Get 2.51% Cash Back for Paying Your Income Tax

January 30, 2008 · Filed Under Credit Card bonuses · 3 Comments 

For those that are paying thousands of dollars in income tax, how would you like to get 2.51% of that back? Lets say you gotta pay $10K in taxes for last year income. If you get 2.51% of $10K back, that is $251 free money back to you. Too good to be true?

First, make sure you have less than 3 Citi Cards so you can apply for the Citi CashReturns Card. The CashReturns card gives you 5% cash back on everything for 3 months. You heard me right, yes 5% cash back on EVERYTHING for the first 3 months with the Citi CashReturns Card. You wondering, I thought you only get 2.51% cash back?

There is a new site Official Payments that allows you to pay your taxes with credit cards. The site charges 2.49% processing fee, therefore you will get 2.51% back from the 5%. This is legit.

From the website:

Official Payments provides electronic payment services to the United States Internal Revenue Service, 25 States, and more than 2,500 local collecting organizations nationwide. The payment pages for each are linked on this website, and grouped into one of the three categories shown below. Select “Pay Now” to begin the process. You can also search for our payment partners by zip code.

You might worry that your approved credit limit is not big enough. It’s simple to raise your credit limit by 1) Ask them to increase your credit limit once approved 2) Transfer your credit limit to your new Citi CashReturns Card from other Citi cards.

There is NO CAPS or LIMITS for cash back earning. Remember, you have 3 months for 5% cash back on Everything. Time the 3 months window right so that you can make all your big purchases during this 3 months. Best time to get this card would be paying your taxes, upcoming wedding, renovating a house, paying your tuition bills, etc etc. Many readers have told me they got over $1000 back with their holidays spending last year.

After signing up for the Citi CashReturns Card, the 3 months officially starts during your application and not the day you got your card in the mail. I would spend everything on this card, whether it’s a getting a coffee at Starbucks or filling up my gas tank. The best part is getting cash back and not Thank You points. Checks will be sent automatically upon earning $50.

Tips:

*If you are converting to this Citi CashReturns from another Citi card, you will not get the 5% Cash Back Promotion.*

**I would even buy gift cards for places you know you will shop. Hence guarantee 5% cash back for the future. Examples: Walmart, gas stations, groceries stores, etc**

***Another site similar to official payment is Pay1040 ***

Quick Summary Citi CashReturnsSM Card:

  • Earn 5% cash back on ALL purchases for 3 months
  • Earn 1% cash back on ALL purchases and eligible cash advances after the first 3 months
  • NO LIMIT and NO EXPIRATION on the amount of cash back you can earn
  • Checks will be sent automatically every time you earn $50 - no calling necessary
  • 0% APR* on balance transfers for 12 months
  • No Annual Fee

    • Apply Now!

Citi CashReturnsSM Card

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Renew Your Sprint Plan for at Least $70 Credit Bonus

January 29, 2008 · Filed Under Free Random Money, Street Smarts · 2 Comments 

As you all know, I have a family plan of 5 phones and a SERO plan. I’m very happy with my plan since it’s so cheap. I have most of the freebies and add-ons such as bonus minutes, free 6pm, free text messages, etc. So whenever I renew my plan, I want to get free money for renewing my plan.

I usually renew my family plan after 12 months into my two years contract. Since I have 5 separate lines with my family plan, I renew each line separately. It would be stupid for me too call them and renew all 5 lines at once. Why? Because whenever I call them, I ask for at least $70 credit and a new free phone for that one line alone. With 5 phones, and if I renew it 5 times, I can get 5 x $70 = $350 bonus credit. I asked for $70 because Sprint sent out letter like this $70 service credit letter.

It goes like this, dial *2, say Cancel so you will get Retention Dept:

  • CSR: Yes, how can I help you?
  • Me: I’m calling for this number …….. I think my contract for this number on my family plan is almost up. I’m thinking of canceling it since my phone doesn’t work well.
  • CSR: Hmmm…I’m sorry to hear that. You have 9 more months on your contract. You are qualify for $150 credit.
  • Me: Oh really…What free phones can I get?
  • CSR: Blah blah blah blah blah…..
  • Me: ummmm….I’m not sure. If I get a new phone, does that mean my 2 years start over again?
  • CSR: Yes. Your contract will be renewed for 2 years.
  • Me: I see. I have a letter saying that I can get $70 credit to renew my plan also. I will renew my number for this line only if I can get the $70 credit and a new phone.
  • CSR: Let me check with my supervisor…..Okay, sir. You got it.
  • Me: Thanks. Sign me up. Again, it’s for this number only okay?
  • CSR: Yes, just this number.

