Highest Echelon

Prosper.com: I'm the 20th best!

2007-06-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I was trapped in between 40th and 50th place in terms of Return On Investment at Prosper.com. This morning my rank jumped up to 20th place out of 18,224! (Yes, some lenders even have a negative ROI.)

I currently have an awesome Return on Investment of 21.96%. I can thank the loan that I closed at 28% with a B credit rating.

While I'm having a great deal of luck and fun at Prosper, it's important to remember that I could loose everything if A) Prosper goes under (the money is not FDIC insured) or B) if everyone decides to stop making payments (I have yet to have anyone miss a payment for more than 15 days).

Good luck and happy bidding. (Remember it only takes $50 to bid.)

-Wilks

Zecco.com. New $0 minimum to open account.

2007-06-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

I just checked the Zecco.com website and it seems they've dropped the minimum opening amount for accounts from $2500 to $0.

(from their FAQ)

What is the minimum amount required to open an account?
Zip, nada: there's no minimum deposit required to open an account. Margin accounts require $2,000 minimum.

Prosper.com. I'm #8427!

2007-06-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

I just checked my Prosper.com stats on Eric's Credit Community. I've made it to Lender Rank #8427!

With an estimated 21.31% ROI, I'm also showing up as being the 44th best member in terms of Return on Investment.

Absolutely all my loans are current and I haven't had any "less than 15 days late" in months.

I'm at a point where Prosper.com is getting more and more fun every day! My original goal was to fund 25 loans with $50 each for a total of $1250 (I would then receive roughly $50 every month in payments which would then be used to fund more loans, it's a $50 minimum per loan).

My new goal is to loan out $5000! I would then be receiving roughly $200 in payments per month and would turn right around and reinvest that into 4 new loans. I've also decided to take full advantage of the standing order feature to automate the whole process. I find that standing orders can sift through borrowers more quickly and efficiently than I can. Also I then don't have to worry about being an emotional investor. I'm sometimes compelled to bid on loans where borrowers are unemployed and may lose their houses due to foreclosures and don't have a prayer of being able to pay back the loan. My standing orders pass right over those.

Happy bidding.

-Wilks

New free samples at Walmart.com

2007-06-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the new free samples at the Walmart site. Out of all the free samples sites that I use, Walmart.com is probably the best. No annoying follow up questions and I can register for an item in under a minute. It does take a while to ship, so I usually forget what I ordered. But that just makes it an even better surprise when it finally arrives.

-Wilks

Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. speak at The University of New Hampshire

2007-05-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

I also really liked Steve Job's speech.

The cost of school books is killing me!

2007-05-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you've read some of my recent posts you'll know that I am now the proud owner of an Associates Degree in Business Administration (pending 2-4 weeks mail delivery). What you don't know is that I've doubled up on classes so I can finish my Bachelors even faster.

I am currently taking the equivalent of 8 classes, that's the absolute maximum number of classes allowed by my University. In order to even qualify for this I had to pay off all outstanding debt (ouch!), needed a GPA of 3.0 or better (no problem since my last term's GPA was 3.89), and then I needed to meet with the Dean. After reviewing my records and interviewing me, her exact words were, "I see no reason why you shouldn't take that many classes."

Now I have a bunch of 0% introductory APR credit cards that I'm currently living off of. I make the monthly payments and just let the remaining balance roll over until about a month before the 0% introductory period ends. In other words, I have plenty of imaginary money. (I keep a little slider bar on the top right of my page that shows how much credit limit I have and what my goal is.)

The only problem is: The cost of school books is killing me!

It feels like the second a new book comes out, the whole University switches to the newest edition. And those damn things update like every 2 - 3 years and cost around $100 each, used!

I already use a combination of using the school bookstore, buying online from half.com, amazon.com, and eBay. I even send out emails to all the teachers kindly requesting that I be allowed to borrow one of their books (they usually get sent 5 books by the publishers to do with as they please).

If I sound mad now, wait half an hour. I'm off to buy some school books!!! grrrr!!!

What are some ways you cut down on school books?

Prosper.com. Here's what I'm bidding on this week.

2007-05-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

C credit grade $8,000.00 @ 24.95%.
C credit grade $20,000.00 @ 27.50%.
C credit grade $25,000.00 @ 24.50%.
C credit grade $7,500.00 @ 27.50% .

Looking at my past trend it does really seem like I enjoy that C credit grade.

People-to-people lending. It's an old idea that's new again.

2007-05-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Learn more about how people-to-people lending works at Prosper.com.

Prosper.com: Here's how to check how much money your fellow bloggers have invested.

2007-05-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Prosper.com has funded over $58,000,000 in loans and has over a quarter million users!

Have you ever wondered how much money your fellow PF bloggers have invested on Prosper.com? Have you ever wondered how your diversification stacks up to others? Or maybe you are worried about how safe Prosper is and want to see if others are loosing money due to delinquent loans.

Eric's Credit Community is a great place for answers. You can check lender, borrower stats, and group stats. You can even look up your own rank to see how you stack up to other investors.

If you know someone's username (let's say your favorite PF blogger) you can even compare how much they have invested, where it's invested, and if any loans are delinquent.

The iPhone. It's everything except a phone.

2007-04-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Burgers and college, both 50% done!

2007-04-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 3am today to work on my final in my Social Environment in Business class. I got an A on the final and an A in the class.

This was the last class to get my Associates Degree in Business Administration.

Time for fast food and a nap.

Where do you go for free samples?

2007-04-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

This post is more of a reminder to myself than to anyone else that I need more free samples! I want to be able to go on a short vacation and have available samples of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and self tanner (why not).

I was just looking at a few blogs to see if I could round up websites that offer free samples that don't require too much of my personal information. I already look at Walmart's free sample page a few times per week, but that's just not enough. I found startsampling on Mymoneyblog, which looks promising.

Where do you go for free samples and free stuff?

I've added Freecyclefinder to the list.
Walmart's free sample page
startsampling

I'm the 9029th biggest lender on Prosper.com

2007-04-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

With an original investment of $850, I'm the 9029th biggest lender on Prosper.com. That's 17 loans funded at $50 each. By next week I expect to be ranked in the low 8000s.

I'll aim for the low 7000s for mid next month.

-Wilks

Guy posts his real phone number on YouTube, gets 5,000 calls. Includes interview on CNN.

2007-04-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

CNN Interview

Check this Prosper loan out. AA credit rating at 22%.

2007-04-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you invest in Prosper.com, consider bidding on this: AA credit rating, $25,000 at 22%.

Is 298463% debt to income ratio too much for a loan? On Prosper.com, No Problem!

