Money Management

8 Things You Need to Know About Your Credit Card

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:28:52 +0100

By Suze Orman New credit card regulations went into effect on February 22, 2010, that are designed to protect consumers. Overall, this is a very important and good development. But listen to me and listen good: You can still end up in plenty of high-cost trouble if you don't stay one step ahead of the bank credit card issuers. Here are some key issues to keep an eye on: What's new: If you pay your bills on time, the interest rate on your existing balance cannot be raised. Pay attenti...

How to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:16:24 +0100

By Araine De Bonvoisinfirst30days.com The only way to the break cycle of always wanting more is to become better acquainted with your "wanting mind." That's according to Brent Kessel, author of It's Not About the Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance. "The people who really have the financial lives they want understand themselves on the inside first," says Kessel. "They take their attention to, why is it that I'm wanting this . . . before they take...

Your Money Relationship

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:35:19 +0100

Is your belief about money preventing you from creating the life you envision? According to Helen Kim, founder of YourMoneyRelationship.com, the beliefs you have about money may be preventing you from creating the life you envision. Helen points out that everything starts with a decision, whether it's to quit your job to do what you really love, to sell everything and move, to start a non-profit or to start a family. "You can always correct your course if you need to," she suggests, "but unles...

5 Easy Ways to Manage Financial Stress

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:00:06 +0100

by Jill Daniel Photo Credits: iStockPhoto.com Marci Shimoff, author of the New York Times mega-bestseller Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out, the woman's face of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and a featured teacher in "The Secret," offers a breakthrough approach to deep and lasting happiness—whatever your external circumstances may be. I recently had a chance to talk with Shimoff about how to stay happy in these uncertain economic times. Marci, t...

Why Women Pay More

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:51:17 +0100

By MP Dunleavey MSN Money From haircuts to health insurance, moisturizers to mortgages, women are charged more than men for essentially the same stuff. There's only 1 way to fight this bunk. The January issue of consumer reports just came in the mail, and what I found on Page 8 shocked me. There were two bottles of Nivea body wash: one for men priced at $5.49 and one for women costing $7.49. Why the 2-buck difference? Nivea's reason, according to Consumer Report...

Live Simply to Simply Live

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:04:14 +0100

By Wandia Chiuri You may think major cutbacks are brutal, but they actually set you up to experience the most fulfilling and rewarding times of your life. By taking control of your spending habits, you are claiming ownership of where your hard-earned money goes and paying yourself back with simple pleasures. As you begin to spend your money on things that really matter to you and quit shelling out cash for things that don’t, you’ll find your life will become a whole lot simpler. A precio...

First Step to Reducing Debt

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:41:50 +0100

Your path to power and freedom By Vfirefly.com Money Management Team Just making the choice to reduce your debt puts you on a different path — one of power and freedom. Imagine how wonderful it will be to see “zero balance” on your bills, and to hold your head up high, feel deserving and not afraid to answer the phone. Here are some tips to help you make the first step: Determine where you stand in regard to exactly what you owe. List all your most critical regular expenses. Pay atte...

Go on a Cash Diet

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:45:57 +0100

By Vfirefly Money Management Team Start using cash instead of plastic— even debit. About 60% of active credit-card accounts aren’t paid off monthly, according to Bankrate.com. That means people end up paying far more for items in the long run than they would have if they’d paid cash. Try switching to cash for everything other than your monthly bills—groceries, gasoline, entertainment, lunch and your morning coffee. Estimate what you think those things will cost, and then add a small cus...

Develop a Budget

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:37:25 +0100

by Vfirefly Team Creating a budget is key to being on top of your financial future. Living within a budget simply means having a plan to live within your means and not rely on credit. It’s important to create a budget you can live with in the long term. And be sure to include something you enjoy. Budgeting can be as simple as writing out your income and expenses with pencil and paper. Some people prefer to use a spreadsheet. For help with creating a budget, visit Bankrate.com. The main purpo...

Identify Your Money Personality

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:47:31 +0100

By Vfirefly Money Management Team Debt doesn’t discriminate and people get into debt for many reasons. Some were never taught how to handle money. Others feel empty inside and buy things to fill the void. Some people fail to prepare for emergencies and enter into debt when illness or disaster strikes. To prevent yourself from re-accumulating debt, it’s important to understand what was driving your debt in the first place. Financial experts stay that every person has a “money personality....

Start Your Rainy Day Fund

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:44:16 +0100

By Vfirefly Money Management Team An essential component of any frugal lifestyle is saving. Determine how much you want to save from each paycheck (most experts advise around 10%) and put it away before you even know it’s gone. Budget the remainder of your money wisely—if you have high-interest debts to pay off, put as much as you can toward those and watch your savings account grow. For Susan Harris, an interior designer in Atlanta, every extra penny she earned had her credit-card bill’s...