I make sure that it’s only for one number only. I do this so I can call using my other 4 numbers and do the same thing. Hence, $70 x 5 = $350 free credit + free phones. If you want certain freebies, you might want to throw it in too. It depends what you want. Sometimes, it makes more sense to ask for other stuffs for free if you are paying monthly charge for it.

You might even try your luck to ask for $115 credit to renew. Here’s an example of a $115 Sprint credit letter.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card gives you 6000 bonus points = $50 gift card

  • 0% APR* on balance transfers for 12 months
  • $50 Gift Card - Earn 6,000 bonus points after first purchase made within first 3 months
  • 5 reward points for every $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations; 1 point for every $1 on all other purchases
  • No annual fee and FREE rewards program
  • Citi Identity Theft Solutions
  • Price Protection Program
  • $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases

    • Apply Now!

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card

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Qtrax - Free Legal Download over 25 Million Songs

January 28, 2008 · Filed Under Freebies, Noteworthy · 1 Comment 

You can now download songs for free with Qtrax. It’s a new legal online file-sharing service with over 25 million copyrighted songs from major labels. It’s free because they get funded through advertising and music companies get a cut of it. Qtrax guarantees that its network is free of spyware or adware such as pop-ups common on many peer-to-peer networks. Everyone know it’s illegal to download using P2P services like Limewire and e-Donkey. Instead of spending money by buying CDs or using Itunes, you can now use Qtrax to download millions of free songs from major companies include Vivendi’s (VIV.PA) Universal Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group (WMG.N) and EMI Group.

In order to take advantage, you must download the Qtrax software. They will also have music videos, artist documentaries, interviews, album reviews and biographies among other features.

Citi® ProfessionalSM Card with Thank YouSM Network gives you 10000 Thank You points bonus = $100 Gift Card

  • No Fee Rewards Program
  • Get 3 ThankYou Points for every dollar you spend at restaurants, gas stations, on auto rentals and certain office supply merchants.
  • 1 ThankYou Point on every other dollar spent.
  • Redeem your points for: air travel, statement credit, gift cards and certificates, merchandise or create your own reward.
  • No balance transfer fee with this offer

    • Apply Now!

Citi® Professional(SM) Card with Thank You(SM) Network

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Holla at Yo Boi!

January 27, 2008 · Filed Under Noteworthy · 13 Comments 

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If you are a regular reader, and have made good money from my site, please tell your family and friends about my site. I know some of my posts are ghettooo, but hey, at least come for the laugh. My posts are all about saving or making money. You won’t hear any whining like “oh..man…I shouldn’t have bought this or that PF kinda crap.” Pick some of your favorite posts from this site and email them the links. There is only one True Hustler! Holla at yo boi if you have any personal finance questions.

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Interested in advertising on Hustlermoneyblog? Currently, I have over 25,000 pageviews each month and growing. My Google pagerank is a 4. If you have a website you want to promote, and would like a link or a hyperlink picture logo on my site on the top corner right sidebar under Featured Sites, shoot me an email hustlermoneyblog@gmail.com. The location is prime real estate on this site, however other locations can be discussed. Here are the going rate:

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You can also purchase a post on my site, whereas you send me an article about your company, and it will be like a regular post on my website. The price is $150.

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$50 Bonus with OneUnited Bank 5.30% APY

January 26, 2008 · Filed Under Bank deals & offers · Comment 

With the recent Fed 75 basis point rate cut, banks have been reducing their rate as well. However, OneUnited Bank’s rate of 5.30% APY is still among the top with its UNITY Gold E-Savings Account. Time will tell how much longer the rate will stay, but you can also receive $50 bonus with their Cash In/Cash Out promotion. They will deposit $50 to your account within 15 days after 3 consecutive months of direct deposit.

From the website:

Must be a new direct deposit of a payroll, social security check, or other recurring deposit that occurs at least monthly to a consumer account. $50 will be deposited into your account in good standing automatically within 15 days after a new recurring direct deposit occurs over three consecutive months OR 20 OneUnited Bank Visa Debit card transactions per month occurs over three consecutive months. Offer expires June 30, 2008.

There are a few drawbacks with this account:

  • Slow customer services
  • $1,000 minimum to open and earn interest
  • Interest is credited and compounded quarterly
  • ACH outbound transfers are slow. Up to a week and at least 3 days in which the money is earning no interest
  • At least 9 day hold before your initial deposited funds are available

Again, 5.30% APY is probably the top in the country. With another Fed rate cut coming up, I’m positively sure they won’t hold the rate this high. Make sure to get the $50 bonus by meeting their requirements if you plan to open this account.

