Friday Finance Findings for January 16th
By Jeremy on Jan 16, 2009 with Comments 2
It sure is cold outside. If you’re like me and live anywhere east of the Mississippi River, you’re probably experiencing similar weather. The past few days have been the coldest around these parts in the past 10-20 years. Most mornings I wake up to something around -10 degrees with wind chills pushing -40. That’s insane for around here, and in fact, much of Alaska has been at or even above freezing this week. That isn’t right!
Of course, the bitter cold is only half of the problem. We’ve been hammered with one snowstorm after another for about a week, and the snow has really piled up. I had to brush some snow off our satellite dish and the snow was up past my knees. While snow isn’t that uncommon around here, it usually doesn’t all fall in such a short period of time. Since last weekend I’ve shoveled our driveway four times. Not a big deal until you consider that our driveway is about 200 feet long. I’ve been meaning to buy a snow blower for the past few years, but never get around to it. Besides, shoveling is good exercise, right?
Anyway, if you’re going to be stuck around the house because of the bitter cold or snow like me this weekend, you’ll probably want something to read. So, here is a collection of some good articles from the past week.
Should Students Have a Credit Card? – Credit card debt is a serious problem, but the reality is that you often need a good credit history before you can obtain financing. So, should college students get a credit card to start building their credit history?
Buy American -You generally hear people talking about buying American when it comes to buying a car, but it goes beyond that. Brip Blap shares a story and goes on to explain how this mantra is more than a political or union message.
Job Interview Techniques: Preparing For Your Interview -If you’ve recently found yourself in the unemployment line, you’re not alone. There are fewer jobs out there, yet more people all fighting for what jobs there are. So, it’s time to polish up your interview skills so that you can improve your chances.
Time to Refinance? -Mortgage rates have hit incredible lows in recent months, and you may even be able to find a mortgage rate under 5%. With such low rates, people are rushing to refinance. But is it the right time?
Man’s Expensive Friend? How Much Does A Dog Cost? -Thinking about getting a dog as a pet? While they can be a great addition to the family, they do cost money. Lazy Man examines the prospect of a new dog and breaks down the possible expenses.
Lottery Numbers Higher Even In Down Economy -There are a few benefactors of a down economy, and state lotteries are usually one of them. When people feel down on their luck, nothing brings a brief sense of hope like the chance of striking it rich.
Top Tax Credits For Your Federal Tax Return -It’s tax time, and the clock is ticking to get those returns done by April. So, before you get started, learn the difference between a tax credit and tax deduction, and find out how you might qualify for some of the best tax credits this year.
Oil ETFs: Time to Invest in Anticipation of a Rebound in Oil Price? – Oil prices have fallen off a cliff the past few months. This summer we saw prices near $150 a barrel, and now it’s priced at around $35, the lowest prices in nearly five years. That being said, it’s only bound to go back up again, right? Here’s how you might be able to profit from the next oil bubble.
9 Ways I Reduced My Taxes Last Year – Everyone wants to reduce their taxes, so Frugal Trader shares 9 ways he reduced his last year. While a few of these tips have a Canadian twist, the same tips can be applied to U.S. taxes as well.
Why I Started My Own Company – Have you considered forming your own company? Confused by the options? Pat does a good job at highlighting the pros and cons of being a sole proprietor versus creating an LLC.
Is it Worth Paying More for Faster Shipping? – When shopping online, one of the big questions is how to have it shipped. You’re usually presented with a number of methods, some faster than others. But is faster shipping really worth it?
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Filed Under: Friday Finance Findings
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I hope I can also be included in your finance findings in the future.