Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Try This....
Save money on restaurants you already go to! Go to http://www.restaurant.com/! Read the fine print but most of the deals on this web page are legit! A penny saved, a penny earned!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Pay It Forward
March 1st-21st...
So lets do this. Spread the word ♥
Love, C
Do three random acts of kindness for people you don't know and expect nothing in return. No matter how "poor" you are or how busy you may feel you can find five minutes to help someone else. Lets see if we can actually start something big.
If they want to repay you just tell them to Pay if Forward
Even small acts, such as paying the bridge toll for the car behind you when you pay for your own, counts. If it makes the world a friendlier place, you succeeded!
Love, C
Monday, February 8, 2010
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Voices performance/dinner on Wednesday, 2/3/10
I’m attending Contemporary Lecture Voices with Kathy Root on Wednesday 2/3/10. I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with Kathy Root who is a partner at Johnston, Root & Leibenguth, P.C. Attorneys at Law. There is more information about the event at http://www.voicesinc.com/ if you’re interested.
Thanks, C
Thanks, C
Friday, January 22, 2010
"WHAT DO WE LIVE FOR, IF IT IS NOT TO MAKE LIFE LESS DIFFICULT FOR EACH OTHER?" George Eliot.
The current crisis in Haiti certainly puts this sentiment into perspective. For information on how you can help, see the View article below.
Last week it was reported that the inflation measuring Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December came in lower than expected. Overall, CPI for all of 2009 was fairly tame. But as you can see in the chart below, the closely watched Core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy, rose to 1.8% year-over-year in December after hitting a multi-year low of 1.4% in August.
So what does this mean for Bonds and home loan rates?
Clearly, inflation is tame at the moment...but slowly trending higher. The Fed will be watching this data very carefully in the coming months, as they seek to time perfectly the exit from what is essentially a zero rate environment. The Fed will likely err on the side of keeping the Fed Funds Rate lower for longer than they perhaps should, in order to avoid a "double dip" recession...but that will likely lead to more inflation down the road. Remember, Bonds and home loan rates hate inflation - so home loan rates are likely to trend higher as more inflation creeps into the economy.
Speaking of the Fed, they stepped up their Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) buying in the latest week, purchasing $14B in MBS, whereas the most recent prior purchases were around $9.5B. The Fed now has $113B left of their $1.25T allotted commitment, with the buying program set to wrap up on March 31st. The Fed's purchases have helped home loan rates stay historically low - and although there has been some buzz about an extension of the program, it seems unlikely that will come to fruition. When the Fed purchases stop, home loan rates will be very susceptible to moving higher - so if we have not talked yet about your own home loan situation, or if you know of a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker who might like some advice, let's be sure to connect very soon...time is of the essence.
The next Federal Reserve Policy Statement will be coming on January 27th, and they have gone out of their way to mention in the last several statements that the MBS buying program will not continue. Count on me to be listening closely when the Fed releases this next Statement, as this will help further gauge what home loan rates have in store.
In other news, Retail Sales for December came in well below expectations and were down from the 1.8% increase seen in November. While this suggests weakness in the Retail sector, it has to be taken with a grain of salt, as it is likely that frigid temperatures and snowy conditions throughout much of the country were contributing factors to the decline. Overall, 2009 was a very tough year for retail. Retail Sales for 2009 dropped 6.2% compared with 2008, which was the biggest decline on record, dating back to 1992.
There was some good news, however, on the manufacturing front, as the Empire State Manufacturing Index was reported above estimates, indicating manufacturing expansion in New York state and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
For the week overall Bonds were able to break above important technical levels, and home loan rates ended the week slightly better than where they began.
Thank you, C
So what does this mean for Bonds and home loan rates?
