The Frugal Nation

Ways To Budget Your Money Carefully, By Sohaib Azam

2016-01-08T09:09:00.000-06:00

There are literally hundreds of article and books devoted on budgeting money carefully. I will write on two methods that help me budget money carefully in hopes that others may be able to use this knowledge to help them in their future endeavors.

Method #1: If You Use A Credit Card, Always Check Your Statement Online At Least Once A Week

Most Americans probably own and use a credit card whenever they make purchases, either because it's convenient and/or because they can get reward points for it. Most Americans are probably aware of the countless stories and articles about credit card debt. However, most credit card debt could be avoided if one pays attention every week to their credit card statements every week.
Whenever I look at my credit card statement every week, I can see how much my balance is as well as what I am spending my money on. When you take a look at what you are spending money on, you can see what expenses you are acquiring that are not always necessary such as eating out or buying things you might not need. It is always important to keep track of your purchases so you can understand where your money is going and if you are making purchases that you can try and trim down a little. The main takeaway from this method is always be aware of how much you are spending.

Method #2: Always Be Aware Of How Much Money Is In Your Bank Account
Most banks will allow you to see your statement online. This is very useful as it allows you to access how much money you have in your account at all times. You should always be aware of how much money you have so that you know how much you can spend. Financial problems often occur when people spend money and are not aware of how much they are spending and how much money they actually have to spend. The main takeaway from this method is always be aware of how much you have available to spend.

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Is 0% Financing Too Good to Be True? By Patrick Redo

2015-01-23T14:38:00.003-06:00

Because many auto dealers are offering 0% financing, you may be confused and wondering if this rate is too good to be true? Unfortunately, in many cases the answer is yes.

Before we get into whether 0% interest is too good to be true, it's important to understand what 0% financing actually is. When you get a car loan, as everyone knows you are borrowing money to pay for a car. The bank or credit union doesn't give you that money for free. Instead, you have to pay interest, or a fee that you give the financial institution for lending you the money.

The phrase, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true," is definitely something you should keep in mind as you search for a car loan. Many times the 0% is a "teaser rate" meant to get you in the door and may not apply to you or may not be the best deal for you.

The problem with 0% financing is that not every potential car buyer qualifies for this super-low financing. The too-good-to-be-true rate applies to people with very high credit scores, excellent credit records and little or no debt. That means only about 5% of the population qualifies for the 0% rate. And, if you do qualify you will most likely have larger payments over a shorter period of time, which may be difficult to fit into your monthly budget. Unless you fall into this category, you may get stuck paying a much higher rate.

You may be surprised to learn that even if you do qualify for 0% financing, it could cost you more in the long run. If the dealer offers you the choice of 0% or a cash rebate, taking the rebate and financing through your local credit union could save you money - even if their rate is higher. Let's do the math:

Credit Union vs. Dealer Auto Loan
• Vehicle purchase price: $20,000
• Cash rebate instead of 0% financing: $ 3,000
• Amount financed: $17,000
• Interest rate: 2.49% APR or 0% with dealer
• Term of loan: 48 months
• Monthly payment: $372.46 - $416.67 with 0% financing
Total Saving/Life of Loan: $2,122.08

There are numerous reasons to get a credit union car loan. Below are just a few:

Credit Unions have the funds and healthy relationships with car dealers to make the loans.

You have a better chance of having your loan approved if you have credit problems.

Credit unions are non-profit organizations and work to provide members with high-quality customer service.

Members tend to have a more personable experience at a credit union so you can openly discuss your concerns about your loan, discuss flexible repayment options and review your financial situation.

Credit Unions are more likely than traditional banks to work with you if you experience difficulty making the payments because they are more in tune with their local communities.

You could get lower monthly payments with your credit union, because low auto loan rates are available for loans with longer terms as well as shorter ones.

You may save money on the total cost of the loan, because credit unions don't charge application fees or prepayment penalties.

So, the next time you see a 0% rate, do your homework and get pre-approved at your local credit union before you even shop for the car of your dreams. An informed buyer is definitely the best buyer!!!

Auto dealerships dangle low interest rates and 0% financing to lure you in. But once you bite you might be surprised to know you're not saving money. allU.S. Credit Union can get you pre-approved so you can choose your car and drive today! To get pre-approved for your allU.S.. auto loan, call 831-789-8020, visit our website http://www.alluscu.com or stop by the branch at 20 W. Market St. in Salinas.

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Credit Bureaus - Who Are They And What Do They Do? By Netiva Floyd-Heard

2014-10-23T11:04:00.002-05:00

Most people assume that the three credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, & Transunion are government agencies whose job is to protect the consumer. That couldn't be furthest from the truth. If you look on any of their websites in the 'About Us', 'Who We Are' or 'What We Do' section you won't find one mention of 'rights' as it relates to consumers. They really could give two squats about us.

Credit bureaus are privately held, billion dollar companies whose main purpose is to make money, that's what for-profit companies do right? They store data that lenders furnish them - whether accurate or inaccurate - about our credit relationship with them and sell it. Simple right? This simple business model generates over $4 Billion a year!

One source of income for them comes from selling the information on our credit reports to other lenders, employers, insurance companies, credit card companies - and whoever else you authorize to view your credit information. Not only do they provide them with raw data; but they also sell them different ways of analyzing the data to determine the risk of extending credit to us. In addition to selling our information to lenders they also sell our information to us - credit scores, credit monitoring services, fraud protection, identity theft prevention - interestingly enough this area has quickly become one of their biggest sources of income. And those pre-approved offers in our mailbox every week; or junk mail? Yep, they got our information from the credit bureaus too. Companies subscribe to a service provided by the three credit bureaus that sell them a list of consumer's credit information that fit a pre-determined criteria.

Now, contrary to popular belief, credit bureaus do not have any input on whether you should be approved for a loan or not; that is purely based on the credit criteria of the lender you're working with. However, by using all of the information that has been placed on your credit report (payment history, personal information, and credit habits) and FICO's method of scoring that data, they do provide them with how creditworthy you are.

This is why it's so important to ensure that the information they are reporting is accurate. It would be nice if they would do their job according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and make sure they have proof that the information they are storing is true and up-to-date - after all those inaccuracies could cost you $1,000s - but that won't happen. Thus the burden of ensuring accuracy is on YOU. You are responsible for catching errors; they could care less if it's wrong and they hate it even more when we challenge this inaccurate information by disputing it. Why? Because it's time consuming and time is money. Remember, I said they're main purpose is to make money? Credit bureaus store more than 200 million files on consumers; do you know how much money (time) it would take to ensure that everything is accurate and to store proof of accuracy?

We've seen the statistics; I have 2 videos that show proof of consumers having inaccurate information on their reports, the credit reporting agencies knowing this and still refusing to correct it! The latest statistic shows that more than 40,000,000 Million Americans are walking around with errors on their credit reports right now. I personally think this number is off; I've honestly never seen a credit report that was 100% accurate; like NEVER. Now you may say, well you work with people with bad credit so of course you see the worst of the worst, right? WRONG! I've been a Realtor for 12 years and I've seen people with great credit have errors as well. What's my point? Hmm, how can I put this?

CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT OFTEN!

Now you might say; but what about all the rules and regulations that the government has in place to make the credit bureaus act in the best interest of the consumer? My answer is what about them? Look on the FTC's website and see how many complaints are out there right now regarding credit bureaus; look on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website and see how many complaints have been filed as well! There are thousands! But remember, this is about money. So, if you're making billions of dollars and you're getting fined a few million you're still winning, right? What's the incentive to change? I rest my case. I recommend pulling one credit report every 4 months from http://www.annualcreditreport.com. Don't worry about a score; focus on the data and if errors are found; dispute them right away. Opt out of those list sold to other companies to prevent them from selling your information (optoutprescreen.com). Don't let the credit bureaus cost you $1000s while they make billions.

If assistance is needed; contact us right away. We take pleasure in making sure the credit bureaus take their precious time, resources and money to verify and prove that the information on your credit is 100% accurate.

Netiva Floyd-Heard is a Credit Management Specialist and licensed IL Real Estate Broker. For over 10 years her organization has been empowering consumers with the tools and resources needed to improve their credit scores. A+ BBB Rating; Over 750,000 Negative Items Removed; Proven Track Record of Success. For more information on her credit repair services; visit her blog at http://mnhcreditsolutions.blogspot.com/p/credit-repair.html.

