Free Money Finance

Moose Tracks for the Holidays?

As many of you know, Moose Tracks ice cream has been a sponsor of Free Money Finance from day one. And since you're likely a week or so away from some sort of feasting, I thought I'd suggest you consider some for your upcoming holiday celebration. Or perhaps to ring in the new year! You can find Moose Tracks in your area by using their store locator service, then go and pick up a half gallon or two to add some fun and excitement to your Christmas meal or New Year's party!

FYI, buying Moose Tracks is an economical option versus other alternatives. ;-)

Moose Tracks for Thanksgiving?

As many of you know, Moose Tracks ice cream has been a sponsor of Free Money Finance from day one. And since you're likely a week or so away from some sort of feasting (not sure why I think that, it's just a hunch), I thought I'd suggest you consider some for your upcoming big meal. You can find Moose Tracks in your area by using their store locator service, then go and pick up a half gallon or two to add some fun and excitement to your Thanksgiving meal!

FYI, buying Moose Tracks is an economical option versus other alternatives. ;-)

Advertise on Free Money Finance

If you're looking to expose your product or service to thousands of people interested in personal finance, Free Money Finance (FMF) is a great way to do it. Companies like H&R Block and Nationwide have seen the benefit of advertising on a growing site that's generated millions of pageviews.

To get started, all you need to do is send me an email and we put together a tailored plan designed to meet your business objectives. Currently FMF sells 125 x 125 graphic ads based on the cost per thousand impressions (CPM). This model has delivered thousands of highly qualified readers to our advertisers' sites, and I'm sure the same can be done for yours.

That said, I don't accept just any ad. I review both products and potential ads to make sure they are beneficial to my readers (i.e. no payday loan ads for sure!) Then, if I feel the product/service is worthwhile and legitimate, the ad can run. 

If you have a great product and want to reach a targeted audience, send me an email and we can develop a winning ad program for you. 

For those of you contacting me about ads, affiliate offers, content suggestions and the like, if you send me a note and I do not respond, that means I'm not interested. There's no need to re-send or keep badgering me. I will not respond and am not interested. Sorry to be so harsh, but as you might imagine I get quite a few emails like these. I respond to very few because I am simply not interested.

An Ad You Might Be Interested In (Free Stuff)

JD always does such a good job explaining what can be difficult issues -- probably because he's much nicer and diplomatic than I am. Anyway, I'm going to borrow his wording to explain a new ad that both he and I (and some others) are running:

The [ad] is labeled “8 secrets your credit card company doesn’t want you to know”. I think it looks a little scammy, but I assure you it’s not. When this ad first appeared in February, I checked out the link myself. It actually leads to a free report about credit cards from personal finance gurus Ken and Daria Dolan. If that’s something that might interest you, then check it out. (I was paid a flat rate for the ad, so clicking on it isn’t going to boost my income.)

The same is true for me. I think the ad (located in the right sidebar) looks like something I would NEVER click on, but it does offer something worthwhile (and free) if you're interested. I was also paid a flat rate for it, so I get no benefit from your clicks on the ad. If you are interested, click here.

And, as always, I give the proceeds from all revenue sources to charity.

Free Money Finance Recommended Products Store -- Tell Me What You Think

Last year at the holidays I listed what I felt were the best money-related gifts for the season. This year I've gone one step further and created an entire store using an option available from Amazon. I've used "Free Money Finance Recommended Products" as the oh-so-clever name of the store. ;-)

A few comments on it before you stop by:

1. It's small. Only seven products (all books) are listed. Why? Because for an item to get into this store, I have to really, really, really like it. Not many items meet my standards. That said, the items that are in the store are 100% recommended by me and would make great presents for anyone interested in personal finance.

2. I'll be adding to the store throughout the year as new products make the cut.

3. I do earn a small commission on each product sold through the store, but the items here will not cost you a penny more than if you went directly to Amazon. Besides, I give all my revenue to charity.

So stop by the store (buy something if you like) and come back and tell me what you think about it. What's good? What's bad? Are there any products  you think are excellent that I should consider adding to the store?

ReviewMe.com Launched, Should I Use It?

If you're a blogger and you're looking to make a bit of extra money, there's a new site out there called ReviewMe that you'll want to check out. Here's what the site says about itself:

Get paid to review services and Web sites that are of interest to your readers, and reap the benefits of conversation with advertisers.

I know, kinda vague. Basically, you submit your site and advertisers ask you to write posts about them (along with a stated fee for the post.) The post can be positive or negative (so at least in theory it's an honest review), and once you write it, you submit the URL and get paid. Not, bad huh?

Personally, though, I'm not sure how much I'll use this. It is good money (for instance, I get $125 just for writing this post about the service. Yes, even this is a paid for post.) And since I give all my revenues to charity, that's $125 to help out some needy people. But still, it's kind of cheesy -- being paid to write reviews. It seems like it's a built in conflict of interest. Then again, I get paid whether it's a positive or negative review, so what's the problem?

So I'm asking you readers -- what do you think of the idea? Should I use it? Why or why not?

