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A stack of five colorful gift cards with values of $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.

Gift Cards: The Funny Hidden Messages Behind Giving and Receiving Gift Cards

1 Comment / Family Finances / / /

In the final days before Christmas, a lot of people will be buying gift cards for relatives, friends and co-workers. In fact, Americans will plunk down $28 billion for gifts cards over the holidays, with the average shopper spending $155 on gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation. Since gift cards are the single-most […]

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financial goals

5 Tips to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals in the New Year

Family Finances / / /

How well did you meet the financial goals you made on January 1 this past year? If you’re still struggling to keep that budget in order or you had to deal with some major financial emergencies this past year, now would be a great time re-evaluate your financial standing and set some new goals for

5 Tips to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals in the New Year Read More »

A steam train emerges from a dark tunnel, light and smoke billowing as it heads into a sunlit area, much like navigating through the aftermath of a financial train wreck toward brighter days.

3 Signs You’re a Financial Train Wreck Waiting to Happen

Family Finances / / , , , , , /

3 Signs You’re a Financial Train Wreck Waiting to Happen: As a Money Coach, I frequently hear from people who feel like they’re just one misstep away from financial ruin. Some are right—they’re drowning in debt or have little to no savings. Others are simply overwhelmed, unsure how to get back on track. How can

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loan approved

3 Ways a Peer-to-Peer Loan is Better for Your Credit Score Than Credit Card Debt

Loans / / /

With millions of Americans owing so much money on their credit card balances, it’s no wonder that a lot of them are looking at peer-to-peer loans as a way to pay down debt more quickly and have a lower interest rate. Getting credit or loans more cheaply is obviously a good thing for those who need

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medical bills

Can Calling About a Medical Bill or Debt Make It Stay Longer on Your Credit Report?

Credit Reports / / /

A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com wanted to know how long a medical debt stays on their credit report, and what happens if they make an agreement to start paying it again. This is what the person asked: Q: Is it true if you call to inquire about a medical bill, the time starts all over again

Can Calling About a Medical Bill or Debt Make It Stay Longer on Your Credit Report? Read More »

lost social security card

Lost or Stolen Social Security Card? Here’s Advice You Need

Identity Theft / / , /

If you’ve lost your Social Security card or maybe even had your Social Security number stolen, this is a very serious issue, because it could make you a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission says that identity theft strikes about 10 million Americans every single year. And the risks of identity theft are

Lost or Stolen Social Security Card? Here’s Advice You Need Read More »

A shiny red gift bow with pointed loops arranged in a star pattern, set against a plain white background.

Don’t Gift The Gift of Debt This Holiday Season

Personal Finance / / , /

Would you like it if somebody gave you a “gift” this holiday season that wound up costing you more than $30,000? I don’t know about you, but I’d consider that one very expensive “gift” that I’d certainly want to return. Yet, every year people give their loved ones financed or leased cars as “gifts.” “I

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A man and a woman sitting on a couch, closely examining documents about their child as a dependent at a small table in front of them.

Head of Household? Do You Have to Claim a Child as a Dependent?

Taxes / / /

The Head of Household filing status can mean a lower tax rate and higher standard deduction than a single taxpayer. Many people who are claiming this filing status wonder if they have to claim a child as a dependent on their return in order to qualify. The definition for this filing status is very specific

Head of Household? Do You Have to Claim a Child as a Dependent? Read More »

plan b

Planning Your Finances? Use This One Strategy For Economic Success

Family Finances / / /

If you’re ready to get your finances in tip top shape for the New Year, there is one simple strategy that can help you achieve economic security and success. The strategy is to ask yourself “What if?” and then come up with a preventive or proactive solution. “What if”: I lose my job (Would you

Planning Your Finances? Use This One Strategy For Economic Success Read More »

credit was ruined over medical bills

My Credit Was Ruined Over Medical Bills and Health Issues—Now What?

Credit Scores / / , , , , /

My Credit Was Ruined Over Medical Bills and Health Issues—Now What? If medical bills or a personal health crisis caused your once-solid credit score to nosedive, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience financial strain due to healthcare costs, and even a brief period of missed payments can leave a lasting mark on your credit

My Credit Was Ruined Over Medical Bills and Health Issues—Now What? Read More »

A person in a red tank top and blue jeans poses with arms raised in front of their face against a white background, striking a confident stance that seems to embody financial independence.

If You’re Too Scared to Face Your Finances Here’s What to Do

Family Finances / /

Are you too scared to face your financial situation? Maybe you’ve heard, time and time again, that you need to get your credit report or check your FICO credit score, but you’re too afraid to see what they look like. Perhaps you have a large or overdue tax bill and just thinking about the IRS

If You’re Too Scared to Face Your Finances Here’s What to Do Read More »

A close-up of the distinctive Facebook logo, featuring a notification icon that signifies one new friend request.

Poll:Half of Holiday Shoppers Not Setting a Spending Budget

Budgeting / / , /

So you’ve probably heard the news about the spending boom that occurred on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In-store and online sales were up 7% and 33% respectively, on each of those days. Even if you didn’t participate in the multi-billion dollar shopping frenzy, have you considered the spending you’re likely to do in the

Poll:Half of Holiday Shoppers Not Setting a Spending Budget Read More »

A yard sign in front of a brick house reads "Price Reduced," "Foreclosure," and "Bank Owned.

Buying a Home in Foreclosure? Here Are 6 Tips

Real Estate / / /

As more homes go into foreclosure, you might be considering investing in a foreclosed property to generate some extra income. Foreclosed homes can be moneymakers in strong rental markets or if you’re able to sell a deeply discounted property for a higher price in the future. Regardless of whether you’re considering a foreclosure for investment purposes or

Buying a Home in Foreclosure? Here Are 6 Tips Read More »

A yellow sticky note pinned to a corkboard with the word "Goodbye!" written in red, like a final message left at a bank teller's window.

5 Memorable Ways to Say Goodbye to Your Bank, a la That JetBlue Flight Attendant

Personal Finance / / /

Have you decided to make the switch from a bank to a credit union or to simply transfer banks? Many consumers are doing just that – especially in light of rising bank fees, the recent Bank Transfer Day and the ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement. 3 Ways to Avoid Rising Bank Fees While you can

5 Memorable Ways to Say Goodbye to Your Bank, a la That JetBlue Flight Attendant Read More »

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