Grad Money Matters

10 Things You Should Know Before You Get an Auto Loan

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:53:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Karen Schweitzer*)

Car dealers are working very hard to make sure that auto sales rebound over the winter season. And while it may seem like the ideal time to buy a new car, there are a few things you should know before you get an auto loan:

You Will be Subjected to a Credit Check

You May Need a Co-Signer

Loan Rates Will Vary

Loan Terms Affect Monthly Payments and Overall Costs

Zero-Percent Financing Isn't Always Available

Gap Insurance May Be Necessary

Extended Warranties Can Be Financed

Some Lenders Charge Prepayment Penalties

An Auto Loan Can Improve or Demolish Your Credit

You Can Refinance Later On

*About the author: This is a guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online degree programs for OnlineDegreePrograms.org

*Image Credit: Photograph by rev [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 Simple Steps to Improving Your Credit Score

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Mike Acheson*)

Most financial institutions use credit scores to help decide whether to lend you money or not. It is very important to have a good credit score if you are looking to apply for a personal loan, credit card, or a mortgage. It can be the single determining factor for many banks and credit card companies.

In the US, the average credit score is somewhere around 650-675 but most banks consider anything above 700 to be a good score. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your credit score.

The first step is to search the Internet to find a free credit report - there are a number of websites that offer this service such as Equifax and Experian.

After you have your report, follow these 10 easy steps to improve your credit score:

Learn how to read your report – It’s important to know how to read the report and to ensure you have accurate information about your starting score. After you have a clear idea of where you’re starting from, you can improve your score from there. Some people already have a good score and don’t need to make any improvements.

Find errors – While reviewing your report, make sure to take note of all your applications for credit and to ensure they are accurate. If there is information that doesn’t belong to you or if there are any other errors make note of this.

Addressing the errors – Once you identify a problem you will want to notify the major credit report companies immediately to get them to amend your report. By law, they are required to look into your claims within a month. If the information you provided is correct they will change your report to address any concerns you had.

Pay any overdue bills – It is important to pay all your missed loan repayments or any bills you may have from an overdrawn credit card. This is crucial. After these bills have been paid, not only will your credit report improve but also you will have the satisfaction of having paid these outstanding bills.

Communicate with your creditors – Contact your creditors after sending your payments so that they can update your information immediately – otherwise it can take a few weeks.

Stop relying on credit – Taking on credit is a dangerous path for most people – your debts can spiral out of control quite easily. If you’re trying to improve your credit score then don’t take out any more credit. It’s as simple as that. Credit cards and loans will only make the problem worse.

Ask about payment plans – Many creditors accept payment plans with their debtors. The main purpose is to allow you to catch up on your remaining bills but it also helps you gain control of your finances and to create good spending practices. Living within a budget can be a rewarding challenge.

Adjusting the frequency of your payments – When paying back debts, divide your monthly payments into weekly or twice-weekly payments. This will make your bank records show that you have made extra voluntary payments. The computers will register extra payments, which can increase your credit score significantly. This method of repayment also helps you not fall behind on your payments in the future. If you pay off all your debt then you wont have to worry about any of this.

Self-Debt Management – It’s likely that a debt management company will take a lot of your money but you can often set up your own plan to help pay back your debt. Search the Internet for do-it-yourself debt management strategies and start budgeting. With a little hard work you can pay off your debt in no time and have a sparkling credit report. It’s not easy but it can be done.

Don’t be tricked – A lot of companies and websites promise instant credit repairs and improvements but they are often trying to take advantage of you.

The best thing you can do is work on your credit score at a pace that works for you. You might not be able to make all your payments right away but chip away at your payments and you will see your credit score improve – all it takes is hard work and a little foresight. Good luck.

*About the author: This post was written by Mike Acheson, who writes about debt and life cover in Canada.

*Image Credit: Photograph by kevinzhengli [via Flickr Creative Commons]

5 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:10:00 +0000

(This is a guest article*)
With auto insurance being mandatory for all drivers, simply canceling coverage is out of the question. But paying for premiums that could be lower when you’re just starting to make some dough isn’t smart either, especially since student loans and other expenses loom. Auto insurance premiums can be especially daunting if your parents were taking care of them while you were in school. Fortunately, there is hope for the struggling grad and you may be able to hold on to more of your hard-earned cash.

Do smart comparison shopping

Look for multi-policy, and other discounts

Limit coverage on older cars

Raise your deductible

Maintain a clean driving record

*About the author: This article was written by NetQuote. NetQuote provides low-cost leads from most of the major insurance providers in the auto insurance industry.

*Image Credit: Photograph by net_efekt [via Flickr Creative Commons]

15 Free Online Accounting Courses for Self-Learners

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:02:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Karen Schweitzer*)

Getting a quality education in accounting doesn't have to mean spending several months in a classroom and several thousand on tuition. There are many free online courses that allow you to learn in your spare time and at your own pace. Here is a list of 15 free online accounting courses from top-notch colleges, universities, and educational institutions:

Financial Accounting - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a variety of free courses for self-learners including this Financial Accounting course. The free online course features 19 lectures in PDF format as well as other study materials.

Introduction to Accounting - This course from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) features an introduction to accounting. Students taking this course can gain a basic understanding of accounting and learn how to keep accurate books and financial statements.

Influences on Accounting Regulation - The Open University offers a six-hour masters course that discusses the national practice of financial reporting in the UK. The course is broken up into two sections, the evolution of regulation and jurisdiction rules.

The Accounting Process - This NetMBA course provides an overview of the accounting cycle. The course covers everything from beginning transactions to closing books.

Managerial Economics - This Utah State University course discusses the essential principles of managerial economics. The course's 17 weeks of lecture notes are presented in audio format.

Accounting for Advanced Accruals - SimpleStudies.com provides this online accounting course that explains accounts receivable and notes payable. Along with courses, this site also provides online exercises and an accounting dictionary.

Management Accounting and Control - This free MIT course provides an introduction to accounting information, performance, and control. The course is intended for those looking to become management consultants.

Principles of Financial Accounting - The University of Alaska offers this free accounting course to give students an understanding of accounting principles and terms. The course is presented through slide presentations, assignments, and practice exams.

Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning - This eight-module course in financial planning from the University of California-Irvine introduces students to the principles of accounting, investing, and taxation.

How to Prepare a Loan Package - This SBA course, which is the first in a series of online training courses for aspiring accountants and entrepreneurs, provides an in-depth look into creating and understanding a loan package. Upon completion of this self-paced course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion from the Small Business Administration.

Introduction to Strategic Management - Capilano University features this 15-week course to provide self-learners with an understanding of business analysis and business management. Course materials include presentations and assignments.

Introduction to Microeconomics - This Utah State University course focuses on the fundamentals of economics in the marketplace. Course offerings include fifteen assignments and four examinations.

Introduction to the Context of Accounting - This course from The Open University offers an overview of accounting and its origins. The four-hour advanced course provides learners with a clear idea of what accounting really means.

Taxes and Business Strategies - Students who take this free online accounting course from MIT will study tax planning and tax strategy for businesses. The course provides PDF lecture notes, assignments, and other downloadable course materials.

*About the author:Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online classes for OnlineClasses.org.

*Image Credit: Photograph by laurenmarek [via Flickr Creative Commons]

7 Easy Ways to Save on Healthcare

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:21:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Mary Ward*)

Healthcare costs are among one of today’s hottest topics. And, one thing that’s not up for debate is the fact that, whether you have employer provided healthcare or you’re paying for it on your own, costs have risen dramatically in the last few years. In fact, costs have risen so dramatically that many small businesses have had to cut health insurance for their employees, or at least reduce the benefits they pay for, and new businesses have difficulty adding this benefit for their workers. More people are paying for their own healthcare insurance than ever before. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce your healthcare costs under nearly any insurance plan.

Get a healthcare spending account – Healthcare spending accounts, sometimes called flexible spending accounts, allow you to have money taken from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis to go into an account to pay for out of pocket healthcare expenses. Because the money comes out pre-tax, you save tax dollars on anything you spend on healthcare in a year. You can use this money to pay co-pays and doctor bills as well as for prescriptions and over the counter medications. One drawback to these accounts is that any money you don’t spend during the calendar year is lost. So, be certain not to put too much into the account. And, as the year draws to a close, be certain that you’ve submitted all pertinent receipts for reimbursement.

Get healthy – Your healthcare costs over your lifetime will be less if you stay healthy. So, lose weight if you need to and quit smoking. In addition, don’t neglect preventative screenings like checkups, as these can help you catch any issues early on. In addition, some employers today are offering cash incentives to employees who meet certain health criteria. In the future, expect to see higher insurance premiums for people who are more at risk for disease, such as smokers and those who are obese. There’s no question that, over the next few years, the healthiest people will get the best insurance rates.

