If you followed the market from 2000-2009, you’ll know that US stocks got hammered. Investing in international stocks wouldn’t have saved you from a period like that, but it could have helped. International stocks provide some much needed diversification and tend to reduce your portfolio’s overall volatility. In fact, since international funds make up 60% […]
Archives for August 2012
A Review of My No Cost Refinance With Amerisave
A year ago I refinanced to a 3.75% 7/1 ARM with Quicken Loans and my experience with them was fantastic. I bought my property almost three years ago and that refinance lowered my payment by $200 a month. I was definitely content, but as I watched rates drop further, I started to think about doing […]
Take Advantage of Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses
I got my first credit card when I was in college and I used it for most of my entertainment(see alcohol) and dining out purchases. Although I was approved for a high limit, fortunately I never carried a balance. After four years, I realized I had accumulated a ton of points. I quickly spent these […]
I’ve Joined the Yakezie Challenge
I know summer is coming to an end for most of the country, but here in San Diego, my favorite month of the year is coming up. September brings some great weather and the ocean water is usually at it’s warmest. I’ve tried to post twice a week since the beginning of summer and I’ve […]
Why Borrowing From Your 401k is a Bad Idea
A reader writes in: “Can you talk about when to take a loan from your 401k? I took one a while back and I think it would be a good topic for discussion.” There aren’t many loans out there that allow you to borrow without a credit check and pay yourself interest, but that’s what […]
A Guide to Buying on Craigslist
I’ve been looking for a refrigerator on craigslist for a couple months now and I finally found one. My current refrigerator was in good working condition, but it was pretty old and I wanted to get a nice stainless steel one for when I rent out my condo in a year or two. Renters and […]
Get Rich Investing in Human Capital
Instead of talking about stock or real estate investments today, I’ll be diving into an often forgotten investment. Human capital is the knowledge, skills or health that you have acquired in your lifetime. Most people think of capital as a CD account, retirement savings or property. But tangible forms of capital aren’t the only kinds […]
My Tax Efficient Investing Plan
If the Mayans are wrong and Dec 21, 2012 doesn’t bring the end of the world, taxmageddon is still headed our way in 2013. Income taxes are slated to go up for every single tax-paying American unless congress and Obama act. Regardless of whether you’re for or against the proposed tax increase, it’s causing a lot of […]