Page 165 – The Money Coach

5 Questions You Must Ask Before Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Chapter 13, Chapter 7

A number of celebrities have made headlines in recent months for having enormous debts and tax problems or because they’ve filed for bankruptcy protection. Actor Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife, Nicole, reportedly owes millions of dollars, including five IRS tax liens of just under $850,000. Singer Toni Braxton recently went bankrupt for the second time, with debts […]

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5 Alternatives to Payday Loans

Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Payday Loans

Here are 5 alternative sources for cash to consider before using a payday lender: 1) Earn Cash By Being Neighborly Most of us are overworked and often overwhelmed -– and that includes the people who live right near you. If you can help out someone who lives nearby, that’s not just being a good neighbor,

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Book cover titled "Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months" by Melinda F. Emerson, featuring a testimonial, a calendar, and a tagline "Strategies for anyone, anywhere, in any field." Let Melinda Emerson guide you on your entrepreneurial journey!

Managing Positive Cash Flow in Your Small Business

Entrepreneurship / Guest Blogger / Cash flow, Melinda F. Emerson, Small Business

The two most important jobs you have as a business owner is getting business and getting paid. Being a bill collector is one the toughest jobs you’ll have as an entrepreneur. But if you take control of the situation up front, you can minimize any delays with payments. The key thing to do is make

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Finding The Money To Start Your Small Business

Entrepreneurship / Guest Blogger / Melinda F. Emerson, Small Business

If you are ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, you must get really focused on your finances, like to bring your invoice template online. It will be a real test to get back to only the bare necessities. Check out billig wordpress hjemmeside design from YGO.dk for your new website. Are you willing to reduce

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An entrepreneur wearing a pink checkered shirt is sitting at a desk with a laptop, smiling at the camera. The office background includes multiple computer monitors and paperwork. New Business

Can You Afford to Become An Entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Angel investor, Business plan, Entrepreneur, Small Business

Everyone has good ideas. Some of them may even be million dollar ideas, but if you live from paycheck to paycheck or way beyond your means, you may never be able to quit your job and start a business. As the Smallbizlady, often I get emails, facebook messages and DM’s on Twitter from people asking

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A computer keyboard features a prominent green key labeled "Save Money," replacing the standard key for a smarter, budget-friendly experience.

8 Things Small Business Owners Can Do Now to Save Money!

Entrepreneurship / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Melinda F. Emerson, Small Business

Here are 8 tips from Melinda F. Emerson, SmallBizLady, that small business owners can implement now to save money. 1. Track Expenses Using a Budget. Budgets are about planning and tracking spending – you need financial information to make business decisions. Track business expenses by month or by quarter. Ideally, you should have a twelve month budget,

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Several US dollar bills, including denominations of $5 and $100, placed inside a metal drainpipe, suggesting a tax refund being wasted or discarded.

Will I Lose My Tax Refund If I Declare Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / chapter 13 bankruptcy, tax refund

Question: I owe $1400.00 to the IRS and am making payments. My 2010 tax return is expected to be $1800.00. I understand that taxes owed can be paid in Chapter 13 but if the tax return comes after the Chapter 13 is confirmed will they take just the $1400.00 owed or my whole return? Answer:

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Free Tax Help for Military Members and Their Families

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Earned Income Tax Credit, Tax preparation, United States Armed Forces

The IRS wants military personnel and their families to know that they can get tax help free of charge. The no-cost tax help comes courtesy of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. Both the IRS and the U.S. Armed Forces participate in the VITA program, which offers everything from complimentary tax preparation service

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Earn Extra Cash to Pad Your Emergency Fund

1 Comment / Saving Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Emergency fund

Do you have enough socked away to cover your bills should you get slipped a pink slip? Typically I would say you should have enough savings to cover three times your monthly living expenses, but given this economy and the skyrocketing unemployment rate, six or nine months worth of savings is more ideal. Here are

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5 Tips for Getting Your Financial House in Order

Debt / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States ushered in a new era. As he said in his speech on Tuesday, January 20, 2009: “What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our

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Get Free Life Insurance for Your Kid’s College Expenses

Insurance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Life Insurance

All parents worry about their children — about their personal happiness, providing a good education for them, and of course, about their financial futures. For low-income parents, and single parents in particular, financial worries can loom especially large. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to recently come across an offer for free life insurance for

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A large green button with the words "GO!" written in white capital letters on its surface, signaling a fresh start for those rebuilding credit.

Pick the Right Credit Card For Rebuilding Credit

Credit Cards / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Orchard bank

As millions of people have filed for bankruptcy protection in recent years, many Americans want to know how to rebuild their credit rating after a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. One perennial question I’m often asked is: What is a good credit card to obtain in order to rebuild credit after bankruptcy? It’s a

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Top 10 Smart Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Personal Finance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / new year resolutions

Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions to add to your list: Eliminate credit card debt. Answer this question: Do you really want to be in debt year after year and living paycheck to paycheck? If you said “No,” then it’s time to get serious about managing your money and getting rid of excessive debt. You

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How Much Engagement Ring Can He (or You) Really Afford?

Family Finances / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Engagement ring, relationships and money

For many young couples, there is a certain amount of financial and emotional stress that comes with Valentine’s Day. Among women who are dating, the message they get from family, friends and others is that Valentine’s Day is the time to know if your guy is really into you. They may even start getting some

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Will Opening A Checking Or Savings Account Hurt My Credit Rating?

Credit Reports / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Credit Inquiry

Q: Will opening a savings account in order to save for a home down payment impair my credit rating by creating an inquiry on my credit report? A: No, any kind of checking account or savings account that you might have is: 1) Not reflected on your credit reports with either Experian, Equifax or TransUnion

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