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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
One $125 Chase Coupon Code
Posted byJust like clock work every month I get a Chase coupon code in the mail. It’s good for a $125 sign up bonus when you open a Chase checking account with direct deposit. However, each month I’ve had a conflict and the offer ends up in the trash. Of course, this month is the same […]
I joined a book club this week. The club itself has nothing to do with personal finance, in fact, someone proposed a finance book for the reading list and it was quickly shot down. But in the days following our first book club meeting, I found out about a great site that will save book […]
Will Facebook Photos Harm Your Career?
Posted byI’m not very active on Facebook. I try, but it’s just something I don’t really get the hang of. In fact, I find it strange to look at friends’ photos, profiles, and posts without them knowing I’m in their business. Almost like I’m eavesdropping on their conversation. (I just recently found out this actually has […]
We just got back from Spring Break and a week relaxing at the new lake cottage! I promised I’d share pictures as soon as we got back. I know many of you enjoyed the April Fool’s Day picture of a house falling apart, including the comment from a reader, Pamela: To us old house junkies, […]
New 1099 Requirements Repealed
Posted byRemember the crazy 1099 Requirements Hiding in Health Care Bill that were going to generate a flurry of paperwork? Last week, the President signed a new law to repeal those 1099 requirements. In addition, 1099 requirements for rental income were repealed. When the President Signed the Repeal of Expanded 1099 Requirements it removed the part […]
Wealth Distribution and the Top 1%
Posted byThe Economic Policy Institute recently published the 2011 State of Working America’s Wealth and the data is fascinating. It’s also very timely, since many of us have seen our portfolios recover completely from the lows a few years ago, but we’re wondering how we stack up. Some of the highlights are obvious, including the impact […]
A reader, Philip, wanted to know: “Will we see pictures of your new vacation home?” Of course Philip! We’re so excited now that our offer was accepted and can’t wait for everyone to see the new place: What do you think? I did say it was a foreclosure, right? Happy Early April Fools’ Day! I […]