CitiBusiness® PremierPassSM Card gives you 15000 points = $150 gift card

  • 0% APR on Balance Transfers for 12 months*
  • Access to business-sized credit lines, unlimited cards for employees.
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on purchases and 1 point for every mile flown on any airline*, 3 points for every $1 spent on certain business purchases*
  • Free, unlimited companion travel, no black out dates.
  • 24/7 live customer service and online access.
  • Personal Business Assistant - Make requests 24/7 online or by phone for business information, travel reservations.
  • No balance transfer fee with this offer

    • Apply Now!

CitiBusiness® PremierPass(SM) Card

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Random Deals & Coupons

January 25, 2008 · Filed Under Hot Deals · 1 Comment 

Bunch of random deals and coupons:

  1. 10% Home Depot sign up or use this printout at Lowe’s
  2. Auntie Anne’s Free Pretzel on Feb. 2nd
  3. Free Schick Quattro Titanum
  4. $5 Off Jiffy Lube Oil
  5. Office Depot $5 off $25
  6. Lowe’s $10 Off Houseplant Coupon
  7. New Freebies Everyday
  8. New Coupons Everyday
  9. Ebates.com $10 Bonus
  10. Get your FREE credit score and more!

SimplyCash® Business Card from American Express

  • Earn 5% cash back on automobile gas, office supplies, and wireless services
  • Earn 1% cash back on virtually all other purchases
  • No limits to the cash back you can earn
  • Cash back is automatically credited to the statement each month
  • 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months
  • No annual fee with the flexibility to pay in full or carry a balance
  • Fee-free Additional Cards
  • Save 3-25% on business purchases at companies like FedEx®, Delta®, Hertz®, and more.

    • Apply Now!

SimplyCash® Business Card from American Express

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$100 Gift Card with American Express Starwood Preferred Card

January 24, 2008 · Filed Under Credit Card bonuses · 2 Comments 

My all time favorite travel rewards card is the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express. By signing up, you will get an easy 10000 bonus points after first purchase. You can convert the 10K points  into $100 in gift card. However, some people save the points to earn a free flight ticket once you reach the 25K points mark. Here is a quick summary with their rewards program:

  1. Convert a few miles so they won’t expire and top off to get to the reward ticket level
  2. Get 1.25 miles per dollar spent which is 25% more than most other airlines cards.
  3. Points can be converted to gift cards, hotel nights, and airline tickets.

Top Reasons Why Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express is the best Airline Travel Card:

1) Starwood points can be easily converted to frequent flier miles

  • The Starwood points convert on a 1:1 (1 Starwood point = 1 frequent flier mile) basis on major domestic airlines include Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest and US Airways/America West.

2) Get that free flight ticket by topping it off or keep your miles from expiring

  • Say you want to fly free and you have only 23K delta flier miles, and you need to 2K more to make a free flight. With Starwood points, you can transfer your already earned points to Delta frequent flier program and get your free ticket. Hence, you don’t need to earn the points by doing other spending methods.
  • In order to keep your miles from expiring, simply convert a few hundred miles every now and then so your account would be active with other airlines. If not, you could lose your miles for being inactive.

3) Great hotel card reward card

Don’t like gift cards or airline ticket? How about hotel stay for as little as 2000 points per night. There is no blackout date and all taxes are covered. Choose from Hotels such as Sheraton, W hotels, Westin, and St. Regis.

4) Get 25% more miles extra

  • Other airline credit cards such Delta, United , and American give out great bonuses but all give you 1 mile per dollar spent. The Starwood does the same with 1 Starwood point for $1 spent. This changes whenever you convert 20000 points, you get an additional 5000 bonus points or 20000 Starwood points = 25000 miles on all airlines flier program. This resulted in an extra 25% more miles per dollar spent.

5) Free 10000 bonus points, another 15000 possible bonus points, and first year membership fee is waived

  • If you sign up now, Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express is giving away 10000 Starwood bonus points after first purchase. Your membership fee is waived for the 1st year, and $45 annual fee after that.
  • Another current promotion is an additional 15000 bonus points for spending $15K in the first 6 months on top of the 1 dollar per point spent.

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card

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Personal Experience with Lending Club $50 Bonus

January 23, 2008 · Filed Under Free Random Money · 11 Comments 

A week ago, I wrote about the Lending Club and their $25 bonus when you deposit $1. At first I was a little skeptical about signing up to Lending Club, but I found that they are legit after doing a little research. They have been featured in Business Week, Barron’s, and the Street.

