MSN on how car dealers are turning to haggle free shopping. I have bought vehicles at dealers where you had to negotiate and I have bought at places like CarMax where there is no negotiating.
I like the idea of the CarMax way because it makes you think that they can't screw you over with the price. On the other hand... If everyone is doing it won't that just mean that all of them will screw you over? I mean, it is a business. They are there to make money. Why wouldn't they try to screw you over?
I like the idea of the CarMax way because it makes you think that they can't screw you over with the price. On the other hand... If everyone is doing it won't that just mean that all of them will screw you over? I mean, it is a business. They are there to make money. Why wouldn't they try to screw you over?
Monday, October 22, 2007
Maxed Out
I just watched Maxed Out yesterday.
As far as documentaries go it was a pretty good one. By the end of DVD I was so mad at the credit card industry and the fact that I have debt. Argh. Pretty interesting though that the only 18 year olds that they will give credit cards to are those at a college. The "reasoning" for that was also nice. It makes you wonder what the real reason is. Do they think college kids will get extra student loans and therefore want to spend more. Or maybe they just think kids in college will get mommy and daddy to pay their bills.
As far as documentaries go it was a pretty good one. By the end of DVD I was so mad at the credit card industry and the fact that I have debt. Argh. Pretty interesting though that the only 18 year olds that they will give credit cards to are those at a college. The "reasoning" for that was also nice. It makes you wonder what the real reason is. Do they think college kids will get extra student loans and therefore want to spend more. Or maybe they just think kids in college will get mommy and daddy to pay their bills.
College Tuition and Fees Rise 6.6%, ouch!
I saw this headline on Yahoo news.
Apparently the average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges rose 6.6 percent this year. That means that the tuition and fees were more than the increase in financial aid offered and pushed students into more borrowing.
Not cool. If I could do it over I would only have taken as many classes as my scholarships covered or as I could pay for myself. The problem with most of my scholarships was that they were $2,000 to $4,000 each yearly but were contingent upon me going to school full time. Since I was going to a private school in the beginning of my college career, those scholarships were not a huge help.
Ah, hindsight...
Apparently the average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges rose 6.6 percent this year. That means that the tuition and fees were more than the increase in financial aid offered and pushed students into more borrowing.
Not cool. If I could do it over I would only have taken as many classes as my scholarships covered or as I could pay for myself. The problem with most of my scholarships was that they were $2,000 to $4,000 each yearly but were contingent upon me going to school full time. Since I was going to a private school in the beginning of my college career, those scholarships were not a huge help.
Ah, hindsight...
Associated Content thoughts
AC has a new thing on their site where they are now doing calls for content. I just saw it for the first time last week. And I was able to snag something that pays $6.50. Sweet! I wonder though if this going to replace the special CSO's that they were doing. Cause those paid like $8 or $10 each.
Carnival of Personal Finance is up!
Dough Roller is the host of this week’s Carnival of Personal Finance - the Boo Edition. Be sure to head on over to Dough Roller and check out this weeks carnival. And one of my posts made it into the carnival! Check out my post Frugal ways to have fun without spending a lot on entertainment!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Frugal ways to have fun without spending a lot on entertainment
One of the things about being in debt and trying to pay off that debt is getting creative. You do not want to sacrifice things like entertainment and going out but at the same time you really need to put as much money as possible towards some debt paydown.
So, what do you do? Well, in my experience you get creative and find some fun, frugal types of things to do that do not cost any money. Or at least not a lot.
Here are some of the things I have been doing that are frugal ways of having fun...
1. Look for free or discounted tickets to events.
Until last weekend I had never been to a Renaissance Festival. I have always wanted to go to a Ren Fest but the scheduling has never worked out for me. Well, this year it did work out. Tickets were $17 at the gate and $15 in advance. That is $30 minimum, which is kind of a lot for 2 people. So, I got to looking online. I was looking for more of a discount than $2 but I found something even better. Someone on MySpace had 2 extra tickets that they had gotten for free and the first person to contact them got the tix. Guess what -I was the first person! His message was posted on the group for my city. So, my advice is to look on groups for your city on MySpace or any active message boards for your city.
