The GreenMan Blog: view all entries at blog.devonblosch.com
Invest in the Future
I've always wanted to invest in the stock market, but never knew how -- so I did what I always do, online research! I have been researching the best way to lightly invest. I mainly looked into online brokers, like Charles Schwab, Scottrade, and TD Ameritrade. I discovered that fine print is very important. Some of the companies require balance minimums (of over $1,000), have fees for inactivity (if you do not make a trade in a month you get fined), and minimum share trades. I really wanted to find a simple way to invest a small amount, like around $300. After a long search I landed on ING Direct's ShareBuilder.com. I have had a savings account at ING Direct for over 7 years and really trust the company. I was very happy to see that ING Direct had entered the investment world. I read every line of small print they had and found nothing I did not like. They have three account types, the base account has no monthly fee and no minimums (the other accounts with fees are for more advanced investors, providing more options). The account I selected has $4 automatic trades and $10 real-time trades (each for buying and selling when the market is open) -- with no balance minimums, that's really fantastic! The site is also set up to help you make wise investments. It has a calculator to help you earn (or even set up an IRA/401K) by predicting what companies, bonds, mutual funds, and more, you should invest in based on your personal financial situation (you fill out a detailed questionnaire about your finances and future goals) -- a diversified portfolio customized just for you. So, I'm sharing my information so you can invest in your future too. Also, until April 31, 2010, if you let me know you want to open an account I can use the "Tell a Friend Offer." As an award, if you transfer $200 to open the account (which you don't have to) you will get $50 free (some stipulations, you cannot withdraw it for 90 days) and I'll get $10 for bringing you on board.
Health Insurance Makes Me Sick
I've been thinking more and more about health insurance. I keep hearing about it in the news -- but now I have to do something about it. I have been on my mom's good health insurance for years. The kind of insurance you can go to any doctor (pay a small copay) and the insurance company pays for everything else. The reason I have been thinking of health insurance so much is I turn 25 in a few months -- no more mom's insurance. Why can't my mom keep me on her insurance if she wants? Oh no, no, they want me to get my own plan and pay them the same my mom is paying, so they can make twice the income. Anyways, so I looked online to see how much private health insurance would cost me a month. First of all, why does it have to be so confusing? And what the hell is coinsurance? Now I need insurance just for my coins? (Get it? Coin-surance?) And why does private insurance only pay a percentage of the bill? Every plan I looked at pays 80% of this or 50% of that. Why are they not paying 100%? Where is the "you pay me $100 a month and I pay for any medical bill" plan? Oh, and don't get me started on the unreal deductibles. Who has $15,000 laying around for medical bills? It might be easer just to put $100 in my savings account every month and use that money as my "insurance." I guess that would work until I get a really big hospital bill. Right now, with all the quotes I got (and looking at my budget), I can either pay back my student loans or get health insurance. Guess which one will win? I'll give you a hint -- the one that prevents collectors calling me every day. I'll just have to hope I stay in good health -- or win the lottery.
Small World, Money, & 90 Days
If you read my previous blogs, you know I have a few New Year's resolutions. Well, you'll be happy to know I am working on all of them. I even got a chance to use one stone for two birds (make a Dallas friend/workout). The other week I made an acquaintance that has had a personal trainer for over 7 years. We made time where he would come over to my apartment's gym and help me setup a workout program. After he showed me how each exercise is to be done and in what order, we went up to my apartment. The first thing he saw in my apartment was a picture of Meryl and me on my nightstand. He looked at me and said, "How do you know that girl?" I responded, "Oh that's one of my best friends, you wouldn't know her. She is in Houston right now." He answered, "Is it Meryl?" Needless to say, my jaw dropped to the ground. Turns out he was Meryl's psychology professor a few semesters ago. Small, small world. Go figure! In other news, I filled my 2009 tax return yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I am getting a $700 refund. I love e-filing. I should get it in 10 business days, directly deposited into my checking account -- oh, the magic of technology. Of course 10% is going to savings (10% of all my income goes to savings). I am thinking of spending 40% on apartment stuff and upcoming wedding gifts, and then 50% goes to either credit card and/or student loans. In upcoming events, next Tuesday (Jan 26, 2010), i'll have lived in D/FW for 90 days (3 months). I guess this means work is keeping me and I'll be getting business cards soon. I am happy with my job, residence, and Dallas. I am still getting over being homesick and so far from all my friends. I'm not going to lie, it has been hard being alone and getting used to a new city -- especially with the events that are happening with some of my friends. I feel so helpless, distant, and don't know what to do. Sometimes I wish I had all the answers, sometimes. Yet, part of the fun in life is trying to figure them out, right?