tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341360672024-03-22T01:08:12.327-04:00Achieving Financial BlissThis is yet another blog that deals with money. I am going to focus on saving and making money. Find the best deals, free stuff, promotions and share them with you. In case you are wondering why I set up a blog to share my financial goals, ideas, deals etc...The answer is simple, in this day and age we have to work to secure our future and personally I don't have too many people interested in these matter thus I will share it with the online community!(I am not a financial advisor)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-34612229148525429792007-08-12T15:45:00.000-04:002007-08-12T15:48:12.373-04:00A timely returnSo I have been away for a while but I am back in action. For how long? I can't say. I guess it depends on my readership. The market has been on a roller coaster ride! Well I am going to get my act together and start posting great stuff!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-60118694504067843002007-01-24T17:22:00.000-05:002007-01-24T17:26:04.426-05:00Investing in Mutual FundsSo I have been toying with the idea of actually investing a substantial amount in the stock market. After much reading and searching I decided to go the mutual funds way. I have a 401(K) at work and last year (2006) I had a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YTD</span> return of about 16% not bad! SO why not use the same strategy with some of my personal money. I opened an account with Vanguard and invested in <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">VTSMX</span> with the minimum investment of $3,000. I will be contributing $200 a month to this account. I am looking into investing in other funds as well.<br /><br />Investing is a risky business so beware. More to follow on this topic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-41567867421213925112007-01-24T17:18:00.002-05:002008-09-07T14:56:42.182-04:00Sorry Sorry SorryI apologize for not updating my blog. I have had one heck of a month. Wow! I hopefully have a new high paying job, saving more, bought a new car. It is awesome! Granted it was a very bad decision but you know what, this is the time I have to live a little. No more extravagant expenditures. No no no!<br /><br />Things left to do:<br />1. Negotiate a great salary/package (within the next 2 days).<br />*******<br />3. Start investing more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-58165977745795845662007-01-02T20:37:00.000-05:002008-12-10T10:58:15.870-05:00Net Worth Update: Financial Snapshot Jan 1st<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVwZul8s15BK9xq8g4Iw1c5wnqtqvCvZL-CW_dF-QVVQ2znCGx2pRpo7oopb-kSgyVBBgdEvAvulxp_4dtVrSVqY8OK66XUJMa-aG0bRd2nGXF5QWBppzIb-FMhA1-suiumPg/s1600-h/FanSnapJan07.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVwZul8s15BK9xq8g4Iw1c5wnqtqvCvZL-CW_dF-QVVQ2znCGx2pRpo7oopb-kSgyVBBgdEvAvulxp_4dtVrSVqY8OK66XUJMa-aG0bRd2nGXF5QWBppzIb-FMhA1-suiumPg/s400/FanSnapJan07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015612760221750818" border="0" /></a>Ouch! December was a tough month. I was a little too generous this holiday season. Oh well! I can't be Mr. Scrooge all the time. Besides $630 of my credit card debt is for the PS3 I bought for my brother's birthday which is coming soon. My goal for this year is to save a lot more and I am going to work hard to do this. By the way, if anyone knows where I can get a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wii</span> let me know! (Not <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">eBay</span>... a regular store). Personal <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">experience</span>, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wii</span> seeker mislead me and I waited in the cold for 16 hours only to find out Best Buy had no <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wii</span> shipment coming in. And, oh! They have the most rudest staff, that's the case in most Best <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Buy's</span> here on the east coast.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-10885636926395320352006-12-25T13:28:00.000-05:002006-12-25T13:32:51.224-05:00AmTrust Direct CD Rates<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AmTrust</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Direct's</span> e-money market account is currently paying 5.30% and their CD rates are not that bad either.<br /><strong>Minimum deposit to open and earn interest:</strong> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lbl_MinimumCD" style="width: 88px; z-index: 100; position: relative; top: 0px;">$1,000.00</span> <br /> <strong>Compound frequency:</strong> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lbl_CompoundFreq" style="width: 88px; z-index: 100; position: relative; top: 0px;">Daily</span><br /><br /><br /><table id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_gridCDs" style="border-color: White; border-width: 0px; font-family: Arial,Garamond; font-size: 0.9em; text-decoration: none; border-collapse: collapse;" align="left" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" rules="all"><tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); font-family: arial,garamond; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><th scope="col" abbr="CD Term" style="background-color: Silver; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CD Term</th><th scope="col" abbr="Interest Rate" style="background-color: Silver; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Interest Rate</th><th scope="col" abbr="APY" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">APY</span></th> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White; height: 24px;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">6 