9 best cash back credit cards

9 best cash back credit cards

When you shop with your credit card, you can earn cash back for your purchases.  I personally prefer cash back credit cards since I can use the cash for whatever I want vs. a rewards card that forces you to use it in specific categories (i.e. travel).  I use the Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express Card, which offers 2% flat cash back on all purchases with no annual fee.  The chart below contains the 9 best cash back credit cards.  I haven’t included Annual Percentage Rates (APR) below since you should always pay off your credit card in full each month and that should not be a factor in choosing a card.

The art of negotiation and tips to becoming a better negotiator

Negotiating the price of para-sailing in Mexico made for a very reasonably priced adventure

Throughout your life, you’ll likely be involved in thousands of negotiations.  In fact, you probably negotiate at least a few times each day of your life.  Whether you’re negotiating with your significant other about what movie to watch, deciding what restaurant to eat at with your friends, or haggling over a good price to pay for a used car, you’re negotiating whether you know it or not.

There are certain techniques that you can use that can make you a more effective negotiator.  The goal of using these techniques is not to somehow gain the upper hand in a negotiation, but rather to find out what you value and what the other party values, and to find a solution or deal that satisfies both parties. 

Ridiculous Ways to Save Money #2

Did you already implement all of our ridiculous money saving tips #1?  Don’t despair, here's a fresh list to keep you saving money like nobody’s business:

1. Unplug electronics when not in use

Leaving your household appliances and electronics, like desktop computers, TVs, cable TV boxes, and toasters plugged in when not in use is a serious drain on your cash.  Even though they’re turned off, they’re still costing you money.  The Department of Energy estimates that 5% – 10% of energy goes towards these devices.

Highest and lowest paying jobs

Construction workers erecting a crane. Construction worker median pay was $41,000 in 2012.

Growing up, one of the toughest decisions is to figure out what job to eventually pursue.  The job should align with your interests and passions, and ideally, should compensate you well.  All jobs are essential for the economy to function, but some jobs simply pay much better than others.

Is Dr. Dre the first billionaire rapper?

Last week, Apple announced its largest deal ever with plans to acquire Beats Electronics, a producer of headphones and speakers, for $3.2 billion.  Forbes' Zack O'Malley estimates that Dr. Dre has a 20% to 25% stake in Beats.  At a valuation of $3.2 billion, Dr. Dre would gross between $640 to $800 million.

After paying California capital gains taxes, which qualify as ordinary income, Dr. Dre would have between $430 and $670 million left.  To become a billionaire, Dr. Dre would need an additional $330 to $570 million outside of his stake in Beats.