A reader, Tim, is searching for a new cash rewards credit card. He used the Schwab card for the last three years, but since it was discontinued, he’s looking for a replacement. My replacements for the Schwab card are primarily the American Express 6% Cash Back Card and the Fidelity 2% Cash Back Credit Card. […]
Articles by Madison
The IRS and the Social Security Administration released a bunch of 2012 limits for us to sort through. Here are the limits that I find most meaningful to readers. And when I say most meaningful, it really boils down to the ones that impact your paycheck: retirement contributions, health plan contributions, and social security taxes […]
Can Once a Month Cooking Save You Money?
Posted byI’ll admit, my personality is a tad bit compulsive. It wasn’t enough just to buy in bulk to save money on groceries. And even converting to once a month grocery shopping and considering buying a cow didn’t end the frugal grocery shopping roller coaster I’m currently riding. Once a Month Cooking But now, it’s gone […]
American Express 6% Cash Back Q & A
Posted byAs we convert to our new favorite card, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express to take advantage of the 6% cash back, I discussed many of the ins and outs of this card with readers as we all learn how to maximize our cash back. We started with an overview of how to […]
Have You Ever Bought a Cow?
Posted byWhile we were working on cutting our grocery bill in half, I ran across an interesting concept: buying a cow. You can buy a cow directly from a local farmer and get a huge quantity of high quality meat, skipping the grocery store altogether. I brought up the discussion at a recent ladies night out […]
I just finished reading Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America’s Cheapest Family. It was an impromptu read that I found while browsing the electronic book list for our library. I didn’t expect much from the book, but I actually enjoyed it. I hate grocery shopping, and I’m always looking for ways to spend […]
It’s open enrollment time! Time to add up your health care expenses and try to guess how much money you should put in your flexible spending account! Let’s take a look at some of the questions I get around flexible spending account (FSA) plans and ease the process of enrolling in your plan this year. […]
A frequent question I see from readers is about the impact of credit inquiries on your credit score. How much do inquiries matter? I just applied for a credit card, how long do I have to wait before I can I apply for another one? I will be buying a new house soon, should I […]
7 Ways to Avoid Debit Card Fees
Posted byBanks are rolling out new debit card fees. I never was a big fan of debit cards (and favor credit cards instead), but I know many of you swear by debit cards, so let’s start brainstorming! Beginning in 2012, Bank of America will charge $5 per month for debit card use. In addition, Chase and […]
Betterment Review and $25 Sign Up Bonus
Posted byEveryone knows I’m the first to sign up for a new account if there’s a sign up bonus. So when Betterment showed up, of course I opened an account for the free $25! But beyond the sign up bonus, what exactly is Betterment and how does it work? Here are my thoughts after opening my […]