XXIA
Wow, XXIA went back up to $20. I sold a bit too early, again. I sold at point A, but I really should have sold at point B.
New Blogger, NYC Money
Check out this new blogger, Sue at NYC Money. She seems to be doing very well for her age and is on the right path to her first million. Speaking of which, I hope to get to my first million by age 30, too. Looks like, I have to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the next few years.
Real Estate Investment Plan #1
I’m looking into Philadelphia to buying an investment property. I hope to get a nice “move-in” condition” house in a good neighborhood for around $120,000. I’m planning to put down around 15K for down payment.
If you have any experience buying a property or knowledgable about investing in Philly, please advice.
More PACT
I loaded up more shares of PACT today, 500 shares more at 7.75 a piece.
Traded XXIA
I bought XXIA on Monday during the pullback at 17.45 and sold it today in the rally at 18.50. Total gains is about $250.
Vanguard
I spoke with three Vanguard customer service agents yesterday. The first one sounded very impatient. Perhaps it was Monday morning and he didn’t wanted to be at work. Well, tough luck! It’s your job to impress your potential customers. It’s not like I was giving him a hard time, I was very friendly. The second one was a little better. She was more helpful and directed me to the right places for my questions. Finally, when I got a hold of the third Customer Service agent, he was able to help me. I did ask a lot of questions. We were on the phone for at least an hour. He was patient with me. I wanted to open an IRA account for my dad. There are so many funds to choose from and I wanted hear his recommendations. But since they can’t give recommendations (because it would be consider “legal advice”), he gave me some guidelines for someone his age. Here it is:
Citi Dividend Card
- Save with 0% APR on Balance Transfers for 12 months with no Balance Transfer fee
- Earn cash back on everything–a full 5% cash back on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn cash back on qualifying Cash Advances and eligible Balance Transfers
- Earn unlimited cash back with the Citi® Dividend Merchant Network
- Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide
- No annual fee
- Platinum Select® benefits
- Dedicated 24/7 Customer Service
- Free online services:
- See current balance and unbilled activity
- Review past statements
- Pay your credit card bill, or all your bills
- Personal information protected by our Privacy Promise
- $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges—you are never liable for unauthorized purchases
- Citi® Photocard option available
I’m planning to sign up for the Citi Dividend card. The 12 month 0% APR balance transfer looks really attractive with the new Emigrant Direct 3.5% savings account. I hope to replace this card with two of my other credit cards. The only question I have is, “Does anyone know if you can download statements directly to MS Money?” I know for my Citibank Checking account, I have to manually log in the Citibank website and download the statements.
Brokerage Firms Comparison
Ameritrade vs. Scottrade
When I was out of town on a trip, I wanted to check my portfolio over the phone since I didn’t have access to the Internet. I called Ameritrade and they told me there was no phone support. I was very disappointed. A big financial firm like Ameritrade that does not allow me to check my account status upset me. I would expect them to at least have an automated system that I can get access to my account and stock quotes. I had wanted to trade stocks over the phone, but I couldn’t even get access to my account.
I called Scottrade next to check my account. I have a small amount in there so I didn’t care as much. Surprisingly, I was connected with a live operator and he helped me with my demands. Not only did he tell me my account balance, he gave me stock quotes to other companies I requested. I was pleased with their customer service. And I would recommend them to anyone who travels and want to stay updated with their account.
