Don’t Gift The Gift of Debt This Holiday Season
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 […]
Head of Household? Do You Have to Claim a Child as a Dependent?
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 […]
Planning Your Finances? Use This One Strategy For Economic Success
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 […]
My Credit Was Ruined Over Medical Bills and Health Issues—Now What?
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 […]
How to Turn Spending into Saving
From birth to 18, a girl needs good parents. From 18 to 35, she needs good looks, from 35 to 55, good personality. From 55 on, she needs good cash. I’m saving my money. ~ Sophie Tucker Well, I better start saving my money. I’m too old to get help from my parents and I am […]
If You’re Too Scared to Face Your Finances Here’s What to Do
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 […]
Poll:Half of Holiday Shoppers Not Setting a Spending Budget
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 […]
Buying a Home in Foreclosure? Here Are 6 Tips
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 […]
5 Memorable Ways to Say Goodbye to Your Bank, a la That JetBlue Flight Attendant
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 […]
Cyber Monday Shopping Tips For The Best Deals and Online Safety
Black Friday may have brought out the holiday shopping crowds, but Cyber Monday is increasingly generating the biggest bucks for retailers as consumers hop online to make merry and find gifts for the holidays. According to data from IBM Coremetrics and comScore, Cyber Monday sales rose 20% in 2010 and topped $1 billion in online […]
Credit Union Perks and Benefits To Know
If you’ve been thinking about closing up your regular bank account in favor of joining a credit union, make sure you understand both the benefits and disadvantages of making the switch. As bank fees continue to rise and many retail banks impose penalties on low balances, many Americans are turning their sights on credit unions […]
Financial Lessons From Kim Kardashian
When Kim Kardashian announced she was divorcing her husband, basketball player Kris Humphries, after just 72 days of marriage, the backlash against the reality TV star was swift and intense. Among those publicly calling the marriage a sham was none other than Kardashian’s former publicist, Jonathan Jaxson. But when Jaxson flat-out suggested in media interviews […]
How To Cope with Depression During the Holidays
As the holiday season gets into full swing, you may not be feeling as cheerful and festive these days as some of your friends and family members. Money problems or personal issues can dampen even the brightest of outlooks. In fact, for some people, the holidays end up being a time of sadness and even […]
5 Smart Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Year’s End
Looking for practical ways to earn extra cash before the year wraps up? Whether you’re prepping for holiday expenses or just want to boost your savings, now’s a great time to explore simple yet effective ways to make more money. You don’t need to take on another job or upend your schedule to bring in […]
Beware of Scammers Impersonating The Better Business Bureau
As much as you would like to believe it, no, you didn’t just win a brand new Mercedes Benz or $1 million – just in time for the holidays. That telephone call you may have received about your exciting “win” in a sweepstakes or lottery is just a scam, according to the Better Business Bureau, […]