Welcome to Financial Web

Just wanted to briefly acknowledge a new advertiser here at Free Money Finance. Financial Web is "the independent financial portal" and says the following about its site:

Financial security. Everyone wants it; few have it. Many do not realize that true financial security requires strength in every area of one’s financial affairs. It requires a systematic approach, a strategic plan implemented over time, in order to obtain it. But it can be obtained. With the proper educational training and discipline, financial stability and security is within anyone’s grasp. That’s why we’re here: to provide you with a solid foundation of valuable financial knowledge from which to proceed. The discipline needed to obtain your goal, that’s the part which only you can provide. But it’s within you; you can do it.

Kinda sounds like what I do, huh? Then it must be a good match!

The site looks as if it's in start-up mode, so I'm guessing that they'll be adding more and more as time goes on. Since I give 100% of this blog's revenues to charity, it's sites like this that help me help others. So please take a few minutes to stop by and show them some love.

Thanks!

Introducing...MortgageLoan.com

Just wanted to introduce everyone to a new site (and advertiser here at FMF): MortgageLoan.com. As you might imagine, it's a place where you can find a mortgage loan. (The name kind of says that, huh?) Here's what the site says about itself:

Since 1995, Mortgageloan.com has served consumers who search for the best mortgage loans, refinancing and home equity loans across the nation. We know that lenders compete for your home loan. Get the lowest rates!

Anyway, stop by and check it out. If you like it (or not), come back here and let us all know what you think with a comment.

A Holiday Suggestion (and Also a Money Saving Tip)

Here's a reminder for those of you looking for an excuse to ring in the new year by eating ice cream. :-)

As you're probably aware, our main sponsor is Moose Tracks ice cream. But here's what you're probably not aware of concerning Moose Tracks:

• The product is vanilla ice cream filled with delicious, chewy chocolate fudge and mini peanut butter cups.
• The ice cream that you've heard of that is most similar in style to Moose Tracks: Ben and Jerry's.
• Average cost of Ben and Jerry's ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.16 per pint (16 oz.).
• Average cost of Moose Tracks ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.77 per "half gallon" (60 oz. average).
• Cost per ounce of Ben and Jerry's: $0.198
• Cost per ounce of Moose Tracks: $0.063

Conclusion: The great taste of Moose Tracks costs less than a third of Ben and Jerry's.

I'm inviting you to buy some Moose Tracks this holiday season and try it for yourself. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your budget will too. ;-)

And if your significant other is not convinced you need it, here are some handy excuses that may work on him/her:

• "I read this blog sponsored by Moose Tracks and I don't think the guy who writes it is going to shut up about it until I try it!"
• "Look at all the money we're saving! Let's get TWO half gallons!!"
• "I bet I can eat a half gallon faster than you can."
• (If you're a woman) "I'll let you watch all the bowl games as long as I'm stocked up on Moose Tracks."
• (If you're a man) "I'll only watch 16 bowl games (versus my regular 25) if you get some Moose Tracks ice cream for me."

A Holiday Suggestion (and Also a Money Saving Tip)

Here's a suggestion from Free Money Finance that is bound to make your holiday festivities (translation: eating) much, much better.

As you're probably aware, our main sponsor is Moose Tracks ice cream. But here's what you're probably not aware of concerning Moose Tracks:

• The product is vanilla ice cream filled with delicious, chewy chocolate fudge and mini peanut butter cups.
• The ice cream that you've heard of that is most similar in style to Moose Tracks: Ben and Jerry's.
• Average cost of Ben and Jerry's ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.16 per pint (16 oz.).
• Average cost of Moose Tracks ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.77 per "half gallon" (60 oz. average).
• Cost per ounce of Ben and Jerry's: $0.198
• Cost per ounce of Moose Tracks: $0.063

Conclusion: The great taste of Moose Tracks costs less than a third of Ben and Jerry's.

I'm inviting you to buy some Moose Tracks this holiday season and try it for yourself. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your budget will too. ;-)

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Here's my last reminder for those with shopping left to do.

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today. (Plus it's an easy read -- short book -- and relatively inexpensive.)
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance. ;-)
• Motorized Coin Bank with 100 Free Tubes -- an added suggestion from a reader!

For those of you who would rather donate to a cause than give presents (or if you are just looking to increase your charitable giving before the end of the year), Free Money Finance recommends Samaritan's Purse and The Sparrow's Nest.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in

2) All profits go to charity

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Here's a reminder for those with shopping left to do.

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today. (Plus it's an easy read -- short book -- and relatively inexpensive.)
• Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine
• Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!
• Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance. ;-)
• Motorized Coin Bank with 100 Free Tubes -- an added suggestion from a reader!

And here's one that's blogging related:

• An Army of Davids from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

For those of you who would rather donate to a cause than give presents (or if you are just looking to increase your charitable giving before the end of the year), Free Money Finance recommends Samaritan's Purse and The Sparrow's Nest.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in

2) All profits go to charity

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Here's a reminder for those with shopping left to do.