2007-04-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I just found this listing on Prosper.com. Salvimex714 wants to borrow $4000 at 29% APR. He has a credit rating of AA (the best Prosper has to offer). What's stopping me from bidding besides the fact that he's unemployed, has no income, no endorsements, and a scary picture? The 298463% Debt to Income Ratio!

Just Took My Law Exam

2006-11-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

I just took my law exam. This was a test that required days and days of reading and preparation. It was one hell of a test. About 80% of the questions were in this format:

Long overworded question
A. Possible trick answer.
B. An even better possible trick answer.
C. An even better possible trick answer.
D. Non of the above.

or

Really hard to understand question with lots of unnecessarily difficult to understand long words
True
False

I did alright on the multiple choice and I hope the essay questions bring my grade up.

Funded 1 More Loan on Prosper.com

2006-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

I finally funded 1 more loan on Prosper.com

Credit Grade B, 19.99% apr. I lent out $50.

Walmart Perscription Plan - Full List

2006-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Walmart Rolls Out a New Perscription Plan (Repost from) Sunday, September 24, 2006

Last week Walmart announced a new program that will offer consumers $4 prescriptions for generic drugs.

Here's a full list of the drugs offered thanks to The Big Picture.

Did You Vote? Britney Spears Probably Didn't

2006-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

It's November 7th. And in an attempt to outstage others once again, Britney Spears files a petition for divorce from Kevin Federline. Normally I don't really care, but I feel they could have held on to those news for 1 more day. It seems more like a diversionary tactic aimed at drawing attention away from the vote than anything else. Where have all the voters gone?

Happy Halloween Week

2006-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

It seems like once Halloween is over the stores immediately shift right into the Christmas shopping season. So in the spirit of frugality and in an effort to not spend anything on presents for a few more days, Happy Halloween Week.

I'll put some pictures from Salem Massachusetts up when I get them back from my artist.

Festival of Frugality is Up

2006-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Frugality is up at No Credit Needed.

Prosper Update: 1 Person Late (<15d)

2006-11-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

When I checked my Prosper.com account late last night I expected to see all 13 of my active loans to be Current. Was I ever shocked to see that 1 loan was Late (<15d). This is the first time I had seen this, but it means that this person's repayment is late by more than 1 day but less than 15 days.

I didn't want to be bothered by something like this too much so I simply sent an inter-Prosper mail saying:

Please make every effort to make the payment on this loan.

And I left it at that.

This morning I delved a little farther. At the origination of the loan, this person had 1 current delinquency, 10 past delinquencies, only 3 lines of credit, and wasn't a member of any group. Shame on me!

Credit grade:

Now delinquent:	1
Delinquencies in last 7y:	10
Public records in last 10y:	2
First recorded credit line:	Jul-1990
Total credit lines:	3
Inquiries in last 6 months:	0

Debt/Income:

This was one of my first loans so I still didn't know what I was doing. I have since increased my standards. I now no longer lend unless the person is a member of a group and has significantly less delinquencies. The good part about the loan is that it is a C credit rating at 22.90%.

Later this morning I got an email back from this person.

Payment was made yesterday. Sorry, I changed jobs and my first payday fell on the 2nd of the month. I am in Iraq working so there shouldn't be any more problems. It just took a while to get my first paycheck. Thought I had it covered.
Thanks,
[Name withheld]

I confirmed his payment by looking under loan details. There is a small Â next to today's date.
^Â = in transit.

Date	Payment number	Amount paid	-	NSF fees	-	Group reward	=	Amount received	Fees	+	Interest	+	Principal	-	Service fees	-	Collection fees	=	Net received	Resulting principal balance
Nov-07-2006^Â	307336	$1.93	-	$0.03	-	$0.00	=	$1.90	$0.00	+	$1.44	+	$0.46	-	$0.03	-	$0.00	=	$1.87	$48.36
Sep-21-2006	222981	$1.93	-	$0.00	-	$0.00	=	$1.93	$0.00	+	$0.75	+	$1.18	-	$0.02	-	$0.00	=	$1.92	$48.82

From what I can tell there is a $0.03 NSF charge that he also has to pay. But it seems like it may go to Prosper not me.

RaidenX: A Great Remake of a Great Classic

2006-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

RaidenX is a remake of the classic Raiden IIS series. I vaguely remember playing something similar to this on an arcade system. Now I can play on the computer for free. What a world we live in.

I only died once on normal.

The Carnivals Are Up!

2006-11-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Carnival of Debt Reduction is up at We're in Debt.
The Carnival of Personal Finance is up at City Girl's Financial Blog.
The Carnival of Investing is up at All Financial Matters.

Here's What I'm Doing With Prosper Right Now

2006-11-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Not too much is happening with Prosper.com right now. But I'll share what I'm bidding on.

We don't want to have to choose! Credit rating of AA with 0 delinquencies. Current apr is at 20.99%. They are not part of a group, but I already emailed them about that. I bid $50.

Initial Medical Expenses Credit rating of B with 1 current delinquency but no past delinquencies. Current apr is at 25.50%. Homeownership not verify and I sent her an email about that. I bid $50.

Happy (belated) Halloween!

2006-11-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy (belated) Halloween! I just got back from my week long trip. One of the stops was Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween evening. I had a really great time and I got a lot of complements on my costume. I was the Phantom of the Opera. I got compliments like: "Yo, Phantom of the Opera. What's up!?" I think I was the only Phantom that didn't go without a girl.

For girls the most popular costume this year (and every other year) was the slutty nurse or firefighter. Lots of short skirts and exposed cleavage.

For guys the most popular costume (and I can only assume this trend will continue) was the gangsta. Lots of huge fake gold chains and unshaven faces. These were great, so believable.

Besides driving the wrong way onto the 128 onramp because of one bent roadsign, I had a great time!

Prosper Loans Details

2006-10-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

My Prosper Archives

http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/funded-2-more-prosper-loans.html
http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/prospercom-heres-what-im-bidding-on.html
http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/another-prosper-loan-funded_19.html
http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/yet-more-canceled-loans-at-prosper.html
http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/funded-1-more-loan-on-prosper.html
http://highestechelon.blogspot.com/2006/10/funded-2-more-prosper-loans.html

Funded 2 More Prosper Loans

2006-10-31T07:20:00.000-08:00

2 more Prosper loans went through this morning.

D credit rating at 28% apr
B credit rating at 20% apr

My current ROI is 21.03% just .82% shy of "Meridian," the highest ranked ROI lender on all of Prosper.

