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[Giveaway] Debt-Free Christmas Gifts: Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit or Total Money Makeover Book

Philip Taylor — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:30:58 +0000

The last blog giveaway I ran had a massive response. Many people were interested in getting the Dave Ramsey Starter Kit and Total Money Makeover book. I felt bad that more people couldn’t win. So, I’m back with a chance for more of you to win! This week, with the help of PerkStreet, I’m giving away one starter kit, and four of Dave’s books.

Even if you don’t need these for yourself, these make excellent Christmas gift ideas. Do you know someone in your family that is looking to make a financial change? Comment below for a chance to win the kit or one of the books. Speaking of Christmas gifts, PerkStreet recently announced a 5% Holiday Cash Back Bonus you might be interested in. You already know that with a free online checking account from PerkStreet, you could earn cash back rewards for your everyday spending and shopping.

If you open up a PerkStreet Checking Account before Dec. 1, you can take advantage of 5% cash back at the following retailers until the end of the year: Best Buy, Gap, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Kohls, Starbucks, Macys, JC Penney, Sears, Victoria’s Secret, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and JCrew. You could earn nice rewards without the use of a credit card.

Here’s exactly how to enter to win the starter kit and book:

[Required] Leave a thoughtful comment below. Limit one. [1 entry]
[5 extra entries] Tweet about this contest with a mention of both @ptmoney and @perkstreet as well as a link to this blog post about the giveaway. Limit one per day.
[10 extra entries] Become a fan of PT Money and PerkStreet on Facebook and “@” mention us both in a status update about the giveaway. Limit one per day.
[25 extra entries] Blog about this giveaway.
[50 extra entries] Open a PerkStreet Checking Account. Be sure to let me know you did this by including your full name in the comments below.

Example Tweet or Facebook status update: “Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit or Total Money Makeover book from @ptmoney and @perkstreet Enter the giveaway here: http://goo.gl/pYlFF”

Contest open to US Residents only. Void where prohibited. Contest ends December 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 PM (noon) CST. Five winners will be selected. Good luck!

[Giveaway] Debt-Free Christmas Gifts: Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit or Total Money Makeover Book is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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Attention Regular Readers! I Need Your Help [2 Minutes Max]

Philip Taylor — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:12:55 +0000

Hey, gang. I need your help really quick. I’m trying to set a better direction for the blog in 2011. I need your quick input to help shape the content. Please take a moment to complete this anonymous, three question survey… Thanks! PT Attention Regular Readers! I Need Your Help [2 Minutes Max] is a [...]

Attention Regular Readers! I Need Your Help [2 Minutes Max] is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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PerkStreet Giveaway Winners Announced

Philip Taylor — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:36:57 +0000

Just a quick announcement to notify the winners of the giveaway sponsored by PerkStreet. Thanks to everyone for participating in the giveaway and for your excellent responses. There were close to 200 entries! I was pleased to see that so many readers see the value in reducing their debts and are headed in that direction. I wish I could give you all a complete Dave Ramsey starter kit. Maybe we’ll do more of these types of contests soon. And hopefully I can share more free information here on the blog geared around getting out of debt.

And the winners are:

Buddy Garrett – Winner of the Dave Ramsey Starter Kit
Ed Nemmers – Winner of The Total Money Makeover
Lance Pearson – Winner of The Simple Dollar Book
Angela – Winner of Your Money: The Missing Manual

Congratulations! PerkStreet will be in contact by email soon.

As a reminder, PerkStreet’s free reward checking account is an excellent tool to help you in your debt free lifestyle. Their checking account let’s you earn up to 5% in cash back spending just for using the money in your account. No credit card needed. Sign up for PerkStreet today and start earning rewards on your daily spending.

PerkStreet Giveaway Winners Announced is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit and More [$175 Value]

Philip Taylor — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:52:44 +0000

PerkStreet Financial wants to help you get out of debt, and live a healthy, debt-free financial life. They are joining with me to give away the following prizes to four lucky PT Money readers:

What You Could Win

Dave Ramsey Starter Kit ($120 value) – If you’re just starting with Dave Ramsey’s principles, this is a great way to get immersed in the basics that will transform everything you do from here out. Dave covers his Baby Step plan in-depth, shares testimonies from other people, and teaches you step by step how to set up a cash flow plan and pay off your debt in a way that really works for you. Included in the kit is: The Total Money Makeover Hardcover Book, Financial Peace Revisited Hardcover Book, Cash Flow Planning DVD, Dumping Debt DVD, and the Starter Envelope System.

