Online financial news
How to invest a college-aged child’s inheritance
My 19-year-old daughter inherited a healthy sum of money from her father’s estate when he passed away. I am not very savvy with the market or investments. I’d like some help figuring out what to do with some of the funds.
First, she is in college now. We want to put about $60,000 in something that, preferably, will not lose money. It must be available to cover school and living costs for the next three to five years (if she goes to graduate school). The money would need to be available each semester. At this time we have some in a money market account, some in mutual funds and some in CDs, but with the exception of the money market, they are losing money. Would it be advisable to put it all in a money market account?
Second, I am trying to determine what type of investment to put additional funds in ($10,000) for after she gets out of school. This would help fund a move for a job, down payment on a house, new car, whatever the need at that time.
Vast Majority of California Voters Like Jerry Brown’s Tax Increase Plan
According to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, most Californians are in favor of Jerry Brown’s recent proposal to increase income taxes on high income earners and increase the sales tax from 7.25 to 7.75 percent. From their press release:
- “Sixty-five percent of all adults and 60 percent of likely voters favor the proposal, while 28 percent of adults and 36 percent of likely voters oppose it.”
- “Nearly all Californians (93%) say the state’s budget situation is a problem.
Get To Know Your Credit Card Penalties
One of the most unsavory entries you can see on your month-end credit card statement is a credit card penalty fee. Why? Because, along with being charged a high rate of interest on the penalty, the fee is totally unnecessary if you manage your debt repayment properly.
Nonetheless, with many of us having numerous creditors to repay each month, including possibly several credit card companies, the chance are that at some point you will be charged a penalty for your credit card usage. As such, getting to know your issuers penalty policy is essential.
In this regard, each card provider will normally have a different penalty policy; so, without a careful review of the card agreement between you and the provider, it is difficult to say exactly what penalties you may be subject to. The following, however, are some of the industry standard fees you should keep in mind:
the most obvious fee is the late payment fee. This fee is levied against you if you fail to pay your minimum repayment amount on the statement payment date.
Apple Federal Credit Union Student Visa
Many credit card companies have credit cards that cater specifically to students; however, the Apple Federal Credit Union Student Visa offers some unique features and options. Most fees charges are minimal and cardholders are not required to pay an annual fee. Although you will need to have some type of account with Apple Federal Credit Union in order for your credit card application to be accepted, this credit union has a list of more than 100 employers that are currently affiliated.
Visit credit card chaser for online credit cards and current promotions!
Active Apple Federal Credit Union members are able to apply for the Apple Federal Credit Union Student Visa if they meet the requirements. Applicants must agree to use all of their assets held by Apple Federal Credit Union as collateral in order to get their credit card applications approved.
Emini Trading: Quick Tick Trader Update!
Hi everyone. I was off yesterday, and I did not have a chance to update the blog Monday. So playing a little catch up. Today and yesterday were both one and done trading days. Monday was a one and done trading day for most, but not all.
I was actually beta testing some software that conflicted what I was looking at and I took a losing trade. It really doesn’t matter WHY I lost, does it? Not to me. I lost money so I had to recover and profit. And that’s what I did throughout the first hour of the day!
So far the volatility has decreased slightly, but the trading is still great! Obviously we have HUGE concerns overseas and most believe the Euro-Zone will be in a financial crisis, soon. Or should I say a bigger financial crisis. We wish them well. I hope they do not choose to continue to kick the can down the road like we do in the US.
One thing for sure is that volatility will increase as the EU concerns will have an impact on US Mark. So
Top Credit Card For The Holiday Season
With December just around the corner, things are starting to get more social, and many people are starting to thing about the gifts that will be exchanged and holiday time with friends and family.
But that does not mean your credit card has to be worn out over the holiday season, or that debt has to rise.
While everyone will find that some credit cards work better for them than others, one of the three cards below could be your ticket to the best credit options for the Christmas holidays.
American Express David Jones Credit Card
People who do a lot of gift and personal shopping at David Jones could get a lot out of having this store-based credit card from American Express.
This rewards card offers cardholders three points per dollar at major petrol stations and supermarkets, two per dollar at David Jones and one per dollar everywhere else, making it easy to get rewards at this time of year.
New cardholders can also take advantage of 0% interest on purchases for the first 6 months and a bonus 15,000 points if they shop outside of David Jones three times in the first three months they have the card.
Bankwest Breeze Credit Card
Credited as Australia’s lowest ongoing rate MasterCard, the Bankwest Breeze is ideal for anyone who wants the flexibility to pay things off later if they need to.
The low purchase rate of 10.99% means that less interest will build up if the balance cannot be paid in full and with a balance transfer offer of 5.99% for 12 months, switching to this card now could ease up finances before the end of the year.
Bankwest also have an appealing signup bonus for people who apply before the end of 2011 – for every purchase made in the first three months of having the card you can get up to 10% cash back, making it a lot more enjoyable to use credit while shopping for presents or parties.
Virgin Flyer Credit Card
While most frequent flyer cards are very similar in rewards and features, the Virgin Flyer stands out because of the complimentary extras.
In particular, cardholders will get four free companion flights per year – all they have to do is book a flight with their Virgin Flyer card, request two seats and wait for the second to be credited back into their account.
The end of the year, and the start of the next, is often a time when people will travel to see family or close friends, so being able to get a free seat for a partner or family member is a great way to save on travel expenses.
The end of the year marks a time when people are celebrating and spending time with loved ones. Worry