2. Look for free things going on in or near your city.
Tonight I am going to the Circleville Pumpkin Show, which is not too far from where I live. I have never been, but it is totally free! I am sure there will be lots of shopping there, but that is not what I am going for. Parking is supposed to be free too! Then on Sunday I am going to the 38th Annual Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival, which is also not too far from me and totally free as well.
3. Use your local library!
This week I went to the library and got some books and some DVDs. Talk about your free entertainment!
4. Bookstores are a great way to spend and afternoon.
I like to go to a Borders or a Barnes and Noble and spend an afternoon looking at magazines or books. The great thing is that most of these places have chairs and tables, so it is like they encourage you to stay a while and read. The best part is that it does not cost a thing.
5. Watch for free days at local museums.
Most museums have at least one day a month where they have free admission. Find out when that day is and go! You may have to pay for parking but the whole family will get to go to the museum at no cost. Just remember that special exhibits usually cost even on free days.
6. Know where your local parks are.
Local parks are another great way to spend an afternoon. Depending on the park, you might be able to take your bike or rollerblades. There also might be a place to feed the ducks or play soccer or football with friends. And there is always the standby of a picnic or just laying on the grass and reading one of those library books.
7. Earn free movie tickets.
Through MyPoints you can earn points that you can redeem for entertainment oriented things. You can get a gift card for Regal Cinemas. Or you can get a gift card to buy something fun from places like KB Toys, Barnes and Noble and more.
So, what do you do? Well, in my experience you get creative and find some fun, frugal types of things to do that do not cost any money. Or at least not a lot.
Here are some of the things I have been doing that are frugal ways of having fun...
1. Look for free or discounted tickets to events.
Until last weekend I had never been to a Renaissance Festival. I have always wanted to go to a Ren Fest but the scheduling has never worked out for me. Well, this year it did work out. Tickets were $17 at the gate and $15 in advance. That is $30 minimum, which is kind of a lot for 2 people. So, I got to looking online. I was looking for more of a discount than $2 but I found something even better. Someone on MySpace had 2 extra tickets that they had gotten for free and the first person to contact them got the tix. Guess what -I was the first person! His message was posted on the group for my city. So, my advice is to look on groups for your city on MySpace or any active message boards for your city.
2. Look for free things going on in or near your city.
Tonight I am going to the Circleville Pumpkin Show, which is not too far from where I live. I have never been, but it is totally free! I am sure there will be lots of shopping there, but that is not what I am going for. Parking is supposed to be free too! Then on Sunday I am going to the 38th Annual Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival, which is also not too far from me and totally free as well.
3. Use your local library!
This week I went to the library and got some books and some DVDs. Talk about your free entertainment!
4. Bookstores are a great way to spend and afternoon.
I like to go to a Borders or a Barnes and Noble and spend an afternoon looking at magazines or books. The great thing is that most of these places have chairs and tables, so it is like they encourage you to stay a while and read. The best part is that it does not cost a thing.
5. Watch for free days at local museums.
Most museums have at least one day a month where they have free admission. Find out when that day is and go! You may have to pay for parking but the whole family will get to go to the museum at no cost. Just remember that special exhibits usually cost even on free days.
6. Know where your local parks are.
Local parks are another great way to spend an afternoon. Depending on the park, you might be able to take your bike or rollerblades. There also might be a place to feed the ducks or play soccer or football with friends. And there is always the standby of a picnic or just laying on the grass and reading one of those library books.
7. Earn free movie tickets.
Through MyPoints you can earn points that you can redeem for entertainment oriented things. You can get a gift card for Regal Cinemas. Or you can get a gift card to buy something fun from places like KB Toys, Barnes and Noble and more.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My personal finance success story
This post is being done as part of the Get Rich Slowly Writing Project: Share Your Story for a Chance to Win a Wii.