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.317%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.46%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White;color:White;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">9 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.270%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.41%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White; height: 24px;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">12 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.270%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.41%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White;color:White;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">18 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.023%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.15%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White; height: 24px;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">24-MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">4.927%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.05%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White;color:White;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">30 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">4.927%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.05%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White; height: 24px;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">36-MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">4.880%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.00%</td> </tr><tr style="border: 1px solid White;color:White;"> <td style="border: 1px solid Silver; color: rgb(255, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; width: 155px;" align="center"><span class="CDLinks">60 MONTH PROMO CD</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: normal; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">4.975%</td><td style="border: 1px solid Silver; font-weight: bold; width: 50px; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);" align="center">5.10%</td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-85662505797464443262006-12-25T13:23:00.000-05:002006-12-25T13:27:45.092-05:00Indymac Bank CD RatesAs CD rates drop across the board, <a href="http://www.indymac.com/Individuals/Banking/page.asp?pSection=pdCCDRate"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Indymac</span> Bank</a> has substantially better rates than most. Here is a look at their Internet CD Rates:<br /> <table class="boxItems" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="533"> <tbody><tr> <td style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);" class="blue" align="left" height="15" valign="center" width="177"> Term</td> <td style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);" class="blue" align="left" height="15" valign="center" width="177"> Interest Rate</td> <td style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);" class="blue" align="left" height="15" valign="center" width="177"> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">APY</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="white" colspan="5"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="2" width="1" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="boxItems" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="533"><tbody><tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 3 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.31%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.45%</td> </tr> <tr class="white"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 5 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.21%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.35%</td> </tr> <tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 6 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.31%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.45%</td> </tr> <tr class="white"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 7 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.93%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.05%</td> </tr> <tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 9 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.07%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.20%</td> </tr> <tr class="white"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 1 Year</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.12%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.25%</td> </tr> <tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 18 Month</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.88%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 5.00%</td> </tr> <tr class="white"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 2 Year</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.69%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.80%</td> </tr> <tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 3 Year</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.69%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.80%</td> </tr> <tr class="white"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 4 Year</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.69%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.80%</td> </tr> <tr class="creamNB"> <td height="15" width="177"><span class="black11B"> 5 Year</span> </td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.69%</td> <td class="white" width="1"><img src="http://www.indymac.com/images/eng/transSpace.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td> <td align="left" width="177"> 4.80%</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><p class="blue12B"> Product Features and Requirements </p></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>Minimum to open is $5,000 (Internet Only).