The Sun's Financial Diary

It’s trick or treat time! An article on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance by Erin Burt offers ten year-end financial tricks that I think are helpful in getting people being disciplined in saving and spending. I especially like the idea of saving automatically and setting a fund for big expenses (auto insurance, vacation, or a high definition [...]

I usually don’t check my 401(k) account until the time to update the net worth and even at that time, I didn’t look at the return because, first, I simply forgot to check and, second, I won’t make any change before the year end, no matter how good or bad the return is. But tonight, [...]

A study report released today by National Association of Realtors found that a majority of the 78 million baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, face uncertainties when it comes how to retire. The study was to find what kind of homes baby boomers will buy when they approach retirement. However, it also shows [...]

A letter from Liberty Mutual came yesterday, asking us for an update on our vehicles, a car and a van, which are both insured with then under comprehensive coverage. It’s the time to renew our auto insurance. I have been with Liberty Mutual for three years and have both auto and home insurance with them. [...]

Just a reminder if you are still using your Citi Dividend card. The downgraded version of the reward program starts today, October 13th. From now on, you will earn: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After that, the APR will be 12.99%-20.99% variable based on your creditworthiness. 2% cash back on purchases [...]

In addition to the 1GB Nano, Bank of America has a credit card offer that also include $50 Statement Credit after qualifying transaction(s) 0% balance transfer for one year To receive the free iPod, you have to use your new account within 90 days of the date the account is opened by Bank of America [...]

I applied a Discover Miles Card back in July, which offers 12,000 bonus miles, fee-free 0% balance transfer for one year, and additional 1,000 monthly bonus miles for 12 months with any purchase charged with the card (BTW, the offer is still valid). Immediately after receiving the card, I called Discover to confirm the one-year [...]

Have an equity account and want some free trade? Bank of America is now offering $0 equity trade for customers with $25,000 or more in all asset across BoA deposit accounts, including checking, savings, and CDs. Offer available with an individual or joint Banc of America Investment Services, Inc. (BAI) Self-Directed Brokerage account. If you [...]