One Of My Prosper.com Strategies

2006-10-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

One of my Prosper.com strategies is to bid at current apr, even if I plan on underbidding myself later.

Let's say a borrower requests 24% apr and has a credit rating of B. Taking Prosper's fees into account the actual apr is closer to 22%. The requested apr (24.00%) is great, but it's too much to hope for. When I don't have enough time to fully analyze and email the borrower, I'll bid $50 on the requested apr (24.00%).

Then when I have more time, I'll come back and analyze the posting. I'll look at the group, current delinquencies, past delinquencies, and their story. If I then feel that they are a safe bet I'll underbid myself by as much as 5.00%.

If I'm EXTREMELY lucky (and this doesn't happen much) I'd get approved for the 24% apr and then my lower apr as well.

I'll Open a Zecco.com Account in the Next Few Months

2006-10-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

"October. This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February." Mark Twain

I'll wait a few more months before I open a brokerage account at Zecco.com. That way I can get some more feedback from the pf blogger community.

My College Progress So Far

2006-10-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

This was one of my most difficult college terms ever. Work sucked and really impacted my ability to study. Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!) recommends not to work for money, but rather experience. My job has absolutely nothing to do with my future profession choice, so I'll be coming to a very profound decision concerning work in the next week.

I'm still deciding whether I'll take 2 or 3 classes next term. My courses are all accelerated, so 2 classes count as 4 and 3 as 6. I'll also be taking a CLEP exam worth 6 credits in November. I have an extremely high probability of passing it without even studying. If I do all that I have the potential of earning 15 credits in the next 2 months. I put a College Completed Meter on the top right of my page to keep me motivated. No matter if I take 2 or 3 classes, I'll still get my Associates Degree early next year, and that makes me feel extremely accomplished and happy.

Any thoughts? What's more important at my age? Working for experience or for a trifle sum of money?

Daylight Saving Time

2006-10-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to set your clocks back by 1 hour tonight. Clocks fall back from 1:59 am to 1:00 am.

The official spelling is Daylight Saving Time, not Daylight SavingS Time.

Saving is used here as a verbal adjective (a participle). It modifies time and tells us more about its nature; namely, that it is characterized by the activity of saving daylight. It is a saving daylight kind of time. Similar examples would be a mind expanding book or a man eating tiger. Saving is used in the same way as saving a ball game, rather than as a savings account.

If you were to go drinking:

In the U.S., restaurants and bars have various closing policies. In many states, liquor cannot be served after 2:00 a.m. But at 2:00 a.m. in the fall, the time switches back one hour. So, can they serve alcohol for that additional hour in October? The official answer is that the bars do not stop serving liquor at 2:00 a.m., but actually at 1:59 a.m. So, they have already stopped serving when the time changes from Daylight Saving Time into Standard Time. In practice, however, many establishments stay open an extra hour in the fall.

U.S. Daylight Saving Time Schedule
2004: April 4 - October 31
2005: April 3 - October 30
2006: April 2 - October 29
New Federal Law In Effect
2007: March 11 - Nov. 4
2008: March 9 - Nov. 2
2009: March 8 - Nov. 1
2010: March 14 - Nov. 7
2011: March 13 - Nov. 6

Update: Applied for Credit Line Increases

2006-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

I received confirmation emails from both Chase and Household saying that they will review my credit line increases. Since I applied for increases less than a quarter year ago I really didn't think I would get my increases approved.

I already got a response from Chase saying that my Signature card's credit line will be staying at $7000 (at least for a few more months). That's all fine and good. There's no penalty for requesting a credit line increase since it's a soft pull and simply a review of my on-file credit report.

Applied for Credit Line Increases

2006-10-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

I applied for a $1000 credit line increase on my Chase Signature and a $1000 credit line increase on my Household.

The increase my credit line option seems to have disappeared off the face of the planet on the Bank of America website. There are other ways of accessing that online option, but I'm in no mood to click around until I find it.

I'd Vote For Him - Dabu Dabu Dabu

2006-10-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

My Current simuStock Portfolio Allocation

2006-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

One of my simuStock portfolios is performing much better than expected. I decided to invest $2000 and cut it right down the middle by buying 34 stocks of eBay and 33 of Amazon. A gain of over $368 was achieved in under 3 months. If I had opened an account with Zecco for $2500 I'd be getting back $2959.50!

Account Balance
Starting Balance	$2,000.00
Cash Balance	$0.59
Stock Balance	$2,367.08

Liquidation	( 18.38%) $2,367.67

Stock	Quantity	Price	Change	Percent	Value
EBAY	34	32.68	0.60	1.87%	$1,111.12
AMZN	33	38.33	0.65	1.73%	$1,264.89

				Value	$2,376.01

...if only Zecco existed back then.

October: My Credit Limit in Review

2006-10-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

October: My total credit limit increased by a very respectable $3,400 to $22,400. I am now 44.8% to my ultimate goal of $50,000. I've added more details (percentage and actual dollar amount) to the meters at the top right of this page to help give a better understanding of where I'm at.

I'll be applying for additional credit limit increases in the next few months.

Risks With New No-Swipe Cards

2006-10-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Almost every credit card company is coming out with no-swipe credit cards. These cards don't require manually swiping through a machine or signatures. All a customer needs to do with a no-swipe cards is wave it in front of a terminal that picks up the customer's data. The card speeds up checkout which provides convenience for them.

However, there are security risks that come with this new technology:

In a study performed by RSA labs on 20 credit cards, it found that the cardholder's name and other info was being transmitted without encryption.

Without encryption, any person with the correct form of receiver and some technical know-how can retrieve and collect credit card information. This information can then be used maliciously or sold.

Read the story here.

How Much Is Your Blog Worth?

2006-10-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

How much is your blog worth? Probably a lot more than mine. I found this really cool tool that displays how much a blog is worth. I'm worth a little under $10,000. Where do I get my payout?

Anyway, I'll put it up permanently way down on the bottom right to monitor progress.

What should my goal be? $50,000 at least?

My blog is worth $9,597.18.
How much is your blog worth?

100 Chuck Norris Jokes

2006-10-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

We've seen them scattered all over the net. I simply added a few pictures.

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Chuck Norris once visited the Virgin Islands. They are now The Islands.

Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting implies the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.

Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

Chuck Noris puts the "laughter" in "manslaughter".

Chuck Norris can speak braille.

Chuck Norris was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.

Chuck Norris sleeps with a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris

If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the **** down.

Chuck Norris thought up some of the funniest Chuck Norris facts ever, but he hasn't submitted them to the site because he doesn't believe in any form of submission.

If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.

Chuck Norris frequently donates blood to the Red Cross. Just never his own.

