You may feel compelled to file for bankruptcy in order to eliminate debt. However, the truth about bankruptcy is that it’s not necessarily a fresh start. Instead, it’s an easy way out with some potential future problems over the longterm. Here are some of the issues you are likely to face if you file for bankruptcy.
Parents: Can’t Afford To Send Your Student To College? Here Are 8 Options You May Not Have Thought Of
Paying for college can seem like the most unattainable task ever — but it isn’t. Parents, if you want your child to go to college — and your child wants to go to — it CAN be done. Here are 8 great ways to pay for college including claiming unused federal funds, applying for grants, and other tips you may not have thought about.
Should You Find A Roommate To Save On Housing Costs?
Roommates can make a lot of things easier including making it easier to pay your monthly house payment! However, roommates aren’t for everyone. Here are some things to think about before you try to find a roommate.
Should You Sacrifice Your Retirement Money For Your Child’s College Education?
Retirement money vs college money… As parents, we often put our children’s needs and desires ahead of our own — even if it means putting ourselves at risk. Our children’s education is no exception. We will sacrifice and put aside money for our kids’ college education, even if it means that we are not saving for our own retirement. Many experts advise against this.
Alternatives To Becoming Homeless: 7 Housing Options That Will Save You Money
Many people don’t understand the causes of homelessness and can find themselves quickly in this position. While you may have to give up your house and life as you know it, here are some awesome homeless prevention tips for you. Here are 7 ways to lower your housing costs.
How To Get A Student Loan When You Have Bad Credit
Bad credit student loans aren’t that difficult to come by. Here’s everything you need to know about the ways to get a student loan when your credit isn’t the best.
College Is Expensive: How To Get Your Money’s Worth
After you’ve determined how you’re going to pay for college and then you actually start your college education, it’s time to turn your attention to getting the biggest bang for your buck from the time that you spend there. Here’s how to get your money’s worth from the time you spend in college.
How To Make Your Car Last 100,000 Miles… Or Longer
The average life expectancy of most cars is about 8 years and 150,000 miles. If a vehicle makes it to 200,000 miles, you are riding on borrowed time and the car is paying you back. Here are the best tips I’ve found to make your car last longer.
8 Things Parents Should Teach Their Children About Money
I learned a lot from my parents about money. Or rather, I should say, I learned about how NOT to handle money. My plan is to NOT pass these financial disorders on to my own kids. Here are all the best tips for teaching kids about money.
What If You Paid For Everything In Cash?…
Common sense tells us that it’s cheaper to pay in cash than with credit cards and loans. But just how much cheaper is a cash payment? Here are some interesting facts to get you thinking about using cash whenever possible with some helpful tips thrown in about credit calculators and some fun cash trivia.
Little-Known Facts About Secured Credit Cards
If you’ve been thinking about getting a secured credit card you’ll want to know some basic info about getting a secured credit card and how they’re different from an unsecured credit card. If you need to improve your credit score which is the best option for you? Wondering if you should cancel your secured credit card? Have no fear… I’ve got the answers to your questions.
Credit Card Emergency: When Is It Okay To Use Credit Cards For Emergencies?
Do you have one credit card JUST for emergencies? Here’s what really qualifies as an emergency — what you should and should not use your credit card for.
Tips For Negotiating Closing Costs When Buying A New House Or Refinancing Your Current Home
Closing fees can range from $2,500 to $5,000… or more! Looking for tips on negotiating closing costs? Here’s a list of the home closing costs that can be negotiated, and those that can’t.
How To Tell If You Can Really Afford The Home You’re Living In
Do you think you can truly afford the home that you’re currently living in? According to Suze Orman, chances are you cannot. Here are some of the indicators that you cannot afford your home.
8 Things You Can Do To Lower College Expenses
Here are 8 things you can do to lower your college expenses including: applying to free colleges, taking college courses in high school, starting at a community college, starting with online courses, testing out of some classes, living off campus, living with your parents, renting text books.
Tips For Living Within Your Means (Especially When You Have No Money)
Experts tell us that the best way to stay out of financial trouble is to live within our means. Right? But there’s ‘living within your means’ and then there’s ‘living below your means’. Which boat are you in? Here are great tips that will help!