The main reason I want to sign up is because of the bonus money. From the website:

When you refer friends to Lending Club and they become borrowers or lenders, we will deposit a bonus into each of your Lending Club accounts. You will each earn:

* $25 when your friend successfully submits a loan application
* $25 when your friend opens a lender account with $1-$999
* $50 when your friend opens a lender account with $1,000 or more

Here’s what to do:

  1. Go though this Lending Club link
  2. Fill in your name, email, password, and make up a user ID.
  3. Verify your identity
  4. Add your bank account and wait them to withdraw an amount less than $1
  5. Wait for a few days, and verify the amount that has been withdrawn.
  6. Deposit the amount you want. $1000 in order to get a $50 bonus or $1 to get $25 bonus.
  7. Bonus show up 4 days after the initial deposit.

My experience has been a positive one. Since I have $1000 in my account that I don’t need, I went ahead and deposit the $1K in order to get the maximum bonus money. If you don’t have the $1K, then deposit $1 to get your $25 bonus. I’m not worry about depositing $1K because I went ahead and withdraw the $1K from Lending Club back into my bank account. I lost a week of interest, but gain $50 bonus. Not bad of a deal. The best part about Lending Club is you don’t even need to lend out any money to get your bonus money. There is also no hard pull on your credit report. Although I recommend to loan out your $50 bonus just to give them a try. You can’t lose anything since it’s free money and the average return is 12.32% (The Street).

I also got $100 bonus for referring people. Again, thanks for signing up through my referral link.

If you are interested in making another $25 bonus, check out my Prosper Review.

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Triple Dipping with Chase

January 23, 2008 · Filed Under Bank deals & offers · 2 Comments 

I haven’t done this yet, but I know it for a fact that Chase CSR can enter multiple coupon codes when you open a new Chase account. Many people have said that you can open a Chase $125 bonus along with a $25 referral code on top of that. There is even a better deal and it goes like this:

  1. Print a $125 coupon. Go ahead and get the $25 referral coupon too.
  2. Now print out this 20000 Continental bonus miles. You now have two separate codes.
  3. Go to a your local Chase Bank. Hand them the $125 coupon first, and deposit $100 for new account.
  4. As soon as the CSR done entering the first $125 code, pull out the $25 referral code.
  5. If CSR is cool with it, then ask about the Chase Continental Airline Banking Card for $25 fee a year. Of course, now you want to pull out the third coupon for 10K bonus miles for get the Continental Airline banking card. CSR should now enter the 3rd coupon code.
  6. Once you have established direct deposit (real check, ACH from ING or Citibank, etc), the $125 bonus should show up and another 10K bonus miles too.
  7. You and your family can get 7.5K bonus miles by “You can also add up to three additional cards for others on your joint checking account and pay no additional annual fees. Plus each new cardholder will receive 2,500 bonus OnePass miles.”

A few things about opening a Chase account:

  1. You must have it open for at least 6 months before closing.
  2. Each person can have up to 5 Chase accounts.
  3. People have reported Paypal doesn’t count as DD anymore, ymmv.
  4. After you got all your bonuses, you can request to change your account to a no DD requirement total free checking with the CSR.
  5. Chase says bonus is once per year, but I have gotten several bonuses by opening multiple accounts.

More Bonus Miles for your free flight:

United Mileage Plus Platinum Business Card

  • 17,500 Bonus Miles
  • One-way, 1,000 mile, One-class Upgrade Certificate
  • $25 United Discount Travel Certificate after first purchase
  • 2 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases - up to an annual cap of 150,000 miles
  • 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Visa Platinum Business Card Benefits

Apply Now!


United Mileage Plus Visa Signature Card

  • 20,000 Bonus Miles after approval and first purchase
  • Earn travel certificates after first purchase
  • One-way, 1,000 mile, one-class upgrade certificate
  • $25 United discount travel certificate
  • 1 Mile for every eligible $1 spent on all purchases

    • Apply Now!

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Canon SD1000 7.1-Megapixel Digital Camera for $132

January 22, 2008 · Filed Under Hot Deals · 2 Comments 

Looking for a hot digital camera? Check out this Canon SD 1000 currently on sale at Staples for $150. You want to visit your local Staples along with this 12% Off Staples Coupon valid until Jan. 26th to get the final price to be $132.


Clearance Banner

Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Camera, Silver $150 at Staples

Features:

* 7.1 megapixels, ideal for prints up to 13″ x 19″
* 3x optical/4x digital zoom
* Classic Box & Circle design in two color variations to suit your personal style
* Accepts Secure Digital (SD™) memory cards (32MB SD™ card included)
* 2.5″ PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant anti-reflection coating
* DIGIC III Image Processor with improved Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction for sharper images and improved functionality
* ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto to reduce image blur and expand low-light shooting capability
* Five movie modes including 30 fps VGA, Time Lapse and Fast Frame Rate
* Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading
* Color: Silver

Top Cash Back Gas Credit Cards:

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