Financial Updates

5 Apps For Managing Personal Finance

2012-05-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to keep track of your finances, both at home and on-the-go, use your iPhone, Android or Blackberry phone to organize your financial life. There are hundreds of personal finance apps available for download, but only a few can provide a comprehensive picture of your current and future financial life.

1. Mint.com (iPhone, BlackBerry and Android)

Mint.com is an impressive personal finance app that allows users to manage and track spending and savings. The app syncs with the Mint.com website, allowing users to access their profile directly from their smartphone device. This handy app compiles a wealth of financial information including user’s bank accounts, credit cards, loans and retirement accounts.

In addition to providing a comprehensive picture of user’s financial information, the app tracks and charts spending, provides handy bill pay reminders and categorizes debit and credit card transactions. One of the app’s coolest features is its ability to create charts and graphs that track your spending trends. The app also allows users to compare their spending habits with other Mint.com users. The Mint.com app is free and can be downloaded from your smartphone’s app store.

2. MoneyStrands (iPhone)

MoneyStrands is a personal finance app that compiles and categorizes information from your checking and credit card accounts. In addition to compiling financial information, the app provides a visual spending analysis to help users better understand their own spending and saving habits.

One of the app’s best features is its ability to compare user’s spending habits with other people who share similar demographics. MoneyStrands is available for the iPod Touch and iPhone and can be downloaded for free.

3. RetirePlan (iPad)

If you are close to retirement or looking to get a better picture of your post-retirement budget, RetirePlan can help you gain a better understanding of your future financial life. This handy app allows users to upload their financial data and run scenarios to see how different variables will impact their retirement plans.

The app helps users determine the best age to retire, charts annual retirement savings goals and projects how long your retirement savings will last. One of the app’s best features is the variable calculator. The variable calculator allows users to see how changes in their pension, social security, interest rates and inflation will impact their retirements saving. RetirePlan is only available for the iPad and can be downloaded from the iTunes Store for free.

4. PayPal (iPhone, BlackBerry and Android)

If you like making online purchases but don’t want to use your credit or debit card for your transaction, then you probably already have a Paypal account. If you have a PayPal account, be sure to download the PayPal app to your smartphone to keep track of your PayPal account information and online spending.

This handy little app allows mobile users to check their Paypal balance on-the-go, withdraw and add funds to their account and transfer cash between their PayPal account and bank account. Download the free PayPal app from your smartphone’s app store.

5. Smart Money Retirement Planner (iPhone and Android)

Whether you are fresh out of college or ending your career as a business professional, it never hurts to think about retirement… and the SmartMoney Retirement Planner app can help you do it! This powerful app helps users understand how their day-to-day financial choices impact their plans for retirement.

The app compiles user’s demographic and financial information, including assets, 401K and home equity, to run scenarios which determine how inflation, changes in social security, debt and taxes will impact their retirement plans. SmartMoney Retirement Planner is available for iPhone and Android phones and can be downloaded for free.

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About the author : Rosie writes on behalf of a number of businesses ranging from Auto Enrolment Administration to holiday destinations. She enjoys reading design and technology blogs and baking sweet treats. Any opinions expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the businesses Rosie writes for.

Business Budgeting: Monthly Copier Lease Rates

2012-05-16T22:41:00.001-07:00

For many business owners who don't have the budget to buy a large, high-capacity commercial copier, leasing is a smarter and more affordable alternative. Leasing is also great for small to medium offices in need of equipment on a limited budget.

However, it's very important to become familiar with average monthly copier lease rates to make sure you are getting the most competitive deal when signing a lease for office equipment.

Average Monthly Copier Lease Rates for Small to Large Offices

So what are the prices? Glad you asked:

To lease a business copier with a 2500 count paper capacity, 45 CPM, and network printing functions, it can cost $208 a month for a 39 month lease.

An even larger commercial quality color copier can be leased for $309 a month with a 60 month minimum lease, with additional 6 cent charges for color copying and 1 cent charges for black and white copies.

Smaller offices can take advantage of a cheaper $70 per month lease for a low-volume copier with 20-30 ppm.

If you're still at a crossroads and can't decide whether it’s the smartest business solution to lease or buy a copier, it’s essential to assess if your business can afford paying a monthly lease throughout the entire term of the agreement.

Copier Leasing versus Buying

Most copier leases are long agreements that will extend from one to three years with monthly payments required for the duration of the contract.

For businesses that don't have thousands of extra dollars in their budget to purchase a large-scale commercial copier outright, leasing may seem to make more sense. However, the cost of a lease for several years must be tallied and compared to the total investment of purchasing a commercial volume copier outright.

In many instances, a copier lease may work better for an established business or a company that has short-term copying needs. But if you are a small to medium-sized company that has the means to put a down payment on a commercial copier, it will be wiser investment of your funds since you will own the equipment in full.

How to Compare and Find the Best Copier Lease Rates

Taking into account that a copier lease could range from as little as $70 per month to over $300 per month for a 60 month lease, it's important to compare average prices from leasing retailers before entering into an agreement.

As you begin to compare copier lease rates between leading companies, take the time to calculate the total cost of buying a copier compared to how much you will pay for the entire length of your monthly contract. This will give you actual numbers that you can use to determine if the expense of a copier lease makes more financial sense than setting up a payment plan to buy a copier brand-new.

About the author: Sylvia enjoys writing about ways business owners can save money. Researching copier lease rates is just one of the methods she’s written on.

Tips For Buying Laptops on a Budget

2012-05-15T22:29:00.001-07:00

Cup of coffee? Check. Pen and sales papers? Check. Internet browser open and ready? Check. Now you’re ready to learn how to find the best laptop deals! While it may seem simple to some to blindly wander into their local electronics store and choose the first laptop they see with all the bells and whistles, there really is an art to finding just the right laptop to fit your needs as well as giving you all the fantastic “perks” that you’re looking for at just the right price.

Set your budget.

The first thing to do, as you should anytime you’re making an investment purchase, is to set your budget. Laptops vary in style, color, even screen size and of course, memory and processor speed. Setting a budget will affect the type of laptop you actually end up with as opposed to the one you want. Most laptops average in price from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Factors that play a major role in the price will be the amount of storage space and the speed of the processors.

Know your product.

Would you buy a house without doing a walkthrough? Or buy a car without test-driving it first? Buying a laptop is no different, it is an investment. What good is your hard-earned money if you spend it on something you know absolutely nothing about? Make sure that you are not just buying, but buying smart. If all you need a laptop for is to do homework assignments and surf the web, then you probably don’t need to buy a high-end laptop with a processor that works faster than the speed of light, leaving you with a large hole in your wallet.

Laptops come with different “abilities”, that is, different amounts of memory and speed to fit your purpose. Find out if it comes with software you need pre-installed or do you have to purchase programs separately. Remember the more programs you install the more memory you should have. Knowing your product will help you stay on budget and get you the laptop you need and not the laptop that makes someone a sizeable commission. Determine what you will be using the laptop for and how long you expect to get good use out of it before it needs to be replaced or upgraded.

Get back to basics…stretch your dollar.