(If I happen to win I will sure have a tough time deciding on keeping the Wii or selling it to pay some stuff off!)
My personal finance success story is not so much as story as it is a revelation. See, I am still in the process of attaining financial success. I have a crapload of debt - most of it is school loans. The success here is realizing that I have all of that debt and that I need to do something about it!
It hasn't even been a full year since that realization either. And while I am not making loads of progress on paying down the debt, I am successful in another way.
I have not racked up any additional mountains of debt since deciding to tackle the debt. If you read my blog then you know from my monthly debt roundup updates that some months the debt goes down but some months it inches back up a little bit. The success here is that it is only inching up a little bit.
For the most part, I am still attempting to stop the whole paycheck-to-paycheck living. Sometimes it seems easy but sometimes it seems hard. That is why I have taken some paid reviews every now and then as that is extra cash that I can use to stop the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
I know where I'm going, it's just taking me a while to get there!
(If I happen to win I will sure have a tough time deciding on keeping the Wii or selling it to pay some stuff off!)
My personal finance success story is not so much as story as it is a revelation. See, I am still in the process of attaining financial success. I have a crapload of debt - most of it is school loans. The success here is realizing that I have all of that debt and that I need to do something about it!
It hasn't even been a full year since that realization either. And while I am not making loads of progress on paying down the debt, I am successful in another way.
I have not racked up any additional mountains of debt since deciding to tackle the debt. If you read my blog then you know from my monthly debt roundup updates that some months the debt goes down but some months it inches back up a little bit. The success here is that it is only inching up a little bit.
For the most part, I am still attempting to stop the whole paycheck-to-paycheck living. Sometimes it seems easy but sometimes it seems hard. That is why I have taken some paid reviews every now and then as that is extra cash that I can use to stop the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
I know where I'm going, it's just taking me a while to get there!
visit coupon chief for your coupons
Well, Halloween is a little over a week away and that means that Christmas will be here before you know it. And with Christmas comes gift giving and stocking stuffing.
Have you done any of your Christmas shopping yet? If not, then you can use Coupon Chief to get coupons from all of your fave online stores.
I will be doing a lot of my shopping online as it is so much easier. Target is a great place to shop for people. And I might even pick myself up something from Old Navy or the GAP.
You can get coupons for a lot of stores at Coupon Chief. And you can sign up for their feed to know when there are new coupon codes for your fave merchants.
Have you done any of your Christmas shopping yet? If not, then you can use Coupon Chief to get coupons from all of your fave online stores.
I will be doing a lot of my shopping online as it is so much easier. Target is a great place to shop for people. And I might even pick myself up something from Old Navy or the GAP.
You can get coupons for a lot of stores at Coupon Chief. And you can sign up for their feed to know when there are new coupon codes for your fave merchants.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sweet links
Found some links to some sweet stuff that I wanted to pass on.
First up, a chance to win a private screening of the upcoming new Disney movie "Enchanted." The entry period is today through 11/07/07. You can enter here.
Next, Travel Stories magazine is giving away $125 to the winner of their fall travel writing contest! I'm going to seriously think about this one as that would go a long ways on the debt payment schedule!
**I am not affiliated with either of these sites, just wanted to pass on the links!
First up, a chance to win a private screening of the upcoming new Disney movie "Enchanted." The entry period is today through 11/07/07. You can enter here.
Next, Travel Stories magazine is giving away $125 to the winner of their fall travel writing contest! I'm going to seriously think about this one as that would go a long ways on the debt payment schedule!
**I am not affiliated with either of these sites, just wanted to pass on the links!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
check it out- free beanie-like chair!
If you do not read Consumerism Commentary regularly you should make sure that you check out yesterday's post --> Giveaway: Free Sumo Lounge Omni Chair. Yes, that's right it's a giveaway.
