Contrary to popular belief, the stock market is not closed for Columbus Day.  Here are the NYSE holidays for 2008-2009:
2008
Thanksgiving Day                      November 27
Christmas                                    December 25
2009
New Year’s Day                          January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day    January 19
Presidents’ Day                          February 16
Good Friday                               April 10
Memorial Day                            May 25
Independence Day                    July 3 (observed)
Labor Day                                  September 7
Thanksgiving Day                     November [...]

• Thanksgiving Holidays Postcards Collectibles

• Christmas Holidays Postcards Collectibles

Continue reading → Stock Market Holidays

Following the House’s recent defeat of the bailout bill and heading into tonight’s US Senate vote, speculation has been building that FDIC insurance limits will be raised to $250,000 from $100,000.  While I’m strongly in favor of such a measure, and it will certainly improve consumer confidence in the banking system, I have to ask [...]

• Banking, Insurance Advertising Collectibles

• Outer Limits Science Fiction Collectibles

Continue reading → Should Raising FDIC Insurance Limits Really Change Confidence?

I try to take a couple of weeks of vacation outside of America and Wall Street explodes. Lehman is filing for bankruptcy. Bank of America is buying Merrill Lynch. I don’t even need to get into American Insurance Group losing a third of value. It will teach me to get away [...]

• Bank of Canada Canada North, Central America Paper Money World Coins Paper Money

• Central America Latin America Stamps

Continue reading → Lehman Bankruptcy, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch: What Can We Learn Here?

I’ve been in Australia for a few days now and one thing I’ve noticed is that almost everything seems backwards here. The water goes down the drain the clockwise. People drive and walk on the wrong different side of the road (my wife has been right to remind me that there’s no definitive [...]

• Australia Stamps

• Booklets Australia Stamps

Continue reading → Australia is Completely Different, but Very Much the Same

Extreme Makeover Home Foreclosure. What went wrong?
There was a little foreclosure in the news that caught my eye yesterday. A home featured on Extreme Makeover Home Edition is facing foreclosure. Milton and Patricia Harper of Lake City, Georgia were the lucky recipients of a complete home makeover turning their old home into a 5500 sq. ft. mansion. It took 1,800 people to get it accomplished. The estimated cost of the home and donated materials? $450,000. It looks like the dream is over for the Harpers.
Though this is somewhat original, I feel I’ve read [...]

• Home Security Home Improvement

• Safes Home Security Home Improvement

Continue reading → Extreme Foreclosure!

My, it’s been quiet around here lately. Let me just clean out some of these cobwebs…
Ahem.
Much better.
Ya’ll are in luck, because we’ve been cooking up something special for all you lovely Zopa-ites: a contest! Who doesn’t love contests? (especially ones that are ridiculously easy to win?)
It’s gonna be a chance for you to save a [...]

• Spiders, Cobwebs Contemporary 1960-Now Halloween Holiday, Seasonal Collectibles

• Tokens Love Exonumia Coins Paper Money

Continue reading → Surprise Surprise

Lately I’ve been at a loss for words on the peer lending industry and it’s overall behavior/attitude towards it’s clients. From Prosper.com’s complete ignorance to Lending Club’s quiet period (which still make little sense to me) I feel so anxious, frustrated and annoyed with all of the things I see and hope for not connecting [...]

• Complete Bicycles Bicycles Transportation Collectibles

• Hair Loss Hair Care Store

Continue reading → Adios mi Amigos!

Well we are actually okay with this after much back and forth and give and take we decided to remove the offers from the table as we could never get firm intel on how to proceed with the move. I personally have deep peace about this as I have several other things I wanted to [...]

• Deep Space Nine Star Trek Science Fiction Collectibles

• Peace 1921-35 Dollars Coins US Coins Paper Money

Continue reading → Move Cancelled!

Unless you know where to look, missing money may never be found. Knowing that there is even something to look for is often a challenge. Money typically goes missing when someone dies and their heirs are unaware of accounts held by the deceased. As a result, money, property, and other funds due [...]

