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As we near the end of the month, I usually take a closer look at how I can improve upon blog monetization and how to increase traffic. As my AdSense revenues have gone down, I’ve adopted a couple of additional sources that have worked fairly well. Here are some posts from around the blogosphere that I think you’ll enjoy that discuss these very issues.
That does it for this week. Enjoy your weekend!
Popularity: 2% [?]
Saving for college has become a large factor in budgeting for retirement. It certainly has for mine. Here are 3 simple things to consider when planning for your child’s education while keeping your own finances in order.
1. Determine An Amount
According to FinAid.org, college costs increase at about twice the inflation rate. Current increases have averaged 5% to 8%. Go ahead…use their College Cost Projector and see for yourself.
Based on trends in college pricing by The College Board (the 2006-2007 average total costs including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses were $16,357 for students attending four-year public colleges and universities), here is what the estimated cost of sending my 4-year-old son to school will be according to the College Cost Projector:
| Public Institution |
| First Year Projected Costs: | $42,177.08 | |
| Second Year Projected Costs: | $45,129.48 | |
| Third Year Projected Costs: | $48,288.54 | |
| Fourth Year Projected Costs: | $51,668.74 | |
| Total Projected Costs: | $187,263.84 |
Tuition inflation rate of 7.00% with each year adjusted after matriculation
Using the same metrics for a four-year private college or university at the current average per year of $33,301, the total projected cost is $381,247.99.
2. Set Up A 529 Account
There are many advantages to using a 529 college savings plan versus a traditional savings account or other savings vehicles.
Be sure to check out Upromise to see how you can save money with everyday purchases. Our family currently uses it, and we’ve saved a bunch. The trick is to get as many people involved.
To learn more about 529 Plans in greater detail, the SEC (sec.gov) has a great Introduction to 529 Plans.
3. Don’t Ignore Your Own Financial Situation
It is easy to overlook your own finances, specifically with regard to retirement planning. Revise your budget often. Stash some away for your own retirement, especially if you can take advantage of a company-matching 401(k). Pay down debts. This is the method I use personally when determining the amount I save in Lil D’s 529. Why? Keep in mind that student loans have been and (probably) always will be among the least expensive borrowing tools. Worst case scenario — let them pay for it with student loans. They’re cheaper than your 11.9% interest rate credit card and your 6.2% mortgage.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Some Norwegian kids play engineer and have a little fun with a high-speed train. My initial thought was “what a bunch of idiots” assuming they were going to derail the train. Boy was I wrong.
Norwegian Kids Mess With Train — Watch more free videos
Popularity: 2% [?]
Are you looking for a bird feeder? Maybe a garden gnome? Online Discount Mart had these and many more items (i.e. sundials) for your summer decor needs. Online Discount Mart is introducing many new items to ring in the summer months — June 21st is the first day of summer — from simple country to english garden to modern maverick. They accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Paypal, Checks or Money Orders. Visit them today.
This is a Sponsored Post.
Popularity: 1% [?]
About 9 years ago, I found this website called WheresGeorge.com. Where’s George allows you to track your paper currency by entering the denomination, series, and serial number of any U.S. dollar bill, and your current ZIP code. Find out if it’s already been tracked or if you’re the first.
According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, a $1 bill is in circulation for an average of 21 months before it is destroyed. A $5 bill? Only 16 months.
So, go track your paper currency. If you’re in Canada, you can use Where’s Willy.
Popularity: 2% [?]
After months of criticism regarding the ongoing battle with Google for online ad supremacy, Yahoo! Inc. CEO Terry Semel steps down taking a back seat to Yahoo! (Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle) co-founder Jerry Yang. As John Shinal of MarketWatch explains in the following video, technology will be the focus with Jerry Yang at the helm. Well…it might be.
Popularity: 5% [?]
Here is yet another train to help improve your page rank. It was started by a blogger named Andy Coates and he calls it the Viralink. The purpose, of course, is to reach a wide audience giving you more exposure to other blogs. I found this particular train at JaypeeOnline.net.
To join, just follow the instructions below.
Popularity: 10% [?]
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