Financial Fellow

Financial Insight for Young Professionals

Groupon: A New Approach to Coupons

November 14th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     This past week I learned of a new coupon site, Groupon

→ 1 CommentTags: Coupons · Save Money

Win in the Margins

November 3rd, 2009 · No Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     I picked up a book recently entitled “The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me

→ No CommentsTags: Investments · Jobs · Make Money · Save Money

Holy Crap…They May Kill My 401k

October 22nd, 2009 · 3 Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

I read an article in Time last week advocating the death of the 401k. Their rationale was that 401k’s are failing to prove themselves as an effective retirement savings vehicle for the masses. In light of the recent financial meltdown the argument to replace the 401k with another retirement savings vehicle, such as a federally-controlled pension system, has gained attention. Although there may be rationale for providing a government-controlled retirement savings option, beyond Social Security, eliminating the 401k would be a travesty.

→ 3 CommentsTags: 401k · Retirement

What Happens When Warren is Gone?

October 19th, 2009 · No Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

I came across a segment about the future of Berkshire Hathaway after Warren Buffett dies. Due to Buffett’s advanced age, he just turned 79, the Berkshire Board of Directors often discusses potential successors. The Bloomberg feature discusses a couple possible contenders to take over the $156 billion company. (Try not to get hypnotized by the tickers.)

→ No CommentsTags: Stock Market · Uncategorized

Tryout Lending Club - For Free

October 11th, 2009 · No Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     I’m earning over a 9% return on my money through Lending Club.  (Currently the average annual return for

→ No CommentsTags: Investments

Dime Bank Offering $300 Checking Account Bonus

October 8th, 2009 · 2 Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     Dime Bank recently announced $300 in bonuses for new checking account customers.  I’ve seen checking

→ 2 CommentsTags: Banks · Promotions

Take Advantage of Your Flexible Spending Account

September 30th, 2009 · 3 Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     My sixteen month streak avoiding any illness has come to an end.  I was diagnosed

→ 3 CommentsTags: Save Money

Your Income Taxes Are Going to Increase

September 22nd, 2009 · No Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

Uncle Sam is hurting for money. Currently the U.S. is facing a staggering $1.6 trillion budget deficit. Add on to that the incredibly expensive, and increasingly insolvent, Social Security and Medicare programs and the picture is even worse. To close the deficit, and continue to fund future obligations, the federal government will almost certainly raise income taxes.

→ No CommentsTags: Retirement · Taxes

Penny Pinching Tip #4: Complain!

September 15th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Written by J.P. Wicklein

Complaining about a poor customer experience is an excellent way to save a few bucks. Often companies will offer you an incentive to keep you happy – whether you’re in the right or not. By complaining about a pair of bad experiences recently I received a $20 grocery store gift card and a $10 Amazon coupon code.

→ 1 CommentTags: Penny Pinching · Save Money

Restaurant.com Offering 90% Off

September 11th, 2009 · No Comments

Written by J.P. Wicklein

     I received an email the other day notifying me of a 90% discount Restaurant.com is offering

→ No CommentsTags: Save Money