I’m a huge fan of podcasts and podcasting.  I listen to podcasts about history, comedy, sports, entertainment, politics, education, etc.  Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll share links to my favorite podcasts with my readers.

My Favorite Free Podcasts - History

History According To Bob - Professor Bob releases a daily podcast.  Bob makes complex historical events easy to understand.  Listen for a week and you will be hooked.

Hardcore History - Dan Carlin talks about how the past and present are intertwined.  This podcast always makes me think - and I usually end up ‘googling’ for more information about whatever topic Dan talks about.

Military History Podcast - I’ve just started listening to this podcast.

Binge Thinking History - Tony has an awesome British accent and unique insight.

My History Can Beat Up Your Politics -  In an age of ‘ground breaking’ stories every 24-hour news cycle, it’s good to have a little perspective.

Click here to read an article I wrote about podcasts - what they are and how to listen to them.

If you have a favorite podcast about history, feel free to leave a comment and share!

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Today, I’ll be taking some time to backup my financial files.

First, I’ll organize my ‘personal finance’ folder on my computer.

Second, I’ll visit my online accounts and download available account histories.

Third, I’ll update my Inventory of Financial Accounts.

Fourth, I’ll print our three copies of the Inventory, storing one at home, one at work, and one with a trusted friend.

Fifth, I’ll backup important files to a USB hard drive.

I go through this process, once a quarter.

By the way - I’ve recorded and released a new episode of the No Credit Needed Podcast.

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I like to create simple, easy-to-understand, financial goals. I have created a chart, outlining my ‘contribution goals’ for the next few months. I will make contributions to two Roth IRAs, two Education Savings Accounts, and a SEP-IRA.

(I also contribute to a 403b through work and my wife contributes to her pension plan. The chart reflects contributions to be made from ‘take-home’ pay.)

Contributions to the ESAs and Roth IRAs are made with ‘after-tax’ dollars - and grow ‘tax-free’.
Contributions to the SEP-IRA reduce current taxes and will be taxed when withdrawn.

Contributions in green have already been made.

Contributions in blue still need to be made.

I have already fully-funded Roth IRA #1 for 2008.

I am working to fully-fund ESA #2 for 2007 and the SEP-IRA for 2007 before April 15th.

According to the IRS website -

What is the time frame for depositing contributions into SEP-IRAs? IRS Retirement Faqs

Contributions for a year must be deposited by the due date (including extensions) for filing your Federal income tax return for the year.

Contributions (to ESAs) must meet the following requirements. IRS Publication 970

They must be made by the due date of the contributor’s tax return (not including extensions).

When Can You Make Contributions (to Roth IRAs)? IRS Publication 590

You can make contributions to a Roth IRA for a year at any time during the year or by the due date of your return for that year (not including extensions).

So, technically, if I were to file for an extension, I could have a few more months to fund the SEP-IRA for 2007 - but, I’m not filing an extension, so my deadline will be April 15th.

Finally, while this chart reflects a goal date of April of 2009, I will try to fully-fund all of these accounts much sooner.

Filed under: 2008 Goals, College, Retirement
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Site Sponsor H&R Block has introduced Digits.

Here’s an overview -

Digits calls itself ‘a place to share and entertain’.

The goal of the site is to encourage folks to think differently about money, taxes, and finance.

The site features message boards, videos, and articles.

The site has a very ‘Web 2.0′ feel. I fear that some users might feel a little ‘lost’ when trying to find specific answers.

My favorite section - because I like practical stuff - is the tools of the trade section.

My least favorite section - because I don’t equate taxes with entertainment - is the entertain me section.

The coolest ‘web’ feature is the list of RSS Feeds that you can subscribe to - each one from a different section of the site.

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I recently received a replacement card for a lost debit card.  This morning, I spent a few minutes, logging into my various online accounts, and updating my debit card information.

I have all of my online accounts listed in a ‘bookmarks’ folder.  Using my browser (Firefox), I can open all of the accounts at once, each account in a separate tab.  Within ten minutes, I was able access all of my accounts, change the debit card information, check for any irregularities, and log out.

I also use this ‘tabbed’ system when paying bills.  I open all of the accounts, check the balances, login to my online checking account, and make payments.  In less than five minutes, I can view and pay all of my online bills.

I also have folder for all of my investment accounts.  I can open them all at one time, each in its own tab, and in less than five minutes, I can view all of my balances.

This super-simple system allows me to view a ’snapshot’ of all of my accounts, in less than 15 minutes, at any time.

What about you?  How do keep track of all of your accounts?  Do you use money-management software?  A website?  Pen and paper?

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