Clearly, inflation is tame at the moment...but slowly trending higher. The Fed will be watching this data very carefully in the coming months, as they seek to time perfectly the exit from what is essentially a zero rate environment. The Fed will likely err on the side of keeping the Fed Funds Rate lower for longer than they perhaps should, in order to avoid a "double dip" recession...but that will likely lead to more inflation down the road. Remember, Bonds and home loan rates hate inflation - so home loan rates are likely to trend higher as more inflation creeps into the economy.
Speaking of the Fed, they stepped up their Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) buying in the latest week, purchasing $14B in MBS, whereas the most recent prior purchases were around $9.5B. The Fed now has $113B left of their $1.25T allotted commitment, with the buying program set to wrap up on March 31st. The Fed's purchases have helped home loan rates stay historically low - and although there has been some buzz about an extension of the program, it seems unlikely that will come to fruition. When the Fed purchases stop, home loan rates will be very susceptible to moving higher - so if we have not talked yet about your own home loan situation, or if you know of a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker who might like some advice, let's be sure to connect very soon...time is of the essence.
The next Federal Reserve Policy Statement will be coming on January 27th, and they have gone out of their way to mention in the last several statements that the MBS buying program will not continue. Count on me to be listening closely when the Fed releases this next Statement, as this will help further gauge what home loan rates have in store.
In other news, Retail Sales for December came in well below expectations and were down from the 1.8% increase seen in November. While this suggests weakness in the Retail sector, it has to be taken with a grain of salt, as it is likely that frigid temperatures and snowy conditions throughout much of the country were contributing factors to the decline. Overall, 2009 was a very tough year for retail. Retail Sales for 2009 dropped 6.2% compared with 2008, which was the biggest decline on record, dating back to 1992.
There was some good news, however, on the manufacturing front, as the Empire State Manufacturing Index was reported above estimates, indicating manufacturing expansion in New York state and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
For the week overall Bonds were able to break above important technical levels, and home loan rates ended the week slightly better than where they began.
Thank you, C
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Your 2010 Money Calendar
Key dates to bookmark for the year ahead...
By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
JANUARY
1st - Parents of college-bound high school seniors: Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4th - First trading day of 2010.
7th - Set financial goals, update your budget and resolve to pay off holiday debt (see "Four Ways to Trim Your Spending").
8th - Convert traditional IRA to a Roth; income limits for conversions are gone.
15th - Estimated federal taxes for the fourth quarter of 2009 are due.
20th - Consult with a financial planner: Your Money Bus stops in Greensboro, N.C.
21st - Seniors: If you're over 70½, talk to your IRA administrators about resuming regular required minimum distribution payments.
26th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
FEBRUARY
2nd - Think taxes: Your 1098, 1099 and W-2 statements should arrive by today. Finish gathering tax documents and put them in a folder for later.
4th - Your Money Bus stops in Charleston, S.C.
7th - Billions of dollars in bets will be riding on Super Bowl XLIV.
12th - Investors: Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has gone down 15 of the past 18 years on the day before Presidents Day weekend. You could pick up some cheap shares.
15th - Presidents Day. Before you hit the sales, take our quiz to find out what kind of spender you are.
22nd - New credit-card rules go into effect.
22nd - Your Money Bus stops in Palm Beach, Fla.
MARCH
1st - Shoulder season starts today and runs through May. Look for bargains on travel.
3rd - Keep an eye out for proxy forms. They'll let you vote on shareholder issues without being present at the annual meeting.
6th - Think taxes: Assign value to stuff you donated to charity if you itemize deductions.
9th - Your Money Bus stops in Birmingham, Ala.
14th - Daylight Savings Time begins. Spring forward.
15th - Deadline to empty your 2009 health-care flexible spending account (if your plan allows the 2½-month grace period).
16th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
19th - Triple Witching Day for the stock market: Contracts for stock-index futures, stock-index options and stock options all expire together. Brace for volatile trading.
APRIL
1st - It's Financial Literacy Month. Take the Kiplinger quiz on your financial know-how.
