Archive for March, 2009


Will the $15,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit Return?

Posted by Madison on March 31, 2009

The $15,000 home buyer tax credit that was scaled back in favor of an $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit in the economic stimulus plan is showing signs of life again! Last week, Republicans proposed the Responsible Homeowners Act, which revives the $15,000 home buyer tax credit. $15000 Home Buyer Tax Credit The proposal […]

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12 Ways to Generate Extra Income

Posted by Madison on March 30, 2009

Want to add some extra income to your pockets? If you’ve already analyzed one side of your cash flow with 15 Budget Trimming Tips, it’s time to focus on the income side and find more ways to bring in some extra cash. Here are some ideas to bring in extra income. Some are quick, some […]

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ShareBuilder $70 – $90 Sign Up Bonus for Costco Members

Posted by Madison on March 27, 2009

I was flipping through our Costco coupon book this month and noticed a sign up bonus for ShareBuilder. They are offering a $90 sign up bonus for executive members and a $70 sign up bonus for gold star and business members. Happy Free Money Friday! How to Get Your Sign Up Bonus Sign up for […]

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Credit Cards Compromised, Investing, Debt, and More!

Posted by Madison on March 25, 2009

Our favorite credit card has a new number. Ugh! We’ve had this card for years, since it deposits 2% into our kids’ 529 plans. In fact, we even have the card number memorized! We were notified that millions of MasterCard holders account numbers were compromised last week and issued a new card. Sure, no big […]

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Would You Take a Loan Modification?

Posted by Madison on March 24, 2009

Ever since the Making Home Affordable Program was rolled out I’ve been very intrigued with the plan. Do we need a loan modification? No. Would it be nice? Sure. In a weird twist of events, it looks like we qualify (on paper) for the loan modification program. Home Affordable Modifications To find out of you […]

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Make Working Pay Tax Credit Hits Paychecks Soon

Posted by Madison on March 23, 2009

The Make Working Pay tax credit was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Beginning in the next few weeks, you’ll begin to see the money in your paycheck. Make Working Pay Tax Credit The credit is $400 for working individuals and $800 for married filing joint. The refundable credit is available […]

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TurboTax Spring Giveaway

Posted by Madison on March 20, 2009

Happy first day of spring! The weather is getting nicer and it’s time to get outside. However, it’s also less than a month until taxes are due. Are yours done? Great news for the procrastinators out there! The Free Money Friday feature is a TurboTax giveaway for two lucky readers. The prize is a TurboTax […]

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The Decision on a Whole New Career

Posted by Madison on March 18, 2009

I know, I left you hanging! Would You Quit Your Job for a Whole New Career? featured Scott’s opportunity to take over my dad’s business and all the thoughts he had about the possible career change. Readers also left lots of very thought provoking comments about the possibility too, which I know Scott appreciated! His […]

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Would You Quit Your Job for a Whole New Career?

Posted by Madison on March 17, 2009

I mentioned while reflecting on leaving my job that my husband is reevaluating his plan to work. He was presented with a unique career opportunity, but he only essentially had 2 days to make a decision. Background I mentioned that my dad was in the hospital. He was recovering slowly, but wasn’t able to return […]

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Reflections on Leaving My Job… Six Months Later

Posted by Madison on March 16, 2009

Six months ago, I left my corporate job. My goals to spend more time with my kids, teach others about personal finance, and pursue a life with more freedom are more fulfilling than I even imagined. Over the last six months, I’ve had time to reflect on my decision to follow my heart. Stepping off […]

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