CBS is Nuts and the Return of Jericho

By MoneyBlueBook

Since the beginning of this year I've been watching this very interesting new CBS drama series called Jericho. It follows the residents of a small Kansas town in the aftermath of mysterious nuclear attacks on several American cities. I loved the fact that CBS chose to provide all of the episodes in streaming video format on its website and because of this, I became a loyal online viewer.

Jericho is Canceled But the Power of the Internet Prevails

However in May 2007, shortly after the airing of Jericho's season finale episode, CBS suddenly announced the series' cancellation to the dismay of all viewers, including myself. Immediately afterwards I witnessed the power and potential of the internet spring to action. Several online communities, including the official Jericho forums, launched campaigns in an effort to revive the show. Fans also sent over 20 tons of nuts to CBS headquarters, in reference to a scene from the season one finale where the main character repeats General Anthony McAuliffe's historic phrase "Nuts!" from the Battle of Bastongne during World War II.

I was in awe at how effective and potent the internet could be as a vessel for change. Sites such as NutsOnline.com recognized the opportunity and allowed users to pool their individual purchases for nuts and combine them for a larger delivery to CBS headquarters that would make a greater statement. CBS was genuinely surprised and in response to the outpouring of support, announced that Jericho would be returning back to the air the

By MoneyBlueBook

As part of its NetBank Affinity Program, NetBank offers many variations of cash and point rewards for new customers. NetBank has partnered up with various companies such as TripRewards and U.S. Airways to offer new NetBank customers reward points in their preferred affiliated program. While I personally signed up through the TripRewards Affinity Promotion at NetBank (I was not aware of the cash promotion at the time), I recommend signing up for the cash reward Affinity Promotion at NetBank instead. Cash is almost always best!

Choose and Be Qualified for Promotional Money

To qualify for the "Up to $235 Offer", you'll need to sign up through this link and complete the following within 90 days. All required minimum balances for the promotion must be maintained above the minimum for at least 30 days to qualify.

Pursuant to the promotion, you can receive:

• $75 for opening a NetBank checking account
• $75 for opening a NetBank money market account,and
• $85 for opening a 1 year Certificate of Deposit (CD) with at least $1,000.

Read The Terms Carefully

However, do be aware that there have been complaints about NetBank's fee schedule, including

• Online Bill Payment Inactivity - $5 per month after 3 successive months of inactivity on accounts with average monthly balances of less than $3,000.
• Early Closure - $25 for checking or money market account closed within 6 months
• Dormant Checking Account - $5 month beginning 12 months after most recent activity, and
• Account closure - $7.50

If you are in it for just the sign up promotion as I was,

By MoneyBlueBook

I don't carry around much cash but instead prefer credit cards, specifically credit cards that offer great rewards for using them. I believe in fully maximizing one's money potential. If you are going to pump that gas or buy groceries, why not get 3% or even 6% cash back while you're at it? Why not be able to redeem a percentage of your daily purchases towards gift cards? It's just smart money in my opinion.

Of course, carrying and using credit cards to make all of your purchases has its own risks. There is always the the matter of the large balance that remains to be paid off when your credit cards become due each month. However, if you're a responsible credit user and can budget wisely, then credit cards are the way to go.

Here Are My Top 3 Favorite Reward Credit Cards and 1 Other Optional Worthy Mention:

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1) Citi Driver's Edge Mastercard - Get up to 6% back on gas, groceries, and drugstores for the first 12 months, and 1% on everything else.

After 12 months you'll get 3% back for purchases in those categories. You'll also receive points for driving your vehicle based on mileage accrued. Just send in periodic mileage updates whenever you perform automobile maintenance work and you'll get reward points for the mileage driven. As a driver, you'll have the edge! :) The rebates must either be redeemed for car-related repairs (tires, oil change) or via

By MoneyBlueBook

The world stock markets have been rather volatile lately with major highs and lows. These days I'm almost afraid to turn on CNBC and watch the financial news or log into my brokerage account to check my investment portfolio balances. There seems to be a gloomy cloud over every investor I know.

Time to Keep Things In Perspective - Volatility is Not a Roller Coaster

When things get hairy, cooler heads must prevail, but at times it's understandably difficult to do so. When prices are plummeting as they are now, and when panic selling grips the market, it is easy to get caught up in the wave. However, I urge you to keep things in perspective. Many equate a volatile stock market to that of a roller coaster ride, but the problem with that analogy is that with a roller coaster ride, you end up in the same position you were in when you started. But that's not necessarily the case with volatility since market upside has always led to an upward trend in the long term despite occasional wild swings.

Take a look at these charts based on data from the S&P 500:

• The chart on the left shows the total yearly percentage returns of the S&P 500 over 25 years. See how market volatility can create seemingly wild roller coaster-like ups and downs?
• But then take a look at the chart on the right. It uses the same S&P 500 data, but instead of showing it from year to year,
  

By MoneyBlueBook

What are paid online surveys?

Filling out a free paid online survey is an interesting way to pass the time and make some money on the side. Your opinion is valuable to many companies for market research purposes and they are willing to pay you for your opinion. Your participation is used to influence and guide companies on how they go about developing products and services to meet consumer needs.

How much money can I make?

You'll most definitely make some money by completing online surveys but don't expect to get rich, even if you completed every single one out there. The shorter surveys that take less than 5 minutes pay not as much, while longer surveys that take 15-30 minutes or more, pay much better (anywhere from $1 to $50+). If you made it onto a live person focus group, those could even pay up to $250. Keep in mind that survey payout varies greatly depending on what you qualify for based on your profile and background.

How many surveys will I get?

After you register with a survey agency and fill out a profile listing your demographics, interests, and statistics, the company will usually e-mail you regularly with surveys to complete. The frequency of receiving surveys from the companies varies depending on your demographics. For example, if the company is trying to poll individuals who are home owners, and in your profile you indicated you were a renter, then you won't receive a survey for that issue. But you can generally expect a steady stream of e-mail

By MoneyBlueBook

Yes I know, the book's been out for years now. I did read excerpts from it in the past, but it wasn't until recently that I sat down and read it in its entirety - Robert Kiyosaki's bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor And Middle Class Do Not.

The book is somewhat entertaining and written in a very anecdotal style. It compares and contrasts the teachings of his "poor dad", his respected and educated paycheck earning father, with his "rich dad", his friend's father, a drop out but self made millionaire. The book stresses several important themes:

• You should learn the type of financial literacy that is never taught in school. Disturbingly, he downplays the importance of a traditional education.
• You'll never get rich by chasing a higher salary. Apparently, working hard is now a fad.
• You should buy income generating assets, rather than liabilities. Assets are defined as items that generate income such as rental property, stocks or bonds. Liabilities are items that produce expenses such as your home, material goods that you buy, and even your car.

My Thoughts And Take On The Book

The main thing I got out of it was that it's important to increase your financial education and to invest in income producing, passive income type assets. Buying gadgets and toys can contribute to happiness and a better quality of life, but they usually have no earning power, although one can argue whether they have any further residual market value (eBay!).

The book unabashedly idolizes