Maximizing What’s in Your Wallet Q1 2011
Perhaps it's a bit ironic or just plain mean that I'm using the Capital One catchphrase but not their credit card. Oh well. This post is for all the credit card deadbeats out there looking to maximize cashback rewards. So, if you never carry a balance on your credit cards, have them set to auto-pay in full every month, and want to make the most of Q1 2011, then read on. Read more
Rewards Credit Cards Lead to More Spending and Debt
I think not. At least not for those of us who are credit card deadbeats.
The last time a Federal Reserve Bank output some research about credit cards, the study left a lot to be desired after one gave it a thorough read. It was a classist piece that basically suggested that the poor, by virtue of paying by cash, were actually subsidizing the purchases of the rich who do use credit cards. There were quite a few unaccounted for variables in their research though, and the research was skewered those savvy in personal finance. One would think that this result would be fresh on their minds before presenting new research likely to draw more attention from the same group of skeptics. However, this apparently is not the case. Read more
Building a Cold Frame Frugally
I know this is a bit off-topic for my blog, but it can be a fun and frugal activity to build a cold frame, if you already grow some of your food yourself so indulge me on this one. According to Wikipedia cold frame is a “is a transparent-roofed enclosure, built low to the ground, used to protect plants from cold weather. The transparent top admits sunlight and prevents heat escape via convection that would otherwise occur, particularly at night. Essentially, a cold frame functions as a miniature greenhouse season extension device.” Can I just say I love the efficiency of Wikipedia definitions. Anyway, after we had some raised beds installed this summer I began thinking it might be nice to extend our growing season a bit in the winter as well as getting an early start in the spring. Read more
What Kind of Property Investor are You?
Welcome back to my ongoing saga of learning about investment property. When you’re thinking about puchasing property for investment purposes one of the first questions to ask yourself is “what kind of investor do I want to be?” There are basically 3 types:
Fix and Flippers – Have you been watching too much HGTV? These folks want to buy a house that looks a little shabby and then rehabilitate it and sell it as quickly as possible. This requires one to have the capital to not only put in a down payment and make the mortgage while you’re fixing it but also all the costs of improving the property. If you are wealthy, handy, and willing to act as your own general contractor, you might be able to do this. However, this is not me. I don’t have the time, and I’m certainly not a general contractor. That inset picture just scares rather than excites me. On to the next category. Read more
Opening the Door to Investment Property
I’ll be honest. Investment property is a new area for me. I have bought 3 homes and sold 2, but those were all my primary residences at the time. The closest I’ve ever come to investment property was being a tenant during my college years.
Given this extremely limited background why am I looking to purchase an investment property? Read more
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