Me vs Debt Me vs Debt Recent college grad's mission to get out of debt and master personal finance. I want to share tips, successes, and motivation. I also want some public accountability. Mostly I want to use my money to make interest, not pay it. 
Articles
My First ING Referral
2008-01-09 00:00:00 When I posted my $25 from ING blog I thought that I'd get some response. Two months later, I finally got my first request for a referral. If Dan opens an ING savings account with $250 he will get a $25 bonus and I will get $10 deposited into my Emergency Fund. (Take that Emergency Fund!)Thanks, Dan! More About: Referral
My First ING Referral
2008-01-09 00:00:00 When I posted my $25 from ING blog I thought that I'd get some response. Two months later, I finally got my first request for a referral. If Dan opens an ING savings account with $250 he will get a $25 bonus and I will get $10 deposited into my Emergency Fund. (Take that Emergency Fund!)Thanks, Dan!Email me if you'd like a referral for an ING online savings or checking account. More About: Referral
How to Increase Your Interest Rate
2008-01-08 12:46:00 Would you like to pay higher interest rates on your credit cards? You're in luck, I have experience with getting higher rates and I'm going to share some strategies with you.DefaultThe easiest way to increase your interest rates is to default. Go over the credit limit or make a late payment. Technically not paying is easier than charging more, but really either one will work just fine. As a bonus you'll get huge fees and if any of your other cards have universal default policies, those rates will go up too!Approach The Credit LimitSo you want to play by the rules and still get high interest rates? Some companies will grant you higher rates just by carrying a balance near the credit limit. This will take a little longer than number 1. They want to wait a few months to make sure that this isn't a fluke. Then they might test the waters by giving you a couple points here and there to make sure you are going to start paying the balance down. A sure fire way to give them confi... More About: Interest , Chase , Rate , Discover , Interest Rate
How to Increase Your Interest Rate
2008-01-08 12:46:00 Would you like to pay higher interest rates on your credit cards? You're in luck, I have experience with getting higher rates and I'm going to share some strategies with you.DefaultThe easiest way to increase your interest rates is to default. Go over the credit limit or make a late payment. Technically not paying is easier than charging more, but really either one will work just fine. As a bonus you'll get huge fees and if any of your other cards have universal default policies, those rates will go up too!Approach The Credit LimitSo you want to play by the rules and still get high interest rates? Some companies will grant you higher rates just by carrying a balance near the credit limit. This will take a little longer than number 1. They want to wait a few months to make sure that this isn't a fluke. Then they might test the waters by giving you a couple points here and there to make sure you are going to start paying the balance down. A sure fire way to give them confi... More About: Interest , Chase , Rate , Discover , Interest Rate
How to Increase Your Interest Rate
2008-01-08 12:46:00 Would you like to pay higher interest rates on your credit cards? You're in luck, I have experience with getting higher rates and I'm going to share some strategies with you.DefaultThe easiest way to increase your interest rates is to default. Go over the credit limit or make a late payment. Technically not paying is easier than charging more, but really either one will work just fine. As a bonus you'll get huge fees and if any of your other cards have universal default policies, those rates will go up too!Approach The Credit LimitSo you want to play by the rules and still get high interest rates? Some companies will grant you higher rates just by carrying a balance near the credit limit. This will take a little longer than number 1. They want to wait a few months to make sure that this isn't a fluke. Then they might test the waters by giving you a couple points here and there to make sure you aren't going to start paying the balance down. A sure fire way to give them c... More About: Interest , Chase , Rate , Discover , Interest Rate
This Weeks Blog Festivities
2008-01-07 13:30:00 Mrs Micah hosted the Carnival of Personal Finance. Some posts that caught my eye:Your Greatest Assest is Your Ability to Generate Income @ Cash Money LifeEntertainment Return on Investment @ Quest for Four PillarsNo Credit Needed hosted the Carnival of Debt Reduction. He didn't include my post about finding balance on a tight budget... I guess it was off topic. There are still plenty of good reads. Some posts that I enjoyed here:$3700 in Car Repairs @ Paid Twice I'm back in the black! @ Being FrugalCash Money Life will be hosting the Festival of Frugality. Some posts I liked:Financial Risk Advisory System @ A Frugal Living Blog Get a push lawn mower @ Early Retirement Extreme More About: Weeks
This Weeks Blog Festivities
