Well…I started “contributing” (read: investing) to a Peer-2-Peer (P2P) lending service, called LendingClub. Lending Club is an interesting little operation that sets up borrowers with a group of lenders. I am doing this for two reasons: 1) The “average return” is 9.05% – this is better than my retirement portfolio in the past short-term (in other words, more diversification) & 2) it gives me the warm fuzzies to know that I am directly helping someone achieve specific goals.

After some searching for a new online savings account, I settled on [ING Direct][1]. A few reasons include a competitive interest rate, good user interface, ability to create sub-accounts (I use these for different savings goals), & most importantly a $25 bonus from using some one else’s referral link. It took me until the 4th page on google to find a working link. So, if you are looking for a new savings account or just a quick and easy $25 dollars, do consider using these below.

A short list: Cheapest gas since 18 months ago, weee. I just paid $2.24 (A gallon of milk costs ~3.29) The housing market will still be in a slump when I am looking to buy a place next summer. Yay, real estate will be on sale. GREAT time to invest for a young, 22 year-old like me. I’m trying to pour money into the market now. The stock market will come back, it always [does][1].