Remember those days in school when your teacher gave a research assignment to the class for homework? Making your money work for you is all about getting back to basics. Know your budget, know your needs and then start searching. Sunday paper advertisements are always a great place to start, but even better than that is the good ‘ole internet. The internet gives you access to not only local deals, but worldwide as well and as long as your research skills are up to par, you can luck up on the perfect laptop.

In today’s economy, everyone is shopping smarter. There’s no reason you should be paying full retail for laptops (or anything else for that matter). Again, let the internet work to your advantage by searching for online coupon codes. Many highly sought after brand names offer online coupons or some sort of discount. This includes Dell, HP, Toshiba, even Apple. If you’re a student, check with your college or university for amazing student discounts. Compare online prices to in-store as well. Often, the in-store price or savings can outweigh purchasing online. Sign up with online rebate websites like Fatwallet or Ebates; they can get you some of your cash back, anywhere from 1-5% on items you’ve purchased. Now, how’s that for savvy shopping?

Finally, try not to do the brand name shuffle. A laptop from Dell or Toshiba is just as good as one made by Acer or Apple. Sometimes, all you’re really paying for is the brand name. Read product reviews by consumers and see what experiences they’ve had with the product themselves. There’s no better advertisement than word of mouth, so if someone thinks a laptop they’ve bought is crap, you best believe they’ll tell people about it on the web. Use all the tools at your disposal, both in print and online and you’ll be all the wiser for it. Happy shopping!

Pound Battles the Euro in the Foreign Currency Markets

2012-04-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

It has been impossible not to notice, especially amongst holidaymakers in Europe, how badly the British pound was performing against the Euro in the foreign currency exchange market. News is not improving after the pound fell against the Euro and the UK economy slumped back into recession. This will undoubtedly affect those involved in Forex trading and financial spread betting.

According to a report on the BBC, the British pound recently secured its best position in relation to the Euro in 2012 after a 7 month high against the dollar and this will have satisfied holidaymakers heading abroad this summer because it previously made less than pretty reading for those who kept an eye on the foreign currency exchange markets. However, numerous factors have combined recently to affect the position of the pound against both the Euro and the Dollar in the foreign currency markets. The chief catalyst for recent improvements is unquestionably the fact that Britain are seen to be well position to be one of the first to successfully banish the recession and this has created an air of positivity around our economy which is reflected in the heightening of exchange rate of the pound. For anyone planning a holiday in Europe or to make a large level overseas payment, it may be prudent to strike while the iron is hot and speak to foreign currency experts about what you need to do to make sure you capitalise on the Sterling's current strength.

Foreign Currency – Economy on the Up

According to the report on the BBC, the economy in the UK increased in the past 7 months and this has borne fruit with the British Pound reaching its best level of the year against both the Dollar. It has been perfectly timed in some senses as this is the time of year in which most people in the UK intend to venture abroad and the news that their money will go further in the foreign currency exchange market than would have been the case earlier in the year will certainly be welcomed. It goes without saying, however, that a good foreign currency exchange rate isn't the end of the matter when it comes to make your money go further when abroad as most now realise that seeking out the specialist services of foreign currency experts, they will invariably secure a much better exchange rate than that which is to be found amongst mainstream providers on the high street.

Foreign Currency – Making the Most of your Money

Taking advantage of the strength of the pound is something which many in the UK will be unable to do now and they are being advised to move quickly and seek the advice of foreign currency specialists who will go that extra mile to ensure the best exchange rates are secured; a characteristic that is seldom found amongst more mainstream foreign currency providers on the high street.

Retirement Annuity – A Financial Means to Live Life Happily

2012-02-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

Undeniably, there are several retirement policies to consider in the global economic market. Once you start ransacking the online search engines, you come across numerous financial policies that have been designed to keep retirees financially secured throughout their retirement period. One such monetary scheme is annuity that can be accessed only on making an agreement with an insurance company. Once the contract is successfully made, the insurance company will keep providing a regular income to the annuitant till the policy matures. There are many retirees who buy annuity schemes with the intention to give proper shape to their finances that can help them strengthen their financial abilities during the postretirement period. Well, you can do the same only after proper research work.

Types of Annuity Schemes

Now, there are different types of retirement annuity plans – Fixed and Variable.

Fixed – The annuity plans under this category are usually invested in conservative vehicles or the bond funds used by an insurance agency. In fact, one is not required to spend time in handling the investing after the payment of the premium. This entire task will be handled by the insurance company singlehandedly.

Variable – The rate of interest can never remain stable in case of a variable annuity. It all depends on the market conditions whether the interest rate for variable annuities will rise or fall.

Which is Safer – Variable or Fixed

Annuity professionals now opine that a variable annuity is the best financial policy that can let retirees obtain potential gains. However, risks are certainly involved since variable annuity holders will have to remain in anxiety whether the market conditions experience any turmoil. Once it happens, their interest rates will be lowered and consequently, their income will be reduced to a good extent. In this respect, a fixed retirement annuity is still a safer option since you will enjoy a fixed rate of interest till your annuity contract comes to an end.

Look for Good Insurance Companies

Remember, a good insurance company will allow you to set a time period of your choice. However, annuitants prefer to pay off the annuities over a time period of five, ten or maximum fifteen years. In this context, lifetime annuity is certainly a superb option since the annuitant gets an assurance that he/she can now live significantly longer than average. If the annuitant however dies before the completion of the term set in the contract, he/she will not get the extra funds hidden in the premium.

Check & Compare Retirement Annuity Rates

The annuity rates vary from one insurance company to another. The better the rates, the greater are the returns. However, there are several factors that determine how good the returns can be. The insurance company’s management overhead; the role of investments; the number of customers; the condition of the business etc are some of the prime factors that actually judge the nature of your returns. So, research accordingly and find a good insurance company to buy a retirement annuity policy.

Calculate your Annuity Payouts with an Annuity Calculator

2012-02-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

So, what are your postretirement plans? Are you planning to depend on pensions throughout your entire life? If it be so, are you aware of the interest rates which will determine your income at the end of every month? Now, it’s no doubt painful to knock your pension department every month to check whether your payments are ready. So, why take pains and suffer unnecessary delay in your regular income? In fact, annuities can help you make your life smoother and keep you financially stable.

An annuity payment is synonymous to a loan payment provided by an insurance company. Many annuitants however come up with questions related to payment calculations. Since these schemes are new to many retirees, proper researches should be done to know how much one can possibly draw in respect to a certain time period. So, the best thing that can only help you calculate annuity payments is an annuity calculator. Now, the question is how to correctly calculate the payments with the help of such a specialized calculator.

So, here are some instructions that can help annuitants calculate their earnings with the help of an annuity calculator:

Know your policy

As a matter of fact, a certain portion of the money comes as a part of interest and the rest of the amount is treated as the principal. On receiving the annuity payment, the annuitant pays the tax for a certain portion, that is, the interest. Once the money is invested in annuity, one cannot access the principal since it acts as the steam of payments.

Calculate your life expectancy

For providing an annuity scheme, an insurance company follows a projected life expectancy chart designed on the basis of a massive population. Now, the insurance company is certainly unaware of the fact whether you are well or not. However, the numbers are based on the average. Women are considered to live more than men and therefore, they get the maximum annuity payments than men.

