Thinking of Getting Back Into Credit Card Arbitrage

By MoneyBlueBook

After spending some time on the sidelines, I think it's time for me to get back into the whole 0% balance transfer game, also known in some circles as the App-O-Rama (insert ominous lightning and thunder crack). 8O

The App-O-Rama Game - What Is It?

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, the App-O-Rama (more formally known as credit card arbitrage or balance transfer arbitrage) is a way to generate money through the calculated use of interest free credit card balance transfers. The process operates by you opening numerous credit cards that offer special introductory 0% APR balance transfer rates. The introductory period is often up to a year long, during which time you deposit the balance transfer funds into a high yield savings bank account. Essentially you are making money from borrowed money for an extended period of time. At the end of the introductory period, you promptly pay everything back in full and you pocket the savings interest as profit.

The process requires prior preparation and may be difficult for some people to automate and pull off without a hitch. Participation is certain to negatively affect your credit score in the short term and there are also many hidden dangers as well so it's certainly not suitable for some people. It is definitely not recommended for those people who need to maintain excellent credit because they are planning on buying a new house or car in the next 12 months. It is also not recommended for those who are disorganized or

By MoneyBlueBook

My investment portfolio is up more than 40% so far this year. I accomplished this by taking advantage of the serious growth potential in the developing markets, primarily in Asia.

I think investors these days are much too risk adverse. Now if you are only only a few years away from retirement I understand why you would choose asset preservation first, but for those of you in your 20's or even 30's, why are you so afraid of losing money in the market? After all, stock markets have always cumulatively trended upwards historically given a long enough investment horizon. By overloading with safe conservative investments, you are greatly limiting your possible returns.

China Is Booming and Growing Rapidly

Due to its sheer size, massive population, and capitalistic ambitions, China will be the focus of the world's economic growth for the next few decades and is on track to develop into the world's next economic superpower. China's gross domestic product currently expands at more than 10% a year, compared to only 3% for the United States.

If you want to see your money grow to its greatest potential, investing in American or developed markets alone won't get you to that result. If you are content with steady growth, then stick with the usual S&P 500 type value funds. But if you desire growth and are willing to take on a reasonable amount of calculated risk, you really need to get on board the China train.

I jumped on board earlier this year and invested a large sum and proportion

By MoneyBlueBook

Whenever two Goliaths want to duke it out for supremacy, I'm the first to grab some popcorn and a front row seat. I can't help but watch and be entertained. Like watching a cafeteria brawl back in high school, it's just too fascinating to pass up.

Fox News' Not-So-Secret Secret

Yesterday,Fox News confirmed that it will be releasing its long overdue 24 hour cable business news channel Fox Business Network by the end of the 4th quarter of this year. In doing so, Fox News will be launching itself into a head on battle between the current dominant business news channel, CNBC (one of my favs).

Back in February 2007, Rupert Murdoch raised my eyebrows when he indicated that his new Fox Business Network channel would be more business friendly than CNBC" which he complained was quick to leap on every scandal". Fox News president Roger Ailes also indicated in a separate interview, that "Many times I've seen things on CNBC where they are not as friendly to corporations and profits as they should be," and adding that "We don't get up every morning thinking business is bad."

I certainly hope this doesn't mean Murdoch plans on creating a business news network that will operate with a particular preconceived and slanted agenda, an allegation some have levied against his current news network.

To Succceed Fox Business Network Will Have To Find Its Niche

The advertising market and demographics for Fox News compared to the other cable news channels such as CNN

By MoneyBlueBook

Find the great free stuff details ,offers and deals Read the full article »

By MoneyBlueBook

The mightiest monetary force in all of the investment world is not the Federal Reserve. It is the power of the compound interest. If I could offer only a single piece of financial advice to anyone, I would encourage the individual to understand how compound interest works and why its effects are so dramatic over time. Even ole Albert Einstein supposedly called it the "greatest mathematical discovery of all time", and deservedly so.

Very few people become rich or financially secure through wages alone due to the realities of the trading hours for dollars concept, but by taking advantage of the miracle of compound interest, you can have a much better shot at achieving your financial goals.

The way compound interest works is quite straight forward. When you invest money, you earn a certain percentage as interest for the first year. In the second year you earn interest on the original principle and the interest accumulated during the first year. In the third year you will earn interest on the original principle as well as interest on all the previously accumulated interest. The more time that passes the greater the interest that accumulates.

The best time to invest was yesterday, but the second best time is now. Don't delay! The sooner in time you start investing the greater the benefit you'll reap through compounded interest.

Hypothetical Example To Demonstrate the Power of Compound Interest

To illustrate, let's compare two people - Bill and Hillary. Bill invests $2000 for 6 years straight in a savings account earning a fixed

By MoneyBlueBook

I enjoy using coupons. I don't spend a whole lot of time clipping coupons from the Sunday paper however. In fact, I don't even order or buy the Sunday newspaper and its collection of coupons. I prefer to do it the easy way - by emailing companies directly and requesting coupons and discount promotion vouchers.

Believe it or not, companies love to hear from their customers and appreciate your comments and suggestions. You don't even need to beat around the bush by sugar coating your emails and gushing about how much you love their products. I prefer to get straight to the point and simply ask them if they can send me coupons.

Here Are the Steps to Take.

That's it! See how easy it is? I've been receiving lots of coupons from every conceivable brand in the last few days after requesting them through their websites. Some brands like Kashi are super generous and will send