It's for a super comfy looking omni chair. You can enter to win just by posting a comment on the page.
It's for a super comfy looking omni chair. You can enter to win just by posting a comment on the page.
Friday, October 12, 2007
A look at the dropping dollar
I came across a story on MSN that deals with the dropping value of the dollar. The author of the article thinks that it is going to get worse before it gets better. I sure hope he is wrong! he gave some reasons on why he thinks that the dollar will continue to drop for a while.
Here they are:
Here they are:
- The U.S. runs a huge, though falling, trade deficit with the rest of the world, about $700 billion annually at current monthly rates. That leaves our trading partners holding an ever-expanding number of dollars.
- In recent years, only relatively higher U.S. interest rates -- and some premium from the economic stability that comes with being the world's biggest economy -- have kept demand for dollars roughly in step.
- As the economies of Europe and, for much of the year, Japan have grown faster than the United States in 2007, central banks in those countries have raised interest rates, cutting into the premium investors could earn by holding dollars.
- As interest-rate differentials have narrowed, as the U.S. economy has slowed and as a weaker dollar has cut the returns to overseas investors, demand for the dollar has weakened. And so has the price of the dollar.
whoa, Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize!?
Apparently I have been living under a rock because I did not even know that Gore was in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize. And now he's done gone and won the Nobel Peace Prize.
That's cool and all, but I really found the An Inconvenient Truth documentary to be the most boring documentary I have ever seen. Sure, there was some interesting stuff in it. Sure, it is about something super important. But I don't think it could have been any more boring.
That's cool and all, but I really found the An Inconvenient Truth documentary to be the most boring documentary I have ever seen. Sure, there was some interesting stuff in it. Sure, it is about something super important. But I don't think it could have been any more boring.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
7 Random Things about Moi
I was tagged by Millionster for this meme and it was a hard one! I saw the tagging yesterday but had no idea what I was going to write.
So, here goes...
1. I prefer driving over flying and have driven from coast to coast and back twice. I hope to do it again, only slower so I can see more cool stuff.
2. I only became a coffee drinker in the last year. Now I am a full blown addict - 2 or 3 cups every morning and 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Told ya I'm an addict!
3. I think Dan Brown, Nicholas Sparks and Thomas Kinkade are hacks. A lot of people like all of them - but I just don't get the appeal.
4. I've only ever read one romance novel in my entire life. My closest friend just loves Nora Roberts and sent me the first JD Robb book, convinced that I would love it. I read it - till the end - only because she was my friend. I hated it.
5. One of my favorite cds is Resta in Ascolto even though I know only a few words in Italian.
6. I have a habit of resisting things that are popular just because they are popular - like the Harry Potter books. Then years later when I finally give it a try, I love it. I've done this with the Harry Potter books, the Dixie Chicks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
7. I like to watch tennis and ice skating on tv. I don't really follow anyone in particular but if I see it on tv I'll watch it.
And now, for tagging...
Money Dummy
Move to Portugal
Frugal Zeitgeist
Change Can Be A Good Thing
So, here goes...
1. I prefer driving over flying and have driven from coast to coast and back twice. I hope to do it again, only slower so I can see more cool stuff.
2. I only became a coffee drinker in the last year. Now I am a full blown addict - 2 or 3 cups every morning and 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Told ya I'm an addict!
3. I think Dan Brown, Nicholas Sparks and Thomas Kinkade are hacks. A lot of people like all of them - but I just don't get the appeal.
4. I've only ever read one romance novel in my entire life. My closest friend just loves Nora Roberts and sent me the first JD Robb book, convinced that I would love it. I read it - till the end - only because she was my friend. I hated it.
5. One of my favorite cds is Resta in Ascolto even though I know only a few words in Italian.
6. I have a habit of resisting things that are popular just because they are popular - like the Harry Potter books. Then years later when I finally give it a try, I love it. I've done this with the Harry Potter books, the Dixie Chicks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
7. I like to watch tennis and ice skating on tv. I don't really follow anyone in particular but if I see it on tv I'll watch it.