Ask for annuity rates

Although 6% of an annuity is paid in the accumulation phase, one is not required to pay the same rate of interest on liquidizing a portion of it. The insurance company takes the liberty to raise and reduce the interest rates during the accumulation period. Therefore, it’s advisable to know beforehand the rates offered by insurance agencies.

Avoid formulas to make Calculations Easier

Calculating annuity payments using formulas can be confusing. Rather, get an annuity calculator. This will help you calculate the exact amount you can possibly earn at the end of your set time period. However, if you think that you are not able to use such calculators flexibly, you can always get in touch with an annuity professional online.

So, do your researches well, choose your preferred annuity policy and order an annuity calculator online today so that you can assure financial stability for your family members.

Profiting in Hard Times with Forex Trading

2012-02-11T04:14:00.000-08:00

The recession has left many businesses and currencies at the brink of collapse. With experts predicting the Euro will not survive the year intact, it is hard to see how investors can succeed within the current economic climate. However, many keen traders and Forex brokers see Forex trading as a viable option for profiting in hard times as well as during periods of economic stability. Many traders are realising that they can benefit from markets suffering as they trade on the fluctuations that inevitably come with currency values.

Forex traders can trade both falling and rising markets so there are opportunities to turn a profit whether the markets go up or down. Individual traders attempt to maximise their profit on each trade by trading at the right time. Forex traders can select a currency pair that they expect to change in value and trade according to their market predictions. Should a trader choose to end their trade, the Forex broker will credit their account with a loss or gain.

In order to achieve their financial goals, both novice and experienced traders must research trades which they believe may be opportunistic. Forex traders must investigate the currency pairs and current worldwide events that may affect their stability. Learning about how financial markets can impact each other is often the best way to ensure you trade successfully whether profiting or avoiding financial loss.

The Euro remains resilient despite predictions by financial experts of an imminent collapse. By monitoring how the Euro is currently changing in value, Forex traders can trade on the market going down and profit from ending their trade at the right moment. A genuine trading method like this can give you better chance of making large gains on the Forex market despite the plummeting currency.

Forex traders must maximise their trading with the most appropriate FX trading platform for their needs. In order to avoid losses, Forex traders must look for reliable Forex trading platforms that contain accurate and timely technical analysis of the foreign exchange market. Access to high quality analysis and current financial trading news can help traders make the most profitable financial decisions.

Because Forex trades 24 hours a day, monitoring their financial position is crucial to traders looking to maximise their trading opportunities. With a close eye on the market, traders can exercise greater control over their trade by knowing when best to place and end a trade.

Personal Finance Resolutions for 2012

2012-02-11T04:08:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed. Unfortunately while many people had lost their homes, jobs and money in the stock market during last year, it may seem almost hopeless to make any personal finance resolutions for 2012, or is it? There is hope, and with practical steps there are ways you can begin to immediately save money, and even invest in 2012.

Ways to save money during 2012

People are frantically searching for ways to protect and save their hard earned money this year like never before. Because of all the government bank bail-outs, banks no longer inspire people to invest. On the contrary, the current financial situation in America has inspired people to save money in 2012.

Credit Cards – One of the first personal financial resolutions for 2012 should be to get the lowest possible interest rates on any loans or credit cards you may have. In this way, you can save a little or a lot of money each month, which can add up to big saving over the course of a year.

You can do this by transferring existing credit debt, if possible, to a 0% credit card, even if it is only for a few months to take advantage of the low interest rate. Once the 0% credit promotion has expired, you can then either transfer the credit to another card with 0% or if your credit is ok, apply for another card or loan that has 0% interest rate.

In this way you could possibly avoid paying interest on your loans and credit cards for six months or more, and then use the money you save to pay down your credit faster. Your ultimate financial goal for 2012 should be to pay down your debt, and ultimately eliminate it.

Tax efficient savings account -- Depending on how much savings you may have stored up, you should find out how much tax you are paying on your interest, so you don’t have to pay more than you have too. Usually a normal savings type of an account will be taxed at a regular or standard rate, while some creative savings schemes have been known to pay nothing in tax.

How to spend less in 2012

Make a list – It is amazing to discover that many people don’t have a set or fixed budget. Whether you have a budget or not, making a list of your daily expenditures is a great way to see where every penny you spend goes each day. In this way you can get an idea of what necessary and no essential things you buy daily. Once people do this, they are amazed how much money they spend each month on non-essential items and activities.

Controlling spending may seem hard at first, but your goal is to save as much money as you can, while at the same time paying down your debt each month to meet your personal finance resolutions for 2012.

Cancel auto-payments – You may want to re-evaluate any monthly or yearly auto-payments on your credit cards and PayPal account. You may be able to do without some of the monthly or yearly services and subscriptions you have. The money you save from cancelling them, along with the few dollars saved cutting back on daily miscellaneous spending can add up to a lot.

Now-a-days people are shocked to discover with regularity auto payments being taken from their PayPal accounts from services or subscriptions they assumed where cancelled months earlier. This can be a hole in the boat of any attempt at saving money.

Cut your monthly bills in 2012

If you’re looking to find some personal finance resolutions for 2012, then look no farther than your utility bills. In some regions domestic fuel prices skyrocket more than 20% last year alone! Turning off unnecessary lights whenever possible can save more than you realize.

Using lower watt bulbs, using solar lights outside your home and tinting your windows are all effective ways of whittling away at your utility bill each month. Installing a programmable thermostat for the winter and summer months when you’re sleeping or not in the house is a great way to reduce you energy bill as well.

Your auto insurance in 2012

Surprisingly, most people feel like they have good, or great insurance for their vehicles, but the truth is that most people pay too much for basic car insurance. Changing insurance could save a few hundred a year, especially if you pay yearly rather than monthly to avoid extra charges.

You can’t depend on the government or anyone else to help you save money during these difficult times. So, are you willing to make these part of your personal finance resolutions for 2012? Your financial future is up to you.

Isaac writes for a host of UK business on subjects from total reward statements to successful entrepreneurship. In his spare time Isaac cycles and studies.

Pension Transfer Advice – Secure Your Future

2012-02-07T00:59:00.000-08:00

If you are concerned with the future and your financial situation after you have left the world of work, this is a good thing. Too few people nowadays think about how they will fund their lifestyle when they reach retirement age and such people could find themselves without adequate income if they do not plan for the future with a pension. Some pension funds are better than others too, and subsequently for people who do have a pension, a pension transfer can be in their best interests.

The Importance of a Pension

The government and other official organisations are trying to impress on people the importance of pensions. This advice is aimed particularly at young people as there are many who do not have a pension plan at all. The sad truth is that if these people do not get themselves sorted with a pension, they will find themselves poor in old age – a time of life when people want to be comfortable and to feel secure.

It is therefore essential that people start to think about pensions as something that they do need, rather than imagine that something will come up by the time they are ready to retire. Usually this something doesn’t come up so it is wise to plan ahead.

Pension Transfers

If you already have a pension then that’s obviously good news; however, there may be a better pension out there for you. Pension products vary widely as they are intended to cater for people with differing circumstances and needs. This means that there may be a pension that is more suited to your situation. Don’t feel that you are trapped with your current pension provider as it is very possible and relatively easy to do a pension transfer, and there is a lot of pension transfer advice available.

