Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Kevin Mulligan

USAA Free Checking Review – No Fees and Lots of Convenience

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Looking for a new checking account with low fees and great customer service?

Take a serious look at USAA Free Checking.

USAA stands for United Services Automobile Association.  The firm was started in 1922 by 25 service members that came together to insure each other’s vehicles.  It is a financial services company with our nation’s military and military families at its core.  The firm has grown to serve more than 8 million members and offers a wide variety of banking and insurance products.

Being able to use USAA’s financial services is only available to the select few who have either served in the military or their family members.  This keeps the company focused on its mission and enables them to offer unique products.

If you qualify, you should definitely consider using them for your banking and insurance needs.

That said, certain products, like checking and savings, are available to everyone.  And that’s great news for you!

Why USAA Free Checking?

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Best Gear to Rock a Mobile Office

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Not too long ago your office was a physical space with a heavy desktop computer, a fake wood desk, filing cabinets, and maybe even a Secretary named Ruth.

In the digital age your office is wherever you currently are.

Sure, you might need a physical space somewhere, but with all of the mobile technology available you can get a majority of your work done wherever you are.

Best Gear for a Mobile Office

Whether you are a freelancer or salaried employee, here are some tips to rock your mobile office: [Read more…] about Best Gear to Rock a Mobile Office

How Much Is Your Total Compensation?

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In the recovering American economy some people are just glad to have any job.

But in certain sectors of the economy — information technology being one of them — unemployment is incredibly low.  That leads to many candidates receiving multiple competing offers that must be compared to each other.

Whether you are looking for your first job offer, trying to leave your current job, or need to compare multiple offers, there are some points about compensation you must be aware of before making a decision.

Your Salary is Only Part of Your Compensation

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Benefits of an Online Checking Account

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What kind of benefits does an online checking account provide over a standard checking account with a traditional brick-and-mortar bank?

Should you be enticed to try an online checking account or stick with the options in your local area?

4 Benefits of an Online Checking Account

Here are a few benefits of switching to an online checking account.

Interest on Deposits

For your average brick-and-mortar bank, offering interest on the deposits held in the checking account isn’t necessary.
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What is the Buffett Rule Tax Plan and Why Are We Hearing So Much About It?

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Warren Buffett has publicly stated many times that he thinks the richest individuals in the United States don’t pay enough in income tax.

He consistently gives the example that he pays a smaller percentage of his overall income in tax than his secretary does.

He’s been so adamant that the Obama administration picked up the baton and ran with it, dubbing a new proposal the “Buffett Tax Rule”.

What is the Buffett Tax Rule?

So what exactly is the Buffet tax rule?

The administration’s proposal would set a floor of a 30% income tax on those with incomes over $1,000,000 in a given year.  The goal is that no middle income taxpayer would pay a larger share of his or her income than someone making millions of dollars.

Why is the Buffett Rule So Popular Right Now?

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