Total Money Makeover Book – This book hardly needs and introduction. When it comes to getting out of debt, Dave Ramsey is your man. This is his flagship book, which features the Baby Step plan to help you totally makeover your financial life. Dave doesn’t pull punches and his aggressive style will surely put you on the path to getting rid of your debt and into a healthier financial life. Dave Ramsey is really who started it all for me. I’m sure he can help you to.

The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams by Trent from The Simple Dollar – Trent Hamm found himself drowning in consumer debt, working in a job he couldn’t stand… and figured out how to escape that debt and build the fulfilling career he’d always dreamed about, all at the same time. Trent shared his experiences at TheSimpleDollar.com—and built it into one of America’s top personal finance websites. Now, The Simple Dollar is a book: packed with practical tips, tools, and lessons you can use to transform your life, too.

Your Money: The Missing Manual by J.D. from Get Rich Slowly – Keeping your financial house in order is more important than ever. But how do you deal with expenses, debt, taxes, and retirement without getting overwhelmed? This book points the way. It’s filled with the kind of practical guidance and sound insights that makes J.D. Roth’s GetRichSlowly.org a critically acclaimed source of personal-finance advice. You won’t find any get-rich-quick schemes here, just sensible advice for getting the most from your money. Even if you have perfect credit and no debt, you’ll learn ways to make your rosy financial situation even better.

PerkStreet: A Perfect Fit for the Debt-Free Lifestyle

You guys have heard me talk about PerkStreet Financial before. They are a one-of-a-kind checking account, helping you earn industry leading rewards on your spending using their debit card. But did you know that they make the perfect companion to those families and individuals who are looking to get out of debt and avoid debt in the future? With their debit card reward system you never have to worry about late fees, interest charges, etc. You are just spending your money (from the checking account), and earning really good rewards in the process.

Imagine if instead of creating more debt this holiday season, you created more cash through the PerkStreet cash back program. Think you can get the same from some other checking account? Think again.

Even those local high-yield reward checking accounts, can’t keep up. They pay up to 4%, but the accounts have balance maximums, limiting your reward earnings to at most around $200 a year.

Here’s more about how the PerkStreet cash back program works:

Earn 2% cash back on every non-PIN purchases for 3 months after account is opened
Earn 2% cash back on every non-PIN purchase when your balance is $5,000 or more or earn 1% cash back for balances below $5,000. Either way, you won’t find another bank in America that gives you more rewards on debit.
Plus, sign up for an account by 11/15/2010 and earn 5% cash backon all non-PIN debit card purchases at the following popular holiday retailers until 12/31/2010:
- Best Buy, Gap, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Kohls, Starbucks, Macys, JC Penney, Sears, Victoria’s Secret, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCrew

Sign up today for your free online checking account and the PerkStreet Financial℠ Visa® Debit Card – the debit card that helps you get debt-free. Visit www.PerkStreet.com.

Enter the Giveaway

Enter to win one of the four prizes from PT Money and PerkStreet:

[Required] Leave a comment below telling me why it would be good to be debt free and which prize you want to win. Limit one. [1 entry]
[10 extra entries] Become a fan of PT Money and PerkStreet Financial on Facebook and “@” mention us both in a status update about the giveaway. Limit one per day.
[10 extra entries] Tweet about this contest with a mention of both @ptmoney and @perkstreet as well as a link to this blog post about the giveaway. Limit one per day.

Example Tweet or Facebook status update: “Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit and More [$175 Value] from @ptmoney and @perkstreet Enter the giveaway here: http://goo.gl/okxz”

Contestants will be split into four prize pools based on the prize they designate in the comments. Entries will be totaled and a winner from each pool will be randomly selected. Contest open to US Residents only. Contest ends October 27th, 2010 at 12:00 PM (noon) CST. Good luck.

Win a Dave Ramsey Starter Kit and More [$175 Value] is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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List Your Favorite New Band for a Chance to Win One of Ten $10 iTunes Gift Cards from PerkStreet

Philip Taylor — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:20:46 +0000

I used to pride myself on my cutting-edge music knowledge. I played in a band after college and spent a lot of time in my 20s going to concerts. Music is actually one of the things that brought my wife and I together. But over the last couple of years, I’ve let my passion for music slip. That’s why I need your help.

