I'm at the bottom of my career path right now so I don't have the money for a rental yet. But to be honest even if I did I'd rather put my money in an REIT and spread the risk within the real estate market. I invest 1/3 of my after tax income just into stocks because I have time to be aggressive, so I'll use REITs to protect against inflation when I'm closer to retirement.

Jealous ppl in NJ can get that much more cash back on checking accounts!

And I still think there's an opportunity cost when you get money from credit cards, even a 0% offer. The best thing you can do with money is make it work for you and make more money. The terms of 0% teaser offers though—12 months, 18 months—are never long enough to actually get the money in the markets and out safely making above inflation returns that keep your principal safe.

I use one of those cash back cards too though and they're pretty great. Since I budget I just pay for absolutely everything on it and have it set up to pay the balance in full every month. Budgetting is the absolutely best thing anyone can do for their finances IMO.

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1983 300TD 240k Thistle Green Auto (Euro) [sold]
1984 300D 240k Petrol Green Auto
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"You know, times are changing. Ladies can do stuff now and you're going to have to learn how to deal with it."
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