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Thanksgiving Travel and Airport Parking Tips, By S. Hurley Hall

2013-11-19T10:30:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for air travel? And because it's such a popular travel holiday, that means you can expect long lines and lots of delays going through the security checkpoints. Along with a big dose of patience, it helps to keep these Thanksgiving travel tips in mind before you set off for the airport parking lot.

Timing is Everything

The busier the airport, the more time you need to allow to get to there and make it through the long lines. This means leaving your house earlier than you normally would; after all, thousands of others just like you are making their way to the airport, too, so traffic is bound to be congested. It's ideal to arrive at the airport with at least two hours to spare before your flight departs.
Don't rely on the airport parking lots to have a convenient space open. Particularly over periods of heavy air travel, it's wise to use offsite airport parking so you can be assured of a spot and timely transportation to the terminal without any hassles or delays.

Check-In

After you park at the airport and approach the check-in counter, expect a long line. If you've never printed your boarding pass and checked in to your flight online before, now might be the ideal time to give it a go because it will save you lots of time and aggravation.

If you can, travel light and don't check any luggage. Just be sure your carry-on fits the airline's specifications as far as dimensions and weight and that your liquids are compliant with TSA guidelines.

If you simply can't travel without checking baggage, as long as you check in online the day before your flight, you'll still save a great deal of time by being able to head straight for the luggage drop-off area. And depending on which airport you are flying from, you may be able to check your bags curbside, avoiding the crowds indoors.

Security

Then there's the dreaded security line... The best piece of advice is to anticipate the screening process and be prepared. That means wearing shoes that are easy to slip off, not taking anything through the security line that could warrant a closer inspection (jewelry, scissors, pocketknife, computerized devices, etc.), and ensuring that liquids in your carry-on baggage are small and appropriately packaged (this applies to beverages, too). Have your boarding pass and ID ready; you may want to purchase lanyards for all members of your family so these documents are always handy yet out of the way.

Thanksgiving is all about the food for most families, but if you want to fly with a jar of your homemade cranberry sauce or spiced apple cider in tow, forget it. Restrictions apply to these foods since they are categorized as liquids and gels; it's just more hassle than it's worth to try to bring your homemade holiday goodies on the plane - although you could put them in checked baggage if you're adamant about bringing them.

If you are one of the millions of people expected to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday, use these air travel tips to make your experience more pleasant and less time-consuming. And do remember to be patient; everyone else at the airport wants to enjoy their holiday, too.

S. Hurley Hall runs the Taking Off Travel Blog for off airport parking provider ParkRideFlyUSA.com/blog. It covers travel destinations, business travel, travel gadgets, travel tips and more. Join our email list and be the first to hear about special offers that make your trip less expensive and more enjoyable. Book your airport parking reservations before you arrive at the airport. Hurry! Visit us at Park Ride Fly to receive a 10% discount on your airport parking for a limited time.

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How Can I Save Money When I Earn So Little? By Perry Tinashe Munzwembiri

2013-11-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

This undoubtedly is a question that most people have asked themselves at one point or another. "The monthly income I get is barely enough to cover the essentials", I have had people say. In an environment characterised by low disposable incomes, it is not conceivable how people would be expected to have any meaningful savings. In any case, the basic living expenses have to be covered first.

While all this may be true, the importance of savings cannot be over-emphasized. As individuals, we all have goals and ambitions, and their attainment hinges upon having a solid financial plan. Herein lays the fundamental tenet of savings. One has to lay out a plan detailing what they want to achieve financially and what it will take to achieve it.

Warren Buffet, the renowned Billionaire American Investor, is famous for advocating that people should not save what is left after spending, but rather, they should spend what is left after saving. This principle flies in the face of the seemingly conventional wisdom we have been taught over the years. It can be inferred therefore, that it is a matter of how one prioritizes their needs and wants, barring the level of income one earns. Our wants have to be subject to our needs.

Clear-cut financial goals are important as they give the much-needed impetus for people to start a culture of saving. Naturally, it gets easier to follow a given course of action if there is a set objective to attain. Once realistic goals are set, the important thing is to START. One commonly cited excuse people have, is that they just do not earn enough to have any surplus funds left for savings.

However, it is important to understand that no amount of money is too small. Often, people wait too long in the hopes that they will one day have a lump sum which they will start saving. This however, doesn't always turn out to be the case. Consequently, most people fail to ever have any meaningful savings. In finance theory, there is a fascinating concept of compound theory. In essence, this means that interest is earned on interest. The interest earned on an amount is added to the principal amount which will then earn further interest. This effectively means that one's savings are compounded frequently, and will multiply over a given period regardless of how small the initial amount is. As a result, once a cycle of saving is started, this will in turn spur off successive bouts of income which will accumulate over a period of time.

Discipline is vital in any noteworthy endeavor, and savings are no different. In a pressing economic environment like ours, granted, there are ever-increasing demands on somewhat static incomes, but the ultimate objective should keep one motivated to keep saving. People do not earn money from spending; rather, wealth comes through savings. Savings are thus a critical for individuals, households and ultimately the nation. As such, it is critical to inculcate a habit of savings with a long-term view.

They say, "Procrastination is a thief of time and killer of dreams." It is simply not enough therefore, to desire to want to save, but action must be directed towards making savings a habit. When starting, it does not necessarily mean large jaw dropping amounts. Instead, just getting into the custom of regularly setting aside money, whatever the amount will suffice. In time, once diligently pursued, the culture of saving will prove fruitful and will lead many to a path of financial freedom.

http://www.munzwembiri.blogspot.com

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The Best Debt Settlement Companies, By Marie Megge

2013-08-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

Are you searching for the best debt settlement companies? If so, that's a pretty difficult feat, as there are so few ethical companies that exist. Hopefully the information I provide will help you to determine what exactly it is you're looking for to hire the best debt settlement company to resolve your debt.

The company should be BBB accredited

Never mind all of those other silly affiliations, such as the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. Anything other the BBB is typically owned and operated by an individual who also owns a debt settlement company, and is simply interested in charging fees for this accreditation. Unlike the BBB, whose policies for debt settlement companies are very, very strict, there is hardly any oversight whatsoever for other affiliations.

The BBB rating should be an "A"

Don't even consider hiring a company unless their BBB rating is at least an "A". You don't want to end up unhappy with your choice, and the only way to ensure that you won't is to hire perfection in the area of customer service, proper advertising and honesty. If there have been no complaints and the company's BBB rating is an "A" you can be pretty certain that you're considering a very competent company.

Reviews, reviews, reviews... this can't be stressed enough

For your own peace of mind, you'll want to check out every review possible for the debt settlement company you're thinking about hiring. If there aren't any there is a very good chance that the company doesn't have enough experience to yet have reviews. Only hire a company that had customer reviews that can be seen. Also, there's nothing wrong with asking the company to put you in touch with current and former clients so that you can get honest feedback from people who have been in your situation.

Fees - don't allow yourself to be charged outrageous fees

Some companies charge their clients based on the amount of their overall debt. In other words, if you have $50,000 of debt to be resolved through debt settlement, some companies charge up to 25% of that $50,000. This equates to $12,500 in fees, and to this I say "NO WAY!" That is a ridiculous fee structure, and you should only consider hiring a company that charges their fees based on performance. So, let's look at this another way. If you have $50,000 of debt, and the company settles the debt for a total of $20,000, this means that you would have saved $30,000, and this is the amount on which your fee should be determined. If the company charges a fee of 20% of savings, in this case your fee would be $6,000 - a much better option. Additionally, a consumer friendly company will work with you on the fees. Remember, your creditors should take priority over fees owed to a company. If you're talking with a company that doesn't believe this to be the case, run, and run fast.

No monthly service fees

Don't allow a company to charge you fees each month. If you're trying to set aside funds to offer your creditors, there's no reason you should have to pay a debt settlement company monthly fees; this will simply hinder your ability to resolve your debt. Again, creditors are the number one priority - they must be paid. How can you save enough to offer your creditors if you're paying another monthly bill?

Hopefully this information helps you find a good debt settlement company. I wish you the very best.