Where to Find Pension Transfer Advice

Pension transfer advice can be found in all sorts of places, from websites such as this to with companies that specialise in pension transfers. It is wise to do your research and it pays to read-up on the different pension products currently on the market before making any decisions. Scouring the market can also help you transfer your pension without having to pay a fortune, as there are firms that will do it for a very fair price. Transferring your pension is also an investment so you should consider the potential benefits of moving providers in the future.

A Secure Retirement

If you want to have a comfortable retirement then a good pension to suit your circumstances is an absolute must. This could involve getting a pension in the first place if you do not have one now – and that is something that you should start looking into today. If you do have a pension already then a pension transfer could be prudent, to maximise the amount you will accrue and have to enjoy when it is time to leave work for the last time. With adequate funds your retirement could hold adventure, travel and fun, so start planning now.

Thousands of People Were Mis sold Pensions – Are You One Of Them?

2011-12-16T02:58:00.000-08:00

There have been a number of mis selling scandals hitting the financial services area lately, and it seems like every week there is new area affected. One area where the problem has been rumbling on for years now is pensions, and there are no signs that the scale of it is getting any better. The number of people claiming compensation for a mis sold pension increases all the time, so if you think you might be one of them read on.

Have I Been Mis Sold?

Obviously, your first concern is to find out whether you have been mis sold a pension and whether you are entitled to any compensation. The section below gives some examples where it has occurred, though it is by no means exhaustive – if you have any reservations about any advice you have been given, then contact a pension’s expert who will be able to advise you.

Mortgage pensions

These were very popular in the late 1980’s and early to mid 1990’s, when interest rates were high. People were advised that could take out an interest only mortgage and start a pension as a means of paying off the mortgage at the end of the term. In many cases, these failed to grow as predicted or promised, leaving homeowners with a shortfall that they had to find themselves.

Switching providers

In 2006, rules on switching pensions were relaxed and many advisors had their clients change providers, either on the promise of better returns or to make the administration easier. While this did benefit many people, a number lost out. They weren’t told of charges, or the risks associated with the new funds, or the fact that it wasn’t an equivalent scheme and all sorts of other things that led to the actual returns being lower than what was promised.

Final salary schemes

These pension schemes came with a number of guarantees, not least of which were minimum levels of growth and guaranteed levels of income once you retired. Many people were advised to transfer them into other schemes, such as personal pensions, which appeared to be able to give better returns. However, if the pension didn’t perform as planned or as you were advised then there is a chance that you may have lost out financially and therefore that it was mis sold.

Switching Funds

People approaching retirement, i.e. those in their 50’s and 60’s, are often advised to move their pension ‘pot’ into other schemes and funds that would supposedly protect the funds already built up. As with the other examples, a number of people may have lost out because the advisor didn’t take into account their views regarding risk, or tell them about charges, or explain properly the options available.

Next Steps

If you think any of the examples above apply to you, then you need to get your claim checked out properly. Due to the complexity of the rules around how pension schemes work, most people should go to a specialist pension claims company who will investigate on their behalf and, if they have been mis-sold to, raise a claim for compensation.

5 Tricks to Avoid Overspending at Christmas

2011-12-15T20:40:00.001-08:00

Christmas is a time when overspending can get the better of even the most frugal budgeter, which is why you need to use these tricks to keep your finances on track. Christmas is all about being swept up by the spirit of the love, community, family and giving of the season, so it is no surprise that many of us get swept up to such an extent that we forget about our finances.

Instead, make sure you take the time while you’re waiting in the inevitable Christmas time lines at the cash register, to really think about the purchase you’re about to make. If you’re not sure about a purchase , you don’t know if you really need it or you think you might be trying to convince yourself you do need it, then get out of the line and take a walk to make sure you’re making a conscious purchasing decision, for something that is clearly on your list.

Other ways you can avoid overspending at Christmas time are :

1 – Spend 1.5% of your household income

Just because Christmas only comes around once a year it doesn’t mean you have to blow all of your spare cash on the celebrations. Instead, set your spending based on what you can afford, by allocating 1.5% of your household income to go towards your Christmas shopping. Allocating a percentage of your income to your Christmas spending allows you to be realistic about what you can afford, rather than pulling a random number out of the air, or not pulling out a number at all.

2 – Keep budgeting

Now you have your overall spending budget, allocate a budget for each person you are buying for this Christmas. This stops you from spending all of your budget on the first few people at the top of your list, and then feeling guilty about the people on the bottom of the list and continuing to spend. It also means you’ll be able to fairly even in your spending for each person.

Also make sure you keep your Christmas shopping list with you at all times so that you will always know where you are with your budget. This allows you to make a quick purchase when you see something on special which you can check off of your list, and you can also make sure you don’t double up on gifts for the same person, because you’ll know who you’ve already bought for and how much you’ve spent on them – and more importantly how much you have left to spend on them.

3 – Spend your own money

Running out of money is a powerful motivator to avoid spending more than you can afford. Therefore, use a debit card which draws from your own savings account, or a prepaid Visa card which you can load up with your own money before you go shopping. In this way you know there is no more money to spend once your Christmas budget is gone.

4 – Shop early

When you are rushing around the store at the last minute looking to check gifts off of your list for everyone, then you’re more likely to buy things just because they are there, not because they are on your list or would really suit the person you are buying for. You’re also more likely to overspend because you don’t take the time to shop around, instead buying the first item you see just so you can escape the mad rush of people. Giving yourself plenty of time to organise your Christmas gifts also means you have the time to think of more meaningful gifts, and the time to make gifts if you choose.

5 – Give unique gifts

A gift you make can often cost much less that one you buy, and mean so much more. You could bake gift baskets for your friends and family or make up a box or basket of the person’s favourite things such as their favourite foods, drinks, cosmetics and stationery. You can also play to your strengths, so if baking isn’t one of your strong points you could write a song or a poem, create a piece of artwork, take a series of photographs of the family or the person’s favourite place and frame them.

You could even forgo traditional gifts all together and make a donation to charity in each person’s name. Many charities will even send you out cards with a picture of the chicken, goat or well your donation helped buy. When you take the time to really think about Christmas and your gift giving you will find there are a myriad of ways you can save money and curb your spending without missing out on any of the fun and excitement of the holiday.

Trading Tips You Should Know

2011-12-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

First of all let me say this right from the start so you can decide whether to continue reading this post or leave so you won't waste your time. Trading and understanding the world of stocks and Forex takes time and you will not get rich over night with a few good trades unless you're trading with a huge amount of money, but we're not here for the luck, we're here to make money. If you want to work with hunches and gut feelings search for the nearest casino because trading is one of the hardest professions today but also the most rewarding one.

Just like any new subject or business you should learn it first and with time, trial and error and experience you'll master it and will able to make money, but instead of mastering a regular job or occupying an office for 9 hours each and every day, wouldn't you prefer mastering the world of trading stocks and Forex and make a good living no matter where you are trading from your computer?

