See’s Candies, Balance Transfer and Turbo Tax
By stlplace on Mar 12, 2008 in Master Series
A Chinese version of the story can be read here (thanks to Shanzi for translation). You can read story (in English) from Buffett’s 2007 annual shareholder letter.
Why do I emphasize this story? Too many times I fall into some growth stories (hint: next Microsoft or Google), value traps (hint: Heelys and maybe Crocs), etc. This story serves as a reminder to myself: business is about making money. Less capital, more earings (not paper earning but the free cash flow), means great business. I think this story also implies not to take unnecessary risks or leverage: the recent down fall of financial firms exactly confirmed that.
Balance transfer
Also, I found this balance transfer (0% for 12 months, no fees) to be attactive.
http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/810638/
The Turbo Tax online versions
I have used it since year 2001 (tax filing for year 2000), and I liked the product. One feature I like is TurboTax kept all the filings for previous years. A minor thing: I am going to save some money without using the State filing from Turbo Tax, because the calculation of State tax is fairly straightforward in my case (once the federal is done).
ADP 15% off
http://turbotax.intuit.com/microsite/home.jhtml?priorityCode=3468344591
(this one should work for everyone, I got 15% off last year)
Scottrade 30% off
Works only if you have Scottrade account. I used it this year because I have Scottrade account. But I paid extra for the Turbo Tax Premier, which on hindsight is not necessary. I think the Deluxe would work for me.
Bob Meighan | Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for your loyalty to TurboTax and I’m glad you had a great experience again this year. As for Deluxe vs. Premier, unless you have a lot of stock transactions or employee stock options, most people can get by with Deluxe. The benefit of upgrading to Premier is that it has a lot more extensive help and Interview guidance for all types of investment transactions.
Bob Meighan
VP, TurboTax