</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>Terms are from 90 days to 5 years.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>For customized terms, other than those listed above, please call our Customer Contact Center.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>Interest is compounded daily and paid or reinvested into the account monthly or at maturity. The interest rate depends on the term of the CD.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>A penalty will be assessed for early withdrawal.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="black12B" valign="top">·</td> <td class="" valign="top"> <p>For your convenience, your CD renews automatically for the same term at the current rate at that time.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-31786015216052805002006-12-25T13:22:00.000-05:002006-12-25T13:23:18.968-05:00Happy Holidays!Happy Holidays to all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-29073736535776869252006-12-15T04:16:00.000-05:002006-12-15T04:18:00.262-05:00GMAC Bank Rate Drop<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GMAC</span> Bank's online savings account rate dropped from 5.25% to 5.20%. Their CD rates dropped as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-61981154836977889952006-12-07T10:34:00.000-05:002006-12-07T10:38:30.541-05:00E-Loan Savings Account Rate DropE-Loan Savings account rates dropped from 5.50% <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">APY</span> to 5.38% <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">APY</span>. As you might have noticed E-Loan has dramatically slashed down their rates on CD from 5.75% to 5.25% and below. Where CD rates depend on the balance. I personally am <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointed</span> with E-Loan. They have had one too many glitches, other problems and rate drops. What's in store for E-Loan? Only time will tell. Tomorrow we shall see what the other online savings banks are going to do with their rates like <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GMAC</span> who update their rates every Friday. They might be slashing down their rates very soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-83252454267273183542006-12-04T08:37:00.000-05:002006-12-04T08:45:56.633-05:00Are Gift Cards Worth It?More and more people now give out gift cards as holiday gifts. May it be that the person you are shopping for is very picky, very hard to shop for or that you are just crunched for time. But are gift cards worth it? In my opinion, not most of the time. Rather than <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">churning</span> up a story let me list some of the problems I see.<br />CONS:<br /><ol><li>Might expire and or charge monthly, yearly or dormant fees.</li><li>A person is restricted to use the card at a particular place.</li><li>If lost or stolen can be hard and or costly to replace.</li><li>People forget to use them at times.</li></ol>These are just some of the cons. And guess who profits? The company you bought the card from. I for one do not feel like throwing away money like this. So what should you do instead? Now personally if you are going to give some one a gift card, give the person cash or a check. Why? It's the same amount you would have spent on the gift card or maybe cheaper given some card issuers like <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">American</span> Express charge a fee. Feel bad about just giving cash? Many banks have fancy holiday cash envelopes, utilize those. Be creative and get like $2 bills or something. Just saying that in my opinion it is better to give out hard cash or check in a fancy way than giving plastic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-22703204889871369862006-12-03T09:45:00.000-05:002008-12-10T10:58:16.033-05:00Net Worth Update: Financial Snapshot Dec 1st<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1mxYy0S4NMcZTQyLoQ28JR2mIQG5xAztrh3DIcZoYtoSbWEv0lfFD5vvLFMzS9JJhdadF8XvYW9g2wMV84foJgsYnpIax-27Ckc8rHTxdys7tpF2bO5dyYkYSoryoPPI4ini/s1600-h/finsnapddec06.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1mxYy0S4NMcZTQyLoQ28JR2mIQG5xAztrh3DIcZoYtoSbWEv0lfFD5vvLFMzS9JJhdadF8XvYW9g2wMV84foJgsYnpIax-27Ckc8rHTxdys7tpF2bO5dyYkYSoryoPPI4ini/s400/finsnapddec06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5004312832876635362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This month went surprisingly well. The reason I have over $3,000 increase in my net worth is because of a bonus I got at work. But still this is huge for me! I did loose about $450 in the stock market. I cashed out a few stocks. I got checks from my mystery shops and surveys that I had done a month before that were around $200 so that was great. Now that the holiday season is here and I have a long list of friends and family to buy gifts for I am sure to make a dent in my savings. But I will try to be a little conservative on my spending. Then again, "it's the thought that counts!" Given the recent fall in CD rates I am looking desperately for a good long term CD to park some of my cash. I am also working hard towards getting another promotion at work that should give me at least a $7,000 jump in my salary. I hope! They are so stingy. I don't know whats with this companies nowadays, they make billions and can't even pay their employees appropriately. Back to saving a little more each day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-46321669323561083742006-12-01T06:49:00.000-05:002006-12-01T06:52:28.658-05:00Online Savings Accounts Rates ChangeToday, <a href="http://www.gmacbank.com"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GMAC</span> Bank's</a> savings rate <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">changed</span> from 5.30% to 5.25%. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Their</span> CD rates fell as well. <a href="http://www.ingdirect.com"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ING</span></a> Direct savings accounts had a little change from 4.40% o 4.50%. They are now sending invitation for their checking accounts. More details to follow tonight.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-10872042023792997222006-11-28T10:05:00.000-05:002006-11-28T10:09:28.768-05:00Thinking of Buying A Gift Card This Holiday Season?Many people will purchase gift cards this holiday season. Why not make a few bonus points on your credit card for that? There are certain credit cards that offer double to 5 points for purchases made at <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">grocery</span> stores, drugstores and gas stations. So when you go out to purchase gift cards remember to use the right card! <br /><br /> I personally buy gift cards whenever I have to go shop somewhere. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">For</span> example, if I want to buying something from Home Depot, I buy the appropriate amount gift card from a local <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">grocery</span> store thus earning 5 points on my credit card rather than the 1 point I would have earned had I used the credit card for the purchase. Keep in mind, if you end up returning the item, you will be stuck with a gift card or store credit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-31960323589811371262006-11-27T06:33:00.000-05:002006-11-27T06:32:36.379-05:00Citibank Credit Cards Thank You NetworkCitibank's Thank You Network has a special holiday pricing going on right now! From Nov 2 - Dec 28 2006 you can get certain gift cards for less points. This is a pretty cool deal! Here are the details from their website:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/3/4167/1600/703125/chart_specialPricing.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/3/4167/400/597671/chart_specialPricing.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/offers/title_particiGiftCard.gif" style="margin-top: 20px;" /> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Gift cards can be shipped in as few as 3 business days*.</p> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="2"><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/offers/title_retail.gif" /></td> <td colspan="3"><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/offers/title_dollar.gif" height="19" width="89" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="4%"><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td width="53%">Banana Republic –</td> <td width="13%"><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td width="13%"><br /></td> <td width="17%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Crabtree & Evelyn® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Eddie Bauer® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Gap –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Lands' End® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>L.L. Bean – </td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Macy’s –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Pier 1 Imports® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Spa Finder® – </td> <td><br /></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>The Sharper Image® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/offers/title_travel.gif" /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Avis® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Carnival Cruise Lines –</td> <td><br /></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Marriott® Cheque –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$200</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Ritz-Carlton® Currency –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$200</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Royal Caribbean® International –</td> <td><br /></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/offers/title_dining.gif" /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Bennigan's® – </td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Legal Sea Foods –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="https://www.thankyounetwork.com/images/global/anchors/arrow.gif" height="11" width="11" /></td> <td>Omaha Steaks® –</td> <td><span class="underLink">$50</span></td> <td><span class="underLink">$100</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-10571897913590658362006-11-26T22:34:00.000-05:002006-11-26T22:38:01.598-05:00Ti's The Season To Go Broke!<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:Comic Sans MS;" > <span style="font-size:130%;"> Ti's The Season To Go Broke!</span></span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As the holiday season approaches, many will feel the pinch in their pockets. Follow these few steps and you might come out alive this new years. Budget, budget, budget! Now is the time to make a budget for your giftivity if you will. First, make a list of the people whom you wish to give gifts this season. Categorize them and give each person a price limit. Check to see if you can get away without actually buying something expensive. Do not try to get into "showing off" or out doing the other. This will only end in disaster. It is okay to get an expensive gift and in return give a gift of nominal value. Remember its the thought that counts. Here are a few ideas:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Shop big sales, look for coupons and cash back.<br />2. DVDs are a sure bet this season.<br />3. Home made gifts are great. Don't feel "cheap" or try to buy something else to go with it.<br />4. Gift cards though an easy way out, might not be the best bet unless you are strapped for time.