This will take time like I said but if you're dedicated, have self-discipline and works according to known and proven stocks and Forex trading strategies and tips, in time you'll become a pro yourself and the money will flow. Yes, you'll have bad days and days when your trades will not go well but in time you'll profit more than you lose and that's where we're aiming. So, here are a few tips I can give you fast just to get you started:

Study the market

Don't jump into trading immediately because you'll lose money. First, try to understand how the market works, what are the forces that drive it up or down, try to predict without trading first if today will be a good and green day or a red day with lows, always study and learn to master.

Trade with a fair amount of money

Here's what I mean by this – never ever trade with all your money. Making money from trading will not be your primary income at first so you should trade with an amount of money you can tolerate to lose if you're wrong with your trades. Think of it as spare money for starters and only when you're more secured and master the market you can trade with a larger amount but never risk it all since trading takes time.

Work with your mind not with your gut

Trading is not gambling and people from all over the world make a living from trading smart and so, if you want to trade right do your homework prior to trading day, know what stocks or currencies you want to buy, know the entering and exit points at all times and work with your mind and never with your gut feelings, this is not a roulette and only if you are prepared and everything is written down ahead of the trading day you will earn more and limit your loses if you were wrong.

These are just a few basic but very important tips I've just shared with you. Remember that every professional trader was a beginner at first but to this day he follows these rules and tips and more to stay ahead in this world and profit from anywhere in the world, anytime. Now it's up to you to decide whether you're entering this world as well to make money or stay outside just because you're afraid. Not matter your decision, I just want to wish you all the best!

Non Owner Car Insurance: The Ultimate In Penny-Pinching Insurance Coverage

2011-12-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

Car insurance can be expensive, so it comes as no surprise that people are constantly looking for ways to save on it. What is most important when looking for the cheapest car insurance option, though, is to ensure that you do not sacrifice coverage for cost. Your insurance policy must be right for you, and so you must have the right coverage, that will actually cover the circumstances you might find yourself in. This requires understanding what those cheap insurance options really are, and then determining if they are a true value for you.

One of the absolute cheapest forms of car insurance is non owner car insurance. For the right people, non owner auto insurance is a great buy; but it is not right for the majority of drivers. So let's take a look at who it is right for, and who can really benefit from this very economical car insurance option.

What Is Non Owner Car Insurance?

Simply put, non-owner car insurance is exactly what it sounds like it is. It is insurance for a person who is not the owner of the vehicle being driven. It is auto insurance that is carried at a low premium by an individual so that that person is covered if they are in an accident and cause injury or property damage in someone else's car. Note that this is not coverage paid for by a car's owner, it is paid for by the person carrying the policy. If an accident occurs, the policy kicks in on top of the policy that the vehicle owner has to provide personal protection to the non-owner driver.

Why Would You Want Non-Owner Car Insurance?

You might choose to purchase such a policy for just that reason- to ensure that you cannot be held personally liable in the event of an accident in a vehicle you do not own. If you own no vehicle, have no policy, but occasionally drive someone else's car, this is a good, cheap way to be covered. However, it will not cover you if you own a vehicle and have another policy – at that point it is just duplicate coverage - and it will not cover you in a work-related or company vehicle.

Non owner auto insurance is cheap because it is very limited. However, any driver should always carry insurance coverage, and so if you are an occasional driver with no other policy using vehicles you do not own, this affordable insurance option is definitely something worth its minimal investment.

A guide to building insurance for rented property

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

When renting out a residential or commercial property, it is important to make sure that the real estate investment is properly protected. Renting out property can be a good way to earn income for a property owner, and a good way for someone who does not want to be exposed to the real estate market to occupy a piece of property. Whether a person is the tenant or the landlord, however, it is important to have the right insurance coverage.

Renter’s insurance for a tenant is relatively cheap and easy to get. Most major insurance companies offer renter’s or tenant insurance policies. These policies cover all of the contents in a home or business, but not the structure of the building being rented. In the event of a natural disaster or an accident, the policy will pay for any belongings, such as furniture, appliances, merchandise or household goods that have been damaged or destroyed.

Renter’s insurance for a residential tenant usually costs only a couple of dollars a month, and is the only way goods can be protected in the case of a fire or even a flood. Commercial tenants usually have rates based on the dollar amount of the merchandise or equipment they have housed at the location being insured.

A landlord can also have a renter’s policy for his or her property. While most homeowners or commercial property owners will carry insurance protecting both their possessions and the structure of their building in the event of a natural disaster or accident, a different type of policy is needed when a property is being rented out. These policies will usually cost less than a full-blown homeowner’s or business owner’s insurance policy.

The main reason for this is that these policies only cover the building’s structure and any items attached directly to it. For this reason, these policies are often referred to as building insurance. A building insurance policy will repair or replace a building’s basic structural components (such as walls and a roof), decorative components (like crown moulding and paint), major appliances (like refrigerators and ovens) and internal components (such as carpeting and doors). These policies can also cover additional buildings on the property such as detached garages and sheds. For commercial property owners, the policy can cover drainage systems and parking structures.

Building insurance does not cover any items inside the building, including anything that is the property of the tenant. For this reason, it is normally suggested that tenants get their own renter’s insurance policy. Property owners who take out these policies should also be aware of how important it is to report the property’s status to an insurance company accurately. While insurance for vacant properties can be more expensive, if damage occurs to the property while there is no tenant and the vacancy was not reported to the insurance company, the damage will not be covered.

Eight Ways To Protect Your Home Before a Flood

2011-10-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Most lessons are learned after the fact. When it comes to water damage, modern techniques are available to protect your home. Don’t walk into your home up to your knees in water. Your home is your most valuable asset. Follow these steps to protect it.

1. Check the risk

Assess your home’s risk by checking with your city manager who will tell you the projected flood waters for your neighborhood. You should also consider the historic chances of floodwaters in your area due to natural disasters. If the odds are low for an external flood affecting your home you must still prepare for an in house leak.

2. Identify the leaks

Test your water meter for water leakage. Check the reading on the meter after shutting down all water usage in the house. If the meter continues to show usage then you have a leak. Check your floorboards, windows and roofs for water damage. Look for standing water outside, which is another sign of water leakage. Make sure to check home appliances that use water. These are also a prime source of leaks.

3. Hire a professional

You know that you have leaks and your home is at risk but you aren’t sure what to do next. Contact a water damage consultant. The consultant will evaluate the damage and determine if a quick fix or retrofit is required. More serious retrofits include replacing pipes or even raising up your home’s structure.

4. Waterproof your home

Repair leaks in your roof and clear your gutters. Place all of your important documents into waterproof containers and safes. Consider your home from top to bottom. Computers are safer in upstairs rooms. Raise air conditioners and heaters off the floor. If you have a basement you can assume that it will take on some water in a flood. Move items that are not safe into the basement.

5. Invest in tech

Use modern leak alert systems that will send out an audible alarm and also shut off the valve when there is a leak.

6. Prepare for an emergency

Be sure to plan ahead. Keep a stocked disaster kit handy in your home. Take all occupants of the home through a drill on what to do in an emergency including escape plans for upstairs rooms. If you have some time to anticipate floodwaters you should consider taking outside furniture in and pulling items up from the basement.

