Online Paid Surveys: 1st Month Totals and Review
By Daniel | August 9, 2008
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One month ago I signed up for 3 paid online survey services: My Survey, Greenfield, and Pinecone Research. They were all listed in my post about Paid Surveys and Word of Mouth Marketing. To setup each survey account, I created a separate email address to help separate and keep track of them. Greenfield has by far provided the most surveys. Some of them are for money and others are only for a sweepstakes entry. I skipped the sweepstakes entry surveys and just took the ones that had a guaranteed dollar amount. The surveys have ranged from $1.00 to $5.00.
Pinecone Research has provided the second highest total earnings, but has had the least number of surveys. Each survey pays $3.00. My Survey has provided the lowest amount of earnings. They are based on a points system and when you reach 1000 points, you can cash out $10.00. Both Pinecone Research and Greenfield are recommended. I have not had any problems with My Survey, it just hasn’t earned nearly as much as the first two. Below is a chart that compares the three companies for the first month.
Topics: Personal Finances | No Comments »
Subscribe to comments (RSS)Is there going to be 2nd IRS stimulus check?
By Daniel | July 30, 2008
There have been several reports and talk about a second round of stimulus checks. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has proposed a second round, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, “We will be proceeding with another stimulus package.” Harry Reid has brought up that a second stimulus package should be used on repairing the country’s roads, bridges and sewers, and on investing in renewable energy. However, passing another package has been discouraged by President Bush who wants to wait for the full effect of the first round and focus on other issues before signing another package.
The first economic stimulus package was $168 billion dollars and many people saw this in a form of a check or direct deposit. It looks like the second round, if there is one, will be focused on rebates and infrastructure development. It was nice to receive $600 but we have to remember that we’ll pay for it later(indirectly) or take the money from other sources. While Congress hoped everyone would run out and spend the money and stimulate the economy, reports are showing that a lot of people have saved it or put it toward regular bills. Contradicting the last sentence, there are also studies that say consumer spending is up.
Topics: Personal Finances | 1 Comment »
Subscribe to comments (RSS)New Social Security Online Calculator
By Daniel | July 23, 2008
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A new Social Security calculator has be released online to estimate your benefits when you retire. It will provide an estimate based on real time access to your earnings records. This estimate is similar to the one you receive on your annual Social Security statement, but allows you to view “what if” scenarios. You can see how much you’ll receive if you wait until a later age to start collecting or expect a higher future earnings. |
You can use the calculator if…
- You are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- You have enough Social Security credits at this time to qualify for benefits.
- You are not eligible for a Pension Based on Work Not Covered By Social Security.
Click here to go to the Social Security Estimator.
More Social Security Calculators
Topics: Personal Finances | No Comments »
Subscribe to comments (RSS)12 investment mistakes couples make
By Daniel | July 21, 2008
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Everyone has a different view about money and various ways of handling it. Two people working for a common goal can have an advantage, but working together with money is not always as simple as it appears. Dana Dratch at Bankrate.com recently wrote: 12 investment mistakes couples make. This list points out critical mistakes to avoid and the importance of each one. I found there are many of these that can apply to individuals as well. |
1. Too many accounts:
Having money in too many accounts can be time consuming and a hassle to manage. If one of you does the majority of the financial planning, your spouse may be left in the dark if something were to happen. Sitting down with your partner and creating a list of accounts will put you on the same page.
2. One spouse deals with advisors
It’s your money too. Both partners need to know where and what their money is doing. A financial advisor should have a good relationship with the both of you to effectively manage your money.
3. Not putting enough aside
Start early and save at least 10% of your take home pay. You should save money from both paychecks and don’t settle for the minimum. As a couple you should have shared expenses and the extra money should go straight to savings.
4. Too much money tied up in cash
Long term goals should have an investment plan set up. Keeping your money in cash will not keep up with inflation and your money will be worth less and less.
5. One party isn’t getting a voice
Each partner has their own risk tolerance and when there is only one person doing the investing, the investment fits their comfort level. Investing in separate accounts will allow each of your own level of risk tolerance as a compromise.
6. Failing to diversify those investments
A key factor in investing is diversification. You will need to have high risk and low risk, domestic and international as well as a variety of industries.
7. No shared goals
A set of common goals will make saving and investing easier. Sitting down and writing them out on paper will create a stronger plan. Short term and long term goals should be in progress at all times.
8. Skipping account maintenance
Failure to re-balance your investment to maintain the correct asset allocation will hurt your financial plan. Forgetting to update personal information and beneficiaries can spell trouble if something happens to one of you.
9. Commingling inherited assets
Once this money is placed in a joint account, it is considered marital property and you may lose it before you ever use it.
10. Investing without understanding
This can hurt you in two ways. One, it may not work the way you thought it did, and second, you may have problems getting out of it. You wouldn’t own a car if you didn’t know how or want to know how it works.
11. Don’t know how advisor earns money
Learning how they are paid will tell you if they have your best interest in mind. You don’t want biased information when it comes to investment advice. You hire them to work for you.
12. Not collecting ‘free money’ at work
Not taking advantage of an employer matched 401k is like someone offering you free money and telling them, “No thanks.” The 401k match is part of your compensation included in benefits. Increase it slowly to get started and pretty soon you won’t feel a difference.
Topics: Personal Finances | No Comments »
Subscribe to comments (RSS)5 Financial Radio Shows and Podcasts
By Daniel | July 16, 2008
There are 5 Radio shows and podcasts that I listen to regularly. They are a great way to get financial questions answered and provide inspiration. I have been listening to all of them from iTunes, but they are also available online at their own websites. You can also check the list of radio stations they broadcast on. I usually listen to these shows in my car on the way to work.
| The Clark Howard Show focuses on consumers matters and financial advice. The show is available at his website where you can subscribe to the podcast, listen to streaming audio, or download it. The version that I listen to is from iTunes, which is 70 minutes long every weekday. |
| The Dave Ramsey Show is about “life, love, and relationships, and how they happen to revolve around money.” The show is available online, and as a podcast. I’ve been listening to the 40 minute show each day on iTunes. It is also broadcasted on Sirius and XM satellite radio. The show features callers who call in with their questions and Dave answers by saying, “If I woke up in your shoes, what would I do?” |
| Brian Preston’s “Money Guy” Podcast is available on his blog and iTunes. Brian is a Certified Financial Planner and he uses his blog and podcast to spread financial education. The financial advice is very sound and uses common sense. The podcasts are around 20-30 minutes long once a week. |
| Vanguard: Plain Talk on Investing podcast is a quick 7-12 minutes of financial education, and it is produced about twice a month. Vanguard is a low cost investment management company that is highly recommended by many successful people in financial industry. |
| Kiplinger’s Personal Finance podcast is released every other Tuesday and highlights stories from their latest magazine articles. The length varies from 4-16 minutes and always has high quality information. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine has been around since 1947 and continues to be a leader. |
Topics: News, Personal Finances | 3 Comments »
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