14 Little-Known Facts About Auto Insurance & The Factors That REALLY Determine Auto Insurance Rates
I remember a time when I had no idea how auto insurance rates were calculated. I needed coverage and paid whatever I was asked. I realized I was spending more than necessary when I looked into low-cost auto insurance and I’m sharing what I found out about how rates are determined and sharing some tips for getting the lowest auto insurance rates available to you.
Generation Y: Saving Money For The Future & The Quarterlife Crisis
If you’re a member of Gen Y, and you don’t have a savings account, then you probably don’t even care! Generation Y seems to be experiencing a quarter life crisis. Here’s what that means now… and for your future.
Learning From The Millionaire Next Door – How To Become A Millionaire
Want to become a millionaire? Here’s the profile of the typical millionaire. It’s a great list of things to strive for, and traits that you can actually achieve yourself.
Suze Orman Book Review: Women & Money, Owning The Power To Control Your Destiny
Suze Orman’s book, Women & Money, is for beginners. If you have not read any of Suze’s other books or if you have no knowledge of money management, then this book is definitely for you!
Why I Follow Suze Orman’s Financial Advice (…But Not Everyone Does!)
Suze Orman’s advice is simple: ‘people first, then money, then things.’ I have great confidence in her system and it has worked for me. Here’s why.
The Cost Of Raising A Toddler From Age 2-4
If you’re anything like me, you might not know the cost of raising a child. Following are the types of expenses generally required when raising a toddler age 2-4. Included are average daycare costs, toys for toddlers, medical expenses, food, and clothing costs. I’ve even broken it down so you know the cost of raising a child per year.
How To Qualify For The $8,000 Housing Tax Credit
First time homeowners can get up to $8,000 in the form of a tax credit from the U.S. government. And… you don’t have to pay it back! Who exactly qualifies? How does it work? How do you take advantage of this housing tax credit?
Credit Card Companies Are Profiling Shoppers & Adjusting Credit Limits
There is a lot of talk in the news lately about credit card companies that are profiling shoppers and lowering credit limits based on where they shop.
Ponzi Scheme Warning Signs You Should Look For
In a tough economy, more and more people are falling prey to Ponzi schemes in hopes of making easy money. Most don’t understand that the “easy money” they are going after is indeed a faulty scheme and they are the innocent victim. They fail to see the warning signs of a Ponzi scheme.
Survival Tips For Single Parents Below The Living Wage
Those who make below a living wage make insufficient income to live locally given the local cost of living. Here’s what you can to in terms of budgeting for food, childcare, medical, transportation, housing, and miscellaneous expenses.
Ways That Parents Are Cutting Childcare Costs
As the economy worsens and parents find themselves short on money, more and more families are pulling young children out of daycare in search of other options. Here are some things to consider.
How To Get Free Eye Exams
Vision USA provides low-income and uninsured people with basic eye health and vision care for free. InfantSee provides a one-time, comprehensive eye exam for babies for free. Eyecare America provides free eye exams and services for seniors.
3 Good Reasons To Make Charitable Contributions
Charitable contributions may be the last thing you have on your mind during tough times. But, the truth is, giving away money, time, and items is always a good idea. Here are the top 3 reasons to consider making charitable donations this year.
How To Protect Yourself From Theft During The Holiday Season
Especially during the holiday season, there are people who aim to steal purses, pick pockets, and take purchases from your car. Here’s how to avoid holiday theft this shopping season.
Out Of Control Bank Fees Signal It Might Be Time To Put Your Money Under A Mattress
Bank fees are at an all-time high. Some of these bank fees can be avoided. Here are some things you can do to keep a handle on bank fees…
Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Can You Keep After Filing For Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy exemptions are items that are exempt from being sold in order to discharge your debts. These exemptions are basically items that you need for a fresh start after your bankruptcy is discharged. Here’s what you need to know.
Beyond Winterizing: 6 Ways To Cut Costs This Winter
Beyond typical winterizing, here are some things you can do to boost your energy and money savings during the winter…
Car Salesman Tricks To Make You Buy A Car… Right Now!
Even more experienced car buyers can be caught in car salesman tricks of the trade. Here’s what to watch for when a car salesman tries to sell you new car.
Debt Support Groups Help You Get Out Of Debt Faster
Perhaps it’s time to start talking debt help and how to get it. Have you ever looked into money management support groups? It’s time to stop letting shame and inadequacy keep us from being real and honest about money and finances. Here’s what I’ve learned about debt support groups, including how to find online support groups as well as local debt support groups in your area.