<br />5. Buy things in bulk and make your own gift packages/baskets and personalize them. (Dollar Store, Costco, etc)<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-53641311901593716472006-11-26T22:04:00.000-05:002006-11-26T22:18:18.519-05:00Work Work WorkI have not devoted as much time to this blog as I would have liked to these past few weeks. I have been a working hard! There are times when you give up hope, or just get lost in the hustle and flow of the world but there are also times like these where you learn to live again. As you know, I am working and in school, it is hard to focus on just on anything, let alone have time for yourself. As my friends start graduating, starting jobs or begin their Masters degrees, I feel left behind. Sure, this was my choice to take the slow track for my education while I work, but still it feel weird. But then again, I do feel proud of what I have accomplished. I have been working hard, been promoted, recognized and appreciated in my work place. I am currently working hard to yet again get another promotion that will officially take me into higher management. Within one short year I started at rock bottom and am on my way to greatness (I don't want to sound cheesy).<br /> So what have I done different from my fellow coworkers?<br /> Simple, I stood out. I have implemented my ideas and if successful I brought it to attention of the right people. I have been very proactive, positive and "helpful." You can only depend on yourself. You are the one who has to make things happen. Do not feel embarrassed or shy to bring attention to your efforts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-75178843269056991602006-11-17T21:47:00.000-05:002006-11-17T21:50:49.635-05:00Budget, Save, Save, SaveThe holiday season is upon us and for most it will be exhausting. Joyous, fun and expensive. So what is your plan? I am cutting back on eating out (<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">errr</span> still spending too much there!) and trying to stop myself from impulse buying. I will not be a cheapskate when it comes to presents but I will however cut back on some of my expenses to compensate for that. Now is a good time to revisit your budget and check on it. Save some time and regrets that you might face in January when you see your credit card bills!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-85166734476119858102006-11-17T21:20:00.000-05:002006-11-17T21:47:00.352-05:00So What's New?I would first like to apologize for not updating my blog this week. I have been very busy with exams and work. It was an interesting week. I have been contacted by three recruiters from other companies with high salaries and better positions than I currently have. I flat out refused the first two, but the third one out of curiosity asked what they were offering. Turns out they were willing to pay me $16K more than what I am making right now. I had to decline for various reasons. First of all, I love the place I work at. Sure, it gets frustrating at times and I even think about quitting but I guess I have become comfortable there. Secondly, I do not want to make such drastic choices before I finish my degrees. But it was good to realize what I am worth in the job market.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-79608869051113364132006-11-10T07:21:00.000-05:002006-11-10T07:24:25.346-05:00GMAC Bank Rasies Savings Rate to 5.30% APY<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GMAC</span> Bank has raised their savings and CD rates <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">today</span>. They raised their online savings account rates from 5.25% to 5.30% <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">APY</span>. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GMAC</span> offers an ATM card, check writing and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ACH</span> transfers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-28703474147478285952006-11-08T23:10:00.000-05:002006-11-08T23:12:49.112-05:00Interest Rates FallingInterest rates have been falling. E-Loans great 5.75% <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CDs</span> gone with lower and tired rates. World Savings has no impressive rates or terms. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Citibank</span>, Bank of America rates are disappointing. But with the trend of falling rates, try to lock in the highest rate and term that meets your needs. I think I made a mistake giving up on some 6.00% CDs thinking rates might go higher a while back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-52299411023008601552006-11-08T23:04:00.000-05:002006-11-08T23:10:01.773-05:00Making minimum? You just got a raise - MSNBC ArticleElection day was something. I was up until 3 AM <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">flipping</span> through channels as the votes <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unraveled</span> and looks like <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Virginia</span> the deciding vote went to the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Democrats</span> giving them the majority in the Senate and the House of <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Representatives</span>. This says something <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">about</span> the Republican Party and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">President</span> Bush. He said something like this on TV, " I thought we were going to do just fine yesterday, but this shows what do i know.." I think <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">that's</span> what he said or something to that effect.