Archive for March, 2012
Will Mega-Millions Fund Your Retirement? Don’t Bet On It
Click to play ‘Will The Lottery Fund Your Retirement?’ Watch video above – read story below As lottery fever grips the nation, I thought it might be good to go back and revisit a lottery story I did a couple of years ago. Imagine this: As you’re reading these words, you’re struck dead by a [...]
Today’s Deals: Cocktails, Dinner, and Free Dessert
I’ve subscribed to the promotional emails of 500 companies and brands so you don’t have to. I sift through 1,000 deal-touting emails every week. Most are worthless, but a handful offer valuable coupons, promo codes, sales, and freebies – which I collect and organize for you here. Dessert places Bruster’s Real Ice Cream: $2 off [...]
Is a Maid Worth the Money?
I’m a 27-year-old guy who lives in a 700-square-foot apartment. Vacuuming the entire place takes me 15 minutes. Cleaning the bathroom (including the dreaded toilet) takes 20 minutes. Scrubbing the kitchen is another 20. If I dust, which is rare, tack on 15 minutes more. Add up the time spent polishing the table, changing the sheets, cleaning the [...]
5 Dumb Moves Homebuyers Make
If you want a new home and can afford it, now is an exciting time to buy. According to the National Association of Home Builders, prices nationwide are the most affordable they’ve been in decades. Interest rates are low. And there shouldn’t be a supply problem – RealtyTrac predicts a lot more foreclosures ahead. The [...]
Ask an Expert: Should I Transfer My Balance to a Zero-Percent Offer?
I review dozens of credit card offers each week to find the best deals. I’m not paid by a credit card company and I’m not selling anything. My goal is simply to help you use credit cards to build and protect your money and credit. Check out more on our credit card page. Last week, I got this email from [...]
How a Pet Easter Bunny Can Cost You Thousands
I hate the Easter Bunny. He’s worse than Santa Claus. At least Santa does some good while commercializing a religious holiday – thousands of jolly old men find temporary employment at the mall each winter. But the Easter Bunny? Thanks to him, thousands of pet bunnies become homeless each spring. The cute holiday icon leads parents [...]
5 Crazy Ideas That Resulted in Million-Dollar Paydays
From time to time, I enjoy reading some of the interesting and often inspiring stories in Dmitry Davydov’s blog Uncommon Business. It features people who make money online selling unusual, strange, and sometimes bizarre things or providing curious services. For example, in the past, Dmitry has featured stories on businesses that cater to neo-survivalists looking to [...]
Spring Cleaning? 4 Things You Need to Leave Dirty
I hate spring cleaning, but not for the reason most people do. They hate cleaning in general, regardless of the season. I love cleaning – when everything is in its place, I experience a wave of inner peace. Problem is, once I start cleaning, I don’t know when to stop. And that’s gotten me in big [...]
What to Know About Credit Card Debt Collection
This post is from partner site LowCards.com. Debt collection always ranks high in any survey that tracks consumer complaints. It’s an industry with an aggressive reputation, known to sometimes use strong and harassing tactics in an attempt to collect debt that’s past due. In its 2011 report to Congress, the Federal Trade Commission received more than [...]
Today’s Deals: Diamonds, Easter Gifts, and Free Pepsi
I subscribe to the promotional emails of hundreds of companies so you don’t have to. I sift through 1,000 deal-touting emails every week. Most are worthless. But some offer valuable coupons, promo codes, sales, and freebies – which I collect and organize here and on our deals page. Note: Expiration dates are in brackets. Free [...]