7. Buy flood insurance

Most homeowners don’t include flood coverage in their home insurance policies. Your home is one of your most important possessions. If you are at all at risk consider buying flood insurance. You can always compare insurance quotes for a good deal. Also, consider hiring an adjuster who will help you to optimize your coverage.

8. Keep records

Keep a record of everything. If you are filing a claim after damages these documents will save you a lot of cash. Just make sure to protect these documents in waterproofed boxes.

Disaster preparedness is always costly. The expense is certainly worth it when you are protecting your home.

Cash Back Shopping is Getting Paid to Shop

2011-09-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Cash back shopping sites on the internet have become an integral part of the shopping experience and shopping expectations for many people. With numerous sites which offer cash back shopping, it is considered best to belong to several different sites in order to get the best deals from the most retailers. In this manner a customer can check to see which site is offering the best deal on a specific product or the best deal for a specific store before they purchase, then purchase the product through whichever site has the offering decided upon.

Some cash back sites offer a sign up bonus and offers a percentage of the cash back earned by anyone who has joined their site through a referral link posted by the customer. Some sites offer multi tiered percentages earned through referrals while some sites only offer a sign up bonus or a single tiered percentage program to their members. Each of these have the advantage of the customer earning money back when they shop as if they were actually getting paid to shop.

Ebates.com

Ebates.com is one of the most recognizable site names for cash back shopping. It was featured on the Early Show by AOL Consumer Advisor Regina Lewis in December of 2010. With 1200+ businesses working with them on offering cash back shopping, coupons, promotional codes, etc., they are widely considered the number one cash back shopping site. After all, they offer both products and services in their program ranging from clothing to travel to entertainment and much more. Signing up for new membership pays a cash back of $5 and also pays a cash back of $5 for each referral sign up. Currently they are running a promotion for referrals which can earn a person gift certificates for $100 and up.

Fatwallet.com

Fatwallet.com is another great site for cash back shopping. Having all ready dispersed over $3,000,000.00 in funds to their 1,600,000+ members, they come highly recommended. Offering coupons, promotional codes, and special daily deals along with their cash back program, shoppers need to check this site out before purchasing in order to get the best deal and the most for their money.

While there are many sites that offer cash back to their members, ebates.com and fatwallet.com are two highly recommended sites. When shopping, earning cash back is like getting paid to shop. There is a site called cashreporter.com which can tell you which site is offering the best deal or the most cash back for products before purchasing. Getting the most for your dollars is easy when you use cash back shopping â€“ not only do you get the most for your money, you earn money while you do it!

Perfect financial planning for family

2011-09-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

There are many financial cover letter examples available on the web, with all of them having a different approach but with similar context. Some examples of cover letters for financial sector jobs include financial planning cover letter, financial advisor cover letter, cover letter for financial analyst, and many more.

In this section, we have given the key skills and knowledge which one must possess, so that they can be shared in the cover letter to grab the employer’s attention, and win the job opportunity. Here, we have particularly tried to help you write the financial cover letter, which can be utilized by Analysts or Consultants who provide services for helping families to resolve their financial planning needs. There can be a need for financial planning for families for various risks arising out of causes such as divorce, death of the earning member, natural calamities, future financial security, and investment options or for general insurances such as vehicle, fire, medical, retirement/pension and or kids.

There are many reputed financial services providers in the market, and all claim to provide the best of services and investment options. In such situations, it often becomes difficult to funnel them to the best provider. Here, we have listed some basic queries for which a probable customer seeks answer in deciding the ideal financial plan for the family. To be an effective financial planner or consultant, you ought to have all the information, for successfully addressing the customer queries. This can be done, if you are aware of customer needs and wants, and the changing behavioral patterns in consumer buying process.

Given below are basic queries for which today’s customers seeks answers from the consultants, which you must know to meet the needs. It includes:

1.Comprehensive knowledge of different financial plans for family, and the benefit they provide.

2.Comparative knowledge of all financial plans available in the market, risks covered and minimum requirements to avail the plan benefits.

3.Demographic distribution of the place, in terms of income. This will help you in understanding the purchasing power of customers, and their financial status.

4.If you provide investment options, you must have thorough knowledge of market behavior and trends, best investment options, and risk associated with them.

5.One must possess all the required mandatory certifications, to win the trust of customers in terms of reliability and security.

6.Be aware of market trends and latest developments such as new plans or providers, to retain competitive advantage.

7.Redressal mechanism of the service provider for grievance handling

If you are able to address these queries of the customers, you can be an effective family financial planner, and mention them in the financial cover letter with confidence to win the job opportunity.

Some popular plans which you must know and the customer looks for are:

a)Retirement/pension plan

b)Education plans for kids

c)Monthly return plans

d)Market investment plans

e)Life insurance

f)Medical insurance policies

g)Insurance claims and processing

h)Home or other loans providers

These concerns are common to most of the families, and vary in magnitude in terms of budget allocation, from family to family. As a successful family financial planner, you must be able to provide a suitable option, and only then mention them in your financial cover letter.

Being writer from last 2 years I enjoy writing on cover letter for resume, career guide, and resume writing tips. Also, you can find Sample Letters on my blog http://resumecoverletterexamples.blogspot.com/

6 Sensational Career Possibilities in International Business

2011-09-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

Not everybody within international business will take on these positions, but they can be amazing for those that do. There is great opportunity awaiting but it just takes the right type of background to make it in these roles.

1.Business Strategy Consultant : This takes a lot of knowledge and experience to be successful, but it can really be lucrative. This can be a great position as you can work for yourself or work for a company. This takes a good understanding of the global marketplace and some proven experience within making deals, negotiating, and operating within cultures all around the world.

2.Global Product Director : If you work within a product based company, this is likely the type of position that you will want to strive for. This can be a great way to really spread your wings internationally and to make a name for yourself. You must have a thorough understanding not only of your product line, but also of your company in a global manner. This can really take you to a great place in your career.

3.Global Marketing Manager : If you specialize in marketing, then this is the type of position you work to get to. This is often where executives get moved to if they are interested and well versed in international business. This means that you are creating the strategies for all business practices in all parts of the world. A great opportunity and a very involved type of position!

4.Financial Advisor : If you are well versed within finance or have specialized in it throughout your career, this can be a great opportunity. This means that you will likely be involved in mergers, acquisitions, and providing good sound economic and financial advice. You must be in tune to the global economy as it changes rapidly and know how to respond to conditions effectively.

5.Foreign Market Analyst : You are not only in tune to international business, but you are also very established within finance. You can take a look at current market conditions and make predictions. You can take your work to the next level by showing through experience what will likely happen and how businesses should make their next moves globally.

6.Managing Consultant : This takes on many different titles and shows itself in many different types of opportunities. At the core, this means that you are in tune with international business and you have exhibited enough experience that you work as a consultant for companies globally.

If you want to work within international business, then these are the types of positions that you likely strive for. They can be great opportunities but you must exhibit great experience and background to be successful.

Mary Frederick likes to write about scholarship and financial aid information available for students pursuing their masters international business degree.

Should I Still Invest In My 401K

2011-09-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

401K plans are employer based retirement savings plan that you can contribute to while you are employed. The contributions that you make are often times matched by your employer and then that money is invested in the stock market.