The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.

Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

The quickest way to a man's heart is with Chuck Norris's fist.

Leading hand sanitizers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs. Chuck Norris can kill 100 percent of whatever the **** he wants.

Superman owns a pair of Chuck Norris pajamas.

If you try to introduce your mother to Chuck Norris, she'll introduce you to your biological father.

Chuck Norris, Vin Diesel and Arnold Schwarzenegger have all died and are in Heaven. Each of them hope to occupy the seat next to God. God asks Vin Diesel why he thinks he should have the seat and Vin replies, "I believe... I should have the seat because of the virtuosity in my toughness and pride." Arnie says, "I believe... that I should be the one sitting next to you because of all my achievements." God then turns to Chuck Norris, who replies with, "I believe... you are sitting in my seat."

When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.

Chuck Norris died ten years ago, but the Grim Reaper can't get up the courage to tell him.

Chuck Norris once survived a suicide bombing. He was the bomber.

Chuck Norris does not know where you live, but he knows where you will die.

Chuck Norris can divide by zero.

Chuck Norris is currently in a legal battle with the makers of Bubble Tape. Norris claims "6 Feet of Fun" is actually the trademark for his ***.

Chuck Norris can slam revolving doors.

Little kids enjoy lighting ants on fire with magnifying glasses. Chuck Norris enjoys lighting little kids on fire with ants. Scientists have yet to find out how this feat is achieved.

If it looks like chicken, tastes like chicken, and feels like chicken but Chuck Norris says its beef, then it's ****ing beef.

We all know the magic word is please. As in the sentence, "Please don't kill me." Too bad Chuck Norris doesn't believe in magic.

Chuck Norris once went on Celebrity Jeopardy and answered, "Who is Chuck Norris?" to every question. It was the first and only time in Jeopardy history that a contestant answered every single question right.

At birth, Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the doctor in the face. Nobody delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having *** with his waitress.

Chuck Norris owns the greatest Poker Face of all-time. It helped him win the 1983 World Series of Poker despite him holding just a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.

A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.

Chuck Norris' sperm can penetrate 13 condoms, the birth control pill, a brick wall, and the 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in order to impregnate a woman.

Chuck Norris has to sort his laundry into three loads: darks, whites, and bloodstains.
If at first you don't succeed, you are obviously not Chuck Norris.

Geico saved 15% by switching to Chuck Norris.

If you see Chuck Norris crying he will grant you a wish, if your wish is dying.

Pee Wee Herman got arrested for masturbating in public. The same day, Chuck Norris got an award for masturbating in public.

They say that lightning never strikes the same place twice. Niether does Chuck Norris. He doesn't have to.

Water boils faster when Chuck Norris watches it.

Chuck Norris' cowboy boots are made from real cowboys.

When Chuck Norris exercises, the machine gets stronger.

Chuck Norris is allowed to talk about Fight Club.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself... The only thing fear has to fear is Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris clogs the toilet even when he p***es.

A blind man once stepped on Chuck Norris' shoe. Chuck replied, "Don't you know who I am? I'm Chuck Norris!" The mere mention of his name cured this man blindness. Sadly the first, last, and only thing this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Chuck Norris.

The most effective form of suicide known to man is to type "Chuck Norris" into Google and hit "I'm Feeling Lucky!".

Chuck Norris never gets brain freeze. Slurpees know when to back the f**k off.

Chuck Norris got in touch with his feminine side, and promptly got her pregnant.

Chuck Norris refers to himself in fourth person.

Whenever someone is constipated, doctors send them to Chuck Norris so he can scare the s**t out of them.

Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris

Switzerland isn't really neutral. They just haven't figured out what side Chuck Norris is on yet.

When Chuck Norris was in middle school, his English teacher assigned an essay: "What is Courage?" Chuck Norris received an "A+" for writing only the words "Chuck Norris" and promptly turning in the paper.

Chuck Norris doesn't give Christmas presents. If you live to see Christmas, that is your Christmas present from Chuck.

Chuck Norris ends every relationship with "Its not me, its you".

Chuck Norris was sending an email one day, when he realized that it would be faster to run.

When Chuck Norris laughs too hard while drinking milk, he accidently s**ts a cow.
One time in an airport a guy accidently called Chuck Norris "Chick Norris". He explained it was an honest mistake and apologized profusely. Chuck accepted his apology and politely signed an autograph. Nine months later, the guy's wife gave birth to a bearded baby. The guy knew exactly what had happened, and blames nobody but himself.

Chuck Norris doesn't understand why you should consult your doctor if your erection lasts for more than 4 hours. His erections have been known to last for up to 15 days.

Chuck Norris has never had an alcohol problem. However, alcohol has had a Chuck Norris problem.

Jesus owns and wears a bracelet that reads, "WWCND?"

In order to survive a nuclear attack, you must remember to stop, drop, and be Chuck Norris.

Similar to a Russian Nesting Doll, if you were to break Chuck Norris open you would find another Chuck Norris inside, only smaller and angrier.

Chuck Norris' dog is trained to pick up his own poop because Chuck Norris will not take s**t from anyone.

Oxygen requires Chuck Norris to live.

Chuck Norris doesn't have a bank account. He just tells the bank how much he needs.
Chuck Norris frequently signs up for beginner karate classes, just so he can "accidentally" beat the s**t out of little kids.

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know when Chuck Norris is going to kill you.

Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.

The phrase "Made by Chuck Norris" is imprinted beneath the surface of China.

Microsoft has released a new Anti-virus removal tool called Chuck Norris. The tool dares the virus to enter the machine.

Chuck Norris always gets blackjack. Even when he's playing poker.

When the Incredible Hulk gets angry he transforms into Chuck Norris.

When Chuck Norris answers the phone, he just says "Go". This is not permission for you to begin speaking, it is your cue to start running for your life.

Chuck Norris only uses one chopstick.

Chuck Norris does not leave messages. Chuck Norris leaves warnings.

Filming on location for Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris brought a stillborn baby lamb back to life by giving it a prolonged beard rub. Shortly after the farm animal sprang back to life and a crowd had gathered, Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked the animal, breaking its neck, to remind the crew once more that Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.

When you open a can of whoop-ass, Chuck Norris jumps out.

Chuck Norris once had a near death experience. Needless to say, Death now refuses to come near him.

People say the truth hurts, but it hurts a hell of a lot more when it comes from Chuck Norris.

If you come home to find Chuck Norris doing your wife, it's probably best to go fetch a glass of water and stand there in case Chuck gets thirsty. There ain't no future in any other course of action.

