Queercents

Author: Nina

  • Credit cards are for transactions; not to borrow money

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    In a recent post about credit card interest rates, Philip Brewer at Wise Bread explained: I use credit cards for transactions, not to borrow money. One of the smartest things you can do for your financial health is to pay off the total balance each month on your credit card. Whenever we use a credit…

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    Nina

  • Finance “advocate” in The Advocate

    My second column for The Advocate appears in the Sept Issue. You can also check it out online to learn: 1. How the new Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program can help make student loan payments more manageable. 2. How StockTwits can help you build a better portfolio in 140 characters or less. 3. Why charity loves…

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    Nina

  • Should we have another child? A decision influenced by economics and other factors.

    For various reasons (just one being economic), Jeanine and I have been talking lately about whether we will have a second child. I think the decision to add to our family is just as important as the decision was to start one’¦ perhaps, even more important. The expectation is that if you have one child,…

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    Nina

  • Selecting a 529 college savings plan

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    The other day I did my research on 529 plans and yesterday I spoke with my financial advisor. The first thing I learned was that California doesn’t offer a state income tax deduction for 529 plans so there’s isn’t any advantage to go with our state’s plan. If your state does offer this, then check…

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    Nina

  • A tutorial on 529 college savings plans

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    My financial advisor scheduled my midyear review for tomorrow. In addition to our general discussion, I told her that I needed advice on 529 plans and saving for Sam’s college education. I figured it would help if I did a little research on my own so I could speak intelligently about the program and ask…

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    Nina

  • The cost to eradicate bed bugs

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    Jeanine knows someone who is having a costly ordeal with getting rid of bed bugs. At this point, I think he’s spent over a thousand dollars and he’s not even sure they’re completely gone from his apartment. I’ve heard a few horror stories, but my perception had the problem confined to modest apartment buildings in…

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    Nina

  • Is the “cash for clunkers” program suspended or not?

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    There’s been a lot of press lately about the ‘œcash for clunkers’ program, formally known as the Car Allowance Rebate System, a $1 billion government program that helps consumers purchase a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. Consumers receive a discount up to $4,500…

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    Nina

  • Vlog: How to Buy a Used Car

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    So while we look for a new vlogger to take over where Clint left off, here is a video about how to buy a used car from my new favorite how-to site, Howcast.com. How To Buy a Used Car on Howcast Video credit: Howcast.com.

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    Nina

  • Freelancers: Are you experiencing a Self-Employed Depression?

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    The phenomenon of a Self-Employed Depression was written about recently in The New York Times Magazine. Emily Bazelon coined the term as she described the effects of the recession on solo practitioners in NYC. In the current economy, she asks the question, ‘œWhat happened to all those liberated, self-reliant, self-branded free agents?’ Bazelon’s story focused…

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    Nina

  • Would you take a pay cut to keep your job?

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    Money Magazine recently published an article about how to talk the boss out of giving you a pink slip. If you know your employer is hurting for cash, one might offer to take a temporary pay cut: So if your job really is in danger (and you’d rather have less money than no money) you…

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    Nina