The Options Detective Blog

OptionsDetective site update

2008-01-09T08:57:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone--

Our website (www.OptionsDetective.com) is undergoing renovation--

As many of you know, OptionsXpress is moving away from the "JavaCharts" we've all come to know and love, and are moving toward their "FleX Charts" and "XPress Charts".

We'll be redoing our tutorials, and our website to reflect these changes so that you'll still be able to use these charting packages with our "TTC" templates (as well as the old "JavaCharts").

Thanks for your patience as we work through these changes.

In the interim, please stay tuned to our blog, and please feel free to email me at any time if you prefer (dan@optionsdetective.com)

d

3 lies we tell about money - MSN Money

2007-10-12T14:51:00.000-04:00

3 lies we tell about money - MSN Money

Some "Money Scripts" in a fashion...

Jim Cramer's bad bets - MSN Money

2007-08-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

Jim Cramer's bad bets - MSN Money
Hmmm...do the "experts" really "know"?

Top 10 money drains

2007-08-13T13:36:00.000-04:00

Top 10 money drains
It indeed is the little things that add up--or as your grandmother used to say "watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves".

Credit cards can make you fat - MSN Money

2007-08-02T08:18:00.000-04:00

Credit cards can make you fat - MSN Money
Another really good reason to drop those extra credit cards!

Online Security Risks: Pharming

2007-06-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Online Security Risks: Pharming
A new method of "stealing" online passwords (like to your broker account(!)) has started--"Pharming" is the practice of redirecting you to a phony website, even when you type in the correct address. Please take the time to read this notice.

Help Your Kids Become Millionaires

2007-06-15T11:47:00.000-04:00

Help Your Kids Become Millionaires
For those with children, this is yet another article showing the power of investing small amounts ($1/day) over a long time. Also reviews "DRIPS" (dividend reinvestment plans) available from some companies.

Why your kids expect to be rich - MSN Money

2007-06-13T12:47:00.000-04:00

Why your kids expect to be rich - MSN Money
Talk about "money scripts" and things we learn about money as we're young.

How to pay off $300,000 of debt - MSN Money

2007-05-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

How to pay off $300,000 of debt - MSN Money

Strategies for reducing/eliminating debt.

My Way Finance

2007-05-07T10:55:00.000-04:00

My Way Finance: "Her 29-year-old daughter, a graduate student with an annual income of less than $20,000, qualified for a mortgage of $600,000 with no money down, split into two different loans at 8.75 percent and 12.5 percent interest rates.
With income from tenants, which didn't come right away, Beatty's daughter thought she could afford monthly payments of nearly $5,000."

This is a bit of a shocking article...amazing that folks have been able to qualify for mortages with perhaps unrealistic expectations.

Why rent? To get richer - MSN Money

2007-05-07T08:41:00.000-04:00

Why rent? To get richer - MSN Money

This is a bit of a contrarian view, but it points out the power of the markets. Not sure I'm willing to jump off the real estate stream just yet, but it is good food for thought.

Money trouble? It's your own fault - MSN Money

2007-04-09T16:54:00.000-04:00

Money trouble? It's your own fault - MSN Money

An interesting take on personal responsiblity and finance.

5 audit red flags

2007-03-27T15:12:00.000-04:00

5 audit red flags

Another tax story--this time, some flags that might trigger an audit. Worth the time to review.

Should you do your own taxes - MSN Money

2007-03-26T09:37:00.000-04:00

Should you do your own taxes - MSN Money

As tax season approaches, there are always some good stories on the subject. This one relates how important it can be to have expert advice when preparing your tax return.

The 13 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions - Kiplinger.com

2007-02-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

The 13 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions - Kiplinger.com

Well, it's tax time, and here's a list of some common overlooked deductions. Make sure you're taking advantage of all the deductions to which you're entitled!

Super bull: Super Bowl myths debunked - Business of Super Bowl - MSNBC.com

2007-01-31T17:21:00.000-05:00

Super bull: Super Bowl myths debunked - Business of Super Bowl - MSNBC.com

Myth #1 predicts the direction of the stock markets--seemingly with an 80% success rate! What's in store for this year's game? Well, you'll have to read the article to see if we should be bearish with the Bears, or bullish with the Colts (or vice versa!)

Debit cards fuel overdraft outrages - The Red Tape Chronicles - MSNBC.com

2007-01-30T20:56:00.000-05:00

Debit cards fuel overdraft outrages - The Red Tape Chronicles - MSNBC.com

Article detailing some of the potential pitfalls of debit cards. While better for most than credit cards, debit cards are not totally risk free. Worth reading for those using debit cards.

The Simple Dollar » The FICO Battle: Ten Common Tactical Mistakes When Dealing With The Credit Score Blues

2007-01-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

The Simple Dollar » The FICO Battle: Ten Common Tactical Mistakes When Dealing With The Credit Score Blues

Another article on the strategies involved with Credit Score (FICO) and what helps your score, and what hinders your score.

Howstuffworks "Is my brain making me buy things I don't need?"

2007-01-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

Howstuffworks "Is my brain making me buy things I don't need?"

A VERY interesting study of the brain responses between "spenders" and "savers". Seems there MAY be a biological basis for at least some of our spending habits!

Craziest tax write-offs you've ever heard of (Page 1 of 3)

2007-01-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Craziest tax write-offs you've ever heard of (Page 1 of 3)
As tax season approaches, we sometimes hear of humorous tax stories. This article is one of the more entertaining ones, detailing some tax write-offs that have been claimed. I'm sure some of these will bring a smile to your face.

Stock Market Criticality -- Physics News Update 765

2007-01-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

Stock Market Criticality -- Physics News Update 765An article for the true geeks...a comparison of market behavior prior to crashes and comparing it to the physics of some natural phenomenon. Very interesting, and potential for a predictive model.

How to Save Money - WikiHow

2007-01-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

How to Save Money - WikiHowSimple but effective tips on money management.

Perfect credit? You don't need it - MSN Money

2006-12-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

Perfect credit? You don't need it - MSN Money
A good article on the FICO score.

Weird stuff that hurts your credit - MSN Money

2006-12-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

Weird stuff that hurts your credit - MSN Money
Nice article on credit cards, FICO scores, and how some "quirks" in the system can hurt your score.

How to Raise Children to Be Rich - WikiHow

2006-11-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

How to Raise Children to Be Rich - WikiHow
Another article on monetary beliefs and how they shape our views (and our childrens' views) about money. As with any advice, some applies, and some does not, but it's always worth a few moments to read and digest.