2008-01-07 13:30:00 Mrs Micah hosted the Carnival of Personal Finance. Some posts that caught my eye:Your Greatest Assest is Your Ability to Generate Income @ Cash Money LifeEntertainment Return on Investment @ Quest for Four Pillars More About: Blog , Weeks
This Weeks Blog Festivities
2008-01-07 13:30:00 Mrs Micah hosted the Carnival of Personal Finance. Some posts that caught my eye:Your Greatest Assest is Your Ability to Generate Income @ Cash Money LifeEntertainment Return on Investment @ Quest for Four PillarsNo Credit Needed hosted the Carnival of Debt Reduction. He didn't include my post about finding balance on a tight budget... I guess it was off topic. There are still plenty of good reads. Some posts that I enjoyed here:$3700 in Car Repairs @ Paid Twice I'm back in the black! @ Being FrugalCash Money Life will be hosting the Festival of Frugality. Some posts I liked:Financial Risk Advisory System @ A Frugal Living Blog Get a push lawn mower @ Early Retirement Extreme More About: Weeks
Redesigning Me vs Debt
2008-01-06 23:21:00 I got bored with the blogger template so I'm going to take a stab at doing it myself. I've never designed a blog template so bear with me if things look a bit off throughout the next couple of days... Thanks! More About: Debt , Signing
Redesigning Me vs Debt
2008-01-06 23:21:00 I got bored with the blogger template so I'm going to take a stab at doing it myself. I've never designed a blog template so bear with me if things look a bit off throughout the next couple of days... Thanks! More About: Debt , Signing
Redesigning Me vs Debt
2008-01-06 23:21:00 I got bored with the blogger template so I'm going to take a stab at doing it myself. I've never designed a blog template so bear with me if things look a bit off throughout the next couple of days... Thanks! More About: Debt , Signing
Using Credit Cards Responsibly Pays Off
2008-01-06 18:28:00 Credit Cards : Good or Evil?The debate is ongoing and the answer isn't as simple as black and white. I personally dislike the credit card companies -- all of them that I have dealt with to date. However, when used responsibly credit cards can be financially rewarding. In fact, I'm almost inclined to say that if you aren't using a rewards card, you are being overcharged.Carrying a balance on a credit card generally doesn't count as responsible use (unless, of course you are using it for arbitrage which is a subject for another time). But even if you are in debt, there are ways to cash in on rewards and use that money to your advantage. Before considering cash back rewards card you must:Have a zero balance on a rewards cardThis one might seem obvious, but I've seen people spending money to get rewards on cards with carried balances. Its not worth it! Pay off the card first. Wait a month and then reconsider your strategy.Track your spendingYou need a budget or at least an... More About: Credit Cards , Credit , Pays , Rewards
Using Credit Cards Responsibly Pays Off
2008-01-06 18:28:00 Credit Cards : Good or Evil?The debate is ongoing and the answer isn't as simple as black and white. I personally dislike the credit card companies -- all of them that I have dealt with to date. However, when used responsibly credit cards can be financially rewarding. In fact, I'm almost inclined to say that if you aren't using a rewards card, you are being overcharged.Carrying a balance on a credit card generally doesn't count as responsible use (unless, of course you are using it for arbitrage which is a subject for another time). But even if you are in debt, there are ways to cash in on rewards and use that money to your advantage. Before considering cash back rewards card you must:Have a zero balance on a rewards cardThis one might seem obvious, but I've seen people spending money to get rewards on cards with carried balances. Its not worth it! Pay off the card first. Wait a month and then reconsider your strategy.Track your spendingYou need a budget or at least an... More About: Credit Cards , Credit , Pays , Rewards
Using Credit Cards Responsibly Pays Off
2008-01-06 18:28:00 Credit Cards : Good or Evil?The debate is ongoing and the answer isn't as simple as black and white. I personally dislike the credit card companies -- all of them that I have dealt with to date. However, when used responsibly credit cards can be financially rewarding. In fact, I'm almost inclined to say that if you aren't using a rewards card, you are being overcharged.Carrying a balance on a credit card generally doesn't count as responsible use (unless, of course you are using it for arbitrage which is a subject for another time). But even if you are in debt, there are ways to cash in on rewards and use that money to your advantage. Before considering cash back rewards card you must:Have a zero balance on a rewards cardThis one might seem obvious, but I've seen people spending money to get rewards on cards with carried balances. Its not worth it! Pay off the card first. Wait a month and then reconsider your strategy.Track your spendingYou need a budget or at least an... More About: Credit Cards , Credit , Pays , Rewards
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 19:23:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of bac... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
Is Online Tutoring a Worthy Investment?