And now, for tagging...
Money Dummy
Move to Portugal
Frugal Zeitgeist
Change Can Be A Good Thing
Monday, October 8, 2007
Carnival of Personal Finance #121 is up!
Be sure to head on over to Ask Mr. Credit card to see all the posts that made it into the Carnival of Personal Finance #121. Many thanks for including my post "If I had a personal finance time machine..."
I really liked the post on how to make money selling coupons on eBay from Rocket Finance. When I look through the coupons from yesterday's paper I'm going to keep an eye out for some that I might be able to sell!
I really liked the post on how to make money selling coupons on eBay from Rocket Finance. When I look through the coupons from yesterday's paper I'm going to keep an eye out for some that I might be able to sell!
Friday, October 5, 2007
If I had a personal finance time machine...
and I could go back and change just ONE thing I know exactly what it would be.
Going to college.
Now, before you jump up and shout to the heavens how college degrees mean more pay and what not, let me explain what I mean for that.
If I could go back and change one personal finance related mess-up it would be paying for college with loans. If I could not get scholarships to cover classes then I wouldn't have gone. Or I would have looked for a job that reimbursed me to go to school. Sure, it would have taken way longer to actually get through school, but I would be in such a better position right now. And I would have valued the education more - you know, with less skipping class and such.
The total student loan debt in my household is currently at $153,809.41.
As the dual degree holder, the majority of that debt is mine. In fact, my portion of that is a whopping $105,315.87. Now, it did not start out that high. As I have mentioned on here before I got suckered into some of those 10% interest private education loans when I was going to UCF in Orlando. And unlike most student loans, those started accruing interest from day one.
Ouch.
The monthly payments for those babies are $685.60. Let's assume that I pay on them for 20 years. If I did not have to pay on the loans but instead were able to invest that exact amount each month for 20 years earning 8% I would end up somewhere around $400,000.
Wow, that really makes me sick to my stomach.
Do you have one thing you would change?
Going to college.
Now, before you jump up and shout to the heavens how college degrees mean more pay and what not, let me explain what I mean for that.
If I could go back and change one personal finance related mess-up it would be paying for college with loans. If I could not get scholarships to cover classes then I wouldn't have gone. Or I would have looked for a job that reimbursed me to go to school. Sure, it would have taken way longer to actually get through school, but I would be in such a better position right now. And I would have valued the education more - you know, with less skipping class and such.
The total student loan debt in my household is currently at $153,809.41.
As the dual degree holder, the majority of that debt is mine. In fact, my portion of that is a whopping $105,315.87. Now, it did not start out that high. As I have mentioned on here before I got suckered into some of those 10% interest private education loans when I was going to UCF in Orlando. And unlike most student loans, those started accruing interest from day one.
Ouch.
The monthly payments for those babies are $685.60. Let's assume that I pay on them for 20 years. If I did not have to pay on the loans but instead were able to invest that exact amount each month for 20 years earning 8% I would end up somewhere around $400,000.
Wow, that really makes me sick to my stomach.
Do you have one thing you would change?
Thursday, October 4, 2007
win free stuff from John Chow
Hey, do you like free stuff? Me too!
Want to get some free stuff for helping John Chow beat Shoemoney in their RSS competition? John is offering some great prizes for people signing up to his full feed RSS. Is Shoemoney offering something? I dunno!
Want to get some free stuff for helping John Chow beat Shoemoney in their RSS competition? John is offering some great prizes for people signing up to his full feed RSS. Is Shoemoney offering something? I dunno!
Get $25 with E*Trade's Complete Savings account
Came across this link today....
If you open up a Complete Savings account with E*Trade using this link and deposit at least $1 then you get $25 free after 30 days.
To make sure you are on the right page for the offer, look for the text to read as such:
If you open up a Complete Savings account with E*Trade using this link and deposit at least $1 then you get $25 free after 30 days.
