by Patrick on July 8, 2007
My wife and I just got back from a nice hike through a nearby state park. I love these beautiful summer days when we can just get out of the house and do something inexpensive and fun! We hiked about 8 miles through the woods along the lakeshore, and ended with a nice picnic in the shade.
Besides spending a wonderful day with my wife, we got some great exercise and had a lot fun. It was much nicer than spending the day inside at a movie theater, and cheaper too! I don’t know exactly how much it cost all together, but it was not much. We drove about 30 minutes each way, so figure about 2 gallons of gas ($6) and we packed a picnic consisting of bagel sandwiches, cheese, fruit, and bottled water (refilled from our taps). The picnic cost maybe $5 or so. Not bad! We got some other good things done around the house this weekend too, so all in all, I’m pretty happy. 
by Patrick on July 7, 2007
Here are some of my favorite posts from the Personal Finance World this week:
These two posts are two of my favorites, because it shows that with a little education, a little luck, and a lot of hard work and dedication, anyone can meet their goals and improve their financial situation. Here are two Personal Finance bloggers who just reached very significant milestones:
- Tricia from Blogging Away Debt - Credit…Card…Debt..Under… : Tricia just reached a very important milestone on her journey out of credit card debt – she just paid down another card and her total is under $20k for the first time. Congrats, Tricia, and good luck knocking down the rest of it!
- Flexo from Consumerism Commentary – I’ve Surpassed My First Significant Milestone: Flexo reached a net worth of over $100,000 for the first time! Congrats Flexo! He has set his next net worth milestone markers at $250k, $500k, and $1,000,000. (I just wanted to type that last number in its entirety, because it looks so pretty. ) Flexo also has milestones for eliminating all debt and reaching $100k in retirement funds. Way to go, and good luck reaching your milestones!
Here are some more articles that I recommend:
- My Money Blog - Subprime Mortgage Troubles Caused by Both Bad Lenders and Bad Brrowers, and Mighty Bargain Hunter – Borrowing One’s Way to Prosperity Doesn’t Work: Johnathan from My Money Blog and MBH highlight an article from the Wall Street Journal where the subjects are facing foreclosure on their home and blame the bank for their problems. Yes some of the loans were subprime loans and now the rates have dramatically increased. But were the loans even necessary in the first place? Read the article then ask yourself a few important questions: When faced with a declining and uncertain job market, should you do a $20,000 kitchen remodel, drive a luxury SUV, and install a koi pond in your backyard?
- Consumerism Commentary – 5 Good Reasons to Avoid Debit Cards: Flexo gives us a few reasons why people shouldn’t use debit cards, but mostly it comes down to freeing up funds, protection, and rewards. More and more, I am beginning to think along these lines, even though I recently wrote a post supporting debit card use: Debit Cards – Take Them or Leave Them? I still think debit cards are good for those with a lot of credit card debt or no credit history, but credit cards do have their advantages. Read Flexo’s post for more info.
- Blueprint for Financial Prosperity – If You Won the Lottery Would You Tell Anyone?: Jim asks this question and elicits a broad range of responses. Personally, I would avoid telling most people, they just don’t need to know. I recommend reading his post to see how others feel.
- Five Cent Nickel – Bill Me Later: Nickel writes about how many on-line companies are offering their customers the opportunity to make purchases on-line and instead of paying right then with a credit card, they receive a paper bill in the mail. They do this because many people are concerned about making credit card transactions on-line. Sounds good right? Actually, the site requests your social security number and other information, then opens a credit line with their company. Read the articles for the details, but in my opinion, it’s not a very good deal for the consumer.
by Patrick on July 5, 2007
Ok, here I am spouting out financial news and advice and I go and make a late payment on my credit card. Actually, it was my wife’s credit card, which is worse! I guess it goes to say that no one is perfect! 
There was a $29 late fee for the missed payment, which was 2 weeks late. Luckily, my wife and I never carry a credit card balance, we have good credit history, and this was our (read my) first late payment. I told my wife we needed to call the company and ask if they could overlook this first offense, refund our late fee, and make sure the late payment did not go on our credit record.
Well, the card is in my wife’s name so she would have to make the phone call – and my wife hates making these kinds of calls. What is worse, is that it was my fault and I was asking her to do it… She called the service desk, and within a few minutes, our late fee was refunded and the late payment was erased from our credit history. (Thanks, Love).
The late payment was my fault because I told her I had taken care of everything, but we recently went paperless and I missed the e-mail notification. The problem is corrected now, so I guess it’s no longer an issue.
Lesson learned. Don’t make late payments! (But if you do, call the company and try to have the charges reversed!)
by Patrick on July 4, 2007
Happy Independence Day. Thanks to everyone who is serving, has served, and has ever known or loved someone who is serving or has served in our nation’s military. You have all made sacrifices for us to enjoy the freedoms we have everyday. Thank you!
Now… on to financial independence!
by Patrick on July 4, 2007
Note: This deal has expired, but here are some great deals on gas cards that can save you money anywhere!
Speedway and Super America Gas Stations are offering an instant $.05 discount from each gallon of gas (deal expired!) when you use their Speedy Rewards Card. All you do is swipe your card before pumping, and the discount is automatically applied. You can also earn other discounts on food and beverages. The card is free, easy to use, and doesn’t require you to be inundated w/ mail, e-mails, or phone calls.
I got my card about 2 months ago. Just ask the cashier, and they will give you a card and activate it – you can fill out the accompanying information on the application and drop it off at any Speedway Store later. I think Speedway has the cards so they can track what people buy so they can better target their customers (read: find ways to make more money). I don’t mind, because I get discounts, and they don’t send me junk in the mail.
Speedway stores are located in IN, IL, KY, MI, MN, OH, SD, WI, WV, but gas discounts do not apply in WI or WV because it’s against state law to offer gasoline discounts. Luckily for me, there is a Speedway a few miles from my house. I drive by it everyday on my way to work and since they usually have the best prices, that is where I prefer to buy my gas.
(Note: This Speedway discount on gasoline has expired! but please read on for more ways to save money on gas purchases!)
Save money on every gallon of gas you purchase at any gas station!
Here are the Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards currently on the market. Most of these cards offer cash back on gas purchases ranging from 3-5%. With gas prices nearing $4 per gallon, that is a savings of $.12-.20 per gallon! Most of these cards also offer cash back on other purchases as well, ranging from 1-5% cash back.
My personal favorite is the Chase Freedom Visa card, which I use for almost every purchase I make. It offers 3% cash back on the 3 categories you spend the most in every month, including gas and groceries. Read my Chase Freedom Rewards Card review for more details. Take advantage of these deals and save some money!
Here are some more ways to save money on gas.