Switch to a "high deductible" plan – If you’re relatively healthy, a high deductible plan may save money over the long run. In such plans, you receive insurance negotiated rates for services and pay very low premiums. However, rather than co-pays you pay for each doctor visit at the negotiated rate. A healthcare account can be established for you (and sometimes your employer) to deposit money for paying your medical bills. There are two primary advantages to these plans. The first is that, in most cases, preventative procedures are free. This feature saves you hundreds of dollars each year and removes any excuses for not getting routine checkups and testing performed. The second is that the money in your healthcare account bears interest and rolls over from year to year. So, if you can stay healthy for a few years, you’ll have money built up when a big medical expense comes along.

Tweak your options – Similar to the above, even small changes to things like office visits, emergency room, and prescription co-pays can make a sizable difference in your premium. If you are willing to pay slightly higher co-pays, you may find an advantageous trade-off in the form of your premium. Just be sure to work the numbers so that the co-pays don't end up costing you as much as the premium savings. Also, ask about other features that could benefit your wallet, such as free (no co-pay) annual exams and discounts on eye care or dentistry.

Working the Network – Depending on your provider and plan, you may have lower-cost yet still quality options for using in-network providers for much lower premiums and co-pays. Talk to health plans to see if something like this can work for you, but realize that it often means switching your care provider; that's a benefit you'll have to weigh out.

Use those benefits! Many plans offer reimbursements and vouchers for things like gym memberships, weight loss plans, children's activities, and more. Often, these are things you are paying for anyway, not to mention that they are designed to get you healthier (see number 2) so be sure to take advantage of these programs—a few minutes filing an application really can add up to hundreds in savings.

Shop around – It’s not usually a wise idea to simply renew health insurance coverage each year without evaluating your options. If you haven’t shopped around for healthcare insurance in a few years, now is the time. Even if it means just evaluating a second option your employer may offer, it could pay to make a switch. Be sure to check with the company providing your auto insurance, too. They often have health insurance plans, and with a multi-line discount, may offer a very attractive policy. Never assume that your employer’s plan offers the best deal. Unions and other professional organizations may offer discount health insurance policies, too.

Healthcare and medical insurance are very volatile subjects in the US right now. We can only hope that all the discussion will lead us to more options and more affordable options for everyone. In the meantime, however, don’t forget to look at ways to save money on your current plan, as well as evaluating that plan to see if it still works for you or if another plan can save you money. We all need healthcare insurance; we just don’t need to go broke trying to get it.

*About the author: Mary Ward is a freelance writer and likes writing about healthcare career topics, such as how to obtain an online x-ray tech degree.

*Image Credit: Photograph by Badly Drawn Dad [via Flickr Creative Commons]

7 Don’ts for Fiscal Freshmen

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:14:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Jack Busch*)

As a student, your financial picture is a bit unique. You have few assets and few hours to devote to a job, thus little income. You have little credit history (good or bad) but some limited access to revolving credit and other loans. Because of this, the years between matriculation and graduation are somewhat of a testing ground for your creditworthiness. Lenders give students just enough rope to hang themselves – and during those crucial four or so years, you can either establish a firm foothold on your way up to excellent lifelong credit or scar your credit rating for life with poor decisions. But by being an early adopter of responsible spending habits, you can save yourself from a lifetime of debt and sorrow. Your continued fiscal auspiciousness should be dictated by a series of don’ts. For example:

Don’t carry a balance.

If you have to use that emergency credit card, make sure you get it paid off ASAP. If that means no pizza or beer for a week, then so be it. If it means borrowing $50 from your pop, then do it. Believe me – it’s worth it to miss out on that one wild night in order to avoid the never-ending downward spiral of credit card debt. As long as you don’t flunk out, there’ll be plenty more wild nights to come. But that credit card debt will last far longer than a hangover if you let it get out of hand.

Don’t open multiple accounts.

If you’ve gone ahead and ignored the first don’t and maxed out your credit card, then don’t make things worse by getting another credit card. Instead, focus on paying down your current debt or, as a last resort, transfer your balance to a 0% interest card, such as the Discover More Card (but watch out for those fees!). I’m actually a bit hesitant to recommend the latter route, since two cards are always tougher to pay off than one, and you likely won’t qualify for a favorable credit with high debt to credit ratio. Opening another credit card count when cash is tight is akin to drilling a hole in a sinking boat to let the water out. It just doesn’t make sense.

If things are truly dire, you may want to consider credit counseling or a debt consolidation loan. But both of these open routes open an entirely different can of worms – do so with caution.

Don’t spend your salary before you’ve got it.

Yes, I know, you think you’re going to be a wheelin’ dealin’ lawyer or a snazzy corporate consultant when you graduate. But don’t bank on that bestselling novel or big banker’s bonus to pay for your credit card debt in college. First of all, your lucrative career is going to be four years down the road (or more, if the job market stinks) which gives all that debt plenty of time to accumulate interest. Plus, you’ll have an entirely new set of expenses once you’re living the urban professional lifestyle. Going into the post-grad world with a bunch of undergrad debt is like going straight from being a student to being a parent. Except that lousy ungrateful kid you’re paying for is yourself.

Don’t use your credit card to its full extent.

Ever notice how your car’s speedometer goes up to something like 140 miles per hour? Ever notice how driving that fast will get you killed or arrested? Your credit card is the same way. There are lots of neat features that come with your credit card, such as cash advance, convenience checks and deferred interest. But don’t use them and don’t use up all of your credit line. Cash advance (i.e. getting cash from an ATM using your credit card) comes with an astronomically higher interest rate and can’t be paid off until the rest of your balance is paid off. That means that $60 you pulled out can actually end up costing you twice that much in the long run. Use your credit card only for emergencies or only to rack up points, cashback and rewards and then pay it off in full each month.

Don’t forget to check your statement.

You’re already checking Facebook every 24 minutes, why not bookmark your bank’s website while you’re at it? Knowing what you’re spending and how much you’ve got to spend will save you from overdraft charges, over-the-limit fees, late fees and other unpleasant surprises. If that’s too boring for you, there are plenty of flashy tools that you can use to track your finances, such as Mint, Thrive and Wesabe.

Don’t let your parents write the check.

To get the full gravity of how much everything is costing you, arrange your finances so that the money for tuition, room and board, etc. comes out of your account. This can be necessary for tax purposes but it also instills a sense of how much everything is costing and how money should be budgeted.

When I was in college, my grandparents paid for much of my expenses. But instead of cutting the school a check whenever money was due, they just plunked all the money I was going to get from them into my checking account on day one. It was a daunting sum of cash to see on my bank statement, but I knew that if I blew it all, it’d be the end of my education. I was in charge of writing my rent check each month and arranging payments with the school’s registrar to make sure I was still signed up each semester and it taught me a lot about handling vital finances.

Of course, you don’t have to go it alone completely. It’s not a bad idea to become an authorized user on one of their credit cards strictly for emergencies. Especially since the credit cards for college students offered (for a limited time) on campus can often be riddled with pitfalls and traps designed to extract money from the uninitiated.

Don’t let your spending outstrip your income.

This is a pretty simple one. If you have no job, then you have no income. This should make budgeting easy. If all you have is some money you received as a gift for your high school graduation and a check for your birthday and Christmas, then it should be pretty easy to calculate how much you can spend before you’re broke. If this kind of lifestyle feels restricting, then get a part time job. Donate plasma. Wash dishes in the cafeteria or get a work-study position through the school. You can party all you want as long as you subsidize the expenses.

This last don’t is important , and if you can’t remember anything else from this article, remember this: don’t live beyond your means. Follow that one rule and you’ll be fine.

Let college be the time in your life when you forge a healthy relationship with credit. Because once you get out and payments on your student and federal loans become due and it comes time to finance a house, a car and a family, the rules will stay the same but stakes get much higher. Master these guidelines today and thank yourself for sidestepping crippling debt tomorrow.

*About the author: Jack blogs about personal finance, credit cards and debt management at Master Your Card and DebtLoans.com.au.

*Image Credit: Photograph by RBerteig [via Flickr Creative Commons]

5 Ways Parents Can Help Reduce Student Debt

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:42:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Gary Foss*)

Often when a child leaves to enter further education, they will not have had to budget or manage their own money before. This can be quite a shock to the system and some young adults will deal with this more responsibly then others. Unfortunately, some will leave with considerably more debt than others. In many cases, this will be because the temptations of having money are all too much.

Many parents may not be able to help their children by providing money and helping to pay for their education and, for this reason, there is a lot that parents can do to help build their child’s financial independence before they leave.

1) Teach Them to Become Financially Independent

One of the best things that you can do is to encourage your child to save their money from an early age and to see and enjoy the benefits of saving. Often this will also result in the child feeling less inclined to spend their money in one go or on items that they do not really need.

It can be a good idea to encourage your child to have a small job when they are old enough, as again, this teaches them responsibility for their own money. It will also further reinforce the idea of saving and hopefully they will take pride in being able to manage their finances independently.

2) Point them in the right direction to fund their education

There are a number of ways to find money for education these days. Help your son or daughter identify these avenues:

a) Student Loans

b) Scholorships & Bursaries

c) Family Assistance

d) Commerical debt

3) Help them stay on top of their finance

You may also find that suggesting they keep track of all their income and expenses will teach them how to budget their money, which is an essential skill for the future. Once your child has begun full-time education it is advisable to sit with them and establish some form of budget.