Marie Megge is a consultant in the credit services industry. Over the past several years she has assisted many individuals in resolving their debt-related matters through debt settlement. For more information, visit http://www.donaldsonwilliams.com

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Even More Ways to Save on Gas, By Susan Matsumoto

2013-08-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Gas prices are going up again - ugh! I had previously written an article on Multiple Ways to Save Gas Money. I thought I covered it all but the fact is that there are actually so many ways to save money on gas that knowing it all is no easy task. There are also more ways of saving that are coming out all the time as we learn more about mechanical design and technology and as others develop more programs to help out.

So in follow-up to my previous report and in light of rising prices I am presenting even more ways to beat those rising gas prices:

Obey the law - Although it pains some of us to abide by the posted maximum speed limit, we all need to be aware that the speeds are actually arrived at through studies and analysis that are aimed at increasing safety for motorists and pedestrians alike. But when it comes to highway/freeway driving the speed limits were also arrived at with maximum fuel economy in mind. Believe it or not, by simply obeying the maximum speed limit you can increase fuel efficiency 7-14%.
Look at credit cards with rewards programs - Get a credit card that offers cash back rewards on gas. It is best to get a card that offers a general rewards program versus one that is tied to a specific gas station. The better offers showcase 5% cash back on gas purchases.
Consider store membership cards - It is common these days for grocery store chains to feature membership cards. These programs are primarily directed at rewards and discounts associated with grocery purchases but many now feature benefits tied to rewards at the gas pump. Your supermarket membership card can result in sizable gas discounts for doing what you need to do anyway - buy groceries. Some of the better programs can reward you with a discount of $1 per gallon and that is huge.
Choose the right payment method - In this day and age where plastic money dominates you may be surprised to learn that there are some vendors who still prefer cold hard cash, so much so that they will offer a discount to get it. Do your research ahead of time and locate these merchants.
Budgeting - Having the ability to pay for the transaction immediately is frequently rewarded and now convenience store chain Cumberland Farms offers users a payment system via a SmartPay card or SmartPay app that will help you save on gas. The payment application links directly to your checking account so it is like paying in cash. It provides you with a discount of 5-10 cents per gallon.
Using mobile apps - Apps like GasBuddy and Triple A TripTik help you to find the lowest gas prices in your area.

For more ideas please read my other article on Multiple Ways to Save Money Gas.

If you found the information in this article to be helpful then there is more of it here http://www.frugalsensei.com/transportation. Please visit The Frugal Sensei where the goal is to help you get the most for the least.

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3 Simple Steps To Clear Your Debt Faster, By M. Morgan-Bellinger

2013-08-15T09:28:00.000-05:00

Effective Solutions To Get Relief From Mounting Debt

To enjoy relief from your growing debt problems follow these three debt crunching steps to clear your debt faster & reduce your stress from the mounting financial pressure.

However for those who spend more than they earn & are not willing to change their spending habits, they will soon be joining the rest of the crowd who are drowning in debt & living under enormous financial stress with their ever growing credit bill.

So if this is you, this article will show you how to pay off your debt fast & get relief from your mounting debt burden.

3 Steps To Rid Yourself Of Debt For Good

1. Get Rid Of Those Credit Cards

It is said that misery loves company & you are not alone if you have a certain amount of credit card debt as you will have plenty of company here.

The average American has approximately $9,000 in credit card debt alone & this is one of the main sources of getting into massive debt for many households.

So be ruthless & attack your credit card debt with urgency - the interest rates you pay are usually the highest which makes it an extremely expensive form of credit which will compound your debt problems if you are not paying off more than the minimum amounts

Without having that access to easy credit you will be forced to pay cash for your purchases & as a consequence you will only buy items that you really need.

You will also be encouraged to shop around for the cheapest price & end up being more economical with your money.

If you cannot pay cash for it, do not buy it - this goes for small items as well as big ticket purchases like cars.

2. Start Saving & Let the Power of Compound Interest Help You Eliminate Your Debt

Just to illustrate the power of compound interest, imagine if in 1950 you had invested $1,000 a year in a stock fund that generated an average return, it would be worth just under $2,000,000 today - not bad for a less than $100 a month investment.

So by saving a little every month you will be able to start creating wealth for yourself - you have to do this no matter how hard if you want to change your financial situation.

Instead of treating yourself to something that doesn't add any real value to your life, put the amount that you would've spent on that treat into the best interest bearing account you can find.

If you do this every month you will soon discover that the power of compound interest will be increasing your bank balance at a faster rate than you would ever have imagined.

3. Choose Cost-Free Options To Entertain Yourself & Family

Believe me, there are so many ways to get immense value & enjoyment out of life without having to spend money, for instance;

going for a picnic with friends & family
start running, cycling or any other sporting activity - after a morning spent doing this you will feel an immense amount of satisfaction & fulfillment & will not have the need to go out & spend money on entertainment, food & drink
take lunch to work instead of going out for lunch

These are just a few examples but the point is that you can lead a fulfilling life without it costing you money - you do not have to pay to enjoy yourself.

In Conclusion, Only Take Decisions That Make Sound Financial Sense

Even if you are not swamped by debt you would be well advised to make decisions that are sound when it comes to managing debt & your financial health & wealth.

It goes without saying that if you could increase your income or wealth somehow you would have more disposable income & more money available for saving, paying off debt or just spending.

So it would pay you to equip yourself with better skills or qualifications to either get an increase, a better paying job or to start a business part-time or full time that will provide you with an income beyond your widest dreams.

PS. Improve your financial fitness by getting these tips & advice that will help you Manage Your Personal Finance better & create wealth.

or

just go to the following link for tips & advice for managing your personal finance & debt effectively:

http://www.loan-lenders.co.za/personal-finance/managing-personal-finance/

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Five Bad Habits That Keep You From Financial Peace, By Jodi L. Marvin

2013-08-13T12:57:00.001-05:00

This weekend marked the end of an extremely busy week for me. Not only did I have my regular job to maintain, but I had existing clients to service, as well as new potential clients seeking proposals and interested in my services, which is a wonderful position to be in, so no complaints there. Then throw in Vacation Bible School at our awesome church every evening after an already full day. All this meant I was busy from early morning until bedtime, and then at bedtime I was on the laptop to review my assignments from my online class for the day. I literally couldn't squeeze another moment out of my day, not to mention I was thoroughly exhausted.

I was able to maintain my job and service a couple of clients here and there, as well as try to maintain a household filled with three growing daughters, 3 cats, 7 ducks and a dog. One of things that lacked my attention was one of those things that really only needed five minutes of my time each day. What was that thing? It was reviewing my household finances and budget.

Finally on Saturday morning, coffee in hand, it was time to totally focus my attention on updating my finances and see where our family's cash flow stands. I knew it wasn't going to be as favorable as I hoped because of the lack of attention the past week.

That led me to compile a list of five bad habits to avoid in order to stay on track with household finances.

Ignorance. This was the first bad habit that used to really keep me off track when my finances were not in the best state in my life. I used to swipe the debit card and ignore the balance thinking it would all work out. I've got to live, right? This is one of the worst habits you can hold on to. Not only does it not work out, it digs a hole deeper and deeper and just makes things more complicated and cause more work and stress in the long run.

Laziness. Yes, I do feel lazy at times; don't we all? This habit, in my mind, is somewhat related to #1. When we are intentionally ignorant toward our budget, we know in the back of our minds that it's not going to fix itself. Knowing that, getting back on track is going to take more effort than if we had maintained our budget on a regular, consistent basis because we have to play catch up. Therefore, we feel a lack of motivation or initiative to jump back in because of the extra effort that may be involved. Hopefully this one doesn't last too long.

Making Excuses. Here are some good ones. We have all been there at some point or another, and the excuses work for a while, but they do nothing to make our financial picture any better; only worse.

a. When my finances are better and I am making more money, then I'll develop a budget.
b. I know my budget in my head, why do I need to write it down?
c. It's all good, I don't need any help.
d. I don't have time.
e. I don't know what to do.

Busyness. I think this is a typical state to be in for many busy households these days. Kids' activities, both parents working, and the hustle and bustle of everything around us all play a part in our busyness. My budget definitely suffered this week. It didn't make or break my family, but I could have done better and felt better about it and had better cash flow. A week filled with busyness serving others, I thoroughly enjoyed the fulfilment of helping others. However, there comes a time when you need to set free some of those tasks in your life that keep you from living the life that you want to live. I see a new task delegation list in my future! Being financially free is definitely an aspect I want in my life. This is an area I will work on consistently.

