Real People. Real Experiences. Real Helpful.
If you're not paying for health insurance right now -- because you can't afford it. Trust me, you will pay dearly for it later -- when you DO need it. Health insurance is an unavoidable expense that must be worked into your monthly bills and expenses. It's unavoidable. Here's why...
Read moreI have finally come to the realization that bundling my utilities would also save me a great deal of money. Since each different utility service is fighting for our bundled services, I feel a bit fairly secure that if I don't like the way I am treated by one company, I can always move to another.
Read moreI started hearing reports that FreeCreditReport.com is not as free as the commercials say. So I decided to investigate the claims for myself. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there is only ONE true way to get a free credit report...
Read moreKnowing how to write a will is a great idea if you have children under the age of 18, have recently gone through a divorce, and for a multitude of other reasons. Making a will when you still have all of your faculties will give you the peace of mind you need. If you need a will, here are some tips for how to write your own will, what it will cost if you pay a professional to write a will for you, and free legal will forms so you can write a living will yourself.
Read moreHere are the best reasons to buy cars for cash, rather than financing.We recently weighed the pros and cons and this is what we determined when you chose to pay cash for used cars. I've also gathered some tips on how to avoid auto dealer scams, and what to watch for when you're buying a new or used car.
Read moreDo you realize that the average high school graduate lacks the basic skills needed to manage his or her own personal finances? In fact, most children tend to learn all of their parents' bad financial habits and none of the good. Fortunately, there is hope...
Read moreHearing about Ivan's financial situation on NBC's Today Show made me flash back to my own college days when I, too, was in debt up to my ears. Jean Chantzky's recommendation for Ivan was basically to try credit counseling. Here's why, plus what to look for when you're trying to find a reputable credit counseling company...
Read moreWith the popularity of cell phones and Internet sites that allow you to talk online, it is likely that home phones may go the way of street corner pay phones soon. When it comes right down to it, home phones are really no more necessary than pay phones. Plus, home phones can easily cost a family $100 or more a month!
Read moreI recently wrote about how adult kids living with mom and dad can put a drain on the parents' retirement. But if you turn the situation around, it could actually be quite advantageous. Extended families are good for finances...
Read moreThere are many advantages to paying a mortgage over paying rent. Still, renting a home is not exactly a waste of your money. Here are some interesting facts regarding renting vs owning a home.
Read moreNow that Tax Season is over and you have (hopefully) completed your tax returns and put them behind you, here are some things you can do to make the next tax season even easier. Things to do WAY before April 15th...
Read moreAre there any incentives to purchase savings bonds right now? While I-Series savings bonds are less desirable today than they were just a month ago, there are still reasons you may want to purchase savings bonds at this time. Here's what you need to know about Series I bonds.
Read moreMeasuring one method of doing dishes against another, dishwashers cost less and get your dishes cleaner than hand-washing alone. Here are some other things you can do to save money while using the dishwasher to clean your dishes...
Read moreWhen your spouse dies, what in the world are you supposed to do next? How do you keep your head above water -- financially -- in addition to keeping it all together emotionally? Here are some tips for getting your financial things in order, so things will go more smoothly regarding money and paperwork after the loss of your spouse.
Read moreCatching up on your bills may not be easy -- especially if you are chronically behind -- but with a few months of sacrifice, you could get your payments on track and increase the amount of money you can spend on yourself. Here are some tips you can use to start paying your bills on time...
Read moreA large number of Generation Y is still living at home with mom and dad, in an effort to save for the future. While this means these adult kids will have more money in their bank accounts to buy a home and start a family, it also puts a strain on Mom and Dad's savings. And they still have their OWN future to plan for.
Read moreCan inflation actually pay off for us? Yep, here's how. According to financial guru Clark Howard, you should purchase savings bonds. Say what?!
Read moreIf you die, will the bank be willing to do business with your spouse? Will he or she have to move? Will the bank foreclose on your home? These are things you need to consider when purchasing a new home. The fact of the matter is, you should consider purchasing life insurance to protect your mortgage. Here's why...
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