This could be simply working out how much money they have per week and then taking out only this amount from the cash machine to avoid overspending. Something like this can really make a difference to how much debt they will have when they eventually leave. You should also advise against obtaining store and credit cards as these can provide too much temptation and cause them to accumulate debt.

4) Encourage them to get a part-time job

Some students don’t have the time or the energy to pick up a part time job on top of their studies but many can and should. If it’s possible, encourage your children to get a part-time job or even a full-time job during the summer vacation from school.

A job will give them a chance to earn a bit of money to go towards their education but it will also give them a sense of how much things actually cost. A student that never works doesn’t understand the costs of their education and the things that come along with it (Ie. housing, food, clothing etc.)

5) Help them if they’re having trouble

Lastly, you should always encourage your child to talk to either yourself or someone in a relevant department at their University or college if they do find they are struggling with their finances. Often, students will struggle on and get themselves into even more debt because they did not want to admit that they could not cope.

You might also need to bail them out by lending them money to cover their education debts – you obviously want your child to be able to stand on their own two feet but sometimes they might need your help to save them from financial disaster.

*About the author: This is a guest article by Gary Foss from SIPPS.org.uk - personal pension and finance specialists.

*Image Credit: Photograph by upsuportsmouth [via Flickr Creative Commons]

Credit Card Debt Among College Students

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:36:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Clark Chambers*)

College students are increasingly relying on student credit cards to make ends meet. According to student lending giant Sallie Mae (SLM), average credit card debts carried by graduating college seniors jumped $1,200 between 2004 and 2008. The same study also shows that only a shocking 15% of college students do not carry any credit cards.

The number of credit card-toting college students should change however now that the “Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights” act was signed into law. The bill requires credit card companies to lay off the high-pressure pitches to college students unless the students have proof of independent income or complete a financial literacy course. Otherwise, the credit card companies need Mom and Dad's consent to market credit cards to college-age students until they reach the age of 21. So, what does the passing of this new bill mean for students? No more stacks of credit card offers piled up in their mailboxes right after their eighteenth birthday, shucks!

The provisions in the "Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights” act also outline new protections for college students in the form of credit line limits and requirements that card issuers may ask for. Card companies must receive proof of income and credit history, or a co-signer before issuing a card to borrowers still in college.

Reasons for the card increase amongst college students

According to some research analysts, college students make easy targets because they have little independent income and a significant need for ready cash, and Mom or Dad will often step in if a college student gets into trouble with a credit card. But, the main issues right now are the lack of college financial aid and personal savings, combined with skyrocketing college costs create the perfect storm for college students to go looking for additional funds.

Another cause for student’s increasing their needs of credit cards is the lack of private student loan funding available for school. Do to the current credit crisis and the changes the Government made to the student loan industry, students are finding it more and more difficult to find private student loans. So, the next best thing students are turning to is student credit cards to pay for living expenses, books, fees, supplies, and in some cases, college tuition itself. Often, with the constant hounding of the credit card companies on and off campus, students eventually find themselves holding on to four credit cards, complete with balances, by the time they graduate school.

Ways to avoid a credit card disaster

Only buy what you can afford. May sound like common sense, but this is where a lot of people get into trouble. That new Macbook Pro or HDTV you’d never have the cash to pay for may seem like a good idea when you’ve got plastic. If you are unable to afford to pay with cash or a check, don’t charge it.

Do not replace student loans for credit cards. Federal college loans have low, fixed interest rates, as well as borrower benefits that will allow you to postpone making your payments if you’re ever experiencing a financial hardship. This is something credit card companies will not keep in mind. Take advantage of your federal aid, scholarships and private student loan options first to cover all your school expenses before turning to credit cards.

Get digital. Most major card companies offer automatic e-mail or text alerts that can notify you about your current balance and payment due dates. If you’re prone to forgetting payment dates, use these alerts. It will make remembering those bills so much easier and save you money.

Pay off that balance. Don’t settle into the habit of paying only the minimum due, pay off the entire card balance each month to prevent years of payments.

Put it on ice. If all else fails, stick those credit cards in a large bowl, fill it with water, and stick it in the freezer. The next time you’re tempted with an impulse buy you’ll be giving yourself time to think. Thawing or breaking apart that block of ice will give you the needed time to collect your thoughts and really think about that purchase you are about to make.

*About the author: This guest post was provided by Clark Chambers, a freelance writer who covers topics on college finances including; financial aid, private student loans, student credit cards, and debt consolidation.

*Image Credit: Photograph by Andrman [via Flickr Creative Commons]

The Value of Education: Is the Investment a Good One?

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:36:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Lewis Bennett*)

Entering into further education can be extremely beneficial to your future. It is also a necessity for a wide range of jobs and careers, such as becoming a doctor, nurse, dentist or engineer. Although continuing on to University or College can be costly, it also provides you with a lot of life experiences that you would otherwise miss out on. It can enable you to build additional skills and confidence, and provide a number of new opportunities.

Nearly 90% of young people in America graduate from high school, and about 60% of those graduates start college the next year. There are a number of reasons why students choose to attend college.

How Your Education Affects Your Career

For those considering further education, there is still evidence to indicate that you are more likely to be in demand than those who do not have any extra qualifications. Furthermore, there is also a great deal of evidence to suggest that those with degrees will also fill higher level occupations as they are deemed to be more qualified.

Earning Potential

By obtaining a higher education qualification, you will invariably increase the amount that you are capable of earning and be provided with a much more extensive range of opportunities in the long-term.

The US Census Bureau is quoted with saying the following:
“Adults with advanced degrees earn four times more than those with less than a high school diploma. Workers 18 and older with a master’s, professional or doctoral degree earned an average of $82,320 in 2006, while those with less than a high school diploma earned $20,873.”

Americans with a bachelor’s degree earned $56,788 on average according to the Census while those with a high school diploma only earned $31, 071. This is a significant amount of money but when you calculate that amount over 10 or 15 years that number rises to $150,000 and $225,000 respectively.

A Rewarding Career

Having an extensive education behind you also makes you more likely to have a long lasting and rewarding career rather then just some job. Anyone can find a job but a fullfilling career can be more elusive.

It has also been noted that those who graduate from further education are more likely to work for the majority of their life and are unlikely to be unemployed.

Education doesn’t guarantee success

A college degree doesn’t necessarily guarantee success but it does increase your chances of obtaining wealth. There are lots of highly educated individuals working at gas stations and there are grade school dropouts running multinational corporations but statistics show that an education will increase your chances.

In a recent survey of some of the America’s wealthiest businesspeople, 30% felt that a good work ethic was the most helpful asset in achieving success. Work ethic was chosen just slightly more than the 28% that said a post secondary education was more important.

“Donative Commercial Non-Profits”

There are a number of economists that study higher education, like Gordon Wilson, who suggest that universities and colleges are “donative commercial non-profits” – that is, they are institutions that charge a fee, but where that fee doesn’t cover the cost of the product.

A business and a “donative commercial non-profit” are different in many ways – to start with, motivation and customer choice are very different. Prospective students and their parents base their decisions on hunches and reputation. In that sense, you often only have one chance at choosing a college: therefore there is no opportunity for repeat customers.

Another important element is how your fellow students will influence the value and quality of your education – both in the present and throughout the rest of your career and life. The networks of fellow alumni and the prestige of your educational institution will follow with you for years to come.

Additional Benefits to Further Education

Many students believe that their going to University was incredibly worthwhile and that they learnt a lot about themselves, as well as obtaining qualifications to obtain a good job once they graduated. There is also the added benefit of experiencing a wide social scene and mixing with people from different cultures. You are also far more likely to develop good communication skills and this is something that is just as attractive to future employers as your degree.

Even if you feel that your time has passed, you can still opt to continue your education at any age and mature students are becoming more and more common.

*About the author: This article was written by Lewis Bennett - He writes about education and finance, including the mortgage and remortgage market.

*Image Credit: Photograph by CarbonNYC [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 Ways to Dramatically Improve Your Credit Score

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:18:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Karen Schweitzer*)

Everyone knows that paying bills on time will have a positive impact on credit scores. What many people don’t realize is that there are lots of other ways to improve your score--no matter how low it is. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:

Check your report for errors. A low credit score can sometimes be a byproduct of errors on your credit report. Since an estimated four out of five reports have errors on them, there is a very good chance that yours does as well. If you do find an error, you can dispute it with creditors and the three credit bureaus before any more harm is done to your score.

Add as much info as you can. Depending on what is already included, adding information to your credit report can sometimes increase your credit score. Things to add include: birth date, address, telephone numbers, bank account numbers, and employer.

Get a credit card. Getting a credit card is a good way to establish credit history. The longer your credit history is, the better it is for your score. And when you use credit and pay it back responsibly, it impacts your score in other positive ways.

Piggyback on someone else's card. When you add your name to someone else's credit card account, you can piggyback on their good credit. Every time they make a charge and pay it off, it helps your credit score. One warning--only do this if you are absolutely sure that the person with the account is responsible and able to make the required payments. Late payments or slow payments on the card can have a negative impact on your score.