Should I Invest

Yes! Investing in your 401K is a great way to save for retirement and have your employer help pay the bill. Consider that the average stock market returns are going to be 10 percent a year and you will double your investment every 10 years.

What About The Risk Of Losing My Money

Yes, you might lose your money in the stock market, but that is only if you are thinking short term. Remember that the market feasts on those who invest based on emotions, so keeping your everyday reactions out of it and thinking for the future will ensure that you keep your money secure.

Another rule of thumb is to be more aggressive in your investing when you are younger and to be less risky when you are older. The reason is that you have more time to make up your losses if you are younger.

Social Security Isn't Going To Cut It

Unless you have a great level of savings, you aren't going to rely on the government to take care of you. Social Security will pay maybe a few hundred dollars a month, and that isn't going to be enough to sustain your lifestyle. This is assuming that social security may even be around when younger workers start to retire.

This means that you are going to need to invest if you want to have a comfortable retirement. It might seem scary, but you can always hire a professional for guidance as to what you do with your money.

A 401K Makes It Harder To Take Out Your Money

Your 401K account is a great retirement asset because there are so many penalties for early withdrawal. This makes your account less susceptible to you raiding it on a whim. Think about the consequences of taking money out before you are 59 1/2.

-You have to pay a 10 percent penalty on your withdrawal

-You have to pay tax on that amount as well.

This means a 10,000 dollar withdrawal from your account could cost you 2,000 dollars even if you are in the lowest tax bracket. The 401K essentially says that you put your money in there until retirement.

So should you invest into a 401K? Of course you should, there is no reason not to, and very few alternatives to doing so. Your employer will pitch in, meaning that is free money for retirement. The money will continue to grow over time in the market and it will be a great way to supplement your social security income upon retirement.

Cassie Wilson is a writer at creditcardsbankruptcy.com

5 Tips for Mattress Buying on a Budget

2011-09-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Even savvy shoppers sometimes struggle when it comes to buying household items such as budget beds and mattresses. They’re not the sort of purchase that you make every year, and buying guides aren’t as common as they are for major purchases such as cars and electronics. That said, there’s no reason to dread your visit to the mattress discounters – these simple tips will help you to find the perfect bed for your needs, and your wallet.

1.Firmness matters : When buying budget beds, look for a bed that won’t give, but a mattress that will. You want the frame of the bed to be nice and sturdy, and you want a mattress that will support your body, but also mould to it slightly. A mattress that’s too firm is almost as bad as one that’s too soft.

2.Coils, springs or pockets : The type of mattress you choose will come down to a compromise between budget and personal preference. Independent coil mattresses are expensive, but a good choice if you can afford them.

3.Negotiate : Even at a mattress discounters, it is possible to haggle. You probably won’t get a discount on the cost of the bed itself, but you may be able to get free delivery, or some linen of your choice thrown in with the purchase. It never hurts to ask.

4.Know your budget : It’s a good idea to have a firm idea of what you want to spend before you go to the store. Don’t be shy about looking at budget beds that are slightly out of your price range, though. If you know your budget, and you don’t allow yourself to become emotionally invested in buying that slightly more expensive bed, then you will leave yourself in a good position to negotiate with the mattress discounters. If the salesman believes that you are willing to walk away, you will hold more power in the negotiations.

5.Check the warranty : A bed is a big purchase, and you will want to know that it really will last you for ten years. Make sure you know what warranty you’re getting, and that you understand all the terms. For example, some mattresses require that you turn them every six months, otherwise you’ll void the warranty.

Brand matters, even when it comes to budget beds. If you have the choice between a well-known brand such as “Silent Night”, or a completely unknown foreign brand, make sure you know exactly what the differences are. Don’t just believe the salesman at the mattress discounters when he tells you “Oh, this one is just as good”. If the salesman can’t give you concrete information as to how the two brands differ, then don’t buy. There are some cases where the only difference is the sticker – but in many cases there are differences in the materials used, or the quality control. Do you really want to take that chance when it’s your body that will be sleeping on the mattress for many years to come?

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of the Original Factory Shop. James writes on subjects relating to the home and loves passing on tips for frugal living.

Utilizing small business software to streamline a company and save money

2011-09-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

For the small business owner, finding ways to save money is always at the top of the priority list. The economy in the world today is not really in the greatest condition, but small businesses can still flourish and save money in the process. The more money that comes back into the pockets of the small business owners, the more money they can afford to put back into their business and help it grow. Saving money as a small business owner can be difficult, but once you're able to do it month after month, you'll see the savings add up.

This is where small business software comes in. You can save a lot of money as the months fly by with the help of small business software. The reason that this software helps to save you money is that it takes control of the tasks that you would do manually and does them automatically. For example, one section of a small business software program may deal with payrolls and taxes. Another feature on the software may handle your purchases and sales with venders. Still another aspect of the small business software may directly deal with customer service and community relations.

The small business software saves you time by doing these tasks automatically. Saving your valuable time increases your earning capacity as a small business owner, because spending less time on these tedious tasks gives you more time to commit to the things that really make a business flourish. Who wouldn't like to have more time to figure out how to make their business earn more money while a software program handles a bunch of small jobs?

Small business software programs also physically save you money. Instead of using paper to keep track of a payroll, the software will do that automatically. You'll no longer need paper checks for payment or paper tax records, which can easily get lost or ruined. All pay records and tax information is kept neatly on the software. You'll save tons of money on paper, ink, staples and other supplies. Instead of paper invoices for dealings with vendors and clients, they'll be sent electronic invoices from the small business software. You'll save even more time and money that you would have wasted on paper with electronic invoices.

Speaking of vendors, a small business software program can help you stay in contact with them and keep information about them stored in one convenient location. For example, if you were wondering about a purchase you made from a vendor or a purchase they made from you, all you have to do is look for their information in the software program. It will show you all relevant information about that vendor, including sales, bills, purchases and more.

Small business software programs are invaluable tools in modern business. They are helpful resources that really save the users valuable time and assets to better spend elsewhere. You'll have more time and money to spend on what can really make your business grow and succeed.

Kieron Casey is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate who blogs regularly on a number of topics including money saving tips and small business software.

Living Cheaply to Afford College

2011-09-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

With the cost of college education skyrocketing every semester, many college students are struggling to afford a degree. We all know the importance of a degree for education and job placement, but with such high tuition costs, students and graduates are forced to live off of roman noodles and PB&J sandwiches to afford textbooks and supplies. Most universities charge additional outrageous fees on top of tuition, even for mandatory classes. As a recent college graduate with student loans, here are three tips for saving a lot of money in college and after graduation that I live by and have saved me thousands of dollars :

1. Never buy a new textbook for yourself only -

The cost for textbooks these days are astronomically inflated. When possible, rent your books. There are several companies that allow you to rent textbooks, and this can be a huge savings when compared to the cost of buying a book you won’t use after the class. If you can’t rent, try to buy a used edition of the textbook. You can usually save around 50% of the cost compared to a new book, and who cares if someone wrote something in the margins or highlighted a few pages.