Lack of scheduling/planning. Sometimes, along with the busyness we just plain forget to check in on our finances because it wasn't written down somewhere. A great way to remember this would be to schedule it on a task list (I use Google calendar/task list) or write it down on a big note next to a computer as a reminder to check in daily or weekly; whatever works for your family's budget. Another way to keep a close watch on your finances is to check in before doing any spending if you do not know what your current balance is in a particular expense fund. This will give you an overall picture of what you have available to spend in all areas.

It takes time to develop the habits to create financial independence with a budget and debt payoff system. With careful attention, adjusting, getting back up when we fall, and learning from our mistakes, it is a journey that someday will reap many rewards.

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How to Get Out of the Dark and Into the Light of Good Credit, By Joshua Clayton

2013-08-09T13:03:00.000-05:00

Warning: The process described in the title is a very eventual process and requires some patience. But, the thing is that it is possible to get and maintain great credit, even with a few messes and "rodeo rides" in your life that you have had. This is not an article about "scores" or "tricks", but it does have a few practical techniques that may be useful for a long haul credit building scenario.

Before you do anything though, you should prepare yourself (if you do have bad credit) for a long and interesting journey that you can make work for you if you are patient and effort filled enough.

The thing is, to work on your credit, you first need a patient, understanding and tolerant mindset for all supposed pitfalls and at times, taxing situations. Develop strong nerves through good affirmations that curtail your stress that suit you, and use them with feeling every morning and every night. Sure, that technique seems simple, but it does have cumulative and powerful effects. I am not going to give any affirmations here as this is not an appropriate article, but like I said, dealing with all credit issues good or bad takes a patient, understanding and tolerant mindset that is ready for a long journey that takes effort and patience. I mention patience so much, because that is a key factor in all things related to credit: scores, cards and all.

Like a great physique is not built overnight, remember, good credit is the same principle, only we are dealing with money, finances and budgeting. Like a body must be used but not abused to stay healthy, so must finances and credit.

So, I give the most cogent, viable and realistic advice I can give here and give well: Work out and with your credit by getting more than just the free report every year printed out, gauge it like you gauge your step or treadmill exercise at the gym, only more patiently and watchfully. Think as you spend, think as you save, and know that you will have good credit even when things temporarily get bad at times. Just know that the bad times will not last, and that for every problem in this area, there is a solution.

Do I follow my own advice? Yes, to the letter. I may not have the best credit yet, but in the long run, I know I will. For, I will put it this way: I do not worry unreasonably, yet I am not too pessimistic or optimistic, I do what I need to do when I need to do it without lazy fears or overt zealousness, and I do actively think and monitor like I need and want to monitor. In short, I keep the balance and keep it well, and I advise you to do the same to succeed in what you want to do.

My name is Joshua Clayton, I am a freelance writer based in Inglewood, California. I also write under a few pen-names and aliases, but Joshua Clayton is my real name, and I write by that for the most part now. I am a philosophical writer and objective thinker and honest action taker. I also work at a senior center in Gardena, California as my day job, among other things, but primarily I am a writer.

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How To Save $500 On Gap Auto Insurance, by Sam Streubel

2013-07-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

The average price for gap auto insurance sold by an auto dealership or finance company is $578.

Q. So why would anybody in their right mind pay $500 more they should?

A. They don't know any better.

Imagine you're in a car dealership and you've just purchased a brand new car. You're sitting there with a self satisfied smile on your face that lets everybody in the showroom know you just brought the salesman to his knees with your finely honed negotiating skills.

Next you go see the finance person to arrange a loan. This is where you're casually informed that if you wreck your beautiful new car during the next year or two you're going to have fork over maybe five grand because the car will be worth that much less than what you still owe the bank.

Lucky for you the finance guy has a tailored made solution to the problem. For a measly $578 one time fee you can purchase a gap policy that protects you from a potential shortfall, up to $5,000, if you owe the bank more than the car is worth when that bus hits you.

Of course you're going to say sure, go ahead, because you're afraid of losing your shirt and, by the way, did I tell you the premium could be rolled right into the loan?

On one hand, you're relieved to know the value your asset is protected, but on the other hand you're asking yourself why it had to cost so much.

Well, it doesn't. But who knew that there was even such a thing as gap insurance much less how much it's supposed to cost. The problem is not with you, but with the major insurance companies and their brokers.

The reason you don't hear anything about gap from your insurance agent is that it isn't exactly a big money maker. With an average gap endorsement costing around $35 a year, there isn't a lot of profit incentive to buy 30 second spots on American Idol.

Besides the price, there's another difference between the gap insurance sold by a car dealer and the policy rider sold by a name brand gap insurance provider. When you buy gap from a major insurer you can cancel the rider as soon as the loan balance and value of your car reach parity, usually within the first two years of ownership.

With dealership gap insurance, the coverage is spread out over 60 months and cannot be canceled for a refund whether you need it or not.

About The Author

Now that you've learned how to save $500 on gap auto insurance, pass it on, because the insurance companies won't.

http://gapautoinsurancecoverage.com/Auto_Gap_Insurance_Online.html

The author invites you to visit:
http://gapautoinsurancecoverage.com

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Five Best Inexpensive Home Workout Products, By Edward Macejka

2013-06-24T17:10:00.002-05:00

When thinking about starting (or restarting) an exercise program, there are many reasons people give for putting it off. Some people are self-conscious about their bodies and are intimidated by the thought of going to a gym. Some don't want to spend money for a gym membership and still others feel as though they don't have the time. Each of these concerns can be addressed by working out at home. Listed below are my top five fitness items you can use for a quick, inexpensive workout program. Each of these can be purchased for under $100 and can easily be used in the home.

Nothing/bodyweight - Anyone can get a perfectly good workout using nothing but their own body weight. Some of the most effective strength training exercises can be done without incorporating additional weights. Squats and lunges for the lower body, pushups and plank for the upper body and situps for the core. For added resistance at a minimal cost you can fill a gallon milk or water jug. A full jug weighs about eight pounds but you can fill it to whatever level feels appropriate for you.

Bosu Ball - A Bosu ball is a fitness device that allows a person to balance train as well as aerobic and strength training. Bosu is an acronym for "Both Sides Up". A Bosu ball looks like a stability ball which has been cut in half and attached to a platform. A number of different upper and lower body exercises may be performed with either the dome side up or the platform side up. A Bosu ball with exercise DVD can be bought for around $80.

Resistance Bands - Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands that you pull to work certain muscle groups. Resistance bands are much more convenient than typical weight-lifting gear, as they are lighter, more portable and easy to use. The bands come in various levels of resistance and are usually color coded with increasing resistance levels shown with increasingly darker color bands. A set of five resistance bands can be purchased online for as little as $15, and many sets includes either a workout manual showing how to do different exercises or even an instructional DVD.

Weighted Jump Rope - Jumping rope is one of the simplest and most effective aerobic exercise. To enhance the workout you can use a weighted jump rope, which has handles weighing anywhere from one to four pounds. The weighted handles allow you to get an upper body strength workout at the same time as your aerobic workout. A weighted jump rope can be purchased for anywhere from $20 - $50 depending on the weight. Keep in mind though that you will need at least nine feet or higher ceilings if you plan to use the jump rope in the house.

Adjustable Dumbbells/Kettlebells - If exercise space is the primary concern keeping you from beginning a workout program, then adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells may be the best choice. Instead of having dumbbells/kettlebells for every weight increment, you have one item that you can adjust to the desired weight. This also is a cost effective way to get a total body workout. Whether you choose dumbbells or kettlebells (or both) is up to your personal preference. Top of the line new equipment can be a bit pricy but if you search online you can find perfectly good used equipment for under $100.

There are a large number of additional items that you can incorporate into your home workout program, but I suggest starting out with one or more of the choices described above. Once you get comfortable with a program you can add or subtract equipment to give yourself the most effective (and enjoyable) workout possible.

Edward Macejka and his wife Kelly write blogs and articles on their website, http://www.ourjourneytofitness.com, which is dedicated to sharing the experiences of the journey to physical, mental and spiritual fitness.