Request higher limits. When coupled with low balances, high credit card limits can boost your credit score. Most credit card companies will up your credit limit if you make the request. If you're a good customer, you can request and get higher limits several times throughout the year.

Negotiate better terms. Having better terms (lower interest rates) on your credit cards can make them easier to pay on time. And as everyone knows, paying on time is the best way to steadily improve your credit score.

Re-open closed accounts - Closing an account is never a good idea. Even if you don’t want to use a particular card anymore, you should still keep the account open. Long credit histories are always better than short credit histories. If you recently closed an account, call the creditor and request to re-open the SAME account. Within a few weeks, you'll probably see a double-digit increase in your score.

Get a loan. Getting and paying regularly on car loans, personal loans, student loans, home equity loans, and other types of credit typically issued by banks can lead to double-digit improvements in your credit score in just a few months time. Be careful not to make any late payments through. Just one late payment on a loan can undo months of dedication and hard work.

Lower your debt. This is usually easier said than done, but it is a good way to improve your credit score. Having a low debt-to-income ratio makes it easier to get a loan. It also makes it easier to pump your score up in a few months time.

Pay off old debts. Old debts and past due accounts can be a huge drain on your score. Even small bills of less than $100 will drag your score down. Paying off these old debts will not create an immediate boost in your score, but it will prevent the debts from working against you as you try to employ other score-hoisting tactics.

*About the author: This is a guest post by education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online courses for OnlineCourses.org.

*Image Credit: Photograph by khalid almasoud [via Flickr Creative Commons]

How to Spot Financial Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:35:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Lewis Bennett*)

Financial abuse is the act of stealing or defrauding someone of their money, possessions, or property. It is a very common form of abuse in the United States. If you are being financially abused, or know someone who is, then there are a number of ways that you can beat this problem but first you must learn how to identify it.

The following is a list of some of the indicators of financial abuse:

Forging a signature

Inability to afford things

Things going missing

Unexplained changes to a will

How can this occur?

Often the person in question will be exploited by someone that they thought they could trust. This could be a carer, family friend, or even a member of the family. This can make spotting financial abuse difficult at times as it can be hard to distinguish. However, it is important to remember that no matter who is responsible for the abuse, it can all be dealt with by professional means.

Financial abuse can occur in the person’s own home, in a retirement home, or in a day care centre. The key is to be vigilant and recognise the signs above.

People that are most susceptible to financial abuse

Although people that suffer financial abuse come from a range of backgrounds, the following factors will make a person much more vulnerable:

Spending a lot of time alone
Mental or physical disabilities
Loneliness
Poor understanding of financial matters
Having unemployed family members or family with drug problems
Having family members that have recently died

Reasons for the financial abuse within the family

Oftentimes a family member such as son, daughter, grandchild, or spouse perpetrates these acts. They do this for a number of reasons:

They have drug, gambling, or financial problems
They stand to inherit a significant amount of money, which they feel is rightfully theirs
They have grudges with other family members and they want to prevent them from inheriting money
They have had a bad relationship with the family member and feel that they are owed this money

Who Should I Contact if I feel this is Happening?

If you are concerned for yourself or for someone that you know, then you should contact Health & Human Services in order to explain the situation to them. They should then be able to investigate the circumstances of this further.

Should you feel that a crime has been committed and you have proof of such, then you can contact the police. The important thing to remember is that you must contact someone for help immediately and do not let the situation continue. The police will likely suggest that you contact the bank to freeze bank accounts that might be jeopardized by the financial abuse.

If you feel that you require any legal advice then you should contact a professional body, such as a solicitor, for further help and guidance.

*About the author: This information was put together by IVA Advice, a provider of free debt advice and resources

*Image Credit: Photograph by seretuaccidente [via Flickr Creative Commons]

Learning to Save - Tips on Starting Your Investment Portfolio

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:06:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Jeff Roberts*)

So you’ve done it... you landed that new job, and are well on your way to becoming the financially responsible adult your parents always dreamed of. And now for the first order of business - how to spend that newly fattened paycheck. Sure, you could buy gold and jewelry, a phone that does everything short of making coffee, or a new wardrobe to make sure you’re the snazziest accessory in your corner office. And while buying like there’s no tomorrow certainly holds an immense appeal, spending all of your extra earnings every month is a surefire way to end up in debt fast. After treating yourself to a few luxuries, it may be time give some serious thought to using your money more wisely. Now is the perfect opportunity to develop and begin to grow an investment portfolio. Think of it as a way to ensure that your money is making more money.

A portfolio is a collection of mixed investments. The assets within your investment portfolio can include everything from stocks and bonds to gold certificates and real estate (Or anything else that is expected to retain value long term). In essence, developing and building your portfolio is the most important part of diversification; the key to limiting your risk and maximizing your return. But if you’ve never invested (or, as is the case for many young Americans, even saved) before, the idea of building a portfolio can seem like a daunting task. The key, then, is to take it slowly; learning as you go which options are the best for you. There are, however, some basic guidelines that can help just about any budding investor:

Start with a goal
Knowing where you want to be is an essential first step in deciding how to begin. Of course, your investment goals will vary wildly based upon what stage of life you’re in, so you should be prepared to evaluate accordingly. A single person who is out of college and embarking on their first major career choice can afford to be more aggressive and take larger risks than, say, someone who has a family depending on them or is still struggling to pay huge student loan bills.

Money management is an abstract concept that can seem baffling, but everyone has dreams that they want to see realized. Come up with a concrete goal that you’d like to achieve, and suddenly setting aside money for your investments won’t seem like as much of a hardship. Motivation is a key ingredient to a successful investment strategy.

Do your research
This is probably the most important part of building a portfolio. Educate yourself on the basics of investing in general. You have to have a solid foundation on which to base your investment decisions. A great place to start is with the company that employs you, as it’s always a good idea to work with something you know a little something about. Read your company’s quarterly and annual reports, and compare them with the competition. (As an added bonus, you will develop a keener understanding of what makes your field of business tick) Use the internet, the newspaper, and the library as your tools for understanding as much as you can about the investment world. Once you have a general idea of how investing works, it’s time to talk to an investment advisor. Ask pertinent questions, and make note of any advice they offer you. You work hard for your money—don’t risk it until you’re sure that you know what you’re doing.

It’s also a good idea to find a mentor; someone who isn’t interested in selling you a product or service. A friend, family member, or coworker who does well in the market may have valuable insight for you.

Know what you can afford
Before you can even begin to assemble your portfolio, you need to determine your risk tolerance. Decide from the very beginning just how much you can comfortably afford every month. Some people like to carve out a certain amount (such as 10% of their paycheck) while others prefer to divert something along the lines of their weekly designer coffee habit.

It’s important to look for investment products that are within your level of acceptable risk. Start with something safe (mutual funds and bonds are usually very forgiving) to help you build confidence. If your employer offers a 401(k), use this as a jumping off point.

Keep in mind that if you keep all of your financial work with one bank, they will usually repay your loyalty with lower fees and better rates.

You’re ready to get started. Remember, this is supposed to be fun—you’re taking an active role in building your wealth. Build a trial portfolio of the stocks you’ve chosen based on your research. Look into respectable online brokerages with affordable fees. (Stick to the ones that don’t require a minimum investment amount to get started) If you’re dedicated… you’ll be surprised at just how quickly you can see your portfolio taking off.

*About the author: This is a guest post by Jeff Roberts, an industry expert on the Gold Market. Jeff also consults for Goldline International.

*Image Credit: Photograph by thinkpanama [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 Tips For an Affordable College Education

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:38:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Adrienne Carlson*)

It’s one of the most important phases of our lives; it’s the passage of rite we go through as we transform into adults from youngsters; and on the downside, it’s also a pretty expensive proposition. So if you want to maximize your college experience, you need to minimize your expenditure and debt. And if you’re looking for ways to do this, here are 10 tips for an affordable college education:

Search for grants and scholarships for which you are eligible, if you are not eligible, find out how you can change your status and work towards it. Grants and scholarships are attractive options to afford college because you don’t have to pay them back.

Check out the various loan programs sponsored by the Federal government to help students with their college costs. They carry a low interest rate and are your best bet if you have to borrow money to finance your education.

Save well in advance for your college tuition. If you’re bent on getting the best education possible, if you’re dedicated and determined to make it to college on your own steam, save from a very young age.

Ask your parents to put aside money towards your college education when you’re in middle school and work really hard at your grades in order to convince them that you do mean business and that their sacrifices are not in vain.

Get a part-time job or offer your services freelance in order to make extra money when you’re at college. It will be tough, but it beats borrowing money at exorbitant rates or being broke all through college.

Do your research thoroughly before you enroll at a particular college. Check out all the fees that you have to pay in a year and ensure that you have adequate funds or the means to procure them before you sign up.

Don’t spend unnecessarily and keep track of all your expenditure. Do not fall victim to peer pressure, especially when you know you cannot afford it and that you’re going to regret spending this money in the days to come.

Enroll in colleges that are close to where you live so you can save on accommodation and food expenses. Weigh the costs of travelling to school every day against the costs of staying on campus and having to pay for food and other expenses.