<br /><br />Back to the minimum wage issue:<br /><br />"Tuesday's election means more money for minimum-wage earners in several states. Voters there increased the rates above the federal standard of $5.15 an hour." ...... "<br /><h2 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"$7.25 high on Democratic agenda"</span></h2><span style="font-size:130%;">Read the entire </span><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" style="font-size:130%;">article</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/Advice/Wageslavesgetaraise.aspx">Here</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-53992346287589242682006-11-05T18:42:00.000-05:002006-11-05T18:44:09.921-05:00E-LOAN Savings Update III finally got a reply from them and this is what it said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Thank you for your message.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interest is calculated using the daily balance method and credited on the monthly anniversary.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For example:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> If you opened your account on October 24th, the interest would post the 24th of every month.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Please reply to this message or call (866) 576-7283 with any questions.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Thank you."<br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-61781702398808108222006-11-05T12:08:00.000-05:002006-11-05T12:13:20.704-05:00E-LOAN Savings UpdateI still have not received a response from them. I contacted them via their secure messaging service twice. According to <a href="http://bankdeals.blogspot.com/">Banking Guy</a>,<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"It turns out that your account balance is updated monthly from your anniversary date of your account opening. I opened the account on October 2<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> and I my account was credited with interest yesterday on November 2<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span>. However, electronic statements are issued at the end of each month. On the statement, you'll see interest credited up to the end of the month. On the monthly anniversary, that month of interest will be credited to your account and will be shown on your account page."<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I guess that solves the mystery. E-Loan has a long way to perfect their website as there are many issues with it. It's very <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">amateurish</span> if you will. But I can't complain when they have a 5.50% <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">APY</span> !<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-1718003690625596602006-11-03T08:25:00.000-05:002006-11-03T08:29:24.586-05:00E-LOAN Savings Account IssuesThe <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">relatively</span> new E-Loan savings account has a lot of glitches and problems. First of all, if you make a deposit, for a day or two it shows up as a "debit" rather than a "credit." According to a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CSR</span> that is going to be fixed soon. Secondly, I was informed that my e-<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">statement</span> was ready. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">When</span> I logged on my balance had not changed, I looked at the statement and saw that I earned like $15 in interest on 10/31 but that is not <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">reflecting</span> in my account as of 11/3. What's up with that? I sent them a secured message on 11/1 and am still waiting for a reply. I might call them tonight and check up on that. I will post my findings as soon as I can.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34136067.post-38782514465776574302006-11-02T08:43:00.000-05:002006-11-02T08:56:06.542-05:00Credit Card OffersI was <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scouting</span> for some new offers but was disappointed. Citibank who usually has a lot of $100 sign up bonuses has reduced their bonus offers and changed their <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ThankYouNetwork</span> point to dollar ratio. Their <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Premier</span> Pass Card commercials that offer 15,000 bonus points has one down side, an Annual fee.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Citi</span> Simplicity Card (Click on the Card for Details)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://citi.bridgetrack.com/usc/05/simplicity/reward.html?src=citicards&BTData=C02117B746F617255564E43B7A3A0A8A29A9D9B81F0FEF4E3FACBCCE5B9D53&BT_TRF=276723&app=UNSOL&sc=4DPZE235&m=0CDF000000W&langId-EN=&siteId=CB&B=M&ProspectID=9546DF0BAEBA4E4F8952C763A1A77D0D"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/3/4167/320/card_rewards.0.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$100 Sign up Bonus</li><li>No Annual fee. Reward points for every dollar spent</li><li>0% for 12 months on balance transfers& NO BALANCE TRANSFER FEE!<br /></li></ul></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bank of America <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Amex</span> Card (Click on the Card for Offer Details)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://wwwa.applyonlinenow.com/USCCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=FAAL5I&GV10=H%7C333%7C7619&adlink=000309029p660000f631"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/3/4167/320/amexcard_clear_dining.png" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><ul><li>No annual fee and the flexibility to pay over time.</li><li>Introductory <b>0%</b> Annual Percentage Rate <nobr>(APR)<sup>†</sup></nobr> for Cash Advance Checks and Balance Transfers through your first twelve billing cycles.* (subject to a 3% transaction fee, no less than $10)</li><li>Receive a $50 Statement Credit after qualifying transaction(s).<sup>§§<br /></sup></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0