• Paper Money US Coins Paper Money

• Errors Paper Money US Coins Paper Money

Continue reading → Finding “Missing Money”

Yesterday we had a huge incident with Prosper.com in the form of a rather ugly email from Doug Fuller that requested documentation. Nothing wrong with that request when looked upon at face value. However, normally ALL emails from Prosper.com that aren’t advertisements for loans, etc are followed up with an internal Prosper.com message. This email [...]

• Advertisements Matchbooks Paper Collectibles

• Internal Frame Packs Backpacks Camping Hiking

Continue reading → Borrower Safety!

The state of Utah recently decided that it could save money by letting it’s employees work four day work weeks. Employees will work 10 hours a day and receive the same pay as usual. My mother, a nurse, actually had this set-up for a long time. She quite enjoys it and finds that she can get errands done on her off day that were otherwise difficult or impossible. Many banks just aren’t open past the 9-5 hours that many people work.
So how much money will it save? Reduced energy costs of state buildings will save [...]

• Work Womens Shoes

• Utah US State, Town Views Postcards Collectibles

Continue reading → Utah State Employees Getting a Four Day Work-Week

‘Doug Fuller’ emailed back and still won’t post a flag on the account indicating the obvious need for verification of bank account information per the usual protocals Prosper has used on the past… Sorry ‘Doug’ you just aren’t ‘Doug’ without the ability to be bulletproof. Your phone # cannot be cross referenced on Prosper.com and [...]

• Bank of Canada Canada North, Central America Paper Money World Coins Paper Money

• Back of Book Canada Stamps

Continue reading → Ummm… Still doesn’t prove it Doug!

Today my wife received an email from’ Doug Fuller’. However, it was for verification of a bank account, which is ALWAYS done through the Prosper.com messaging system with a CC and Overview page flash. So we have ignored ‘Doug Fuller’ as the emailer and I emailed ‘Doug’ to let him know that the email he [...]

• Flash Superhero Modern Age 1980-Now Comics Collectibles

• VS System Comic Trading Cards Collectibles

Continue reading → Prosper… We have a problem?

I thought I would advise everyone of why I have placed (so far) $650 into my wife’s loan listing. Firstly, 80% of our income is pooled separately and we share expenses in the middle such as rent, car expenses, etc. The Prosper.com lending account is 100% mine since she has chosen not to lend at [...]

• Middle East Stamps

• Middle East Non-U.S. Silver Silver Antiques

Continue reading → My Bids on Wife’s Listing

Wife’s listing is live! Texas move is scheduled for the first week of August. 95% of all the items we currently own will be donated to Goodwill, etc or sold off so we can make the journey from here to Texas with only one carload worth of stuff. Most of what we own is hand-me-downs [...]

• Texas US State, Town Views Postcards Collectibles

• US Texas License Plates Automobilia Transportation Collectibles

Continue reading → Yeehaw! Listing Is Up!

With the latest news about Prosper.com being sued by lenders I thought I would play the contrarian and bid on some loans today. There are some pretty good loans in the offing at the moment if you take the time to look, so I transferred (thanks to the instant transfer via the Facebook.com app) $407.73 [...]

• Dice Casino Collectibles

• Pretty as a Picture Enesco Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

Continue reading → Rolling The Dice

MyGallons.com is a new service that allows you to prepay for gasoline, “locking in today’s prices.” As more an more people come to the seemingly inevitable conclusion that gas prices can only continue to rise, it’s no surprise that a company came along to take advantage of this line of thinking. I seem [...]

• Service Businesses Businesses for Sale Opportunities

• People Postcards Collectibles

Continue reading → MyGallons.com and the Rising Gas Hype

President Bush today signed into law an updated GI Bill that had broad bipartisan support. The new bill provides service members, who served in the military for at least three years, full tuition at any in-state public university along with a monthly housing stipend. The benefits (which are as high as $90,000) can also [...]