If you’re taking out a loan to finance your education, consider one that offers a forgiveness program and lets you work off your debt once you graduate. Loan forgiveness programs are available for people of certain professions, like doctors, teachers, nurses and others involved in service to the public.

If none of the above seems likely to be happening, choose a community college that teaches you a profession which you can use to make money once you graduate. If you’re bent on going to regular college, you could work at a part-time job even as you study in order to save money for tuition.

College is a wonderful experience; make it even better by staying debt free and graduating without a financial burden to bear.

*About the author: This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of accredited online university. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson83@yahoo.com

*Image Credit: Photograph by LuMaxArt [via Flickr Creative Commons]

33 Debt-Reducing, Money-Saving Calculators for the Newly Frugal

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:32:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Garrett French*)

To get ahead financially you can either make more money or spend less money. If "make more" isn't on your horizon it's time to adopt some frugal habits! Frugal habits can help you stretch your existing cash farther - or help you reduce debt sooner. Making the decision to adopt frugal habits will be easier if you can see how much extra money you'll be saving.

Here are the debt-busting frugality-growing calculators you'll find in this calculator collection:

6 Eating, Drinking, and Merriment Savings Calculators

9 Daily Commuter Vehicle Savings Calculators

4 Alternative Transportation Calculators for Daily Commuters

3 Purchase Decision Making Calculators for Impulse and Big Purchases

3 Kids Savings Calculators for the Early Years

5 Around the House Calculators for Home Ownership Savings

3 Appliance Savings Calculators

6 Eating, Drinking, and Merriment Savings Calculators

If you can make even small reductions to your regular expenses - drinking water instead of soda if you go out to eat for example - you'll save large amounts of money over the course of a year. These calculators demonstrate how much you'll save when making changes to your daily consumption.

1) Brown Bag Savings Calculator: "This calculator will show you how much you could save if you brought your own lunch to work instead of eating out. Plus, it will also show you how much your brown-bag savings would grow if you invested the difference."

2) Booze/Beverage Savings Calculator: "Here is a new and fun savings calculator -- the booze savings calculator. Personally, I never drink anyway, but if I did, I cannot imagine paying the prices even moderately priced restaurants and bars charge for beer, wine and mixed drinks ($2.75, $3.25 and up, often way up)."

3) Coffee Savings Calculator: "Calculate how much you could save if you stopped buying coffee or tea in the coffeeshop, and instead made your own coffee (or quit drinking it altogether)."

4) Cigarette Costs Calculator: "Calculate how much you could save if you stopped smoking. This counts just the cost of the cigarettes and not of health and other costs associated with smoking."

5) Free Printable Grocery Store Price Book (worksheet): "Create a list of frequently purchased products, track prices and only purchase products when they are truly 'on sale'"

6) Drink More Water: Are You Drinking Enough Water?: "Some people claim that drinking water before a meal can reduce how much you eat. Further, drinking water can reduce spending on other beverages."

9 Daily Commuter Vehicle Savings Calculators

Like food and drink, transportation is another of those regular expenses that can end up costing you thousands over the course of a year. Understanding what your vehicle choices may cost you - new vs. used situations, gas mileage or even car pooling - can help you put thousands of dollars back in your bank account every year.

1) Which is better: new or used?: "The debate is endless - you're the only person who can decide whether a new car or used car is a better purchase for you. Use this calculator for financial input on your decision."

2) How long should I keep a vehicle?: "Use this calculator to get a rough idea of how long you should hold onto a new car."

3) Compare MPG Savings in 2 Cars: "The real cost savings of MPG reveal themselves over the course of several years... This calculator will show you what your longer term gas costs will be."

4) Gas Guzzling Comparison Calculator: "Enter the current gas guzzling MPG of that SUV you bought when gas was $1.49 a gallon, and then enter the new MPG of that new Prius you've been thinking about. Then enter your daily round-trip commute, your driving days per year and the number of years to add up."

5) Edmunds.com - Gas Mileage Savings: "You would like to save money on gas so you're considering trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient car. This calculator shows how long will it take before you pay off the balance of a vehicle purchase and really begin saving money."

6) Gas Costs: How much can you save with a more fuel efficient car?: "Calculate how much one can save by driving a more fuel efficient car."

7) Cost of Commuting by Car: "Calculate how much your daily commute by car costs."

8) Commute Cost Calculator: "Compare the actual cost of three different commuting modes."

9) Gasoline Price vs. Cable Bill Calculator: "Some folks complain about paying an extra dollar per gallon for their gas while paying $50, $70 or much more on their cable bills..."

4 Alternative Transportation Calculators for Daily Commuters

Bikes and public transportation can save you thousands and thousands of dollars annually. Do the math for yourself and make the switch!

1) Bike to Work Calculator: "Use this calculator to see how much you can save on gas costs and CO2 emissions by riding your bike to work."

2) Calculate Your Savings by Riding Public Transportation: "This calculator will help you compare the price of using public transportation with the price of paying at the pump and then parking your car in town."

3) The Cycle to Work Calculator (£): "How much fuel & money will you save? How many calories will you burn? How long will your journey take?"

4) Bike Your Drive iPhone App: "Track your mileage, CO2 offsets and more—in real time!"

3 Purchase Decision Making Calculators for Impulse and Big Purchases

There's the 30 second rule where you think about whether you really need an item for 30 full seconds. There's the 30 day rule for larger purchases where you think about it for 30 days. Both of these methods are designed to help you prevent impulse purchases that aren't connected to your financial goals. These calculators will help you make smarter, more cost-efficient purchase decisions too!

1) What Is The Value Of Reducing, Postponing or Foregoing Expenses?: "Use this calculator to help determine what you could accumulate by not eating out as much, eliminating the newspaper, not renting as many videos and other discretionary monthly expenses."

2) FIX OR REPLACE (Digital Equipment) CALCULATOR: "Sometimes it makes more sense to repair your digital equipment (TVs, cameras, receivers, etc...) than to buy new... sometimes NOT."

3) Generic vs. Store-brand Savings Calculator: "Switch from national brand or store brand items to its functional, less expensive equivalent such as generic, store-brand, private label or regional products and this calculator will show you how much discount you will get and how much money you'll save over the course of your lifetime."

3 Kids Savings Calculators for the Early Years

Children are expensive. For years and years and years. These calculators will help you run the numbers on a few major decisions that often accompany young kids.

1) Cloth Diaper Savings Calculator: "Compare the costs of cloth diapers to disposable diapers and make the decision for yourself."

2) Stay at Home Calculator: Can You Afford To Stay At Home?: "Use our calculator to see if your household can afford for you to stay home with the kids."

3) Budgeting Child Care Options: "See what your child care costs are, and compare one income and two income options."

5 Around the House Calculators for Home Ownership Savings

Saving money around the house begins with determining whether or not it makes sense to BUY or RENT in your area. From there you can work up to protecting your heating and cooling expenses with effective insulation. Small investments can have huge payoffs over the course of several years - use these tools to save yourself money!

1) Is it Better to Buy or Rent?: "Compare the costs of renting and buying equivalent homes."

2) Home Energy Saver: Web-Based DIY Energy Audit Tool: "Find the best ways to save energy in YOUR home!"

3) Calculate Your Bulb Savings When Switching to High-Efficiency Bulbs: "Cutting energy use saves you money on your electric bills and reduces the amount of global warming pollution created to power your home."

4) Insulation Upgrade Cost Saving Calculator: "Use this calculator to estimate the cost saving and greenhouse gas reduction for upgrading your insulation or windows."

5) ZIP-Code Insulation Program: "will tell you the most economic insulation level for your new or existing house..."

3 Appliance Savings Calculators

Inefficient appliances can have a major impact on your monthly bills. Use these calculators to see what a difference an energy efficient appliance could have on your monthly power bills.

1) Refrigerator Energy Calculator: "With this calculator you can compare you can see how much you'll save by swapping an old refrigerator with a new one. Or, you can compare energy costs between two new refrigerators."

2) Washer Dryer Energy Calculator: "Compare costs over 2 washers' life time."

3) Electric Appliance Operating Cost Calculator: "Estimate the cost of operating any given electrical appliance, based on the average KWH (kilowatt hours) used per day, and on the average cost per KWH charged by your electric company."

*About the author: This is a guest post by MyCESI.org, a Debt Management Program with Certified Debt Counselors and the publisher of 103 Free Debt Reduction Calculators.

*Image Credit: Photograph by ppinacio [via Flickr Creative Commons]

17 Free Resources to Help Raise Your GMAT Score

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:18:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Brandon Laughridge*)

Record numbers of professionals are losing their jobs and saturating the job market, making competition for available positions very intense. If you have the cash available, now could be a prime time to consider the idea of going to business school. An MBA will differentiate you from the competition and offer increased earning potential. Even if you're just entertaining the idea, it may be wise to do some studying and take the GMAT as scores are valid for 5 years anyway. Everyone knows about the expensive GMAT prep courses available but did you know there's a ton of free resources available online to help you raise your GMAT score? Here's 17 of my favorite free resources to check out before looking into more expensive prep options.

