August 2006

Savings Interest Rates May Go Down Soon

by Flexo

It’s the biggest cliffhanger since Colin Baker literally hung off a cliff to end a truly bad episode of Doctor Who. On August 8, the Fed will meet and decide whether to raise interest rates. Traders think there’s a 76 percent chance the fed will pause the rate hikes, for at least the time being. I ... Continue reading this article…

12 comments Read the full article →

I Am Hosting The Carnival of Business

by Flexo

On Monday, I will be hosting the Carnival of Business here on Consumerism Commentary. If you are a blogger who has written about business recently and would like to have an article featured, please submit your information to me before 6:00 pm Eastern Time on Sunday. No spam, no scams, and no off-topic posts, please.

0 comments Read the full article →

One Place to Get Financial Advice and Thoughts

by Flexo

Not too long ago, the MoneyBlogNetwork added a special area to their forums where anyone — not just bloggers — can get advice, thoughts, and reactions to financial situations and questions. Check out the Personal Finance Forum within the MoneyBlogNetwork Forums. For instance, there’s a good discussion going on right now about whether to close ... Continue reading this article…

0 comments Read the full article →

New, Improved Process For Opening an Emigrant Direct Account

by Flexo

You would think that in this day and age of advanced technology, banking institutions that operate primarily online would have processes in place that don’t rely on snail-mail and centuries-old, outdated technology. I wrote about my experience opening an account at Emigrant Direct over a year ago, and it was tedious. When Emigrant Direct opened ... Continue reading this article…

4 comments Read the full article →

Living Through a Heat Wave: Cooling Your House

by Flexo

As the temperature has been upwards of 305 kelvin lately, I’ve been sweating in my apartment even while the air conditioner pumps and while wearing less clothing than what is socially acceptable in public. Hence, my electricity bill has shot up from the $40s to the $70s, with the next bill expected to be $90. ... Continue reading this article…

2 comments Read the full article →

The Last 401(k) Guide You’ll Ever Need, Five Tips, Part 5

by Flexo

I know speed is not my strength. I’m concluding this series over a week after it was started, but that’s the way things are. Last week, I found an informative series by Money Magazine providing tips for managing your 401(k). The articles reminded readers to save early and often, spread your money around, limit company ... Continue reading this article…

0 comments Read the full article →

Personal Income Statement, July 2006 (Net Income: $1,335)

by Flexo

Once again, I’ve spent less than I’ve earned. If only that had been my habit for my entire adult life. Take a look at my income and expense report included below.

6 comments Read the full article →

Personal Balance Sheet, July 2006 ($51,166, +3.03%)

by Flexo

It’s good to know that as a whole, my money is still growing. In July, my net worth increased just over 3 percent. Continue reading to analyze my numbers, as all the best financial voyeurs are wont to do.

4 comments Read the full article →

JLP’s Question of the Day Marathon

by Flexo

Through August, Consumerism Commentary will be participating in the “Question of the Day Marathon” organized by JLP of AllFinancialMatters. Each day during this month, I will include a question, linked to the blog who is playing host for that particular day. I’ll be hosting the Question of the Day on August 21.

0 comments Read the full article →

American Express Raising Fees and Changing Their Rewards Program

by Flexo

The annual fee for holding certain American Express cards is going to increase by $35 to $125, while other card holders might see fees decline. Are these fees really worth the service? American Express would like you to think that being able to hold one of their expensive cards — being accepted into a “club” ... Continue reading this article…

4 comments Read the full article →

How Much Ya Bench? Compare Your Internet Speed and Price!

by Flexo

Here are my internet access speed statistics from home. That’s almost 12 Mbps for downloading and 702 kbps for uploading. I pay $29.99 through Comcast Online in central New Jersey, which I think was the promotional rate for their 6 Mbps. Somehow due to the customer service representative’s confusion, they gave me the the fast ... Continue reading this article…

24 comments Read the full article →