• Graham, Bill G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia

• Service Businesses Businesses for Sale Opportunities

Continue reading → New GI Bill Offers Full Tuition for Active Service

President Bush today signed into law an updated GI Bill that had broad bipartisan support. The new bill provides service members, who served in the military for at least three years, full tuition at any in-state public university along with a monthly housing stipend. The benefits (which are as high as $90,000) can also [...]

• Graham, Bill G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia

• Service Businesses Businesses for Sale Opportunities

Continue reading → New GI Bill Offers Full Tuition for Active Service

Finally… Lenders may sleep a little easier knowing lawyers have been sprung. As a lender myself, I have ceased all lending activity as of the past 30 days as I experienced a huge and unforgivable influx of new late loans. Prosper’s lack of response is deafening silence. Personally, I can’t wait for the secondary market, [...]

• Halcyon Days Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

• Action, Adventure Trading Cards Collectibles

Continue reading → Prosper Legal Action!

photo credit:
Citing higher gasoline prices, the IRS has increased the optional business standard mileage rate from 50.5 cents per mile to 58.5 cents per mile for July-December of 2008. Taxpayers can use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business. This is also [...]

• Chevron Standard Oil Gas Oil Companies Gas Oil Advertising Collectibles

• Heart Rate Monitors Monitors Pedometers Gym, Workout Yoga Exercise Fitness

Continue reading → IRS Mileage Rate Increased for July-Dec 2008

The payoff of my wife’s loan is underway (two part process). So once this is complete, we will apply for another loan under her name and credit (should be an A or B range on the credit) to do the moving loan. Cost of the move, since one of you asked, is going to be [...]

• Credit, Charge Cards Trading Cards Collectibles

• Complete Bicycles Bicycles Transportation Collectibles

Continue reading → Payoff Pending

It would figure that the moment I get the funding for the furniture loan the plans are finalized for an agreement to move to North Carolina for work! Excitement abounds, but now I have to find a plan B for the moving funds. Oh well… Thanks to all of the lenders who helped with the [...]

• Work Womens Shoes

• North Carolina US State, Town Views Postcards Collectibles

Continue reading → Oh Snap! We ARE Moving!

Lending Club, which has been in a quiet period due to a pending SEC filing, issued the following press release today:

Lending Club Files Registration Statement with the SEC
SUNNYVALE, CA - June 20, 2008 - Lending Club announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under [...]

• Canadian Club Distillery Advertising Collectibles

• Club Heads Clubmaking Products Golf

Continue reading → Lending Club News

SEC filing is complete… Wait is hopefully nearing an end?
“Lending Club Files Registration Statement with the SEC

SUNNYVALE, CA - June 20, 2008 – Lending Club announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to its social lending platform.

The registration statement seeks [...]

• Canadian Club Distillery Advertising Collectibles

• Club Heads Clubmaking Products Golf

Continue reading → Lending Club Update!

Rising gas prices causes people to try many alternative forms of transportation. One that has been getting a lot of coverage in the news is the Segway scooter. Getting about 25 miles to a charge means they are a viable alternative in some circumstances. Having ridden one myself, I can also [...]

• Scooters Transportation Collectibles

• Alternative, Zines Magazines Comics Collectibles

Continue reading → Segway Scooters - Green and Gas Free, But Still Costly

Well, I may as well take advantage of Prosper.com for a new urgent need. Thanks to the whole moving scenario being scrapped, we are without furniture (thanks to our fire sale techniques and Craigslist.org ‘free’ page use). So we would like to obtain a loan to purchase the following items back that we sold/gave away…
Couches- [...]

• Furniture Antiques

• Beds Furniture Antiques

Continue reading → Furniture!

So we come to find that the move date has been postponed… This is all ‘pending’ now. Sooo irritated right now with the whole process of corporate restructuring and promises. The really unfortunate side is that most of our furniture has been sold off/given away. My apologies to the lenders who’s time and money were [...]

