USA Today had a great article out today warning that another 190 banks could fail if merely 50% of bank customers decide to pull money out. On the heels of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse earlier this month, 186 more banks are at risk of failure even if only half of their depositors decide to withdraw…
Category: Watch Out
Beware Costco Travel – Do Your Homework Before Booking a Cruise
I’ve been a big fan of Costco but lately I am starting to have serious doubts about their entire business model and practices. The latest thing may not be Costco’s fault or then again maybe it is so let’s run through what happened and you decide. I got a call from a Norwegian Cruises agent…
American Express Bluebird – The World’s Worst Customer Service
I just had the most mind blowing experience with Bluebird American Express.  I have finally spoken to the world’s dumbest customer service rep in the world!  A few weeks ago, I decided to do a sweep of my Bluebird account and have the funds send directly to me.  Since there is a fee for taking…
PSA: Stay Away From KeeperSecurity.com
This is a Public Service Announcement: Stay the HELL away from KeeperSecurity.com. Â Â Here’s the story…. For the past couple of years, I’ve been keeping my password set on my iPad on an app called Keeper HD. Â The app worked well and I kept it up to date regularly. Â Well a couple of weeks ago,…
Do Not Order Glasses From Zenni Optical!
After many decades of better than normal vision, I am now finally in need of glasses. Â I actually bought a pair of nice reading glasses a couple of years ago through my optometrist and was just SHOCKED to learn the glasses I ordered were $600. Â While insurance paid for most of it, I thought…
IRS and Social Security Both Screwing Taxpayers
The latest travesty from the IRS seems to be limiting 401k contributions to the same amount as last year at $17,500 with no adjustments for inflation. Did I miss something where inflation was put on hold this year? Here is an historical look at 401k contributions for the last few years: 2005 – $14,000 for…
Get Ready For Black October
It’s the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and I’m at home thinking about where we’ve been and where we’re going. I cranked up my custom built investment application and was worried by what I saw: Volatility in October.  It looks like there is heavy interest in buying puts (insurance) on this market for October and…
Why You Should Prepare Now For The Upcoming Market Crash!
It is with near mathematical certainty that the stock market is going to crash and crash hard in the near future.  The Fed continues to pump money and talk of QE2 and QE3 ad infinitum. Just ask yourself one thing:  What is going to happen when the funny money spigot is shut off? The ONLY…
Costco, I Wish I Knew How To Quit You!
So Costco does it again and doesn’t let me down.  A few days ago I bought a $300 New Zealand wool rug and today I got Costco coupons for $60 off the same rug! Went into Costco and asked for a credit and was given one with no hassles!    I love Costco! I wish I…
Are You Ready For One More Bubble?
The Fed announced a $600 billion dollar planned Treasury purchase and may decide to pump more money if “necessary” in the future. This essentially now lays the groundwork for the next bubble.  The Dow is already showing signs of resurrection as it soared to 11.5k and while there may be a few pull backs I…