1st - Seniors: Deadline for taking your first required minimum distribution from IRAs and other retirement accounts.
2nd - Your Money Bus stops in Cleveland.
3rd - Prepare your income-tax return this weekend.
12th - First-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
15th - File your tax return or request an extension. Estimated federal taxes for the first quarter are due.
16th - Expect a big tax refund? Adjust your withholding.
22nd - Earth Day. Save money and the planet by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.
27th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
MAY
1st - Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, in Omaha. Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates.
2nd - Mother's Day is May 9. Find a gift deal at www.dodtracker.com.
6th - Your Money Bus stops in Fort Worth.
11th - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park. A visit to one of the 58 national parks is a great idea for an inexpensive summer getaway.
12th - Book a tune-up for your air-conditioning or sprinkler system before summer sets in.
19th - Start planning your summer vacation (use a booking site such as Kayak.com).
27th - College-bound high school grads: Complete student-loan applications, including those for federal Stafford loans and federal PLUS loans for parents.
30th - Use your tax refund to pay down credit-card balances or seed an emergency fund.
JUNE
1st - Investors: The stock market historically dips the week after Memorial Day. Look for cheap buys.
3rd - Your Money Bus stops in San Diego.
7th - Recent college grads: Consolidate student loans. Make a money-smart plan for what to do with your graduation cash (start an IRA, create an emergency fund).
12th - Shop for Father's Day on June 20.
15th - Estimated federal taxes for the second quarter are due.
17th - Your Money Bus stops in Portland, Ore.
21st - Investors: Dow down 17 of the past 19 years-don't sell this week.
22nd - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
JULY
2nd - Midyear financial checkup: Update the goals you set in January and rebalance your portfolio, if necessary.
4th - Independence Day. Break free from debt by tallying up what you owe and making a plan to pay it off.
7th - Your Money Bus stops in Colorado Springs.
12th - Second-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
21st - Reshop your auto insurance (www.insweb.com), homeowners coverage (www.accucoverage.com) and life insurance (www.accuquote.com).
26th - If you're over 50, find out about long-term-care insurance: Take our quiz to learn more.
AUGUST
1st - Shop early for an end-of-the-model-year car deal. You'll get the best combination of price and selection as dealers clear inventory.
3rd - This is the month for statewide sales-tax holidays for back-to-school shopping. Find out whether your state has one.
5th - Your Money Bus stops in Omaha.
9th - Investors: Prepare to hunker down. From 1988 to 2005, August was the worst month for the Dow and the S&P 500.
10th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
24th - Investors: Look for the market to gain strength. The end of the month has been strong for the past five years.
26th - Renegotiate the rate on your credit card.
SEPTEMBER
1st - Fall marks open-enrollment season for employer health-insurance plans. Review your options, even if you can keep the same coverage.
2nd - Start scouting for deals for holiday travel. Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly, with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
3rd - Investors: Watch for stock-market instability. Triple-digit Dow moves are commonplace leading up to Labor Day.
9th - Your Money Bus stops in Milwaukee.
15th - Estimated tax payments for the third quarter are due. Deadline for submitting corrections to your FAFSA.
21st - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
30th - Your Money Bus stops in Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER
1st - If you're self-employed, deadline to establish a Simple IRA.
2nd - Financial Fitness Workshop, in New York City.
7th - Third-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
8th - If you've lost money on a Roth IRA conversion, you can still recharacterize. Contact your Roth sponsor ASAP.
15th - Deadline to file your tax return if you requested an extension in April.
21st - Get Smart About Credit Day. Buy your FICO scores at www.myfico.com.
22nd - Investors: Look for good buys on depressed stocks; October has marked the end of 11 post-World War II bear markets.
NOVEMBER
1st - Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates. Buy candy on the cheap after Halloween.
2nd - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
7th - Daylight Savings Time ends.
8th - New college grads: First student-loan payments are due this month.