How to Win an iTunes Gift Card

Help me bring my music collection into the 21st century by listing your favorite new band(s) in the comments below. That’s it. That’s all you need to do to be entered into the contest. Ten randomly selected comments will win a $10 iTunes Gift Card courtesy of PerkStreet Financial.

One comment per reader please. Contest ends Friday, October 8, 2010. PerkStreet is responsible for sending you the gift card. A valid email address is required. If music isn’t your thing, you can win a $10 Starbucks gift card from PerkStreet and BibleMoneyMatters.com.

Cutting-Edge Checking

Speaking of being on the cutting-edge, you need to bring your banking scene into the 21st century. Did you know that you no longer need to resort to credit card spending to get your cash back rewards? You can earn cash back using a debit card attached to a free checking account. In fact, with PerkStreet you can earn a free iTunes song for every $50 in spending on your Visa debit card.

PerkStreet has the only 2% cash back debit card available today. Plus, you can earn 5% cash back in certain categories. To read more about PerkStreet read my review, or simply sign up today for free by clicking here.

List Your Favorite New Band for a Chance to Win One of Ten $10 iTunes Gift Cards from PerkStreet is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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Comment and Win $150! Final Money Night Talk Giveaway

Philip Taylor — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:04:13 +0000

The National Money Night Talk has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you should stop the conversations with your kids about money!

Comment for a chance to win $150

For the past month I’ve been hosting giveaways in honor of the National Money Night Talk. For those of you who don’t know, American Express teamed up with personal finance expert Jean Chatzky to launch the first annual “National Money Night Talk” – a program that encourages parents around the country to have “the talk” about money and financial responsibility with their kids.

As an ode to National Money Night Talk, I’m hosting a final giveaway around family finances! To enter, tell us what was the most interesting thing you learned during your money talk. The winning entry will get a $150 American Express Gift Card as well as a copy of Jean Chatzky’s new book “Not Your Parents’ Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money” – courtesy of American Express!

If you’re looking for helpful tips on how to have the money talk and some smart payment options parents can give to teens, check out the National Money Night Talk website: http://bit.ly/TheTalk. Here you can access information on Additional Cards with Custom Limits and PASS from American Express, plus exclusive videos and conversation guides from Jean Chatzky and the Council for Economic Education that address all the main points to help you begin and maintain the money dialogue with your family.

The contest ends Tuesday, the 28th. One comment per reader please.

Comment and Win $150! Final Money Night Talk Giveaway is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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National Money Night Talk $100 Giveaway

Philip Taylor — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:10:23 +0000

As I mentioned in my last giveaway, PT Money is hosting giveaways around family finances in celebration of the National Money Night Talk! For those of you who don’t know, American Express teamed up with personal finance expert Jean Chatzky to launch the “National Money Night Talk” program, encouraging parents around the country to have “the talk” about financial responsibility with their young adults.

The National Money Night Talk is this Thursday, September 16th! Are you prepared? If not, don’t fret! For this giveaway, I’m giving you the opportunity to submit a question to Jean Chatzky to answer! Jean Chatzky is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author that has created a global platform that is making significant strides to help millions of men, women and families battle an epidemic with a devastating impact – debt.

To enter, post your questions in the comment section. Jean will review the top 3 questions prior to Money Night. Not only will you be entered to have her answer any of your questions, but you can also win an $100 American Express Gift Card as well as a copy of Jean Chatzky’s new book “Not Your Parents’ Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money” – courtesy of American Express.

For more information on the program, check out the website or follow the “talks” on Twitter leading up to the night with #TheTalk hashtag.

Contest rules: one entry per person, void where prohibited

National Money Night Talk $100 Giveaway is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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National Money Night Talk $50 Giveaway

Philip Taylor — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:01:04 +0000

Families around the country are encouraged to sit down and talk about money and financial responsibility on September 16, 2010 in honor of National Money Night Talk. In a joint effort by American Express and Jean Chatzky, parents can visit www.moneynighttalk.com to make a pledge and get prepared to have “the money talk” with their kids by accessing exclusive Jean Chatzky videos, FAQs, talking points and resources endorsed by the Council for Economic Education.

This free online resource is available in three different tracks based on age: middle school, high school and college. So parents with young adults ready to head off to school can go online now to start and sustain the money dialogue.

How to Participate in the National Money Night Talk

Visit www.moneynighttalk.com.
Watch the main video, read the faqs, and get the scoop.
Take the pledge and decide you’ll make a little time for this dialogue.
Download the toolkit(s) appropriate for your child(ren) — middle school, high school or college.
Have the talk on September 16th, 2010.

