As featured in The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, and more!

August 2006

Savings Interest Rates May Go Down Soon

by Luke Landes

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…

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I Am Hosting The Carnival of Business

by Luke Landes

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.

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One Place to Get Financial Advice and Thoughts

by Luke Landes

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…

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New, Improved Process For Opening an Emigrant Direct Account

by Luke Landes

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that operate primarily online would have processes in place that don’t rely on snail-mail and centuries-old, outdated technology.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…

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Living Through a Heat Wave: Cooling Your House

by Luke Landes

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…

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

by Luke Landes

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…

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

by Luke Landes

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.

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

by Luke Landes

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.

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JLP’s Question of the Day Marathon

by Luke Landes

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.

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American Express Raising Fees and Changing Their Rewards Program

by Luke Landes

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…

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

by Luke Landes

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…

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