Chuck Norris can open beer cans with his teeth. He still prefers to use other people's teeth, though.

Chuck Norris uses all seven letters in Scrabble... Every turn.

The Festival of Frugality is Up

2006-10-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Festival of Frugality is up at Pragmatic Finance. I contribute a small piece about my cell phone which costs $6.66 per month.

Thoughts On Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad

2006-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm about a third through Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad on audiobook. While my opinion of Kiyosaki hasn't changed yet, I agree with some of the things he proposes.

Kiyosaki defines an asset as something that puts money in your pocket and a liability as something that takes money out of your pocket. I'll buy that. I know that there is much confusion with assets with liabilities.

He also suggests that people that want to become rich should buy assets that make money. He mainly proposes stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I would also consider antiques, art, intellectual property, and education.

I'll post again in a few cassettes.

Funded 1 More Loan on Prosper

2006-10-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

I funded another $50 loan on Prosper.com and updated my Prosper Loans Funded Meter at the top right of my page.

Credit rating B for 24%

Unfortunately another batch was canceled because borrowers couldn't verify their information in time. But I still feel that Prosper is a great place to invest in and remember it only takes 50 bucks to start lending.

I Got A Raise

2006-10-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

I got a 5% raise for my 3 year anniversary. On my review all my scores were satisfactory or above. Since inflation is hovering around 3% right now, I came out alright.

What percentage was your last raise?

Adbrite Changes Setup, Harder to Integrate!

2006-10-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Within the last 24 hours adbrite has changed how they let advertisers modify their ads. Before I could change font size, color, style, hover, and a few other things. Now all I can change is color. Look at the ads in the center column. They are super sleek and fit my color scheme perfectly. Now look at the new adbrite waaay on the bottom right of this page. That's as well as I could match it, and it looks horrible! I could get this type of poor integration from adsense.

Am I jumping the gun?

The Carnivals Are Up!!

2006-10-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Carnival of Investing is up at Endless Gibberish.
The Carnival of Personal Finances is up at Fat Pitch financial.
The Carnival of Debt Reduction is up at No Credit Needed.
The Festival of Frugality is up at Free Money Finance.

I read through most of these and Adventure Money has a very enjoyable read about starting a business.

My Very First Computer

2006-10-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

I already posted about the first computer I bought with my own money. But years before that my mother and I bought this computer. This must have been over 10 years ago.

IBM Aptiva
Windows 95
166 Megahertz Intel processor without MMX which came out a few weeks later (Damnit!)
16 MB of ram
2.3 GB of hard drive space spread across 3 hard drives: 1: 1000MB 2: 700MB 3: 600MB.
8 x CD drive. No burner of any type.
It was black.

It cost $2000 with a printer.

What was your very first computer?

Free Samples, Free Offers, Free Subscriptions

2006-10-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

JC Whitney four free car catalogues. Request code RK056.
ICE triple 3-in-1 Shampoo-Conditioner-Body Wash free sample.
Free 2007 Coca-Cola calendar: call toll free 1-800-438-2653 to request. Mailed free of charge within 7-10 days. Monday-Sunday 9am to 7:00pm ET
Free Subscription to CNET Digital Living magazine.
There's another coupon for a free pair of panties from Victoria's Secret in this months Allure magazine.
Get $5 for complete a survey on excessive sleepiness.
Connecticut only. Free after rebate Norton Anti Virus 2007 CD.
Free Celestial Seasonings Tea Sample printable coupon after survey.
California only: Free Peachtree 2007 Pro Accounting after rebates expires 10/24.
Lots of other free offers California Only.

My First (Self Bought) Computer

2006-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

I bought my first computer (with my own money) about 3 years ago from Best Buy. A T3265 eMachines. It cost about $700, which was a lot (for me) at the time. Besides my car, it was, and still is, my biggest financial purchase. Here are the stats:

AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Processor
512MB PC2700 DDR Memory
160GB Hard Drive
4x DVD+/-RW Burner and 48x CD-ROM Optical Drives
NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX Integrated Graphics with 64MB Shared Memory
NVIDIA nForce2 MCP-T 6-Channel Audio with Amplified Stereo Speakers
v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet Port
Five USB 2.0 Ports and 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
Windows XP Home Operating System and Microsoft Works 7.0 Productivity Software

I made sure to buy it without a monitor because I would eventually buy a 21 inch flat panel. I continued using my old 15 inch CRT box monitor for a while longer until I saved up enough money for the upgrade. I also subsequently bought a wireless mouse, a premium surround sound system, and a 4 in one printer, scanner, fax, copier. All of these things I plan on passing on to the next computer so I don't consider it wasted money.

After 3 problem free years, I was sold on eMachines. eMachines has established itself as a low cost budget system, an image they are slowly trying to break. I consider them the Hyundai of computers.

Even though my computer still works perfectly and plan on using it until it blows up, it's still a lot of fun to look at the newest technology. So in a few upcoming posts I'll review some brand new computers, laptops, and related technologies. Maybe I'll even convince myself to buy a new computer this year instead of 2008.

What are the specs of your computer?

YouTube Saturday

2006-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Highest Echelon Contributes to One Carnival

2006-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check out The Festival of Under 30 Finances at City Girl's Financial Blog. I post a small piece about why Prosper Keeps Canceling My Bids.

From what I gather, a lot of us hate Prosper for that.

Yet More Canceled Loans at Prosper

2006-10-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

I get a batch of these every week.

You were a winning bidder on
Listing title: Honest student looking for a loan
Listing number: 121212
Listing created: Oct-11-2006 4:30 PM

However, while performing a pre-funding review, we were unable to verify certain information relating to the listing, and as a result we are unable to fund this listing. The listing has therefore been cancelled, and the funds in the amount of your bid have been returned to your Prosper account, available for further bidding.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.

I still suspect that the borrower was not able to verify his or her checking account quickly enough.

Will McDonald's Make it to 2050?

2006-10-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

You decide. Try this fun little McDonald's simulator. I think the bottom line to this game is: A corporation needs to constantly strive to improve upon itself or it won't sustain itself indefinitely.

Another Prosper Loan Funded

2006-10-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

Another Prosper loan has finally been approved. I have updated my Prosper Loans Funded Meter at the top of my page.

Credit rating AA with 16.5%.

You must be a Prosper member to view the link, so I suggest signing up. It takes $0 to open a lenders account and only $50 to fund your first loan. It can easily be linked to your brick and mortar checking, HSBC, and Emigrant Direct (transfers are free). I'll even show you how to do that. It's quite convenient and very addictive.

Better Than Fried Twinkies, Fried Coke!