• Refrigerators Side-By-Side Refrigerators Freezers Major Appliances

• Militaria Date Unknown Militaria Collectibles

Continue reading → Delay of Game

And the award goes to… The LendingClub.com Mimes! Seriously though, good job on the Webby guys!

• Good Charlotte G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia

• Real Estate Opportunities

Continue reading → Silent Humor Award

I had two questions on the listing yesterday about this, so I thought I would also give a thorough breakdown here of the expenses involved for the move. I believe I’ve thought of most everything, but wiggle room is essential in any moving situation.
Breaking apartment Lease on ‘good terms’- $2,200
Travel expenses from AZ to NC [...]

• Memories of Yesterday Enesco Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

• Hotel Room Keys Casino Memorabilia Casino Collectibles

Continue reading → Itemized Moving Expenses…

So today I was denied a loan through Zopa.com. I’m guessing it has to do more with the supposed ‘credit crunch’ more than anything else as I would have easily been approved in January/February with the same credit profile as my wife was for a higher amount to consolidate debts and her credit/income was lower [...]

• Credit, Charge Cards Trading Cards Collectibles

• SPF 24 and Lower Sunscreen Sun Care Skin Care Store

Continue reading → What the… Zopa?

The Zopa crew gets major ups on the smooth-sailing of the relocation loan. So far I have been asked for two paystubs, of which I was proactive and sent my W-2 since I had it out (thanks Prosper) just in case they needed it as my salary has been winding down the last couple of [...]

• Case Agriculture Advertising Collectibles

• Dishwashers Major Appliances

Continue reading → Zopa Processing Nicely…

The recipient of the first book giveaway has been chosen and notified by email. They will be receiving my copy of Dan Ariely’s Predictably Irrational. Anyone who is interested in purchasing a copy of the book can find it here on Amazon.
Tomorrow I’ll be posting a review of the book I’m currently reading, [...]

• Back of Book Canada Stamps

• Book Ends Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

Continue reading → First Book Giveaway Recipient Chosen

After sleeping on it, I decided to remove the Prosper listing. The driver’s license issue is just too lame to overlook as the CSR was more interested in the picture vs. checking the information (wrong address, weight, picture is way out of date, etc). And, as this is my third loan from Prosper, it’s never [...]

• Picture Frames Cat-Domestic Animals Collectibles

• Picture Frames Horse Animals Collectibles

Continue reading → Listing Withdrawn

It’s been a hectic weekend, and it might end with me literally seeing most everyone I have known in the past 10 years. Most days, my wife and I have been visiting three people for three to four hours scattered across the Boston area. I thought this was going to be a vacation with at least three hours that my wife and I would have as downtime to catch up e-mail go to the gym - things like that.
In all this running around, I got an e-mail on my cell phone from Kimberly Palmer of US News’ Alpha [...]

• People Postcards Collectibles

• Alpha Flight Superhero Modern Age 1980-Now Comics Collectibles

Continue reading → Still Visiting Everyone I Ever Met… But Featured in US News

Listing at Prosper.com is now active. I appreciate all the lender assistance in getting it funded and lowered to, ideally $200/month in payment. It would still offer the lenders a very satisfying 12.25% (starts at 17.5%) on a twice excellent borrower’s listing. You can’t get much better with less risk! Invest in our future and [...]

• Military Payment Paper Money US Coins Paper Money

Continue reading → I like to move it move it…

I was poking around the listing creator at Prosper.com to look into a loan to cover our relocation costs (the items not covered by the company sponsoring our move to the area) and found out that my once ‘horrid’ credit has improved without much notice from me. In the Prosper scheme of things my credit [...]

• Credit, Charge Cards Trading Cards Collectibles

• Germany Area Europe Stamps

Continue reading → Credit… Heal Thy Self!