To make sure you are on the right page for the offer, look for the text to read as such:
OVER 8X NATIONAL AVERAGE6
- No minimums
- No account fees
- $25 bonus just for opening a new account7
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Hooray for eBay & WiseBread
A few months ago I was reading WiseBread and came across a post on not throwing away the little NorthWest Airlines discount coupons that come in the ValPaks. The article said that you can sell those on eBay!
Of course, I read that post about 2 days after tossing my NWA coupon with the rest of the ValPak.
When the next ValPak came I was super stoked thinking about how I was going to sell that NWA coupon. Only, there wasn't one in the ValPak that time around.
I decided that the coupon must come in every other mailing. And I hoped I was right and got one the next time.
Well, not that long ago was the next time and there was a NWA coupon in the ValPak! I pulled it out and it got buried on my desk until last week when I put it up on eBay.
I sold it for $11.27! Sure, that is not a fortune but it is $11.27 for doing nothing!
Of course, I read that post about 2 days after tossing my NWA coupon with the rest of the ValPak.
When the next ValPak came I was super stoked thinking about how I was going to sell that NWA coupon. Only, there wasn't one in the ValPak that time around.
I decided that the coupon must come in every other mailing. And I hoped I was right and got one the next time.
Well, not that long ago was the next time and there was a NWA coupon in the ValPak! I pulled it out and it got buried on my desk until last week when I put it up on eBay.
I sold it for $11.27! Sure, that is not a fortune but it is $11.27 for doing nothing!
Debt roundup #8
As expected, my credit card debt dropped by about $500, which was mostly due to an above average bill the month before. Car loan is up about $100 and student loans are down about $100, so that's a wash, eh?
As of 9/30/07, here is where I stand:
I am still transitioning over from NetBank to ING Electric Orange checking. I have stopped most of the autodebits. I think I only have one left and I expect to have it changed over by next month. When I get into that account I won't have to worry about getting hit with NSF fees due to the bank holding deposits like NetBank was. Of course, with their recent going under I see why they were doing that.
As of 9/30/07, here is where I stand:
- Car loan = $12,885.72
- Credit cards = $30,266.45
- School loans = $153,809.41
I am still transitioning over from NetBank to ING Electric Orange checking. I have stopped most of the autodebits. I think I only have one left and I expect to have it changed over by next month. When I get into that account I won't have to worry about getting hit with NSF fees due to the bank holding deposits like NetBank was. Of course, with their recent going under I see why they were doing that.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Have you ever seen a phone card like this
I admit that it has been a while since I bought a phone card so I don't know if this is the new norm or what, but this phone card from WalMart has the WORST rate!
The front says 75 minutes real big. It's an At&T phone card from WalMart.
Sadly I did not read on it before buying it.
The minutes vary depending on what state you are calling!
If you are calling:
If you are calling:
If you are calling:
If you are calling:
So much for saving money by not having long distance on the home phone, eh?
The front says 75 minutes real big. It's an At&T phone card from WalMart.
Sadly I did not read on it before buying it.
The minutes vary depending on what state you are calling!
If you are calling:
- DC
- IL
- IN
- MA
- RI
- US Virgin Islands
If you are calling:
- AL
- AR
- CA
- CT
- DE
- GA
- HI
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MS
- NE
- NJ
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PR
- SC
- TN
- UT
- WI
- WV
If you are calling:
- AK
- AZ
- CO
- FL
- IA
- ID
- MN
- MT
- NC
- NH
- OK
- PA
- TX
- VA
- VT
- WA
- WY
If you are calling:
- MO
- ND
- NM
- SD
So much for saving money by not having long distance on the home phone, eh?
Hooray for parents paying at the restaurant
My parents were in town over the weekend.
Usually when people are visiting that means that you end up spending money that you normally would not have spent.
Not the case this time!