Math Practice

GS Rehill's Interactive Maths Series - A nice high scool and college math review.

Math Review - Courtesy of Beat the GMAT.

GMAT Math Review - Free review for the math section.

Are you weak in Math? - Another good math review from the folks at Beat The GMAT.

Verbal Practice

Vocabulary Learning Tips - Sheppard Software presents their Top 10 Vocab Tips.

Verbal Practice Tests - A large collection of short verbal quizzes.

Vocab Build - 1200 of the most common vocabulary words used on the GMAT.

Sentence Correction Practice - Commonly confused and misused word tips.

Genteral Practice Resources

Kaplan GMAT Practice - Free practice test from Kaplan.

Princeton Review GMAT Practice Quiz - Another free practice test.

Manhattan Review Guide - Free portions of Manhattan's paid courses.

GMAT Practice Software - Downloadable practice program [Windows only].

Manhattan GMAT Practice Test - Another downloadable practive test from Manhattan [Windows only].

Veritas Prep GMAT Practice Test - GMAT "simulator" to estimate your possible score.

General GMAT Resources

MBA.com - The official GMAT website.

Mark Rice's GMAT Help - Notes, tips, and study guides based on Mark's personal experience with the GMAT.

Gmat Hacks - Jeff Sackmann's guide to improving your GMAT scores from his own admissions journey.

*About the author: This guest post was written by Brandon of Online Business Degree.org, an Online Business Degree Review site.

*Image Credit: Photograph by bitslice [via Flickr Creative Commons]

20 Free Personal Finance Podcasts and News Sites

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Managing your personal investments and planning for your future doesn't have to be a confusing or costly process. There are a number of great podcasts and online news sites dedicated to helping you make the best of your financial future. This article has a list of 20 financial sites worth checking out:

Podcasts

Kiplinger - Kiplinger Personal Finance offers free weekly podcasts that cover top stories in their magazine. These half-hour long podcasts provide practical advice on managing your money and securing your financial future.

Money Girl - This podcast from Laura Adams, a personal finance author, educates listeners about complex finance issues. In each episode, Money Girl seeks to inform and motivate listeners to reach and preserve their wealth.

Feed the Pig - Feed the Pig is a practical podcast that offers tips and tools to curb your spending, reduce your debt, and increase your savings.

Plain Talk on Investing - This podcast, presented by Vanguard, provides listeners with easy-to-follow steps for reaching financial success. Plain Talk on Investing looks at the market and the best way to invest your money.

Sound Investing - This radio show podcast features clear and concise advice from financial educators. Sound Investing advises listeners about managing money and investing for retirement.

Pro Money Talk - Pro Money Talk is dedicated to helping working people save and invest for the future. This hour long podcast uses educational discussions, interviews, and success stories to cover a wide range of personal finance issues.

Money Guy - The Money Guy podcast offers financial tools and information to get your finances on track.

Watching your Wallet - The Wall Street Journal offers several different financial podcasts, including Watching your Wallet. This daily, five to ten minute podcast features little tips to increase your financial health.

No Credit Needed Podcast - The No Credit Needed Podcast offers tips and information for debt reduction, frugal living, and saving money. Each episode runs anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes and features several handy ways to manage your personal finances.

Marketplace Money - The Marketplace Money podcast offers several tips and tricks to business and personal finances.

MoneySmartz - This financial guide offers several podcasts about managing money. Along with podcasts you can also find financial guides, blogs, profiles, and reviews.

News Sites

Bloomberg - This top-notch news site provides several resources for managing your personal finances. A few worth checking out are the portfolio tracker, financial calculators, and financial glossary.

The Motley Fool - The Motley Fool is a large investment community loaded with information on personal finance, retirement, and investments. This site's personal finance page discusses spending habits, saving, debt, taxes, and even offers a link to free personal finance software.

TheStreet.com - One of the leading financial media companies, TheStreet.com features a large personal finance section. Resources include articles on managing your money, retirement, investments, and expert perspectives.

SocialFunds - SocialFunds, one of the largest personal finance sites on the web, provides the latest news and investment information. The site features over 10,000 pages on socially responsible investing.

Forbes.com - Forbes.com, a leading place to find news and information, features a large personal finance web page with resources for investing, retirement, taxes, and mutual funds.

MarketWatch - MarketWatch's personal finance section offers tips about real estate, taxes, spending and saving, retirement, career, and small business.

WalletPop - This news site from AOL Money and Finance offers an assortment of different features for understanding and managing your personal finances. The site also has the latest information about budgeting, debt management, banking, and budgeting calculators.

Yahoo! Personal Finance News - Yahoo! Personal Finance News provides top stories about investments, debt, credit, and more.

CNNmoney.com - CNNmoney.com offers a free personal finance section with tons of money saving features. This is a great site to find budgeting tips and information as well as the best investments to save for your retirement.

*About the author: This post was written by Karen Schweitzer, the About.com Guide to Business School. Karen also writes about accredited online colleges for OnlineColleges.net

*Image Credit: Photograph by Colleen AF Venable [via Flickr Creative Commons]

25 Free Budgeting and Finance Tools for Students and Grads

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:13:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Karen Schweitzer*)

Budgeting money is stressful for most but this is even truer for college students. Luckily, the Internet is loaded with free tools and apps to get you started on securing your financial future. Here are 25 sites you can try today:

Budgeting and Debt Management

Clear Checkbook - Clear Checkbook is a free, easy-to-use online checkbook register with a lot of extras. Students can balance their checkbook, get daily reminders, and set budgeting goals all in one place.

MoneyStrands - This site has useful software and tools for any budget big or small. It automatically tracks all your financial accounts, offers advice to help you save money, and compares how your goals measure up to others.

MySpendingPlan - Provided by Plans365 Inc., MySpendingPlan.com is quick easy-to-use budgeting software that can help you set goals, save money, and reduce debt. This site also offers tools and tips to help the budget conscious student secure their financial future.

Thrive - This site is a great online tool to help you organize your finances, get financial advice, and plan for the future.

Mint - This free financial site makes it easy to understand and maintain your budget. Some of the many features Mint offers include money tracking, goal setting, and money saving tips.

Wesabe - Wesabe.com is a free online tool that takes away the stress of money management. You can track all your accounts on one resource, gain insights on where you are overspending, and get useful tips to manage your accounts better.

PearBudget - Created by a husband and wife team, this free web app is a simple budgeting tool for students overwhelmed by finances. PearBudget offers budgeting and tracking tools as well as an informational blog.

Buddi - Buddi is a free downloadable budgeting program for people who are just beginning to understand their finances. It is can run on most computers and includes tutorials to help you along the way.

Geezeo - Geezo.com offers free financial tools to organize and track your finances. Students can also reap the financial rewards of an online community of experts to answer financial questions.

Mapping Your Future - Almost anyone can benefit from the information packed onto this educational Mapping Your Future is designed specifically for students and is loaded with tools and resources for managing your budget, financial aid, and college costs.

Tuition and Student Loans

College Scholarships - Every student can benefit from the financial aid and scholarship information found on this site. It contains multiple links to student loans, grants, and scholarships as well as calculators for estimating student loan and college costs.

FinAid - FinAid is a free and comprehensive guide to financial aid information. This site is a great financial tool for understanding and estimating college expenses.

CollegeBoard - The informational website, CollegeBoard.com offers a wonderful array of free tools that can calculate the financial responsibility that comes from student loans and tuition costs.

Federal Student Aid - The Department of Education has a free budget calculator that is available to all students so they can estimate the total cost of their education.

FastWeb - FastWeb has a variety of resourceful tools to guide students through the financial burdens of college. The site also offers a scholarship search engine.

Student Discounts

StudentUniverse - StudentUniverse is the largest student travel agency in the U.S. This site offers discounted prices for flights, trips, rail, insurance, and hotels.

Campus Tech - With savings of up to 85 percent, Campus Tech can help students to meet their software, hardware, and book needs while still maintaining a manageable budget.

Student Discounts - Since 1995, Student Discounts has been saving students thousands with its discounted academic software. This site offers all forms of software that a student could possibly need or want.

Student Advantage - Student Advantage is one of the leading student discount programs. They work with hundreds of colleges and distributors to provide discounted prices on things students need.

Affordabook - This free, easy-to-use website is designed for students who want to find the best prices on college textbooks and leisure reading.

Miscellaneous Sites and Web Apps

Cost of Living Calculator - This useful calculator from Bankrate allows students to compare the cost of living in different cities. You can compare prices on everything from rent to bananas.

Student Finance Domain - The Student Finance Domain is a free reference center that was created to help students make informed decisions about credit cards, student loans, and student banking.

Pay Range Calculator - The Pay Calculator provided by Payscale.com can help any student calculate salary range for different job titles and markets.

Currency Calculator - This currency calculator provided by XE.com is perfect for students who plan to travel or are studying abroad. It has great features like a currency converter, up-to-date cross rates, and a travel expense calculator.

Salary Finder - Graduate students looking for competitive pay in the job market will benefit from College Grad's Salary Finder. The tool can help with salary negotiations, hiring demand, salary calculations, and career information.