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Sealing $10,000 Personal Loans With Bad Credit: Viable Loan Options, By Mary Wise

2013-05-31T13:43:00.000-05:00

There is no point in pretending that bad credit borrowers have an easy time of it when trying to secure loan funds. Most lenders are still reeling from the financial crises that have occurred over the last 5 years, and as a result are reluctant to grant approval. This is especially true when it comes to applicants seeking $10,000 personal loans with bad credit.

There are criteria and conditions to every loan on offer, but securing loan approval when the applicant has a poor credit history, or is clearly in financial difficulties, is far from straightforward. Usually, some extra effort is needed to compile an application strong enough to be approved.

However, another key part to the process is to select the right loan to apply for, and the right loan source to apply to.

Thankfully, no matter what your financial situation, there are options that make even large personal loans attainable. Here are 3 of them.

1. Signature Loans

A signature loan is another name for an unsecured loan because it is granted only on the basis that the applicant promises to make the required repayments by putting their signature to the loan contract. When seeking a $10,000 personal loan with bad credit, this is not the ideal loan option.

Effectively, the lender only has the income of the applicant to use as an indication that the repayments can be made, and in the absence of any security, it is the lender who carries all of the risk. As a result, the interest rate charged on these loans is higher - usually around 11%.

What is more, the chances of securing loan approval are low because of the size of the monthly repayments on a $10,000 loan. It may be easier to get a smaller sum, but getting one of that size would require a strong debt-to-income ratio and clear signs that the large personal loan is affordable.

2. Home Equity Loan

When applying for a $10,000 personal loan with bad credit, the best way to ensure approval is to offer some form of security. The best kind is that associated with realty, rather than some possession of worth - like jewelry or a car. With that in mind, home equity is the best to offer.

Home equity is the share of the value of your home that is not covered by the mortgage. If the balance on your mortgage is $150,000, and the value of your home is $200,000, the equity is $50,000. And because of the strength of property as security, the chances of securing loan approval are extremely good.

Because the typical value of equity on a home is high, it is not difficult to have enough to cover a large personal loan. In fact, some lenders are willing to offer loans with just 25% covered by equity. Therefore, $10,000 in equity is enough to secure a $40,000 loan.

3. Private Loans

When lending institutions (either traditional or alternative) are unlikely to offer good terms, it may be worth turning to private loan sources, like your own family. In fact, it is arguably the best options when seeking a $10,000 personal loan with bad credit.

Family members rarely charge interest, so the repayments are lower than even an online lender would charge. And with family members also more accessible than any lender, the chance to renegotiate repayment terms should difficulties arise is greater too. All in all, securing loan approval is more likely and the terms are better.

The only negative factor is that the loan is outside the lending industry, so no improvement can be made on your credit rating even after such a large personal loan has been repaid in full.

Want to learn more about Guaranteed Bad Credit Personal Loans and Bad Credit Home Loans? Please subscribe to my channel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Wise

Budget Grocery Tips - Spend Less On Groceries, By Susan Matsumoto

2013-05-24T11:46:00.003-05:00

The money you spend on groceries can easily rank in your top 5 permanently recurring monthly bills. It may not seem like it because most of us generally don't take care of all of our grocery shopping in one outing. In one month we might go to a membership store once, then hit the local grocery 2-3 times, and then probably dine out or get some prepared food to go 4 or more times - and that is a conservative estimate.
When the spending is spread out it is difficult for us to get a good gauge on how much of our budget is dedicated to food. Surveys say that the average amount spent on food in one month is $225 for a single person, $500 for a couple, and onward and upward once children are added to the mix. Start adding in dining out or "eating out" to generalize the category of buying prepared meals and you can easily factor in another $20-40 per work week.

All things considered it would save you a great deal of money to create a cheap grocery list. So where to start? Begin with learning the basics, which includes knowing what form of food (fresh, frozen or canned) is the cheapest. It is also helpful to know the pricing hierarchy of meats. Know what meats are cheap and what cuts of meat are inexpensive.

What's Cheaper - fresh, canned or frozen?

Vegetables: Studies show that canned is cheaper than frozen which is cheaper than fresh.

Fruit: Studies show that the prices are generally comparable across the 3 categories. In some cases canned is significantly cheaper than fresh while in other cases fresh is significantly cheaper than canned. The bottom line here is that the packaging methods (especially fruits packaged with juices) and local/seasonal availability plays a big role in pricing making a direct comparison difficult.

Meat: Studies show that frozen is cheaper than fresh which is cheaper than canned.

Meat Prices - What costs more, what costs less?

Listed in order from most expensive to least expensive, the choices are beef, pork and chicken. Within those categories is another hierarchy. Here they are from the highest priced to the lowest priced cuts.

Beef

•Choice steaks

•Roast beef

•Flank

•Ground beef

Pork

•Bacon

•Boneless chops

•Shoulder

•Boneless hams

Chicken

•Wings

•Skinless & boneless breast

•Leg (drumstick & thigh)

•Whole bird

It is important to note that there are always exceptions but these are the general findings based on average prices. If you really want to be thrifty it will come down to you doing your own price comparisons for the products you wish to consume. In order to save on more money (gas) and time, do your price comparison with your computer first.

Other ideas for saving money include cutting down on buying prepared food, buying produce that is in season, and considering alternative shopping outlets like membership stores and farmer's markets. Lastly, never forget the added savings found in coupons, sales and special store deals.

Want to know more ways to decrease your expenses and build your savings? Read more at http://www.frugalsensei.com/shopping/food for additional ideas on saving money on food. Visit the Frugal Sensei where the primary goal is to get you the most for the least.

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3 Free Top Budgeting Apps That Will Help You to Manage Your Daily Finances! By Emma L. Paterson

2013-05-17T10:19:00.004-05:00

For those of us who are mathematically challenged keeping track of our spending, saving and budgeting can be a bit of a nightmare. A spreadsheet used to be the answer back in the dark ages; before online tools and better still the advent of the smart phone. Today however, for those of us who are either a little inept with our addition and subtraction there are a whole host of money management apps available to help us keep track of our finances. The beauty of these apps is that most are free and can help you to effectively budget (the best way to save money) with minimum effort on your part.

1. Minted?

Probably one of the leading apps is Mint; it's produced by a global leader in the personal and business accounting world and the functionality of the app is therefore no surprise. The app doesn't allow you to move money around or make payments but it does allow you to track all of your accounts. Once you've input all the account information into the app it gives you a brilliant overview of how much (or little) is available and what bills are due. Mint organises your outgoings into simple groupings so that you can see where money is going - crucial to identifying areas of overspend and potential savings. It will also very helpfully recommend bank, investment and credit card deals that may offer savings - saving you time as well as money.
2. Phone draining your Pockets?

The problem with smart phones is often data usage. Real time management of your data allowance is offered by DataMan. This app could be a real saver if you regularly go over your allowance leading to higher rate charges for mobile data. While your provider will often let you know you've reached your limit they often do so after the fact, which isn't at all helpful. The DataMan app alerts you in real time and can save you a fortune or worse still a data black out! DataMan is not free, sadly, but at £1.49 it's almost certainly worth the investment.

3. Expenses, Expenses, Expenses

Spending Log is not dissimilar to Mint, but is a simplified way to track your outgoings. Crafting a budget is all very well if you know exactly what and where your hard earned cash goes but until that point it can be somewhat pointless. Spending Log allows you to clearly identify where the cash is going, which can be a good way to make the basic decisions for a budget. Planning carefully based on real information will help to make an effective weekly or monthly budget and as the app is free there's very little to lose!

Money Saving Spy is your one-stop-shop for the latest special offers and discounts from the UK's top 500 retailers. We also list a great selection of free gift and free delivery promotions as well as the most up to date discount voucher codes available online. We also write regular articles with top tips on how to save money on virtually anything!

Emma Paterson, Director at Money Saving Spy. The UK's Leading Money Saving Website!

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Mexico Beaches: A Vacation For All Budgets, By Fernando F. Mayorga

2013-04-16T15:41:00.004-05:00

After the recession hit a lot of families in 2008 all the way to the present, going on a vacation has become a lot more of a luxury. Some places you can travel to which are within driving distance still feel as too expensive for a lot of people. There are vacations to Europe which end up being too expensive even when you get a great deal for airfare and hotel, because buying food or paying for entertainment is just out of most people's range. Thankfully you can always visit many of the beautiful Mexico beaches and beach towns for a fraction of the price.

