This holiday season, your husband, kid or best friend doesn’t need yet another gadget, toy or sweater. So why fall for all the holiday marketing hype promoted by retailers this time of year? Instead, consider giving someone you love another type of gift – one that will have enduring value for a lifetime.
The 3 Smartest, Best Gifts to Give Someone You Love This Holiday Season Read More »
There’s been a lot of talk in Washington D.C. and in the media about the so-called “fiscal cliff.” But what exactly is the fiscal cliff and how will impact you and your family? Let me offer a definition of the fiscal cliff and provide some context about how this issue will directly affect your finances.
The Fiscal Cliff Explained: What the Fiscal Cliff Means to Your Finances Read More »
Most of us know that you have to be at least 18 years old in order to sign a legally binding contract. But did you know that, under specific circumstances, your teenager could actually start to build credit and improve their credit rating prior to age 18?
At What Age Can Your Kid Start to Build Credit? The Surprising Answer Read More »
Ads enticing you to buy or lease new cars are everywhere during the holiday season and into the new year. But not everyone can afford to pay cash for a vehicle or finance one — especially since the average monthly car loan payment in 2012 was $462, and the average price of an automobile has risen to
Important Car Lease Terms You Should Know Read More »
If you’re thinking of making extra payments on your mortgage in order to more quickly eliminate your house note and become debt free, you may be wondering: “How much money will I save or how many years will I knock off my mortgage if I send in extra payments to my bank?”
How Much You Can Save by Making Extra Mortgage Payments Read More »
If you’re in the giving mood this holiday season, there’s certainly no shortage of charities, non-profit groups and social services agencies that could use a helping hand.
Tax Tips For Holiday Giving and Donations Read More »
Actor Stephen Baldwin was arrested for alleged state income tax evasion, according to authorities in New York. The New York Daily News reported that Baldwin owes more than $350,000 in back taxes to the Empire State for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Actor Stephen Baldwin Arrested for Alleged Income Tax Evasion Read More »
Q: If I am a little late with a credit card payment, do you automatically get late fees, a higher interest rate or will it hurt my credit rating? A: You should try your very best to be timely with all your credit card payments, because if you are late on a bill, you do
Will a Late Payment Hurt My Credit Rating? Read More »
Any type of financial crisis can wipe out your savings account and have you saying goodbye to your safety net or financial cushion. While adjusting your budget after a financial downfall can help you get things back on track, you’ll need a plan to recreate that safety net. “Finding” money to build up another emergency
Best Ways to Create a Safety Net After a Financial Downfall Read More »
Many people ask me about various payment strategies to eliminate debt. So in this post, I’ll offer some guidance on how to effectively reduce debt and keep your finances strong. Specifically, let me answer the following question someone recently asked: Q: Can you reduce the payoff on a credit card by paying bi-weekly or weekly
Credit Card Payment Strategy: Do Bi-Weekly Payments Reduce Debt Faster? Read More »
It’s a question all consumers struggling with debt will have to confront at one point or another: Should I use my savings to pay off my credit card bills? Generally speaking, I don’t think it’s a wise idea to tap into savings, especially things like retirement savings, in order to pay off credit card debt.
Should You Use Savings to Pay Down Debt? Read More »
When it comes to managing credit card debt, understanding how much over the minimum credit card payment you should pay is key to staying financially healthy. There’s no universal rule—but one truth remains: The more you pay above the minimum, the faster you’ll get out of debt and the less interest you’ll pay. Here’s why
How Much Over the Minimum Should You Pay on Your Credit Card Read More »
Why wait until January 1st? It’s not too soon to come up with a New Year’s resolution for next year. If you want to improve your personal finances, here are three money-management resolutions to make – and stick with – in the coming year.
3 Great Financial New Year’s Resolutions Read More »
If you’re a lottery player – and even if you aren’t – you’ve probably heard that Wednesday’s upcoming PowerBall jackpot is expected to hit or maybe even surpass a record $425 million. I’m the first to admit that a mega cash windfall like that is enough to make you salivate – and probably want to
As PowerBall Jackpot Hits $425 Million, Be Careful What You Wish For Read More »
Like a binge drinker who chugs back one too many shots and regrets it the next day, you might be experiencing a peculiar hangover of your own – a financial hangover brought on by excessive shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. By some estimates, 147 million Americans headed out shopping Black Friday weekend. Some
4 Cures for a Black Friday or Cyber Monday Shopping Hangover Read More »
