Can I Extend the Expiration Date on a Gift Card?
Q: Do gift cards have an expiration date and can I extend the date if there is one? A: If you have a gift card – perhaps something a card you received during the holidays or as a birthday gift – and you’re worried about it expiring, there’s no need to worry. Thanks to the […]
A Teenager’s View on Why Parents Should Give Their Kids Holiday Gifts
As a sophomore in high school, the holiday season is an exciting time: there are winter break projects, class-wide Secret Santa missions, and of course getting to spend the Season of Giving with my family and friends. However, I’m noticing a growing trend in the blogosphere: parents saying they will give their kids far fewer presents than […]
Help for Shopaholics
Admit it: are you a shopaholic? Many of us go on shopping binges, or we find ourselves unable to resist certain things: like yet another purse or that oh-so-cute pair of shoes. It’s OK to shop. But when the shopping becomes excessive, or it drives you into debt, then that’s a problem. Here are some […]
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 […]
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 […]
5 Reasons Not to Spend Any Money on Gifts this Holiday Season
For many Americans, a big part of the holiday season involve giving presents to others. But it’s perfectly fine and feasible to not give gifts to family and friends and still enjoy the holiday season. In fact, if the tough economy or a job layoff has taken a toll on your household budget, this could […]
Layaway: Bad Advice That You Should Ignore
File this one under the “bad financial advice” category. An article that recently ran online from WSOCTV.com suggests that using layaway to pay for goods over time can be more expensive than credit cards. According to the story, “consumer experts say buying on a financial plan doesn’t always make sense. Experts say a typical shopper […]
Money Saving Tips for the Single Mom
When you’re a single mom and solely in charge of managing the family budget, it pays to be frugal – literally. Whether you’re supporting just one child or several children with your paycheck, you need to take extra steps to ensure your budget is in great shape. You also need to make sure you’re setting […]
Is It Smart To Buy A Car With Cash?
Q: Is It Smart To Buy A Car With Cash? A: Yes, it’s very wise to buy a car with cash. That’s the preferred way to get a car, in my opinion. You should also be able to get a better deal from a car company if you pay in cash – as opposed to […]
6 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays When You’re Broke or Unemployed
If you’re struggling financially or find yourself out of a job, it might seem difficult to muster up some holiday cheer. But a lack of money doesn’t mean you can’t have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here are some tips to help you survive – and even thrive – during the holidays, […]