Saving Secrets: How to Save at Least $50 a Week
While $50 might seem like a lot of money, making a few small changes can leave you with that much, or more, at the end of every week. “When you really think about it, saving $50 a week isn’t that much money,” points out Brandon Small, a Minneapolis-based Charted Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant. “If you do four cash transactions a day, you probably get a good chunk of that back in coins every week.”
How to Develop a Personal Budget to Buy a Car
How to Develop a Personal Budget to Buy a Car Before you head down to the dealership to check out the latest models, it’s important to set a personal budget so you know how much you can afford. “When planning to buy a car (or…
Finances 101: How to Buy Car Insurance for the First Time
You’ll save money if you can get on your parents’ insurance policy. Delving into the unknown is always a little scary, and when money is involved the stakes get even higher. But there’s no reason to get sweaty palms and heart palpitations just because you’re…
Finances 101: Opening Your First Checking Account
Finances 101: Opening Your First Checking Account Opening your first checking account, no matter how old you are, is a sign of financial independence. In fact, it’s almost a necessity to function financially. Before you open your first account, make sure you shop around to…
3 Budget Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
3 Budget Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt If you have credit card debt you’re trying to pay off, you’re not alone. As of the start of 2013, Bankrate.com reports that Americans had more than $600 million of credit card debt. “Paying off debt…
Tuition Costs and Your Wallet: Are You Eligible for Financial Aid?
Investing in your education can boost your earning capacity, even if the value of your education doesn’t become obvious when you first graduate. Determining the impact of tuition costs might seem a bit daunting, however. “The key to maximizing your investment is navigating financial aid,” says Jason Steele, a certified college planner in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here are some tips to get you started.
Real Estate & Personal Finance: Can a Mortgage Lien Stop Me From Buying a Second Home?
Real Estate & Personal Finance: Can a Mortgage Lien Stop Me From Buying a Second Home? Buying a home is usually “smart debt” because you’re building equity. The more equity you build, the more your personal wealth grows. But if you’re thinking about buying a…
Personal Finance Turnaround: Debt Management Resources
Personal Finance Turnaround: Debt Management Resources The most courageous step you can take to improving your financial health is admitting that you need assistance with managing debt. According to Certified Consumer Credit Counselor Natasha Wyckoff, “One of the positive aspects of a fluctuating economy is…
Negotiation, Budgeting & Setting Financial Goals for Couples
Negotiation, Budgeting & Setting Financial Goals for Couples If you and your partner don’t see eye-to-eye on money issues, establishing a joint budget can take work. Even if you’re both smart with money management, you may disagree on, say, whether buying a house is higher…
How to Make a Personal Weekly Spending Budget
How to Make a Personal Weekly Spending Budget Developing a budget is a great way to organize your finances, but challenges can arise if your bills and your paycheck come on different schedules. For example, your regular monthly bills, like your rent, cell phone bill,…