Start With Airfare

There are plenty of airports throughout the country, but your best bet is to head to the bigger cities and go from there. The reason you want to look at the bigger airports is that you could end up saving an extra couple of hundred dollars just by doing so. The Cancun International Airport is very convenient for that as the prices are lower than others in the region and you have plenty of Mexico beaches around. You will have access to Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and others within a couple of hours from the airport. You can also choose to fly into Mexico City and then take a first class bus to different beach towns in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Jalisco, but the ride is a lot longer.

Always Take The First Class Buses

First Class buses may seem like an additional expense, but if you have to go to Mexico City to Acapulco for example it is a 6 hour ride. A First Class bus will get you there fast and the price difference is not that great. You can travel in Turistar or Pullman Plus which is a luxury line for 40 dollars to Acapulco and you will get seats that resemble a reclining chair, a meal, drinks and very spacious bathrooms. The trip to the Mexico beach towns in Oaxaca is longer, but you can take an overnight bus and be there when you wake up. The seats in Turistar and Pullman Plus are comfortable and you will have no trouble sleeping in them.

Hotels

The hotels in Cancun can be as expensive as those in any other luxury resort beach town in the world, but you do not have to stay there. If you are traveling to the Riviera Maya and you want to save money then head to the other Mexican beaches in Quintana Roo. They are all pretty similar in their beauty but the price is much lower. You can get decent accommodations in Tulum and Playa del Carmen close to the beach for less than 40 dollars a night.

Food And Shopping

This is where you will save a lot of the money when you go to any of the many Mexico beaches as opposed to going to another international (or within the country) destination. Your meals can be very filling and tasty and you do not need to pay more than 4 dollars per meal. Of course you could go to luxury restaurants; after all you will still pay less in Mexico than you would for a luxury restaurant at home. But the fact is that going for cheap traditional Mexican food is cheap, safe and maybe even tastier. If you need to shop, souvenirs can be as little as 5 dollars, but always pay in Peso even if you can pay in dollars. You will not get a favorable exchange rate when you shop in an international currency.

For more information on Mexico beach vacation destinations visit http://mexicobeaches.net, For Mexico City Destinations or information visit http://guiadeldf.com

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Getting Consolidation Loans With Bad Credit To Kick-Start Financial Recovery, By Hilary Bowman

2013-03-21T18:56:00.001-05:00

The trouble with debts is that they keep growing unless something is done about them. For many, the task of repaying debts slowly each month is a bit like pushing a boulder up a hill. Eventually, it will wear the debtor down. Thankfully, the availability of consolidation loans with bad credit gives borrowers a solution to their troubles.

The reason why consolidation is considered a prime solution to debt problems is that it offers a highly effective debt management structure, easing the financial pressure but fully clearing the original debt. What is more, because lenders are always impressed with attempts to manage debts, they tend to be more open to approving these loans.

But what exactly is a consolidation loan? And what are the real benefits of getting one? Understanding such matters is important before taking on the obligation involved.

Understanding Loan Consolidation

The first step to understanding how consolidation can benefit borrowers is to get a grasp of the basic concept. In essence, it is all about combining existing debts and clearing them in one go with a single loan sum. Of course, getting consolidation loans with bad credit usually means accepting some compromises, but the terms are typically very good.

With multiple loans, there is usually a different interest rate and repayment schedule for each. The result is that the overall cost of the debt is far greater than it needs to be. But through consolidation, an effective debt management structure can be applied, replacing multiple debt balances with a single loan debt, and a single interest rate, which costs less.

However, the key is the duration of the consolidation loan. The longer the repayment term, the smaller the monthly repayment sum. This accommodates tighter budgets, and frees up extra cash to be used to clear other bills and expenses. Depending on the sum required, repayment terms of up to 30 years are available.

Qualifying for Consolidation Loans

So, who can look forward to qualifying for a consolidation program? The fast answer to this question is anyone. Lenders offer consolidation loans with bad credit to provide bad credit borrowers with a chance to alleviate the financial pressure they are under. However, they are considered another loan product by lending institutions.

With that in mind, there are criteria that have to be satisfied before there is any chance of being approved. These can be classified in two groups: financial and personal. The financial group relates to issues like income and employment. Having a large enough income to make the repayment is understandably essential for effective debt management programs.

The personal criteria when seeking a consolidation loan relates to age and citizenship, with applicants being over 18 and US citizens - or at least legal long-term residents in the US.

Getting the Best Consolidation Deal

When seeking a consolidation loan with bad credit, the best place to find affordable terms is online. The fact is that online lenders are experts on bad credit lending, so provide the most competitive terms possible. Interest rates are lower than corresponding loans from traditional lenders, and terms are more suited to the needs of bad credit borrowers.

These terms include longer repayment terms, and thus lower monthly repayments. As a result, the most effective debt management program is available from them. Of course, there are risks to applying for anything online, so be sure to check out the reputation of any lenders through the Better Business Bureau website. Only after doing that should a consolidation loan be applied for.

Hilary Bowman is a Financial Expert who specializes in Loans for People with No Credit and Bad Credit Loans

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Tips to Save on Travel Insurance, by Alexey Saltykov

2013-03-17T17:57:00.001-05:00

There is one aspect that you have always to remember before starting your trip: Travel Insurance. Any health or accident issue abroad can lead to exorbitant costs.

One night in a hospital in USA can easily result in over $10,000. There are many cases where people were treated abroad and afterwards got six-digits medical bills. Obviously such issues as a stolen laptop or video camera can be quite costly as well.

We created a long list of travel insurance tips to help you to save on travel insurance! So, let's start!

1. Travel medical on your credit card: Check your credit cards - one or two may already have Travel Medical Protection, both for you and sometimes for your family members too.

2. Various credit card perks: Not sure if you need to buy a Flight Delay, Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Baggage Loss - check out your credit cards, sometimes you will be surprised what you will find.

3. Liability via Home Insurance: Thinking to buy an extra Umbrella / Liability insurance for your trip e.g. in case you hit somebody when skiing? Your Home Insurance might already have a worldwide umbrella protection - check the policy or ask your broker / insurance provider.

4. Protection for belongings: Wondering if you need to pay extra to protect some of your belongings while on a trip (e.g. expensive camera) - your home insurance might protect them as well while you are travelling and have them with you.

5. Multi-trip travel insurance: If you travel several times a year, it often makes sense to take a multi-trip insurance policy as opposed to getting every time single-trip policy.

6. Family travel insurance: If you travel as a family, it sometimes makes sense to buy a family travel insurance policy rather than buying a separate plan for each member of the family.

7. Shop around: Search, Compare, and switch insurance companies. There are many insurance providers and their price offerings for the same policies can be very different, therefore use multiple online tools and talk to several brokers since each will cover a limited number of insurance companies.

8. Burglary insurance:Some credit cards offer this kind of protection if some of your personal belongings disappear from your hotel or motel. Don't forget to pay for your trip and hotel stay with a credit card that offers this protection. Attention: your protection may extend to USA but not necessary to other countries e.g. Mexico.

Alex Saltykov is a Co-Founder of InsurEye Inc, a Canadian company that provides online tools for consumers to educate them about insurance, create transparency in insurance market place in Canada and connect consumer with insurance brokers in Hamilton, insurance brokers in Edmonton and all across Canada.

Alex spent years advising insurance clients both in North America and Europe while he was working for one of the leading management consulting companies. His areas of expertise are insurance, interactive consumer services, innovation, IT and operations.

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Money Saving Tips in 2013, by Vicky James

2013-03-14T19:22:00.001-05:00

Make a shopping list

Food shopping forms a significant part of our monthly outgoings and the supermarket is where the bulk of the money is spent. Tesco takes £1 in every £8 spent by UK shoppers. But be warned, stores spend a small fortune studying ways of making us part with more of our money than we would otherwise intend to. Have you ever wondered why your favourite song is playing in the background as you navigate the aisles? Have you even noticed the background music? Possibly not, but you will have noticed at the checkout that the bill is often more than expected. To circumvent this, simply make a shopping list. Dig out the cookery books, plan a few meals and only buy what you need.