2008-01-05 12:43:00 I've talked about how much I enjoy being a tutor online. But is it a worthy investment from the student's perspective?As of right now the largest portion of the client base connects through Live Homework Help. Many public libraries pay for the service then allow students to log in through their website. Off the top of my head its available throughout Alabama, Brooklyn, and San Diego. Some school districts like Richardson ISD in Dallas, Texas offer students up to 300 free minutes for the semester.These services are obviously a great deal. From my experience the students love it. They log in when they are stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or even just to clarify concepts. The one thing I strongly suggest is checking your local library for the free service. If you have access to the free service, there is no question. It's worth it! As a tutor, I'm probably biased. As a tutor, I hear tons of positive feedback from the students. Here is a little bit of background on... More About: Investment , Tutoring , Online , Worthy
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
I'm Back! (With carnivals :)
2008-01-04 23:44:00 Greetings! Writing about finding balance made me realize how out of balance my life had gotten during the last couple months of 2007. I spent the last few days starting to get back in shape, back in touch with family and friends, and back to work with a productive attitude. Now that I've started to catch up elsewhere it is time to catch up with this week's blog festivities. Please check out these collections of great articles including a couple of mine:Festival of Frugality hosted by MoolanomyCarnival of Financial Goals hosted by Lynnae at Being FrugalCarnival of Peer-To-Peer Lending hosted by Lazy ManHope everyone else is off to a great start in 2008. This weekend I'll finish up the Finding Balance series and talk a little more about my side job. Cheers! More About: Carnivals , Back
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Three)
2008-01-03 00:52:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedStay Connected... Write LettersYes, I'm a huge fan of snail mail letters. Sure emails are free, but at 41 cents a pop a handwritten letter is a great deal. It feel great to get a letter when your mailbox is usually filled with bills. Plus letters take just a little bit more effort, but they are much more meaningful. Spend some time writing a letter to a friend or relative. Take a little time to catch someone up on your life or just express yourself. Hopefully you'll get a letter back which is a bonus.Call Family and FriendsNights and weekends are free for just about ... More About: Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Three)
2008-01-03 00:52:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedStay Connected... Write LettersYes, I'm a huge fan of snail mail letters. Sure emails are free, but at 41 cents a pop a handwritten letter is a great deal. It feel great to get a letter when your mailbox is usually filled with bills. Plus letters take just a little bit more effort, but they are much more meaningful. Spend some time writing a letter to a friend or relative. Take a little time to catch someone up on your life or just express yourself. Hopefully you'll get a letter back which is a bonus.Call Family and FriendsNights and weekends are free for just about ... More About: Balance , Budget
Happy New Year and the Last Carnivals of 2007
2007-12-31 22:13:00 Be sure to check out the last carnivals I've participated in in 2007:Carnival of Personal Finance at We're in DebtCarnival of Debt Reduction at Debt Reduction FormulaI'm going to highlight my favorite articles once I've gotten a chance to read them all. Not tonight, sorry. Until next time...Happy New Year ! More About: Carnivals , Happy New Year
Happy New Year and the Last Carnivals of 2007
2007-12-31 22:13:00 Be sure to check out the last carnivals I've participated in in 2007:Carnival of Personal Finance at We're in DebtCarnival of Debt Reduction at Debt Reduction FormulaI'm going to highlight my favorite articles once I've gotten a chance to read them all. Not tonight, sorry. Until next time...Happy New Year ! More About: Carnivals , Happy New Year
Hey Prosper Lenders! Question from a Borrower...