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today. (Plus it's an easy read -- short book -- and relatively inexpensive.)
• Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine
• Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!
• Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance. ;-)
• Motorized Coin Bank with 100 Free Tubes -- an added suggestion from a reader!

And here's one that's blogging related:

• An Army of Davids from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

For those of you who would rather donate to a cause than give presents (or if you are just looking to increase your charitable giving before the end of the year), Free Money Finance recommends Samaritan's Purse and The Sparrow's Nest.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in

2) All profits go to charity.

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Here's my regular reminder for those with shopping left to do.

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today. (Plus it's an easy read -- short book -- and relatively inexpensive.)
• Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine
• Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!
• Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance. ;-)
• Motorized Coin Bank with 100 Free Tubes -- an added suggestion from a reader!

And here's one that's blogging related:

• An Army of Davids from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

For those of you who would rather donate to a cause than give presents (or if you are just looking to increase your charitable giving before the end of the year), Free Money Finance recommends Samaritan's Purse and The Sparrow's Nest.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in

2) All profits go to charity

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Here's a post I ran a week or so ago and plan to keep running once a week just as a reminder for those with shopping left to do.

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.

The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.

The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.

The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today. (Plus it's an easy read -- short book -- and relatively inexpensive.)

Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine.

Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!

Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.

Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance. ;-)

Motorized Coin Bank with 100 Free Tubes -- an added suggestion from a reader!

And here's one that's blogging related:

An Army of Davids from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

For those of you who would rather donate to a cause than give presents (or if you are just looking to increase your charitable giving before the end of the year), Free Money Finance recommends Samaritan's Purse and The Sparrow's Nest.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in

2) All profits go to charity

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

In case you missed it on Thursday, here are some ideas for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• You Need a Budget is a powerful, easy-to-use budgeting system that offers $65 in free offers and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today.
• Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine.
• Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!
• Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance.

And here's one that's blogging related:

• An Army of Davids from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in.

2) All profits go to charity.

Happy shopping!

Money Christmas Present Suggestions from Free Money Finance

Looking for a great gift for the people on your list? Give them something that they'll not only like, but that also has an almost infinite investment return. Here are some recommendations for great money-related gifts that are highly recommended by Free Money Finance:

• Emigrant Direct has a 4.0% yield -- a great place to store your emergency cash. Open up an account for yourself or someone you love.
• You Need a Budget is a powerful, easy-to-use budgeting system that offers $65 in free offers and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
• The Automatic Millionaire includes simple, practical tips to grow your net worth substantially.
• The Millionaire Next Door gives loads of tips that have made others wealthy -- and can do the same for you.
• The Richest Man in Babylon offers age-old financial advice that worked hundreds of years ago and still works today.
• Money Magazine is consistently rated as Free Money Finance's best personal finance magazine.
• Large Money Savvy Piggy Bank is a great way to teach kids savings!
• Moneywise Kids offers a chance to play a game and learn about money.
• Leather Money Clip Wallet and Credit Card Holder to hold all that money you're saving from reading Free Money Finance.

And here's one that's blogging related:

• An Army of Davids is from one of the premier bloggers today -- a must read from Instapundit.

As a reminder, Free Money Finance has a two-part ad/product policy:

1) I only recommend products I use/believe in.

2) All profits go to charity.

Happy shopping!

A Holiday Suggestion (and Also a Money Saving Tip)

Here's a suggestion from Free Money Finance that is bound to make your holiday festivities (translation: eating) much, much better.

As you're probably aware, our main sponsor is Moose Tracks ice cream. But here's what you're probably not aware of concerning Moose Tracks:

• Moose Tracks is vanilla ice cream filled with delicious, chewy chocolate fudge and mini peanut butter cups.
• The ice cream that you've heard of that is most similar in style to Moose Tracks: Ben and Jerry's.
• Average cost of Ben and Jerry's ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.16 per pint (16 oz.).
• Average cost of Moose Tracks ice cream based on A.C. Nielsen data: $3.77 per "half gallon" (60 oz. -- average).
• Cost per ounce of Ben and Jerry's: $0.198
• Cost per ounce of Moose Tracks: $0.063

Conclusion: The great taste of Moose Tracks costs less than a third of Ben and Jerry's.

I'm inviting you to buy some Moose Tracks this holiday season and try it for yourself. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your budget will too. ;-)

(Almost) Ad Free Zone at Free Money Finance

As you have probably noticed by now, there aren't many ads here at Free Money Finance. You probably like it like that. It may not always be like this, but for now, we're low on ads (and even the ads we do have don't benefit me in the slightest -- the revenues all go to charity).

That said, we do have a sponsor that pays the blogging bills and every so often we need to highlight them. In addition, we may have other "ad-like" posts to make. When that occurs, we'll post it with an ad headline as well as an ad icon so you know what you're reading.

As for the ad message for this post, all I'd ask you to do is simply visit the good folks at Moose Tracks ice cream. And buy some Moose Tracks next time you're in the grocery store. I know, eating great-tasting ice cream is a hardship, but please do it for me. ;-)