How To Pay Off Old Bills While Raising Your Credit Score Using The ‘Pay For Delete’ Method
Here’s how to pay off your bills and boost your credit score at the same time… there is a little-known way to do this. It’s called the ‘pay for delete’ method of paying off debts.
How The Mortgage Collapse and Government Bailouts Will Affect You
If the government can bail out AIG, why aren’t everyone’s debts also canceled? That’s a good question, but is it a good idea? Here’s what you need to know about the latest mortgage crisis and how these government bailouts will affect you.
Do You Need A Financial Planner? Here’s How To Tell & What To Look For In A Financial Planner
While many people may be perfectly capable of managing their own finances, they may not be educated in all aspects, or may not have the time to keep an eye on their money and financial plans. That’s when hiring a financial planner makes the most sense.
What Are John McCain’s Plans For The Economy?
A review of presidential nominee John McCain’s plans for the economy.
What Are Barack Obama’s Plans For The Economy?
John McCain says Barack Obama will raise taxes for everyone. Barack Obama says John McCain will give the rich tax cuts while cutting needed services. McCain accuses Obama of giving government hand-outs. Obama accuses McCain of not being in touch. Aside from the accusations, where do the presidential nominees stand on the economy? Following is a summary of Barack Obama’s plans for the future, as well as his past actions to improve the economy.
Prevent Identity Theft By Shredding – What To Shred, What To Keep & How To Choose A Shredder
It’s NOT illegal for people to go through your trash. That’s why you need to shred anything that has personal information on it. Otherwise, identity theft may be in your future. Here’s what to shred & what to keep. Plus, the difference between cross cut paper shredders and strip cut paper shredders
Consumer Credit Counseling Service: Can Credit Counselors Really Help You Get Out Of Debt?
Credit counselors help consumers manage — and ultimately lower — their debt. They promise to negotiate with debtors, create payment plans, and lower the interest rates of people in debt. Their ultimate goal is to eliminate your debt. Credit counseling can be good… so good, it’s even mandatory in some situations — like before you can file for bankruptcy.
Monthly Budget Experiment: How Much Money Do YOU Need To Get Through A Month?
At what point is monthly budgeting a means of saving and planning for the future, as opposed to a means for survival?
Teen Money: Teaching Teens to Be Thrifty
Since most people start giving their children more financial responsibilities in their teen years, it makes sense to teach them a thing or two about spending wisely, as well. Here are a couple of quick and easy tips that your teen will understand.
What If Your Spouse Died Today? Are You Ready?
Of course, no one is ready for their spouse to die. But it may happen unexpectedly one day. And you should do your best to be prepared in the event that it does. Here are the best tips for making sure that you’re able to pay for the funeral, while at the same time keep your head above the water — financially.
Playing The Home Market: Buying A New House And Bailing On The Old
These days, people playing the home market in a way that is very similar to playing the stock market. Here’ how it works, and what you need to know if you’re considering buying a new home and bailing out on your old home.
MyGallons.com – Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Prepaid Gas Card?
MyGallons.com is one of the prepaid gas cards on the market today and it allows you to pre-purchase tomorrow’s gasoline at today’s prices. So, is it worth it? Should you really pre-pay for gas like this or should you just buy traditional gas gift cards? Are there any ‘catches’? Here’s what you need to know before you sign up for prepaid gas with MyGallons.com.
Investing In The Stock Market – Advice For Beginners
Wondering how to invest in the stock market for the first time? Afraid of investment frauds? If you think that playing the stock market is out of your reach because you just don’t understand how to do it, then you’re not alone. Trust me. Here are some tips for investing in the stock market safely and wisely.
IMPORTANT: Do You Know The Difference Between A FACO Score (Or FAKO Score) vs A FICO Score?
Some companies look at FACO scores rather than FICO scores, but most use a FICO score. If you’re paying for a credit report to learn what your credit score it, make sure you’re getting a FICO score! Here’s the scoop…
When A Loved One Can’t Or Won’t Manage Their Money
Showing someone else how to manage money may be easy when that someone is your teenager. If you’re trying to help another member of your family who’s asking you for money, giving them money management tips is probably not going to be as easy. Here are some things you can do when dealing with a loved one who cannot or will not manage their money.