Shop online

The internet is gradually taking over. Online grocery shopping is getting better all the time and there are plenty of comparison websites to help find the best prices for bigger items. Give it a try, unless of course you like fighting your way through supermarket crowds.

Consider own-brand goods

You can buy a tin of Asda own-brand baked beans for 14p and a loaf bread at Asda, Tesco or Sainsbury's for 19p. Enough said.

Sell your clutter on eBay

Take this quick test: You're at home. Open a cupboard. Look inside. If it's full of clothes you haven't worn, or 'good ideas a the time' you haven't used, for, let's say, three years - you don't need them. So why not sell them to someone else who does? eBay, the online auction house, has opened individual sellers to a world of buyers. And you can flog anything for the cost of a small commission. Tip: you may want to buy a few items first to build up your rating as a respectable eBayer before you start selling.

Ask yourself: do I really need this?

Imagine the scenario. It's lunchtime and you've got an hour to kill. You find yourself in a department store and there's a sale on. You pick up a beautifully packaged selection of barbecue tools and associated garden paraphernalia. And it's half price. Now, stop! Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Exactly. Now, put it down and walk away.

Cancel your gym membership

Recent figures show that 77% of UK adults sign up for Gym memberships then fail to attend, with the average person wasting £303 per year totalling a massive £37 million waste by consumers on Gym memberships. If you are one of these statistics, cancel your membership immediately and look at alternative ways to improve your fitness, such as walking or cycling to work.

Do you need all those TV channels?

Britain is switching to digital-only television and time is running out for you to choose your new digital TV provider. The choice is already bewildering and with telephone-based services now being launched it's going to get more complicated. Packages range from full the monty, including every sports and movie channel costing around £50 a month, down to Freeview, which is free. Choose wisely.

Becoming a bit more aware of your spending habits can help you avoid a debt problem and help those who are already seeking debt management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicky_James

How To Save Money On Costly Car Insurance, by Yusuf Hamza

2013-03-07T17:18:00.003-06:00

In 2008 the worlds largest insurer AIG was on the brink of bankruptcy and that brought to light a major problem facing most insurance companies, a lack of liquidity. Here we are in 2013 and the insurance sector is still trying to regain a solid foothold. If you are a driver you need to understand that not all insurance providers are financially stable which could put you in a bind should there be a claim filed.

The monthly premiums that you are paying for your car is constantly rising but the amount of coverage you receive is not, this is due to the aforementioned economic woes being felt by the insurers. What you must do to save money on your coverage is aggressively shop the market. There are websites that could address these needs or you could go hire a broker to do the work for you. In either situation you need to check out two items before looking at the premiums.

1) Does the organization have a solid base of satisfied clients? If a business does not take good care of their clients why on earth would you give them your money. These companies will have a Facebook page which you can visit and look at how many positive reviews they have in relation to negative, if the firm does not have a good rating then you should not bother with them regardless of what is being offered.

2) Is the policy underwriter financially stable? While there are government initiates in place that are suppose to guarantee these policies it could take months if not years before you see a cent if anything at all. Do not rely on credit rating agencies, you remember those folks who rated subprime mortgages as "triple A" quality but instead look at the regulatory filings to find out whether the company has the cash to meet their obligations.

Once you have covered those two items then you can move forward with the pricing review. Some drivers focus solely on what the monthly amount is but that is risky thinking, look at the total amount of coverage that is being offered in relation to the premium paid.

You should ask for a higher deductible, this is a great way to drive down your premiums without sacrificing coverage or perhaps you want to combine your home and automobile policies with the same company for even greater savings. These suggestions will help steer you in the right direction, there are automotive blogs that discuss insurers and how to increase your savings. The fact that you are reading this proves you are taking a step in the right direction.

The Internet lets drivers save money on car insurance by shopping around. Sites like http://www.autoboardz.com can provide a person with information on which insurance providers are the most popular. While cost is is important having a reputable insurer that honors their policies is vital.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yusuf_Hamza

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7533258

Budgeting - Most Important and Effective Tool for Getting Finances Under Control, by Vino Hermez

2013-03-01T12:53:00.001-06:00

Budgeting! The very mention of it makes us wince. Why? Well, I Think it's because budgeting confronts us with just how much money slips through our fingers - and with how little we have to show for it. But that's one of its purposes - getting the jolt is good for us.

Budgeting encourages us to take a disciplined approach to spending and saving, enabling us to reach short, medium, and long-term goals that otherwise might prove unattainable. It helps us find extra money to invest, or to pay for a holiday. Budgeting is the most important and effective tool for getting our finances under control.

These are big claims I know, but have you ever heard of a successful business that doesn't have any plans? I'm sure you haven't, because businesses without plans don't last very long. And, in business, at the heart of every plan is a budget.

A business's budget is designed to maintain financial control and to prevent money being wasted. These are the same as your goals, so you have to treat yourself like a business. After all, you generate some pretty big figures too. The current average adult, full-time people wage of just over $43,000 per year multiplied by a working life of 47 years (from 18 to 65) works out at around a hefty $2 million in today's money. Yet, there are many people who, after a lifetime of work, end up with little more than the home are living in - if they are lucky. Having a budget is the first step towards ensuring this doesn't happen to you.

Even people earning very good money never seem to have any. That's because they, like all of us, have a tendency to spend about 10% more than they earn, no matter what their income levels are. I have some very well-paid clients who say the solution to check to their lack of funds is to earn even more than they presently do. That's wrong. Chances are they will overspend any increased income they receive. In fact, some people who know they will be receiving a pay rise in December start spending more in July just to get used to the feeling of it!

What do I say to these people? I tell them to do a budget, find out where all the money is going and then cut back on the least necessary areas to the point where not only does their income not exceed expenditure, but there's actually something left over to save. This is what budgeting is all about.

Key Thought

The budget tells you where your money is going, where you can cut back and where you can save.

Visit us for more information about personal finance budgeting. I've made budget planner in my website, to gives you practical details on how to budgeting and take control of your money.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vino_Hermez

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Health Insurance Options That Don't Break the Bank, by Rickey Pearce

2012-06-27T17:12:00.000-05:00

In the current economy, many families are in a state of crisis when it comes to their health insurance. From lay-offs to business closing completely, many people now find themselves without a job or any kind of insurance for their family. With the high price of COBRA, those who have experienced downsizing don't even have that as an option.

Most recently, the unemployed or uninsured need to find cheap health insurance for themselves or family and wondering what are the options. Sometimes, reading a health insurance policy can leave you more confused than before. Readers are often left wondering exactly what their coverage is and under what circumstances. With every penny counting, it is important to make an informed decision.

Getting Informed-

Finding cheap health insurance is not just about finding one that is affordable. It is also about one that covers the things most important to your life and the circumstances surrounding your needs. One of the most valuable things you can do before choosing an insurance is get informed. Understanding some of the terms will go a long way in getting proper coverage:

Family and Individual Coverage-

Individual or family coverage is obtained by the individual and separate from any company or group. One of the most important things to understand about individual health insurance plans is that they are typically more difficult to obtain. Since it is for an individual or family, the medical history of each person will be looked at much more carefully than under a group plan, where the risk is spread over all paying members.

Short Term Health Insurance-

For those who are in-between jobs, short term insurance plans may be a good option. Coverage ranges from one to six months and can help if there is a medical crisis in an already difficult time. They are limited however. They will not cover a pre-existing condition or preventative care.

Student Health Insurance-

Another group usually in need of cheap health insurance are students. Increasingly, schools are making having health insurance one of the requirements of enrollment. To make sure that medical insurance continues uninterrupted, families should be shopping for cheap health insurance plans long before school enrollment.

Defined Benefit-

For those who have been turned down by major insurance companies for preexisting conditions, a defined benefit may be a cheap health insurance option. These plans provide defined coverage and do not cover catastrophic coverage. They are easy to understand and provide first dollar coverage. Although they may not seem to be cheap, or exceptionally affordable, they are a much better alternative then managing the cost of a serious illness alone.

Good Questions to Ask About Health Insurance-

Obtaining cheap health insurance can be a difficult and confusing process, but asking good questions can help you get the coverage you need:

- Are there ways for individuals to gain group insurance? A health insurance agent can help an individual discover possible group plans through credit unions or trade associations.

- What is Risk? Knowing what insurance looks at to calculate their risk, and your cost, can lower your risk and cost.

