I write a handful of checks each year. It’s far easier to use a credit card but some places don’t accept them because of the fees. Once you learn, it’s hard to forget how to write a check but if you’ve never written one before it can be a little intimidating. Don’t worry, I have […]
Best Credit Cards for College Students
When you’re establishing credit, it’s very hard to get a credit card. It’s a classic catch-22. Credit card companies don’t have enough information about you so they’re hesitant to give you a card. You can’t build credit without having some credit… so what can you do? Fortunately, credit card companies make allowances for students. They […]
How money can buy happiness
“Money doesn’t buy happiness.” It’s one of the often repeated phrases in personal finance (second only to “spend less than you earn!”). There are studies that show you aren’t happier when you make more money after a certain point. A Gallup survey of 450,000 Americans in 2008 and 2009 showed that “day to day contentment” […]
Costco, Exxon, Shell, Chevron, Mobil, … Which gas is the best?
I love buying gas from Costco. I love Costco gas mostly because it’s insanely cheap. Like 20-25 cents cheaper than my local gas station, which is arguably somewhat pricier than average because it’s in a weird location and super convenient for people who live near the weird location. I try to go when the warehouse […]
What does it mean to be Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Homeownership is great… except you end up shelling out quite a bit to get things done to and around your home. We live on a wooded lot with lots of tall trees. Just recently a maple fell and it measured a little over 4′ in diameter with the main trunk that was easily 10′ tall. […]
The Best Way to Exchange Foreign Currency & Money
We’re planning a vacation to England and one of the things we’ll need is cash. In previous visits, we’ve relied on the partnership between Bank of America and Barclays. I could use a Barclays ATM to withdraw British Pounds without paying a fee while getting the most up to date currency conversion rate possible. More […]
Why is there a limit of 6 ACH transfers per month with savings accounts?
Did you know that you’re limited to just six (6) transfers into and out of a savings account each billing cycle? If you go over, you could get in trouble. Most banks will even fine you. Bank of America calls it a Withdrawal Limit Fee and will ding you $10 for each withdrawal or transfer […]
How to Find a Notary Public to Notarize Documents
Before we bought our first house, I had no idea what a notary public did. Turns out that notary public is a public official that has been given the right to “administer oaths and affirmations” by the state. When you need to sign a document and “prove” you were the one signing it (or more […]
A Credit Card that Pays 10% Cashback at Amazon.com
Did you know that you could earn 10% cash back on purchases from Amazon.com? It’s true. The Amazon credit card only gets you 5% and that’s if you’re an Amazon Prime member. The Discover it Card gives you 1% cash back on all purchases and then offers 5% cash back on bonus categories that change […]
How to Use Credit Cards with a Debit Mindset — Debitize Review
Credit cards are a fantastic financial tool. You can earn credit card rewards for using them, you can build your credit score over time, and you get liability protections and other credit card perks. But like any other tool, there are benefits as well as drawbacks. If you can’t use credit responsibly, you can become […]