We did go out to dinner with them, but they paid! I helped though because I suggested a place that I had an $8 coupon for. :)
Then we went out with them on Sunday, but my dad gave me $10 because I let them stay with us. Our total spending for the day was $10.50, so in essence we only spent $0.50 since the $10 was free to us.
Hooray for having fun and it not costing anything extra!
And they left cheesecake in my fridge. Yum!
Usually when people are visiting that means that you end up spending money that you normally would not have spent.
Not the case this time!
We did go out to dinner with them, but they paid! I helped though because I suggested a place that I had an $8 coupon for. :)
Then we went out with them on Sunday, but my dad gave me $10 because I let them stay with us. Our total spending for the day was $10.50, so in essence we only spent $0.50 since the $10 was free to us.
Hooray for having fun and it not costing anything extra!
And they left cheesecake in my fridge. Yum!
120th Carnival of Personal Finance
The 120th Carnival of Personal Finance is up at My Retirement Blog today.
My post on Eating at home really does save a fortune was included.
There are loads of great posts included this week such as:
My post on Eating at home really does save a fortune was included.
There are loads of great posts included this week such as:
- The day I realized almost everyone was in debt
- Determine your retirement needs in 3 easy steps
- The dangers of keeping score with money
Go on over and check out all of the articles from this week!
Sponosored post: Halloween costumes
It is almost that time again - time to get all dressed up for Halloween! Hopefully you are not planning on being a complete slacker when it comes to Halloween costumes and you already have something in mind for your self to dress up as.
You could make something your self or you could always take the easy road and buy a costume. That is less stressful and just plain easier. If you wanted you could even dress your kids up like little NFL linebackers. Don't believe me? Check out NFL Uniform Set and look at their Halloween costumes for kids.
You can have your own little New York Giant, New Orleans Saint or New England Patriot before you know it. Talk about a great and easy costume! You could even have all of your kids dressed in different NFL uniform costumes. You could have one be a New York Jet and one be a San Diego Charger and one a Saint Louis Ram. Or if you really want to be fun make them rivals. For instance, a Cleveland Brown kid versus a Pittsburgh Steeler kid.
Ooh, and when they get candy on Halloween you could have them say "touchdown!" everytime candy is dropped in their little Halloween candy bag. Talk about funny - that would be hysterical!
You could make something your self or you could always take the easy road and buy a costume. That is less stressful and just plain easier. If you wanted you could even dress your kids up like little NFL linebackers. Don't believe me? Check out NFL Uniform Set and look at their Halloween costumes for kids.
You can have your own little New York Giant, New Orleans Saint or New England Patriot before you know it. Talk about a great and easy costume! You could even have all of your kids dressed in different NFL uniform costumes. You could have one be a New York Jet and one be a San Diego Charger and one a Saint Louis Ram. Or if you really want to be fun make them rivals. For instance, a Cleveland Brown kid versus a Pittsburgh Steeler kid.
Ooh, and when they get candy on Halloween you could have them say "touchdown!" everytime candy is dropped in their little Halloween candy bag. Talk about funny - that would be hysterical!
Alternative income for September
I made $1638 in alternative income this past month.
That beats last month's take of around $1400, but it is still not the $2400 that I would really like to make in one month.
There were days that I made almost $200 but there were more days where I only made around $40. So if I can get more of the $200 days I can get closer to reaching that $2400 in one month.
Maybe this month will be that month.
I also put up some auctions on eBay over the weekend to take advantage of the ending promotion they were having on insertion fees. Hopefully that will net me some cash by the end of the week.
That beats last month's take of around $1400, but it is still not the $2400 that I would really like to make in one month.
There were days that I made almost $200 but there were more days where I only made around $40. So if I can get more of the $200 days I can get closer to reaching that $2400 in one month.
Maybe this month will be that month.
I also put up some auctions on eBay over the weekend to take advantage of the ending promotion they were having on insertion fees. Hopefully that will net me some cash by the end of the week.
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