- How do I know what is covered and what is not? Knowing exactly what the plan covers as well as it's limits will help you to choose the one that best fits you expectations. You can trust an agent to help you understand the coverage terms as well as the limits.

Finding cheap health insurance can be a difficult, but important task. A financial downturn can cause many to consider going without coverage for a time, but that decision can end up a very costly one both financially and for one's health. A local agent can help you find a plan that not only meets your needs, but is affordable as well.

About The Author

As an insurance agent, Rickey Pearce helps families find the right coverage. With RMHP's SOLO View Plans, you can find a cheap Colorado health insurance that suits your needs. Each plan comes with a long list of benefits that will fit your budget and lifestyle. Visit http://www.rmhp.org/individuals-families/solo-view.aspx to find a plan that fits your needs.

How To Spend Money Wisely By Controlling Your Spending Habits, By Jake Thompson

2012-06-19T22:10:00.004-05:00

Bad spending habits are among the most commons factors that lead people to bankruptcy. Most of people are used to overspending on everything. They do not keep anything aside from their monthly income or salary and max out on their credit cards. Mostly, they pay their utility bills after due date and sometimes even forget paying their dues altogether.You might not become a defaulter as it can severely damage your credit ratings. As a result, you will find it difficult to secure a loan or land a good job. All this can lead you to depression and intense level of stress. You need to learn how to spend money wisely in order to prevent such things from happening. The followings pointers can help you spend your hard-earned money wisely.First off, consider automating your payments. You may connect your due accounts with your bank account. When payments become due, the amount will automatically be deducted from your bank account. It eliminates the need to monitor your schedule and all you have to do is to make sure there is sufficient amount of money in your bank account to make payments.Another important tip is to cut back on your leisure. If you have a sincere look at your spending habits, you will come to know that you can do without many things you often spend money on. For instance, you can cook at home by just shelling out $10 instead of dinning out for $100. Similarly, you can wait for movies to become available in DVDs rather than going to theaters. Always plan your trips and journeys. In this way, you can save a lot on fuel and transport.Always keep those pennies and never throw them away considering unimportant. Instead, collect them and put them in a secure place, such as a drawer or a piggyback. At the end of the month, you will be surprised to see that you have accumulated a good sum of money.Teach your family how to save. Do not limit your saving habits to yourself alone. All members of your family might learn how to spend money correctly. Teach your kids that it is not good to ask money over and over again in a day. Moreover, avoid eating out with your friends too frequently.You might change the way you think too. The bulk of materialistic people is tied down by their materialistic possessions and spends money lavishly on things they want to purchase. This is not a good mentality. It is advisable not to be obsessed with materialistic things. By doing so, you can save moolah to meet your needs down the road.You can employ subliminal messages or affirmations so as to reform your thinking. You can persuade yourself from overspending by telling lines to yourself, such as I need to save money for future needs; spending too much is not good; I have to make my future bright and so on. Also, you can download several subliminal messages in the form of audio and video and listen to them on a regular basis. Try out these tips and you will never regret your decision.

Moola Mind. Getting Creative on Saving MoneyMoola Mind on FacebookArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_ThompsonArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7121729

2012-02-18T20:54:00.000-06:00

Free Attractions In Las Vegas
by: Andrea Ivey

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the globe, has lots of free attractions for everyone. Famous for shopping, gambling, top notch restaurants, amusement and lively night life, Las Vegas is the 28th most densely populated city in the United States of America. You don’t need to worry about your budget as the city offers lots of free things to do. You can enjoy lots of free attractions in Las Vegas that comprise great places, parks, museums, shows and much more.

The wide availability of free attractions in Las Vegas makes this superb, lively city a grand place to chill out without spending a fortune. If you are looking for free things to do in Las Vegas, this article will help you a lot. Some of top notch places to visit in Las Vegas for free or for a really cheap price are as follows:

Anderson Dairy

This grand place (Anderson Dairy) has been attracting tourists in addition to the city’s inhabitants since 1907. At Anderson Dairy, you can enjoy guided trips of the plant without spending any money. In addition, you can also enjoy a delicious and yummy ice cream treat free of cost.

Marjorie Barrick Museum

Established in 1969, this antique repository offers opportunities to get familiar with the local cultures of the southwest US as well as Mesoamerica. From the survival arts of the Southern Paiute to the impressive and extravagant weaving of the Navajo and attractive monument of the Hopi, the displays aid the visitors to notify not only the charisma of objects but their individual and sacred importance.

Wetlands Park

This is an astonishing place for bird watching and leisure activities. The superb, astounding park is a home to numerous types of animals as well as birds. The Wetlands Park has on foot trails, secondary trails, ponds and bird seeing places.

Liberace Museum

Among free attraction in Las Vegas, Liberace Museum is one of the major attractions. This depositary demands a small entry charge. You can spend lots of time basking the surprises of this great place. The Museum has many things to exhibit comprising momentous pianos, traditional car compilation and exceptional antique works.

Circus Circus Casino

Enter the circus tent and get amused by free circus acts at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. each day, you can enjoy some unmatched circus plays here. Performances consist of mid-air shows, swing performers and jocks. This is among one of the best free activities for kids in Las Vegas.

Arts District

Las Vegas's downtown Arts District is jam-packed with creative activities. This district has lots of artists' studios in addition to picture galleries. You need not pay any entry fee. It is open to everybody every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apart from these attractions, Las Vegas has much more to offer for a budget friendly vacation.

About The Author

Andrea Ivey is a contributor on Shoestringspots.com, a website listing all free tourist spots, free things to do and see in your favorite cities in the US. Please visit www.shoestringspots.com and browse through hundreds of free attractions in US cities.

2012-02-12T17:55:00.001-06:00

5 Tips On How To Save Money At The Gas Pump

1. Keep an eye on your gas consumption

The more aware you are of the amount of fuel that you use the more you can do
to try to reduce your gas costs.
If you notice that your gas efficiency is decreasing it could be an indicating
factor that your car needs servicing.
Make weekly comparisons with your fuel log that you keep in you car to see how
much your gas consumption is going up and your mileage per gallon is going
down.
If you are finding that you are constantly seeing less and less performance
from your car and spending more for gas at the fuel pump then you'll know that
you need to take action so that you can start seeing a savings in your gas
economy rather than a constant deficit.
2. Buy gas from a busy station

Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore
has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis.
Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground
tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.
This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful
than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy.
Try to time your visits to busier gas stations at those busy times but make
sure that you're not in a rush to get anywhere.
If you're late for an appointment you may find yourself giving up in
frustration if you have to wait to purchase your gas and then find yourself
moving over to a gas station that has a higher gas cost for the day.
3. Turn the nozzle

When you have finished filling up your gas tank try turning the nozzle of the
hose a full 180 degrees.
This will drain a bit more gas into your tank; in some cases up to an entire
half cup that would otherwise be a bonus to the next gas customer.
Once you get into the habit of turning the hose you'll find yourself doing it
without thinking. That extra half cup that you get each time that you fill your
gas tank can
add
up to a lot of extra gas at the end of the year that you never have known
about.
4. High octane gas

For most cars these days, buying higher octane gas is a waste of your money.
Regular unleaded has approximately 87 octane already and is fine for your
vehicle.
By avoiding buying high octane gas you'll be saving a large amount of money
over a period of time.
High octane gas is always more expensive at the gas pumps so the next time that
you feel guilty for filling up your SUV with regular gas you can be assured
that no harm will come to your vehicle.
Octane is simply a measurement of how difficult it is to ignite the gas in your
car and has nothing to do with the quality of the gas. If you are experiencing
engine pings, rattles, or knocks you can switch to high octane gas.
However, you shouldn't be experiencing any of those knocks and rattles if you
are keeping your vehicle maintained and making sure that you don't miss those
scheduled maintenance checkups.
If you are driving a new model car you definitely shouldn't be hearing any
pings or rattles and if you are you should take your vehicle to a mechanic.
5. Avoid topping off

Try to avoid topping off at the gas pumps. When you purchase just a bit of gas
at the gas station the pump doesn't have enough time to really activate,
resulting in short bursts of fuel that may short change you from the amount of
gas that you are purchasing.
The best time to replenish your gas tank is when you have half a tank or less
left in your vehicle, or when you find a gas price that you just can't afford
to miss.
About the Author
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