Fine Frugal Living

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:38:40 +0100

Finding your center while you are on a budget As you strive to gain control of your spending habits, you may find yourself growing tense and emotional. This is a normal reaction to change and can be helped by focusing on three areas of your body—your head, your heart and your spine (known in meditation circles as your “root”). Marie Duginski, owner of Body Vision Studio, a yoga/Pilates gym in Atlanta, recommends the following a yoga exercise for your heart: Fish pose: Lay on your back wit...

Reducing Debt: Tools You Can Use

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:27:39 +0100

By Vfirefly Money Management Team While most people don’t learn about managing finances in school, a number of books are available at your local library or bookstore. Here are some of the top books available on reducing your debt: The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, by Dave Ramsey. The bedrock of Ramsey’s system is simple: Work hard, pay what you owe and stay out of debt. This book provides the brutally direct truth about the hard work it takes to become free of d...

Live Splendidly on Less

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:25:44 +0100

with tips from these money saving sites ProBargainHunter.com A computer programmer who loves online shopping created this site to scout the latest coupon codes and bargains. Handy tools like the Buxr displays hot deals, and the Amazon Discount Code which compiles and charts the latest Amazon discount codes Bargainist.com The site provides discount information and coupon codes for merchandise purchased from major retailers. Netmarket.com Netmarket.com is a shopping site offering elec...

How to Make the Most of a Low Credit Score

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:18:00 +0100

The following products can help you boost your credit standing as you work to raise your score. Score: 400 - 579 Best Credit Card Option: Secured Credit Card What’s good about it: Rebuild your credit without accruing debt. You can only charge up to the amount you have in your savings account. Watch out for: An account setup fee of up to $100. Annual fees average about $60. Interest rates are slightly higher but shouldn’t be more that $14.95. Resources: First Premie...

Credit Check-up: 4 Weeks to Healthy Credit

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:37:22 +0100

by Viralfirefly team Why is good credit is seriously good business? Good credit can help you: reduce debt Save money for your future goals land a dream job (companies often run credit checks on job applicants) Break the cycle of living check to check Here is a week by week guide to help you protect your credit and improve your score. A healthy credit score is between 630 and 700. Above 700 is excellent, and below 600 needs work. Hows your credit? Follow this steps to ...

Scam Alert: Avoid These Leery Lures

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:31:11 +0100

by the Viralfirefly Team Phone Call from the IRS asking you to verify personal information? Highly unlikely. The IRS will not call or email you to ask for personal information such as your back account or social security number. If in doubt about an inquiry call 1 (800) 829-1040. Spam marked “urgent,” “Confidential” or Get Rich Quick.” Do not open! Check the source with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Payday loans and cash advances tied to your pay check...

Everyday ways to put more change in your pocket

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:10:10 +0100

From Tanisha’s Tips by Tanisha Sykes Groceries: Reduce food shopping bills by logging into myclipper.com, a grocery coupon service. Pricegrabber.com is another comparison shopping site that offers a full spectrum of merchandise in every category. A one stop shop that enables visitors to find the best price for an item from several vendors. Transportation: Walk and use mass transit where feasible. Gas saving tips at fueleconomy.gov. Utilities: Sign up for the equal paym...

Savvy Savings: Cutting Costs on Entertaining and Energy

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:00:52 +0100

by Gerda Gallop-Goodman, Essence Saving Energy: Invest in energy star windows or appliances. These can save you up to 50% on your heating and cooling bills. Also, seal the temperature in your home by caulking, weather stripping and adding insulation around air conditioning ducts in spaces like attics and garages. Family Fun: Check for employee discounts to amusement parks, local attractions or transportation. Your employer may offer perks you don’t know about. Also look locally. The...

8 Ways to Break Through Your Money Fears

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:40:21 +0100

Stop worrying. Master your Finances with these Strategies Provided by Essence Magazine by Wendy Wilson According to Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph. D and nationally recognized expert on anxiety disorders, a small part of our financial fears are rooted in reality but when fear prevents you from progress that’s problematic. Here are 8 money fears that plague us and how to overcome them: #1 What if I lose all of my money: 90% of women feel insecure about money (Alliance Life Insura...

4 Small Smart Ways to Save

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:06:18 +0100

1. Evaluate your spending. Keep a log. This will help you notice where you buy impulsively and avoid excess spending. 2. Put yourself on a budget. For help setting up a budget, visit about.com and put “guilt-free budgeting” in the search box. 3. Use the Envelope System. Categorize your expenses and place the proper amount money into a corresponding envelope. When the cash runs out, that’s it. This system enforces your budget and helps you save more mo...