15th - Open enrollment begins for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, and continues through December 31. (See "Choose the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs".)
17th - Investors: Time to sell? The Dow has been up 13 of the past 16 years in the week before Thanksgiving.
24th - Log on to www.gottadeal.com to plan your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping strategy.
29th - Cyber Monday: Save on sales at most online retailers.
DECEMBER
1st - Investors: Before you buy a mutual fund in a taxable account, check the fund's Web site for its ex-dividend date and purchase shares after that date to avoid a tax bill.
5th - Make year-end donations to a charity or your alma mater and lock in a tax deduction (see "Five Ways to Check a Charity").
13th - End of 2010 is your last chance to make energy-efficient home improvements and get a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 (deadline: December 31).
14th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
18th- Best time of the year to buy a computer-deals range from 15% to 50% off, or you could score a free printer or software package.
31st - Deadline for taking annual required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts, setting up a solo 401(k) plan and enrolling in a Medicare prescription-drug plan.
Thank you, C
By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
JANUARY
1st - Parents of college-bound high school seniors: Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4th - First trading day of 2010.
7th - Set financial goals, update your budget and resolve to pay off holiday debt (see "Four Ways to Trim Your Spending").
8th - Convert traditional IRA to a Roth; income limits for conversions are gone.
15th - Estimated federal taxes for the fourth quarter of 2009 are due.
20th - Consult with a financial planner: Your Money Bus stops in Greensboro, N.C.
21st - Seniors: If you're over 70½, talk to your IRA administrators about resuming regular required minimum distribution payments.
26th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
FEBRUARY
2nd - Think taxes: Your 1098, 1099 and W-2 statements should arrive by today. Finish gathering tax documents and put them in a folder for later.
4th - Your Money Bus stops in Charleston, S.C.
7th - Billions of dollars in bets will be riding on Super Bowl XLIV.
12th - Investors: Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has gone down 15 of the past 18 years on the day before Presidents Day weekend. You could pick up some cheap shares.
15th - Presidents Day. Before you hit the sales, take our quiz to find out what kind of spender you are.
22nd - New credit-card rules go into effect.
22nd - Your Money Bus stops in Palm Beach, Fla.
MARCH
1st - Shoulder season starts today and runs through May. Look for bargains on travel.
3rd - Keep an eye out for proxy forms. They'll let you vote on shareholder issues without being present at the annual meeting.
6th - Think taxes: Assign value to stuff you donated to charity if you itemize deductions.
9th - Your Money Bus stops in Birmingham, Ala.
14th - Daylight Savings Time begins. Spring forward.
15th - Deadline to empty your 2009 health-care flexible spending account (if your plan allows the 2½-month grace period).
16th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
19th - Triple Witching Day for the stock market: Contracts for stock-index futures, stock-index options and stock options all expire together. Brace for volatile trading.
APRIL
1st - It's Financial Literacy Month. Take the Kiplinger quiz on your financial know-how.
1st - Seniors: Deadline for taking your first required minimum distribution from IRAs and other retirement accounts.
2nd - Your Money Bus stops in Cleveland.
3rd - Prepare your income-tax return this weekend.
12th - First-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
15th - File your tax return or request an extension. Estimated federal taxes for the first quarter are due.
16th - Expect a big tax refund? Adjust your withholding.
22nd - Earth Day. Save money and the planet by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.
27th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
MAY
1st - Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, in Omaha. Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates.
2nd - Mother's Day is May 9. Find a gift deal at www.dodtracker.com.
6th - Your Money Bus stops in Fort Worth.
11th - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park. A visit to one of the 58 national parks is a great idea for an inexpensive summer getaway.
12th - Book a tune-up for your air-conditioning or sprinkler system before summer sets in.
19th - Start planning your summer vacation (use a booking site such as Kayak.com).
27th - College-bound high school grads: Complete student-loan applications, including those for federal Stafford loans and federal PLUS loans for parents.
