Financial Schools Reviews

Last week, Greece’s government failed to agree on pension reforms required by the EU/IMF as conditional upon granting a fresh €130 billion bailout package. At the last minute, the Greeks were able to cobble together a deal to offer EU partners, but in an unusual twist on the “euro-sceptic” theme the plan was turned down. Greece was asked to find an additional €325 million in cuts by EU finance ministers and more concrete measures were required. Greece has come under criticism in the past for failing to honour all of the promises made when the first bailout was agreed.

The Greek PM, Lucas Papademos, appealed to the nation to back the EU/IMF deal and accept further austerity measures in order to secure the second bailout ahead of a parliamentary vote on Sunday. He warned

Full Article…

I’m not sure where I first heard it, but whenever I get the urge to “invest” in a lake place, or do something similarly extravagant, I always fall back on this saying:

“Own your investments and rent your fun.”

I’ve mused in the past about buying a vacation home, but the harsh reality is that such endeavors are rarely as wonderful as you’d expect.

Yes, it would be great to have a weekend getaway, but second homes can easily become a money pit. You need to furnish them. You need to heat and cool them. You need to pay property taxes on them. You “need” to buy a boat to tie to the dock. Etc., etc., etc.<

Full Article…

Tax submission deadline this year is April 17 (courtesy of Emancipation Day holiday in DC). You should be receiving the usual W2s and 1099s in the mail pretty soon. The IRS has issued some guidelines for you to follow to make it easier on yourself when tax season kicks off in full swing.

Firstly, start getting your records up to speed. Gather all receipts, statements and income documents to validate your income and expenses for last year. Here’s what Clay Sanford, an IRS representative in Dallas said: “The first thing you’ll want to do is to gather your records and round up any documents you’ll need when filing your taxes. Get

Full Article…

There is a certain degree of Schadenfreude to be enjoyed when reporting that the world’s second largest economy, China, has seen slower growth in 2011 than a year earlier. After all, a communist state is supposed to despise capitalism and the oppression of the workers, but, with respect to the world’s leading socio-economic system, China has adopted the philosophy that if you can’t beat them you should join them. It’s pretty clear that China is beating the capitalists at their own game.

Whilst it is true that the Chinese economy enjoyed growth in 2010 which was 1.1% faster than that seen in the current year, it would be disingenuous to suggest that China was slowing down to anything like the same extent as the likes of its major competitors. True, 2

Full Article…

As a followup to my recent post about Chase Freedom bonus categories for 2012 (and their $200 signup bonus), here’s some info on the bonus categories for the Citi Dividend Platinum Select credit card…

As you’re likely aware, many credit card companies have switched to a model where they offer a base level of rewards (typically 1%) plus bonus rewards (usually 5%) in certain categories. Citi is amongst those who now use this model and, unfortunately, you have to re-enroll each quarter.

The categories just switched on January 1, so it’s time to re-enroll. Here’s

Full Article…