Business Finance: Choosing a Credit Card for Your Business

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:05:11 +0100

Content provided by the Better Business Bureau If expense reports are piling up and you’re tired of hearing your employees complain about not getting reimbursements, it might be time to consider a business credit card. Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers time-tested, trustworthy advice to business owners on choosing the right credit card for your business. Banking and credit card industry studies and reports note that small businesses in the U.S. spend nearly $5 trillion annually on prod...

Business Finance: The Relevance of Credit Reporting

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:22:24 +0100

Business Finance: The Relevance of Credit Reporting Sponsored by SmartBusinessReports.com 10 Reasons to Access Credit Reports Knowledge is power and there are many reasons why you want to have power when it comes to Credit Reporting. Monitor your credit report to manage what decisions others will make about your payment terms, credit line, interest rates, insurance premiums, and investor relations Know who you're doing business with before you extend credit to maximize the likelihoo...

Business Finance: Minimize Costs. Maximize Profits.

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:18:19 +0100

Minimize Costs. Maximize Profits. A Break Even Analysis Provided by Buzgate.org By: Dr. William R. Osgood The process of "breakeven analysis" can help you to minimize costs and maximize profits. Breakeven analysis is a powerful management tool, and one that is critical in planning, decision-making, and expense control. Breakeven analysis can be invaluable in determining whether to buy or lease, expand into a new area, build a new plant, and many other such considerations. Breakeven analy...

Business Finance: Tips for Successful Cash Flow Management

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:06:47 +0100

Tips for Successful Cash Flow Management Provided by Buzgate.org By: Dr. William R. Osgood Can I Pay My Bills? How much and when is money coming in? How much and when is it going out? Cash - the organization's most precious asset. Control your cash before it controls you. Cash flow management is a problem for almost any firm, large or small. The worst symptom of the problem: the business runs out of cash. Watching a business floundering, running out of cash even as it makes grea...

Business Finance: How to Find the Right Accountant

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:03:34 +0100

How to Find the Right Accountant: Seven Ways to Avoid Making a Costly Choice Content provided by Black Enterprise By William J. Lynott Picking an accountant for your business may not be as important as choosing a spouse, but it comes close. The right accountant can do much more than prepare your yearly taxes. The right person can help with advice on management decisions, growing the business, payroll management, even personal investments. The wrong person can cost you mon...

Business Finance: Regaining Control With a Budget

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:56:28 +0100

Regaining Control With a Budget Provided by SME.com.ph A budget serves as a control tool to provide standards for evaluating performance. A budget can cover any of the following: • Profit planning – forecast of revenues and expenses • Cash budgeting – forecast of cash needs and sources • Balance sheet forecasting – anticipating future assets, liability and net worth position of the business Profit Planning (Pro-forma Income Statement) The sales forecast and correspon...

Business Finance: How to Put Together a Budget

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:49:52 +0100

How to Put Together a Budget Content provided by the Better Business Bureau WHY You Need a Budget Any small business owner intent on planning a successful future for his or her business must take into account how to fund that plan. Simply put, a budget outlines what you will spend your money on and where that money will come from. It projects your income and your expenses and sets a profit goal. It lets you know, at any point in time, how well - or how poorly - your business is doing...

Business Finance: Finding a Reputable Tax Preparer

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:43:33 +0100

Finding a Reputable Tax Preparer Content provided by the Better Business Bureau This is particularly important as the tax filing deadline approaches. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) predicts that scam artists will try to take advantage of people’s confusion over newly-enacted tax breaks that went into effect after the 2007 tax filing forms were printed. Reaching out to the BBB, the IRS and other trustworthy organizations for credible information will help consumers to recognize tax sca...

Friends in Finance

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:26:18 +0100

Friends in Finance: Social Networks and Communities Cara Community www.Billcara.com Bill Cara is an experienced trader whose site consistently lands on all the Best of the Web lists. Having his own broker-ages, he's sensitive to the type of information that's useful to traders, and he posts data and opinion during the day while trading is still happening. American Consumer News www.americanconsumernews.com The site offers content on ways to manage person finance and reduce unse...

Personal Finance

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:23:48 +0100

Top Personal Finance Resource Sites www.mint.com This simple online personal finance tool provides an easy and effective way to manage money. The site gives you a great overview of how you spend your money, places all you accounts in one place, includes budgeting tools and suggests areas you can save in. www.bankrate.com Information on mortgage rates, credit cards, auto loans, and personal financial advice. www.cnnmo...

Financing Your Company

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:57:32 +0100

Financing Your Company By Marsha Firestone, Ph.D. President and Founder of Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) How do multimillion-dollar women business owners finance their companies? The short answer is with pluck and luck. The long answer could and does fill entire books. So here is a mid-size answer. Women business owners are known to be creative about raising capital (after maxing out their personal credit cards and goodwill loans from family and friends). Where d...