Archive for June, 2009


Flashback: One Year Ago… June 2008

Posted by Madison on June 30, 2009

I had a blast checking out the archives last month, so I thought we’d make a reoccurring feature. It’s fun to see what was happening in the financial world a year ago. Here were the most popular articles that were written in June 2008. Many of them still have a lot of relevance this year! […]

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12 Tasks for Your Mid Year Financial Checkup

Posted by Madison on June 29, 2009

When we reach the half way point of the year, I like to do a mid year financial checkup. Here are some tasks for this summer’s checkup; some from my list and some from readers. Mid Year Financial Checkup Check Your Credit Report. Don’t forget to use your annual free credit report. In addition, if […]

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FatWallet Cash Back

Posted by Madison on June 26, 2009

Recently, I asked What is Your Favorite Cash Back Program? A reader, Simon, pointed out that I forgot FatWallet! I often mention the FatWallet Finance forums as one of my favorite places to hang out. But, as Simon reminded me, FatWallet also has a special place in my heart for earning cash back! Let’s explore […]

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Student Loan Rates Will Drop to All Time Low

Posted by Madison on June 25, 2009

Great news for those of you with student loans! On July 1, the interest rates on Stafford loans and PLUS loans will drop to an all time low! Here’s what the new rates will look like: Stafford loans in in-school or grace period status: 2.00% Stafford loans in repayment: 2.50% PLUS loans: 3.38% This is […]

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Microsoft Money Being Discontinued Next Week

Posted by Madison on June 24, 2009

I’m heartbroken. Microsoft is pulling the plug on the Microsoft Money product. I’ve been a diehard user for more than a decade! That’s thousands of transactions and details from almost every financial move I’ve ever made. Microsoft Money Plus Home and Business is the center of my Financial Organization detailing almost 200 accounts in multiple […]

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You Need a Budget Review

Posted by Kate on June 22, 2009

Many of you with an interest in personal finance have probably explored various budgeting strategies and tools that can help make the task a bit easier. One popular program is You Need A Budget (YNAB), a tool that promises simple, easy-to-use software and a money management methodology. I recently took a look at YNAB Pro […]

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What is Your Favorite Cash Back Program?

Posted by Madison on June 19, 2009

What is your favorite cash back program? That’s what a reader, Howard, wants to know. He brings up a great point: I’m sure mathematically, it might make sense to pick the optimal program every time. For those of us who don’t wish to keep track of so many, do you recommend one over the others? […]

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Switching from Satellite to Cable… Again!

Posted by Madison on June 18, 2009

We’re switching from DirecTV back to Charter cable. My husband does an annual review of our TV, internet, and phone services to make sure we’re getting the best rates. It seems like every time we check, the other service is offering an incentive that’s lower than our current bill. After a year, they always seem […]

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Shopping List for a Newborn Baby

Posted by Madison on June 17, 2009

What do newborn babies need? What should you put on a shopping list for a newborn baby? What should you register for? Some friends of ours are having a their first baby. They are registering soon and were looking for advice on things you couldn’t live without. She asks: “What should I definitely register for, […]

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Money By the Numbers

Posted by Madison on June 15, 2009

Photography: Numbers in Transport by James Cridland My boys have been busy working on letters and numbers recently, so I thought it would be fun to follow up Personal Finance A to Z with an expanded money by the numbers and my favorite find in each. Personal Finance: By the Numbers 1 Reason Not to […]

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