I spent some time roaming the latest entry into P2P called Fynanz, which specializes in student loans. Not much going on there at the moment. I saw two loan listings, one of which was a ‘faker’ for testing purposes. Loans are done off of current LIBOR rates and adjusted accordingly. Info found here. One big [...]

• Entry Sets Doors Door Hardware Building Hardware Home Improvement

• So-Called Dollars Exonumia Coins Paper Money

Continue reading → Fynanz…zzzz! Anybody home?

Okay, I broke down today and placed a bid on a Prosper.com loan… WTF is wrong with me?! Didn’t I just tell myself ‘NO!’ a few days ago? Apparently I have a problem, an addiction of sorts, when it comes to Prosper. Maybe it’s the internal drive to get to $10,000 in active loans or [...]

• Internal Frame Packs Backpacks Camping Hiking

• Halcyon Days Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

Continue reading → Is there a group for this?!

I recently received a forward email that has been circling the net for quite some time. The premise of the email is that if you are ever forced to withdraw money from an ATM by a thief you could enter your PIN in reverse order to summon the police. While such an idea [...]

• Pins, Buttons Police Historical Memorabilia Collectibles

• Security Cameras Home Security Home Improvement

Continue reading → ATM Reverse Pins and Alternative Security Ideas

A little bit of reality has settled upon me and the Prosper.com account this evening. See the below image of our loan status snapsnot…

Of the above… 6 are ‘bankruptcy’ and the other 7 are ready to sell to a debt collection house practically. The above 5 <15DS loans aren’t comforting either. So I’ve decided to [...]

• Evening Bags Handbags

• Evening Womens Shoes

Continue reading → Pausing Prosper

Just got back from a week-long work trip and arrived home to find my first LendingClub.com default. One thing that upsets me… Zero notification on the matter (instance loss should equal instant email). I also have several loans showing late in various stages in the account which is a very new occurrence to me.
Stiff, sore [...]

• Work Womens Shoes

• Swamp Thing Superhero Modern Age 1980-Now Comics Collectibles

Continue reading → It was bound to happen…

I’ve been contemplating this for a while now, but the one serious flaw with Kiva.org that keep us for going full steam ahead is the lack of any sort of return on the investment (other than human capital). So as of today, we are stopping Kiva.org lending and switching instead to MicroPlace.com for our global [...]

• Full Runs Comics Collectibles

• Plumbing, Steam Fitting Tools Tools, Hardware Locks Collectibles

Continue reading → In The Interest of Interest

Zopa has just been awarded the Webby for Best Financial Services website!
This is the second year in a row that we’ve won a Webby, and all I can say is…it rocks. Seriously. I could get used to this.
For all you Webby fanatics, here’s a dramatic reenactment of how it all happened:
Webby Presenter: (opening e-envelope) …and [...]

• Current Year, Next Year Calendars Paper Collectibles

• New Year Holiday, Seasonal Collectibles

Continue reading → And the Webby goes to…

Last month, I wrote about Revolution Money Exchange and how you can get $25 for two minutes of your time. The 10,000 foot view is that the company has some very important people in the banking industry trying to start-up a competitor to Paypal. Paypal has been around a long, long, time and has the power of Ebay behind it. This company realizes it’s facing an uphill battle, so they are willing to buy users with a free $25 for those willing to take those two minutes to sign up.
I signed up and I’ve used it to [...]

• Long Island New York US State, Town Views Postcards Collectibles

• eBay-ana Advertising Collectibles

Continue reading → Get a Free $25 - Expires Tomorrow (5/15)

The price of stamps goes up an entire penny on Monday. If you use a lot of stamps you may consider buying 100 of the Forever Stamps at $41. This will save $1 vs. buying them next week. I know a great many people that will consider this. Some of them will use 20 minutes of their and 80 cents of gas to save that dollar.
I just got back from the post office, I had some other errands to run. I asked the clerk if people were buying more Forever Stamps. She said that [...]

• Famous People Topical Specialty Stamps

• Back of Book Canada Stamps

Continue reading → Stamp Prices Going Up