2006-10-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

You can get anything fried at a fair. Twinkies, cookies, pickles. You name it.

Last year concessionaire Abel Gonzales Jr. sold 20,000 fried peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwiches. This year he invented the next big thing. Fried Coke! Get the fully fried story here.

Guy Pays $100,000 for Spacestation, Expects to Make $1.6 Million Annually!

2006-10-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Entropia Universe is a computer game that uses a Real Cash Economy. Meaning that the items and gear in the game are bought with real United States currency. Why would someone pay real money for a bunch of pixels? More importantly why would Jon Jacobs pay $100,000 for a virtual spacestation?

Jacobs argues that if David Storey can buy an undeveloped virtual island for $26,500 and make a profit, a spacestation would be the next step.

Once a virtual profit has been made, Entropia Universe users can convert their virtual earning to real money by using the in game interface and withdraw.

By using the Entropia Universe Cash Card you can instantly convert your virtual PED into real-life cash.

Welcome to the future. It's virtual.

Some Useful Coupons

2006-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Target: Get 10% off your entire order. Use code: TCRCPTAB. Expires 10/30/2006.

Pier 1 Imports: 20% off one item. Expires 10/22/06.

Bath & Body Works: Free Temptations or Holiday Fragrance Collection with $10 purchase. Expires 11/5/06.

And my favorite Old Navy: printable coupon $5 off $25. (I've used these before they are great) Expires 10/31/06.

Highest Echelon Has a Feed

2006-10-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

Highest Echelon now has a feed. I'm still not entirely sure how feeds work but I welcome any and all comments or experiences anyone has had with them.

-John

I Broke Down and Got Something by Kiyosaki

2006-10-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

For the most part, the blogger consensus on Kiyosaki is that he is nothing more than a good salesman. "We" feel that he uses tired old cliches that have been around since way before Kiyosaki wrote about them.

Still, I decided to get Rich Dad Poor Dad. Since I didn't want to waste money, I borrowed it from the library. And since I didn't want to waste time, I got the audiobook on tape. I'll be listening to Kiyosaki as I drive to work and while I'm cooking. Maybe even at the gym.

Prosper.com: Here's What I'm Bidding On Right Now

2006-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the loans I am bidding on at Prosper right now. You don't need to be a member of Prosper.com to view these bids.

Credit score D, Current rate 24%
Credit score D, Current rate 27%
Credit score AA, Current rate 18.75%
Credit score C, Current rate 21.49%

Here's How To Get Money Out of Your Flexible Spending Account

2006-10-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last year I had a few hundred left in my Flexible Spending Account. Even though it would have entered the first quarter 2006 grace period, I still wanted my money back. Here's what I did to get my cash back.

I went to my standard dentist cleaning in November and bought as many boxes of Crest Whitestrips Supreme (21-day program) as I could. They were 40 bucks each. I asked the nurse to make the receipt list these items as "miscellaneous," and she agreed. Next I submitted the receipt with all the proper forms to my Flexible Spending Account provider and I got my refund.

After that I sold all the boxes of Crest Whitestrips Supreme on eBay for $39.99, plus shipping. At that time they were only available from the doctors office. Even now I don't think they can be bought in stores and if shipping and handling is taken into consideration eBay still sells them for around $40.

The United States Population Hits 300,000,000!

2006-10-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Well at the time of this posting 300,000,548. Check out this nifty "clock". U.S. and World Population Clocks and this one.

Prosper Keeps Canceling My Bids, Enter Zopa

2006-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

A while back, I decided to put a large chunk of my cash in Prosper.com. However, even though I have over $1000 sitting over there, less than half ($300) is in actual loans. Don't think that I'm not actively and aggressively researching and bidding on prospective borrowers. Lately, many of the loans I've bid on have been cancelled due to Prosper being "unable to verify certain information related to the listing." I suspect that the borrowers were not able to verify their accounts before the loan closed. But that's just my guess.

Here's why I'm pissed. In all cases my money was tied up. First the 3 days that it takes for them to transfer the funds from my HSBC to my Prosper holding account. Then while I bid and wait for the loan to close. All the way through to the time Prosper decides the loan must be cancelled due to unverifiable information. All the while my money is floating around and sitting there not earning interest!

Yes, Prosper carefully examines the loans before funding. But Prosper should offer the holding account at least 3% interest.

Luckily Prosper will get some competition from across the pond. Zopa.com is coming to the United States. Zopa has been around for 18 months and offers an interest bearing holding account and 1.5% lender bonus. Competition is a great thing.

My Cash Allocation

2006-10-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've tweeked with my allocation a little bit. I now have much more in Prosper and less sitting in my brick and mortar checking. Funds are slowly trickling from my Emigrant Direct to my Prosper.

Funded 2 More Loans at Prosper

2006-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Prosper is finally at $400 (check the meter at the top right of this page). Thanks to two loans funded for $50 each. One had a C credit rating and is willing to pay me 24.50%. The other had a B credit rating and is willing to pay me 25%. Both owe me $1.99 on the 13th of November. I love that almost all of the first payment is interest. All my loans are current to date.

Now that I"m more familiar with Prosper I'll start tightening my requirement a little more.

How to Winterize Your Car

2006-10-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last winter wasn't too bad, probably due to global warming. But that doesn't mean this winter will be as pleasant. I like to winterize my car a few months before it starts getting really cold so that I can still work on it without freezing my fingers.

Here's what I do:

Checked Tire Tread: Well, I actually replaced all 4 tires, but that doesn't mean I don't check my tread-wear. I just look at it visually. If your tread is low you can either replace the tires, or switch them for new ones and leave the worn ones around to drive with in the summer. In the summer, I'm known to drive until the metal wires are showing. Also, look at the tires from the top. If it looks like the middle is being worn much more than the outsides try deflating the tire a little. Conversely, if the outsides are worn more than the middle try inflating the tire a little more. A lot of mechanics recommend the penny trick. Turn a penny head down and stick it between the tire tread. If a part of Lincoln's head is covered your tires are probably ok. However, use your best judgment.

Windshield: I hate when my windshield fog up! Since water vapor likes to stick to the greasy film that accumulates over time on the glass, cleaning the inside of the glass is the best way to minimize fog. Use regular window wash or a mixture of vinigar and water. I repeat this every 2 - 4 weeks or so. If my windshield still fogs up, I pull out a napkin, open the window, spray out some window wash fluid, soak some up in the napkin, and wash the inside of the glass. I do this while driving sometimes. What's worse, not being able to see anything because of windshield fog, or swerving all over the road? I thought so.