2007-12-31 21:31:00 A comment on a recent post, How do I come up with $2600 ASAP, suggested getting a prosper loan. As readers of my blog probably know, I already have one! I think I got a pretty decent rate, considering I had a D rating, at 14.94%.I used the first loan to consolidate credit card balances with up to 29.99% APRs. Words can only begin to describe what a help it has been. I have reduced my monthly finance charge by more than 66% and have since reduced my personal debt by over 23%. Now my highest interest rate is 19.99%.So Prosper Lenders , how would you feel about refinancing a "high risk" loan to a borrower that has consistently paid early and often (i.e. three additional payments in the first 5 months). My income has since gone up and my DTI has gone way down but I'm pretty sure my credit score hasn't changed much yet. Plus there are a couple new inquiries mostly due to transferring balances at low rates. (See full explanation in my Score Watch post.)I put "high risk" in quot... More About: Question
Hey Prosper Lenders! Question from a Borrower...
2007-12-31 21:31:00 A comment on a recent post, How do I come up with $2600 ASAP, suggested getting a prosper loan. As readers of my blog probably know, I already have one! I think I got a pretty decent rate, considering I had a D rating, at 14.94%.I used the first loan to consolidate credit card balances with up to 29.99% APRs. Words can only begin to describe what a help it has been. I have reduced my monthly finance charge by more than 66% and have since reduced my personal debt by over 23%. Now my highest interest rate is 19.99%.So Prosper Lenders , how would you feel about refinancing a "high risk" loan to a borrower that has consistently paid early and often (i.e. three additional payments in the first 5 months). My income has since gone up and my DTI has gone way down but I'm pretty sure my credit score hasn't changed much yet. Plus there are a couple new inquiries mostly due to transferring balances at low rates. (See full explanation in my Score Watch post.)I put "high risk" in quot... More About: Question
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Two)
2007-12-31 17:30:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedHope you enjoy these lists and find frugal ways to enjoy your life in the New Year!Entertainment Read Books or MagazinesBooks or magazines are freely available at your local library. Some also like to go to Borders or Barnes and Noble to sit and read freely. Personally I have a stack of books I own but have not read so that might be a good start for me. You might also want to consider a book or magazine trade with friends.Watch MoviesI'm a huge fan of Netflix. I have the unlimited one at a time plan which includes a few hours of streaming video each m... More About: Time Management , Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part Two)
2007-12-31 17:30:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Social Activities, LearningHope you enjoy these lists and find frugal ways to enjoy your life in the New Year!Entertainment Read Books or MagazinesBooks or magazines are freely available at your local library. Some also like to go to Borders or Barnes and Noble to sit and read freely. Personally I have a stack of books I own but have not read so that might be a good start for me. You might also want to consider a book or magazine trade with friends.Watch MoviesI'm a huge fan of Netflix. I have the unlimited one at a time plan which includes a few hours of streaming video each month... More About: Time Management , Balance , Budget
Finding Balance on a Tight Budget (Part One)
More articles from this author:2007-12-30 15:21:00 My budget is going to be tighter than ever in 2008. Its important to me that I still have a balanced and fulfilling life. This guide to a balanced life involves spending time rather than money.I was originally going to make this a single post, but its much too long. I'm dividing it up like so:Part One: Finances, Health and Well BeingPart Two: Entertainment, CreativityPart Three: Stay Connected and Sharp-mindedFinancesTutoringThis is one of my favorites. Not only do I make money, but I enjoy the time I spend with students. You don't have to be sitting face to face to make each other laugh, think, and feel good. As a bonus I often learn new techniques and keep my basic skills sharp. This activity could be listed three-fold under money, social, and learning. Even if tutoring is not your thing, I bet there is a part time job out there that you might enjoy putting a few hours a week into.Budget ingI plan to spend about one hour per week working on a detailed budget. I don't ha... More About: Time Management , Balance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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