How to Enter the $50 Giveaway

In celebration of National Money Night Talk, I’m hosting a giveaway around family finances! I want to know from you, what is one tip you have given your teen or young adult on ways to manage money better? Post your answers in the comment section and enter to win a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card, courtesy of American Express. I will pick one winner this Thursday at noon central time. American Express will mail the prize. Please use a valid email address.

In addition to winning the prize, American Express will pick their favorite tips from this giveaway to post on the National Money Night Talk website! Write your comments in today.

National Money Night Talk $50 Giveaway is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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PT Money Featured on Fox Business’ Willis Report

Philip Taylor — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:04:19 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to be on Fox Business’ Willis Report. Gerri (the host) wanted to interview me for a live segment about not saving enough for retirement. Her producer had stumbled upon one of my US News “On Retirement” articles.

Visiting Fox Business

At first, I thought “no way am I going to do this. I will totally embarrass myself.” But, thanks to some encouragement from Mrs. PT, I decided to go for it. I replied to the producer and learned that I would be doing a 5 to 6 minute segment towards the end of Gerri’s show the following week. While I was relieved I had some time to prepare, I knew I wouldn’t get much sleep for a week.

I spent the next few days preparing like crazy. I researched clips of Gerri’s show, TV interview tips, and I even contacted Liz Weston who shared some excellent advice for being in front of the camera. I prepared for my segment by breaking down my 5 points into “talking points”, 30 to 45 second snippets of information.

Final Preparations On the Set

I also spent the next few days preparing blog posts on each of my talking points. That way I could expand my knowledge of each of the points and be prepared for any follow up questions. This is why I wrote on social security, inflation, retirement estimates, and college expenses the last 2 weeks. In addition to this, I recorded a podcast about retirement savings with my friend Austin of Foreigner’s Finances.

I also searched through Gerri Willis’ 5 Tips articles from back in her CNN/Money days. I stumbled upon a piece she wrote on retirement, and absorbed it to gauge her thoughts on the subject.

Finally, to borrow a sports term, I practiced like I was going to play. I spent a lot of time giving my talking points to the camera, the blank wall, Mrs. PT, and just about anyone who would listen. Going into the segment, I felt confident and prepared.

Chatting it Up with Gerri

On the day of the show, I arrived at the Fox Business Network affiliate location here in Dallas. I sat through 40 minutes of the show and then was asked to step into the camera room. By the way, if you’re doing one of these remote live segments, you don’t get to see who you’re talking to. I stared at a camera and listened to Gerri in my ear piece. Made it pretty difficult. But I survived. Here’s the final product (excuse the poor quality, as it’s merely a bootleg from the TV):

Video Link: PT on the Willis Report

After the show, I received a couple of emails with questions about retirement. One, concerning finding a local CFP, I’d like to possibly share here on the blog. Hopefully my segment hit home with a couple more viewers and they’re able to take some nugget away from my talking points and save more for retirement. That’s what I kept telling myself throughout this whole process. If I could just help a few people, give them something they didn’t know before, then, regardless of the “um’s and ah’s” or misteps, I could walk away from the experience knowing I didn’t fail.

PT Money Featured on Fox Business’ Willis Report is a post from: PT Money: Personal Finance by PT.
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I Just Moved…

Philip Taylor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:40:43 +0000

…web hosts, that is. I’d been with BlueHost on shared server space for over 2 years. Great service overall, but it was long time I stepped up to some dedicated space for ptmoney.com. I went with Media Temple’s (dv) Dedicated-Virtual plan. Media Temple uses Plesk instead of cPanel. So there were a few things to figure out.

Even the contractor from oDesk I hired to help me make the move had a bit of trouble navigating Plesk. But, with the help of MT support we were able to get it done. I still need your help though. If you see any weird things happening with the site please let me know (other than the post I ran through the feed twice this weekend).

After you’re done browsing the site, check out these other posts from last week:

Real Estate Related

Oblivious Investor discusses calculating real estate investment return. Is your home an investment?
Bargaineering breaks down the differences between the mae’s and macs.
Money Smart Life asks how much house you can afford.
Software Advice puts together some interesting research on the most tenant friendly US cities.

Just Fun

Coupon Sherpa lists 13 semi-secret ballpark deals, and was wise enough to include my division leading Rangers.
Moneyed Up profiles a millionaire: Dan Snyder, owner of the Redskins.
Dough Roller shares a guide to Google’s search engine.