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If you are planning to respond to ads for rental properties online or sending in your information to real estate websites, you need to make sure you’re not setting yourself up for becoming a victim of a real estate scam. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has been receiving numerous complaints from people who have been scammed by companies or individuals who have been posting fake ads or issuing false rental agreements for apartments, condos, and houses. Here are some important things you should know about rental and real estate scams: Continue reading “How to Avoid Rental and Real Estate Scams” »

Summer is right around the corner and while you might be dreaming of a summer vacation or enjoying some time off, it’s also a great season to save some money. Reducing your weekly expenses by scaling back on luxuries or being smarter with grocery shopping only goes so far. When you want to save a larger sum of money over the course of three to four months, you’ll need to make some other, bigger decisions in the saving and spending department. Making plans to save money now can put you on track to reach your financial goals well before summer’s end.

Here are a few smart ways to save some money this summer: Continue reading “Smart Ways to Save Money this Summer” »

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you may be feeling some pressure to come up with a spectacular gift for a Mom you know. Well, don’t fret.

Even if your bank account is a little light, there are some ways you can show your appreciation for your own Mother or another mom who is close to you.

For starters, you don’t have to “buy” anything at all. The most genuine, heartfelt way to show your love for Mom is by spending time with her – not by spending money.

Continue reading “List of Mother’s Day Freebies for Mom” »

Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is getting into the prepaid card arena, with the launch of a new re-loadable card called Chase Liquid.

Chase announced the new card by touting its low-cost features and convenience.

According to a company press release, Chase Liquid will offer customers “financial control and flexibility with the convenience of Chase’s extensive branch and ATM network.”

Under a pilot program, Chase Liquid is now available in about 200 branches and will roll out nationally in the summer of 2012.

Chase Liquid requires a $25 deposit and has a flat monthly fee of $4.95. The company said there is no charge to do any of the following services: Continue reading “Chase Launches New Prepaid Card” »

While the average cost of a wedding dropped to $26,501 in 2011, it’s still a high price for many couples working with a tight budget. If you can’t save enough to meet the five-figure price tag of a typical wedding, there are some ways to reduce costs without compromising too much on quality and the overall experience. Planning ahead and choosing the right dates can help to shave off a good amount of money from the average wedding bill.

Here are seven ways to save on your wedding costs this year: Continue reading “7 Ways to Save on Your Wedding Cost this Year” »