Wipers: The tip of the wipers actually doesn't squeegee the glass. The rubber bends and the sides make contact with the glass. To keep those sides in perfect working order, take a piece of fine sandpaper and run it along the blade on both sides.

Trunk Supplies: It's recommended to keep a blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, extra gloves, flairs, sand (for traction), and a shovel in your trunk. You won't even know they are in there, but they may come in handy.

Glove Compartment Supplies: I keep a small camera in my glove compartment. If I ever get into an accident it will come in handy. I also have my cell phone on me at all times for emergencies.

I also wash and wax my car before it starts snowing. And I always change my oil before the winter starts. If I'm lucky I can drive through the whole winter on one oil change. Don't believe what they tell you. You can get more than 5,000 miles if you use fully synthetic.

The Carnivals Are Up!

2006-10-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Gold Stock Bull is hosting the Carnival of Investing.
Dispatches From Blogblivion is hosting the Carnival of the Capitalists.
Make Love, Not Debt is hosting the Carnival of Personal Finance.
My Open Wallet is hosting the Festival of Frugality.

Adventure Money has a great piece about The Power of Leverage.

Money Saving Tips

2006-10-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've read a lot of best 10, best 27, best 300 money saving tips from other bloggers. Here's a short list of money saving tips that I use.

1. I use food supplements. Since I'm also a bodybuilder, food supplements have become a major part of my life. I have a particular like for chocolate whey protein powder and oats. My entire breakfast consists of supplements. I take 2 cups of milk, 2.5 cups of oats, 2 scoops of whey protein, and half a cup of blueberries, throw them all in a blender and drink it all down. "MmmMMmmmm. Frugal."

2. During the summer I use a fan as much as possible instead of an air conditioner.

3. I water down milk.

4. I water down TV. I get only a few local channels and watch YouTube instead.

YouTube Saturday.

2006-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

I Use Virgin Mobile, Here's Why

2006-10-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

The actual phone cost $150 a few years ago (you can probably buy the model I have for about $80 now or even 40 bucks if you look on eBay). In order to keep it active I have to pay $20 every 90 days. So $6.66 and 1/3 cents per month. It's 25 cents per minute for the first 10 minutes and then 10 cents after that for that day. Text messages are 5 cents to send and receive. It works off the Sprint network, has caller ID, speakerphone, and a camera (which I've used like 3 times...)

Remember, since it's prepaid the phone isn't great if you are an avid talker because you'll eat through your minutes, but it is great for emergencies, and some quick calls. For me it's perfect. 80 minutes for 3 months is plenty for me and the remaining balance rolls over to the next 90 day period. I have a credit balance of over 40 bucks and I only top it off every 89 days.

Also since it's prepaid, you don't have to pay communications tax and you can never be charged more than what you put on the phone. In order to save a trip to the store, you can also buy the $20 topup cards (they come in increments of $20, $30, and $50) on eBay for $17-$19 (free shipping since they usually just send the pin via email). Or you can just log on to Virgin's website and pay with your credit card.

I also use this site to send free text messages when I'm at home. TXT Ez
or if that's down Free Yahoo Text

My Financial Rule Number 2

2006-10-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

2. Diversify my assets.
1. Pay myself first.

Zecco.com Goes Live

2006-10-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Zecco.com went live today. As I stated in a previous post, Zecco offers free stock trades. However, this is limited. You get up to 10 free trades per day, up to 40 per month. While Zecco has no inactivity fees, it does take a minimum of $2,500 to open an account.

Sounds very promising, but I'll wait a few months for other bloggers to report back.

Prosper at $300. Finally!

2006-10-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Prosper is finally at $300. Hopefully it will be around $400 around next week.

My Cash Allocation

2006-10-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is how I currently have my "cash" allocated.
I plan on moving much more into Prosper.com, with a final goal of about $1250. While I currently have $750 in my Prosper account, I only have a few hundred in loans. (See my Prosper Loans Funded meter at the top right of the page). I'll talk more about why it's so difficult to fund Prosper loans when I post my full review on Prosper.

A few weeks after Zecco.com goes live, I may move $2500 into a brokerage account, once I'm confident that it's safe. I will clear out my checking and only leave $200. All remaining cash will be distributed between an E-Loan savings account and my Emigrant Direct and HSBC savings accounts.

A 3 Part Review of Prosper.com is Coming!

2006-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

At first I thought I might write a little review about Prosper.com. However, I simply had too many thoughts. So I've decided to write a 3 part review!

The first part is a general overview. That's something you can read on Prosper's website. The second part is a more in depth review (since I've been an active lender for months now). That's something you can read on any blog that lends to Prosper. The third part is as in depth as possible! I'll reveal how much I have invested, what my rate of return is, how much risk I foresee, and what I've learned. I'll even post a snapshot of my portfolio!

Until then, I put up a little meter on the top right of this page to gauge the current principle amount I have used to fund Prosper loans.

I welcome any and all questions you may have about Prosper.com.

-John

September Net Worth Review

2006-10-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

My 401(k) is improving nicely. My total credit line increased by $2000 in September (check my Credit Limit Goal at the top right of the page) with the addition of a HSBC Household Bank Mastercard. I already borrowed $995 from them at 0% apr for 12 months which is now sitting in my Emigrant Direct earning 5.05% apr. I'm really proud of myself for getting back an insufficent funds charge from my brick and mortar bank. There is a slight anomaly though. I have about an extra $1200 sitting in my checking account. And I have no clue why it's there.

$2.129 for gas

2006-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

I managed to get gas for $2.129 per gallon. Not bad. But I still remember the days when I could drive my Peugeot all week and only put in 10 bucks of gas every 2 weeks.

On a side note, a 3 part review of Prosper.com is coming up!

Emigrant Update

2006-09-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

I just checked my Emigrant Direct this morning. It still seems to be at 5.15%. But I'm sure they will update the rate soon.

Interest Rate:

5.02 %

Annual Percent Yield:

5.15 %

As GolbGuru points out in my previous post, this may become a trend since Emigrant Direct has always been among the leaders in online savings.

Even though a lot of other bloggers are putting their money into E-Loan, which is offering 5.5%APY, I consider Prosper.com a better option still.

Emigrant Lowering Rates To 5.05%

2006-09-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Effective September 30th, Emigrant Direct will be lowering rates from 5.15% to 5.05% APY. E-LOAN is still offering 5.50% APY but there's a $5000 minimum.

The New TMX Tickle Me Elmo

2006-09-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi

2006-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Highest Echelon was mentioned by Kira's Under 30 Honor Roll post. I believe that makes 50 members now, and what an incredible community it is! I'm so proud to be part of this intelligent, thrifty, and like-minded group. I'll be adding the link roll as soon as I figure out just how to do that.

