Last spring, Social Security announced they’ll no longer send the annual statement. While you can still use the SSA’s Social Security Calculator to estimate your benefits, the government calculator left a lot to be desired as far as planning and maximizing your benefit. New AARP Social Security Calculator The new AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator […]
Articles by Madison
My dad is finally embracing technology. He recently got his first computer and now he’s in the market for a cell phone. And of course after holding out for 60 years, he not only wants a cell phone, but a smartphone. Way to go dad! I searched for the cheapest way to get him on […]
State Taxes, Debt Ceiling, and More
Posted byThere was a lot of discussion around our property taxes in Should We Move to a Smaller House? Our $11,000 annual property tax bill seemed high to many readers. We’ve always known we live in a high tax state (especially for being in the Midwest), but some recent state tax comparisons are helpful to put […]
Third quarter just got a little bit better with some help from FIA credit cards! FIA is now joining the quarterly rotating rewards game. To find out your 3rd quarter FIA rewards: Go to FIA Easy Rewards. Select that you forgot your code, and you’ll be prompted to enter your card information. FIA will present […]
Ask Madison: Reader Mail Volume 5
Posted byTime for another round of reader mail. Let’s jump right in: Have you heard any update on the mfs class action lawsuit you wrote about some time ago? no word in years…wondering what the disposition is. – Dan I’ve been wondering too… but I haven’t heard a word on it yet! The FAQs don’t list […]
Every time we take advantage of a new bonus and sign up for a new offer or program, it makes keeping track of frequent flyer miles, credit cards rewards programs, and loyalty rewards programs a mess. Add in the quarterly switching of credit cards and maximizing various online shopping cash back programs and remembering to […]
It’s almost time for the 3rd quarter 2011 cash rewards credit cards bonuses. Since many credit cards now offer cash back on a rotating quarterly schedule, we have to reorganize each quarter. With the holiday weekend coming up, I wanted to be sure everyone had enough time to get your cards switched out before traveling, […]
My Google Wallet Wishlist
Posted byGoogle recently announced their new mobile payment system, Google Wallet. It’s a free app on your smartphone to make purchases at bricks and mortar stores. Here are the highlights from Google: You’ll be able to store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards and gift cards, but without the bulk. When you tap to pay, your […]
Free Hilton Gold Status or 5,000 Points
Posted byPlanning to travel this summer? Here’s a quick travel perk for you. Hilton is offering free gold status for the summer. To upgrade your Hilton Honors account, enter the account number of a Visa signature credit card at: Hilton Honors Visa Signature upgrade. If you stay 3 times, your gold status will extend until next […]
Should We Move to a Smaller House?
Posted byMost of you know that I’ve had a burning desire to downsize for years. A comment from a reader, Dora, really stuck in my mind. They were spending $4000 a month on their mortgage: My family (myself, husband, 2 year old, and 6 mo. old) are downsizing. We have lived in a 5800 sq. foot […]