30th - Use your tax refund to pay down credit-card balances or seed an emergency fund.
JUNE
1st - Investors: The stock market historically dips the week after Memorial Day. Look for cheap buys.
3rd - Your Money Bus stops in San Diego.
7th - Recent college grads: Consolidate student loans. Make a money-smart plan for what to do with your graduation cash (start an IRA, create an emergency fund).
12th - Shop for Father's Day on June 20.
15th - Estimated federal taxes for the second quarter are due.
17th - Your Money Bus stops in Portland, Ore.
21st - Investors: Dow down 17 of the past 19 years-don't sell this week.
22nd - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
JULY
2nd - Midyear financial checkup: Update the goals you set in January and rebalance your portfolio, if necessary.
4th - Independence Day. Break free from debt by tallying up what you owe and making a plan to pay it off.
7th - Your Money Bus stops in Colorado Springs.
12th - Second-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
21st - Reshop your auto insurance (www.insweb.com), homeowners coverage (www.accucoverage.com) and life insurance (www.accuquote.com).
26th - If you're over 50, find out about long-term-care insurance: Take our quiz to learn more.
AUGUST
1st - Shop early for an end-of-the-model-year car deal. You'll get the best combination of price and selection as dealers clear inventory.
3rd - This is the month for statewide sales-tax holidays for back-to-school shopping. Find out whether your state has one.
5th - Your Money Bus stops in Omaha.
9th - Investors: Prepare to hunker down. From 1988 to 2005, August was the worst month for the Dow and the S&P 500.
10th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
24th - Investors: Look for the market to gain strength. The end of the month has been strong for the past five years.
26th - Renegotiate the rate on your credit card.
SEPTEMBER
1st - Fall marks open-enrollment season for employer health-insurance plans. Review your options, even if you can keep the same coverage.
2nd - Start scouting for deals for holiday travel. Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly, with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
3rd - Investors: Watch for stock-market instability. Triple-digit Dow moves are commonplace leading up to Labor Day.
9th - Your Money Bus stops in Milwaukee.
15th - Estimated tax payments for the third quarter are due. Deadline for submitting corrections to your FAFSA.
21st - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
30th - Your Money Bus stops in Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER
1st - If you're self-employed, deadline to establish a Simple IRA.
2nd - Financial Fitness Workshop, in New York City.
7th - Third-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
8th - If you've lost money on a Roth IRA conversion, you can still recharacterize. Contact your Roth sponsor ASAP.
15th - Deadline to file your tax return if you requested an extension in April.
21st - Get Smart About Credit Day. Buy your FICO scores at www.myfico.com.
22nd - Investors: Look for good buys on depressed stocks; October has marked the end of 11 post-World War II bear markets.
NOVEMBER
1st - Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates. Buy candy on the cheap after Halloween.
2nd - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
7th - Daylight Savings Time ends.
8th - New college grads: First student-loan payments are due this month.
15th - Open enrollment begins for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, and continues through December 31. (See "Choose the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs".)
17th - Investors: Time to sell? The Dow has been up 13 of the past 16 years in the week before Thanksgiving.
24th - Log on to www.gottadeal.com to plan your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping strategy.
29th - Cyber Monday: Save on sales at most online retailers.
DECEMBER
1st - Investors: Before you buy a mutual fund in a taxable account, check the fund's Web site for its ex-dividend date and purchase shares after that date to avoid a tax bill.
5th - Make year-end donations to a charity or your alma mater and lock in a tax deduction (see "Five Ways to Check a Charity").
13th - End of 2010 is your last chance to make energy-efficient home improvements and get a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 (deadline: December 31).
14th - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
18th- Best time of the year to buy a computer-deals range from 15% to 50% off, or you could score a free printer or software package.
31st - Deadline for taking annual required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts, setting up a solo 401(k) plan and enrolling in a Medicare prescription-drug plan.
Thank you, C
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