*About the author: This post was written by Karen Schweitzer, the About.com Guide to Business School. Karen also writes about college online for OnlineCollege.org.

*Image Credit: Photograph by LuMaxArt [via Flickr Creative Commons]

Buying Insurance: Factors to Consider For Security and Savings

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:34:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Barbara Waltz*)

Whether it was for an auto accident or a doctor's visit, the odds are that you have had to make an insurance claim at some point in your life. At that point you probably learned the importance of having a quality insurance in place to cover the bills. While there are quite a few great insurance companies out there who will be there for you when you need them, there are also a fair share of companies who are less than reputable. Although those companies may offer incredible prices, they will leave you lacking when it comes to needing their help. Below is a list of what you should consider when purchasing any insurance policy as well as some tips to save a bit of money while doing so.

Premium Determining Factors

Age, past history and location are some of the bigger factors that determine premiums but certainly not all of them. Each company places different weight on certain factors and this equation changes regularly. For example a driver with a great record but poor credit history may have ridiculous premiums with one company who sees him as being a risk but with another who focuses on other factors may offer him discount auto insurance based on his driving history.

Use Caution When Cutting Coverage to Save Money

Always make sure you fully understand what you are getting into by doing this. While in some cases it is a great idea to increase a deductible to save a bit of money, it may come with a greater risk than the potential rewards. There are many areas of “fat” that can be trimmed out of insurances with little risk just make sure it is not something that can come back and bite you if you are in a bind. In some cases increasing deductibles can be a huge money saver and can save more money over the long term of the policy than lower deductibles and higher premiums.

Try Before You Buy

Most companies offer a 30 day trial period of their coverage. During that period you should be able to cancel and be given a full refund. While this period is often too short to fully understand if the coverage is going to be suited for you, it can still be a nice perk.

Verify the Company's Ratings (Financial and Personal Users)

Knowing that the company has the finances in place to handle a claim if it arises is important. Although they may have the finances in place, they may be less useful when it comes to paying up,and that is why it is equally as important to see what other policy owners have said about their experiences. The internet has spawned tons of user generated review sites and the financial information is readily available as well. Each state has their own insurance complain department as well which will is a great resource for verifying information on the company.

Ensuring Your Agent is Licensed

While it seems unlikely, there are many horror stories of people being fleeced with fake policies. The “agent” takes an upfront fee and then disappears.

Shop Around

While many people will look around to find the best shoes or lowest price on a car or whatever, for some reason people are less inclined to do so when it comes to insurance, which is arguably more important over the course of your life. Depending on your situation, some insurance premiums can be 50% higher with different companies. Compare several policies before making any decision to an insurance.

*About the author:This post was written by Barbara Waltz one of the founders of 24/7 Quote Us, an online resource blog and insurance quote comparison guide.

*Image Credit: Photograph by Gravestone [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 steps I used to get out of Debt

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:38:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Sharon Marthers*)

There were times when I used to allow my heart to rule as far as my personal finances are concerned. I thought it was the coolest approach that I could ever have until I realized that it wasn't a good idea after all! Well, I had to admit that one doesn't get into a debt situation in a jiffy because it builds up gradually and seeps into one's finances in a clandestine manner. Guess what? It even took me a long time to get out of it!

So what did I do to get out of it anyway?

I came across billboards that offered me debt help and was requested to enroll for some kind of debt relief option in the process. They seemed they might be effective initially, until I found out that they might not be the same for all and sundry. So, I took some personal measures first, such as, evaluating my financial situation and then finding the particular debt relief option that would be suitable for me. In the midst of this storm, here are some measures I used in order to withstand the storm and come out of it:

Avoid borrowing money to get out of debt

Use cash and minimize credit card usage

Attend to debts that have higher interest rates

Pay more than the minimum monthly payments

Work out a budget and track expenses

Check your credit report periodically

Read TOS while accepting credit cards

Save for the rainy day

Don’t be extravagant

Take professional guidance if required

*About the author: Sharon Marthers is one of the financial writers associated with the Debt Consolidation Care Community. With her in-depth knowledge and vast experience, she has had a profound impact through writing and advising on all debt consolidation issues and has presented useful tips to get out of debt. Her remarkable guidance and support has improved the community into a global hub for the debt related situations.

*Image Credit: Photograph by gaspi *your guide [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 things a freelancer must do to survive this economy

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:39:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Jessie Hepzie*)

The season had been pretty rough throughout the last quarter of 2008 as well as in 2009. The economic meltdown has had its effects on every one including freelancers, yet this is the opportune moment for some, and they are really successful in acquiring great orders.
You should remember the life of a freelancer is not always a smooth one. With so many commitments and with uncertain income, the life of freelancers had always been in the rough seas. The following are the tactics that can make freelancers survive this economic crunch.

Look at the right place for your job:
Usually freelancers have a tough competition in forums and bidding sites. It’s high time you avoid those sources and look for various other options available throughout the internet. The best thing you could do is have an eye for corporate freelancing jobs. The recent freeze in recruitment programs and the downsizing of employee list in the corporate world is in reality a way open for freelancers. Companies in view of cost reduction are more than willing to hire freelancers to complete their ongoing projects. Associate yourself with these companies to get a regular income.

Diplomatic bargaining:
Whenever you are selected for a project do explain you skills, the current economical status, and diplomatically negotiate for a better compensation. This could boost your income and give you peace of mind. Never be aggressive because it can cost you your job. Diplomatic bargaining can also be very well applied when you are procuring material for your project. Compare vendors and prices and choose the best vendor that quotes the lowest price. You can also ask for discounts and offers and enlarge you margin.

Being punctual:
Once you take up orders do strictly adhere to deadlines. This will create a positive image and trust in you. Never take up more than you can chew and end up as failure. If your project is bit tedious, it is a wise idea to join hands with friends who can help you complete the project on time. Sharing a small amount in the revenue will reduce a great amount of stress involved in the job.

Maintain good relationship with your clients:
Maintaining good relationship with clients could gain you more projects and more money. The usual employer psychology is to provide the job to reliable employees rather than recruit a new one on trial basis. This is why maintaining good relationships will be an added advantage when it comes to gaining lucrative projects from previous employers.

Form a team:
Especially during the time of recession it is wise to form a team with like minded freelancers and share the work and revenue. This broadens your scope of getting projects and lessens your burden in handling large projects. Working together will also provide moral support and eliminate the loneliness thereby encouraging you to involve more in you job.

Learn new tips and tricks:
As a freelancer it is your duty to keep yourself updated with the latest trends in the field. Learning new tips and trick in your job should be a continuous process. Do not hesitate to spend a little in learning a new technique that could help you come out with flying colors in you future projects.

Be alert:
As a freelancer you should be alert with individual private employers. There are two possibilities that you can encounter with individuals contracting you for the first time. Cheats usually ask for some time to release your payment and never turn up once have you completed the project for them. It is always wise to get a partial payment in advance before you take up jobs for those you do not know. The other category is that people after testing your skills can provide you good amount and can force you into contracts that will benefit them a lot, while you will be stressed out unnecessarily. It is better to avoid both.

Be wise on expenditure:
When it comes to your personal expenditure, it is wise to reduce unwanted expenses. You should compare prices and get the best price for things you need. You can also reduce the expenses of eating out and other luxuries that could drain you purse especially at time of recession.

Start saving:
You should realize that there is no guarantee to your regular income and should start the habit of saving some money for the days when you won’t find jobs. There may be good income on few days while other days may be dry. So it is wise to limit your expenditure for the day with an eye for future. However, expending on investments is a clever option.

Positive attitude:
Remember nothing is permanent in this world and this financial crunch too will pass. Do look at poorer economies where people suffer the most and be thankful that you are in a better position. Comparing your state with those in poverty will boost your moral, whereas a comparison with better off people will lead to frustration.

*About the author: This article was contributed by Jessie Hepzie who maintians Oscommerce Templates.

*Image Credit: Photograph by lumaxart [via Flickr Creative Commons]

The World’s Richest Frugal People

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:36:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Lewis Bennett*)

Wikipedia defines frugality as, “the acquiring of and resourceful use of economic goods and services in order to achieve lasting and more fulfilling goals.” A lot of people would use the word “cheap” but don’t say that about anyone on this list of some of the world’s wealthiest people because they also happen to be some of the most frugal.

Despite having a net worth of $62 billion and being the world’s richest man, famously frugal investor Warren Buffett still lives in the same home he bought for nearly $31,500 some 50 years ago.

John Caudwell used to ride his bike 14 miles to work everyday and cut his own hair because he didn’t want to be bothered going to the barber despite having amassed a fortune of over $2.2 billion. Caudwell also purchased all of his clothing off the rack at British retailer Marks & Spencer.

Jim Walton, member of America’s richest family and Wal-Mart scion, reportedly drives a 14-year-old Dodge Dakota despite having a net worth of $16.4 billion.

Retail Tycoon Frederik Meijer, worth $2 billion is known to drive cars with very high MPG and prefers to only stay in budget motels.

Gene Burd, a 76-year-old journalism professor at the University of Texas has donated over a million dollars to financial foundations but walks 6 miles to work everyday, lives in a very tiny apartment, picks up pennies on the ground, and wears shoes that he found in the trash.