Thanks again, Kira.

-John Wilks

Want Free Money? Just Ask!

2006-09-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

I had 2 insufficient funds charges on my primary brick and mortar checking account last month. I accidently authorized 2 withdrawels into my HSBC online savings which put my checking into negative. First insufficient funds charge! I caught it as the transaction was pending, but I couldnt stop it in time. I immediatly transfered back enough to cover it but that money was still 2 - 4 days in transit. While my account was already in the negative Prosper.com took some more money. Second insufficient funds charge! I would have been just fine if that second HSBC withdrawel hadent gone through.

This happened a month ago. I got pissed, lifted some weights, and cut my losses. But then I got an idea. I've gotten my way before just by asking in the past. A few months ago when I got my new glasses, I asked if the maker would wave the $10 charge for polishing the sides of the lenses. He agreed.

So why shouldnt I ask for 1 insufficient funds charge back?! I got these curtesy checks from HSBC (I also have one of their credit cards) which are 0% apr for a year and I filled it out for $1000. I went to see the teller supervisor and had her pull up my account. She noted the 2 insufficietn funds charges and the withdrawel from HSBC that put my account in the negative and was unwilling to refund even 1 of the IFC. She told me that HSBC should refund my charge.

That's when I pulled out my check and calmly explained to her that I pay for my HSBC credit card with my HSBC savings account which gets funded from my primary checking. I showed her the check and told her I had been in contact with HSBC trying to figure this out for weeks now and HSBC simply took too much. The check was HSBC's way of making it up to me. It was a check for $1000 of BRAND NEW MONEY for my brick and mortar bank. At this point she agreed to refund 1 charge.

It's not much, but it's free, and tax free, oh and it's free.

(That $1000 will be in my checking for 2-4 days, just as long as it takes to transfer to my Emigrant Direct Online Savings.)

Price of Oil Going Down. Price of Barrel Going Up.

2006-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Nick over at Punny Money suggests that you should invest your money in barrels of oil. The barrels not the oil.

My True Net Worth

2006-09-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

I update my net worth monthly through Networth IQ (found on the bottom right of this website). It's disappointing that it doesn't allow me to break down my "cash" between Cash, Prosper, and all my online savings accounts. But for now, it's good enough. My net worth does not take into consideration pending scholarships, accounts payable, and how much I owe my university until I charge it to my credit cards.

Walmart Rolls Out a New Perscription Plan

2006-09-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last week Walmart announced a new program that will offer consumers $4 prescriptions for generic drugs.

Here's a full list of the drugs offered thanks to The Big Picture.

Hydrogen/Water Car

2006-09-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Meet the car of the future.

Zecco.com Offering FREE Stock Trades

2006-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Zecco.com will start offering FREE online stock trades starting October 9, 2006. They plan on making their revenue from advertising. I may throw in some fun money and see how it works.

My Prosper fascination is increasing.

2006-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

I now have 400 invested in Prosper.com and have funded 200 in loans. I love that it shows my interest updated daily. Every day I have a few more pennies. I suppose I love that quick gratification. My goal is to have about 1250 invested in Prosper within a few months.

Signed up for direct deposit

2006-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I always had my pay check deposited directly into my primary brick and mortar checking account. I changed it so that a nice amount is deposited into my Emigrant Direct Online Savings account and the rest is put into my checking. Hopefully it wont take to long for funds to show up in my savings.

Applying for credit line increases

2006-09-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've applied for credit line increases on all my credit cards. Here's what I wrote a little while back:

I've decided to start asking for credit line increases on all my credit cards every 3 months or so. It doesnt require a hard pull unless it's a discover and it's over 15,000.

One person comments:

I have several cards with $20k credit limits. The key is that some credit issuers automatically grant you a credit line equal to your current highest limit.

What I did:
Applied for ATT Universal card, got approved at about $5k.
Opened second ATT card (5% back offer), started around $7k.

I then used the online "credit limit request" about every 3 months, which eventually got me to about $9k and $10k.

I then combined the credit limits, and so I had one card with a limit about $19k.

Then I started applying for other cards. Each card *matched* my highest credit limit. I got an AMEX, then a Bank One card, then an MBNA card, all stared at around $20k

Will read in future

2006-09-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yet another FREE iPod Nano Offer!

2006-09-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

Bank of America is offering a free iPod Nano with their MLB Extra Bases Credit Card. Check this post for an older free iPod offer.

My Next Car.

2006-09-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

The all new 2007 Hyundai Elantra comes out soon. I'll probably buy a brand new 2007 Elantra the first quarter of 2008. I'll try to get it for around $12,000.

Last Day for FREE iPod!

2006-09-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Key Bank is offering a free iPod nano. You must open a Key Express Free Checking (this is the basic banking account in NY), Key Advantage Checking or a Key Privilege Checking account (offer excludes Student Checking) between July 23, 2006, and September 16, 2006.

And:

1) sign up for direct deposit or
2) get a credit card from them by October 31, 2006 (through citibank).

If you close your account within 180 days of account opening, you will be charged a $25 account early closure fee. Just close it a few weeks after and lock up the credit card.

Credit Cards

2006-09-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

A credit card advice post is coming. It'll be a week long project.

What I've read recently

2006-09-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

These are some books I've read recently. I may post reviews in the future.

I love toys

2006-09-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I might buy this laptop or this one from Walmart. It pretty much has everything I need to slack off while I'm at class. And for 500 bucks it's not bad.

I'll put it on a 0apr credit card and I would have 90 days to return it if I changed my mind.

Gas Prices...

2006-09-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are finally going down.

Price	Station	Area
2.23	Global	Londonderry
2.23	Route 102 (exit 4)	Londonderry
2.25	Shell	Londonderry
2.25	exit 4 off 93	Londonderry
2.25	Mobil	Londonderry
2.25	Exit 4 off 93	Londonderry
2.25	Route 102 Gas	Londonderry
2.25	Exit 4 off 93 (route 102)	Londonderry
2.25	Lukoil	Londonderry
2.25	117 West Broadway (route 102/route 93)	Londonderry
2.25	Shell	Londonderry
2.25	14 Nashua Rd (Rt 102)	Londonderry

The Beginning

2006-09-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

I started to read personal finance blogs about half a year ago. It seems only fitting that I should start keeping track of my personal finances through a log as well. I believe that all my goals are possible with hard work, discipline, preperation, and efficiacy.

I plan to analyze my progress every few weeks, and also write down day-to-day thoughts about personal finances.