Ingvar Kamprad built a $33 billion fortune after founding Ikea but the Swedish tycoon drives a 15-year-old Volvo, tries to avoid wearing suits, and flies coach. It’s also said (surprise, surprise) that Kamprad furnishes his home entirely with affordable Ikea furniture.

Indian billionaire Azim Premji worth upwards of $17.1 billion drives a Toyota Corolla and stays in the company guesthouse rather than 5-star hotels when he’s traveling on business. At a lunch honoring his son’s wedding he even served the food on paper plates.

We would be amiss to not mention some of the highest earning dead celebrities who are perhaps the most frugal of this list due to their inability to spend :) For example, top earning dead musician, Kurt Cobain made about $50 million last year. Elvis Presley made $42 million despite having died in 1977 and, in third place, Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz earnings were about $35 million.

*About the author: This list was compiled by Lewis Bennett, writer for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) site.

*Image Credit: Photograph by riptheskull [via Flickr Creative Commons]

10 Things to Consider Before Quitting Your Job to Start Your Own Business

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:21:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Andrew Wang*)

Starting your own business is more often than not a stressful and risky proposition. These days, it is an unfortunate fact that most small businesses are doomed from the very start, for whatever reason. Recent statistics found that 7 out of 10 small enterprises close down within two years of opening, and a further 1 of the 10 will shut down within 5 years. There is however some hope, in the fact that 20 - 30% of businesses do find success somewhere down the track. In this article, I will give you 10 things to do before you quit your job and put all your effort in to a particular business idea. Getting these 10 things done properly will substantially assist you in your entrepreneurial endeavors - and may just be enough to keep your business afloat, through both the good times, and the bad.

Know The Lingo:

Research:

Sort Out The Legal Aspects:

Analyze The Marketplace:

Find An Accountant & An Attorney:

Read Past Success Stories:

Work Out Who Your Competitors Are:

Get The Right Training:

Determine The Real Demand For Your Product or Service:

Make A Sale Or Two:

That concludes our list of the 10 things to do before quitting your job. Of course, not all 10 things will be applicable to everyone, so to give a closing remark, I want you to think about one big thing. Be careful, logical, and practical. Creating and growing a business is not as easy as it's made out to be. Ensure have the skills, resources, and energy to get things off the ground, and who knows - you may be the next success story just waiting to happen.

*About the author: This article was contributed by Andrew Wang. Andrew lives in the Seattle area. He manages the blog Travel Reward Credit Card.

*Image Credit: Photograph by Ayres no graces [via Flickr Creative Commons]

Do Children Need To Know About Family Finances?

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:22:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Trisha Wagner*)

Specifically should you talk to your children if you are experiencing a financial hardship? Just as each family is different each situation is unique and there is not one easy answer to this question. I have a three year old and while we ran to the store this weekend to pick up a new router for my new work at home job, I was faced with some difficult questions from my toddler (since this is my only child, I am still amazed at how hard it is to answer some of his questions). It made me think: how much do our kids have to know about our finances? Is it possible to give them too much or too little information? In my case, the answer is a bit simpler. There is only so much a three year old can wrap his head around. There is no need to go into budgets, the credit crunch or why mommy has to wait and see how her new job pans out before spending money that might be needed for other things. He simply doesn't care and doesn't have the ability to comprehend you can only have ONE thing and it can't cost more than ten dollars. I get that. But what if you have older children.....kids old enough to have the basic gist of how money works and how important it is in keeping the household running?

If the current economy has you on your toes when it comes to the family finances it is likely your kids already sense something is amiss. Before you start worrying about how or if you should discuss a financial hardship with them you must realize that a child of any age first needs to know that they are safe, secure and loved. In their world, those things are more important than money and it is your job as a parent to explain to them that regardless of what may be going on with the household budget they can feel confident in those three things.

That being said you definitely should consider having a family meeting to discuss what is going on with your children in an age appropriate way. Some children will feel more secure by being included and you will also have the opportunity to prepare them for any possible changes that may be in the cards due to the economy. However, there is no need to go overboard and burden your kids with too much adult information which they may not be able to process. In doing this you are simply adding to their fears and feelings of insecurity instead of easing them.

Since the economy is not likely to turn around just because we have crossed over into a new year, it will be important to keep the lines of communication open with your children. If you or your spouse have lost a job or anticipate significant changes in your life due to finances, consider having a regularly scheduled family meeting to briefly go over information and answer any questions your children might have.

Many families are facing tough times but most will be able to weather the storm. Make sure you take the steps necessary to ensure your kids don't worry needlessly or have increased negative effects due to too little or too much information.

*About the author: This article was contributed by Trisha Wagner. Trisha Wagner is a freelance writer for DestroyDebt.com, a debt community featuring debt forums. Trisha writes regularly on the topics of getting out of debt and personal finance.

*Image Credit: Photograph by lucias_clay [via Flickr Creative Commons]

How to Properly Pay Down Your Credit Cards

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:55:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Elise Degrass*)

Even in an economic downturn, the widespread available of credit to consumers is staggering: nearly anyone can apply for, and receive, a credit card today. With the growing ease of use (you no longer have to even sign for many transactions) and the vast number of businesses which accept credit transactions, fiscal responsibility with credit cards can be as difficult as ever. Keeping disciplined in your spending, as well as your payments, will help you to stay out of debt in the long run.

As a first step, consider working through a complete review of all of your existing credit card debt. If you have multiple cards, a spreadsheet may be an effective way to keep track of all of the data, from minimum payment amounts to due dates and interest rates. Also, it's important to note any variability in interest payments,
especially if an introductory rate becomes much higher after a certain point. Once you have collected data on your debt burden, you can begin taking steps to pay down your credit cards.

Prioritize your payments on cards which have the highest interest rates, and make a plan to shift your spending to cards with lower rates. Figure out your monthly expenses and determine which you can pay off with cash to reduce further interest rate payments. Additionally, you may want to consider looking at your overall expenses to prioritize repayment of debts over unnecessary purchases, especially for vacations and other upscale expenses.

As part of a larger budgeting process, ensure that you can meet all of the minimum payments while planning to consolidate your debt into just a few cards in the long-run; having fewer cards will simplify the budgeting process, as well as making it easier to keep track of your purchases. Working with a debt counselor to devise a long run plan, as well as working with credit card companies to negotiate lower rates, will help you on the path to a debt-free future.

*About the author: This article was contributed by Elise Degrass. Elise is a new writer who currently is blogging about cell phones.

*Image Credit: Photograph by Andres Rueda [via Flickr Creative Commons]

Money Management Tips For Women

noreply@blogger.com (ispf) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:00 +0000

(This is a guest article by Trisha Wagner*)
As all women know, one size does not fit all. The same is true regarding financial advice. Every situation is unique and requires personal advice and not surprisingly the advice for women differs slightly from advice for men. Although women have made huge strides in the last century, regrettably we are sometimes considered fickle emotional creatures unable to handle the complex issues such as finance. In reality woman are more than capable of handling these issues both at home and in a corporate setting, nevertheless the fact remains a large percentage of women do not have control of over their own financial situations. The following tips can help get you back on track and in control of your finances as well as your future.

Educate yourself. The more you know about finances and the investment process, the more likely you will feel confident dealing with personal finance issues. After generations of men having control of household budgets, saving, retirement and investments, women have assumed the role in many households. Unfortunately we don't have a long line of role models to look to for example and many women feel ill prepared and even resentful of being in charge of finances and count on a spouse or partner to make the right decisions. Take advantage of the information available on line, in books, community or college classes and even from other women to educate yourself on financial matters. The more knowledgeable you are- the more confident you will feel in your decisions.

Pay yourself. As the New Year looms closer, consider a new approach to beef up your savings account. Consider paying yourself at the start of each day. Start with just one dollar a day and increase that amount by one dollar at the beginning of each month. Women are quite accomplished at finding ways to take care of everyone else's needs first. It might be the needs of their spouse, children, employer, friends and family; we find a way to make sure everyone is taken care of. Apply the same thought and determination towards providing for you financially.

Pad your retirement account. Saving for retirement should begin the day you begin working, but in the real world people tend to start later. It is especially important for women who are more likely than men to enter and leave the work force while raising their families to begin saving for retirement early. You will also want to take advantage of the increased amount of money you are permitted to contribute to your 401k after the age of 50. By contributing the maximum amount allowable, you will ensure you have a comfortable nest egg to live off of in your golden years.

Use credit wisely. Credit is a good thing. Irresponsible use of credit is a bad thing. Resist the urge to help others out by co-signing or loaning money to family and friends. Do not use money or possessions as a means to feel self worth. You will find happiness comes from living well, not spending more.

*About the author:Trisha Wagner is a freelance writer for DestroyDebt.com, a debt community featuring debt forums. Trisha writes regularly on the topics of getting out of debt and personal finance.

*Image Credit: Photograph by red5standingby [via Flickr Creative Commons] of Faile Lost In Glimmering Shadows show at Lilian Baylis school in Kennington.