Undeniably, there will be situations where you are forced to purchase a new textbook. If a professor writes a book that is specific to the class you are taking, it’s doubtful you can rent it and the previous semester’s version is out of date. In this case, find a friend to share the book with. By splitting the cost and sharing the buyback (if you’re lucky to get anything for it at the end of the semester), you can save money and shouldn’t be too inconvenienced. The more people you share the book with, the cheaper the cost to you. Keep in mind that this will also mean more people needing the book during exam times when you will be relying on it the most!

2. Living with a roommate -

Whether in college or not, one can usually find a bigger, CHEAPER place to live when living with more than one person. Additionally, utilities are cheaper per person and goes down as more people live in an apartment or house. Now is the time to live with another person, especially if you don’t have a wife, family, or others commitments which would make living with a roommate difficult. If you can’t find a roommate to live with, check the internet for people looking for a roommate. There are several websites that are similar to Craigslist where people leave postings soliciting a roommate or subleasing a room (where you can usually find a discount compared to the actual price). Just make sure to do your research and actually meet with the other roommates before you move in!

3. Purchase non-perishables in bulk -

Especially if you are living with roommates, purchase non-perishables in bulk. For example, if you are to buy a single bottle of water, it costs about a dollar. However, you can purchase a 24 pack of water for as little as four dollars! Buying in bulk is a great idea for any beverage. If you are living with a few roommates, or even on your own, it might even be worth buying a membership to Sams Club or Costco in order to save money with bulk purchases.

These tips are just a start to saving up money to get through college and start paying back student loans. There are several other tips that help save a few dollars here and there, such as purchasing generic over brand names and couponing. And these little savings add up to a big saving over time. These three tips I shared can help save hundreds of dollars per month! They are simple and center on one’s willingness to share and be a good roommate. With these three tips in mind, you are well on your way to paying off those students loans and other college debts in no time.

A recent college graduate, Adam Bruk has worked hard to balance his finances to get through college and has a plan for paying off his student loans. He currently works for an online discount sunglasses company where he analyzes retail trends in mens sunglasses. When he isn’t busy at work, he enjoys traveling, golfing, and cooking.

5 Ways to Cut Down Your Fuel Cost

2011-09-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

Fuel is one of the most basic necessities in life for just everybody. Sadly, because the traditional sources of fuel are depleting at a very rapid rate, not to mention the fact that fuel cost can add up to a significantly high figure by the end of the month, finding ways to cut down on fuel cost can be a real life saver. Couple the high cost of fuel and the harsh economic times that have characterized the recent past and you have the perfect remedy to a very stressful and financially straining time. The good news is that there are ways you can beat the escalating cost of fuel. These include:-

Planning your errands effectively – did you know that running day-to-day errands in a haphazard manner can cost you a lot of money as well as fuel cost? Are you going to the shopping mall? Why not pick the kids from school on your way to, or from the shopping mall? Accomplishing all your errands in a single trip can always save you a lot when it comes to fuel cost. A good rule of thumb is to start from the farthest location to the nearest.

Give your car good and regular maintenance – giving your car a good maintenance is one thing, but doing it on a regular basis is another different thing altogether. If you really want to benefit from the best mileage of fuel, ensure your car is properly maintained and on a regular basis. Maintenance can be as simple as tire rotations and regular oil changes, ensuring the tires are well inflated at all times, that the air filter is clean and at its best.

Have you ever thought of carpooling to work? – Carpooling is another great way you can cut down your fuel cost. This is where you and your colleagues living in the same area and working in the same office or in nearby offices decide to use only one car when going to work. By alternating the days, you will discover that you are saving up to 50% of fuel cost on this alone.

Avoid car idle times – one of the best and proven ways to cut down your fuel cost is to avoid allowing your car to idle. When it comes to warming up the car in the morning, 45-60 seconds is enough for that, not letting it sit idle for 15 minutes in the name of warming the car up as you finish breakfast or while watching the news. Car idle times consume up to 30% of fuel.

Only 'punch it' when it is necessary – just how often do you accelerate your car, hitting the gasoline pedal hard? Sometimes this is necessary, like when avoiding a head-on collision or an accident. Punching the pedal anytime you feel like can be compared to flushing your money down the toilet. Learn to accelerate slowly since it consumes more fuel to ensure the car is up-to-speed than it always does when it has to maintain the speed it has already achieved.

Following the above mentioned recommendations will reduce your visits to the fuel pump, increase fuel mileage, and more importantly, save you huge cash on fuel cost.

Elijah is a contributor for the site Kefalonia where you can get interesting information on Skala Hotels and Kefalonia in general.

Reporting Your Income When Filing Bankruptcy

2011-08-17T03:26:00.000-07:00

Guest post by : Bob Jones

When learning about filing bankruptcy, it's important to have a grasp on how to report your income. It doesn't matter whether you're filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, income is income. When filling out a bankruptcy petition there are three types of income that are required to be listed. These types of income that are required are actual income, projected income and last of all the current monthly income. This is actually one of the changes that the bankruptcy code received in 2005. Prior to the code changes in 2005, the debtor that was filing for bankruptcy was only required to prove their actual income and projected income. At that time, that is what the bankruptcy court used to figure out if an individual is capable of paying back a portion or all of their debts.

When Congress was working out the changes to the bankruptcy code prior to 2005 they felt that actual income and projected income didn't give a true picture of the debtor that was filing bankruptcy. This is how the means test was conceived and added to the BAPCPA of 2005. Calculating the means test is how the debtor will come up with their CMI or current monthly income.

It doesn't matter if the debtor is filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy; they will be required to prove their actual income for the two years prior to the bankruptcy filing. Actual income includes all income, meaning any income from your work, investments, gifts and rental property. Technically, this is any money a person received no matter how they got it.

Also required for the debtor to show is their projected income. The projected income is the amount that the debtor can believe they will get in the near future. If the debtor is unemployed under our current job market in the US, it would be safe to say that number would be zero, unless of course they were receiving unemployment which would extend into the future.

Lastly, the debtor is required to figure out their current monthly income. This is figured using the means test, which uses the last six months income, multiplied by two. The debtor will then check the state's median income chart and see if they are under that amount to qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This for many can get confusing and should be done with the help of a bankruptcy attorney. It's not written in stone if you don't qualify under the median income chart. There are other parts of the equation that a bankruptcy attorney will be able to figure out. Also included in the formula is comparing income over expenses which in some cases will qualify a debtor that has a higher income.

Bob Jones writes about bankruptcy and debt issues including file personal bankruptcy. For all you need to know about bankruptcy or getting a free bankruptcy evaluation visit http://www.debtfreebankruptcyattorney.com

Financing Your Kitchen Remodeling Project - The Easy, Cheap Way

2011-07-16T00:40:00.000-07:00

* Introduction : In an economy where it's difficult to sell any house for full value, consider remodeling your kitchen to give your old home a breathe of fresh air. Doing this the cheap and easy way does take some preliminary planning and preparation but is well worth the savings to your wallet when you get ready to roll with the project.

First, decide what you would like to replace in the kitchen. Do you need a new floor, cabinets, appliances and perhaps, a way to make the kitchen larger? Adding space to your kitchen is your first crucial area to plan out. You'll need the advice of a contractor who knows how to remove a wall, preferably not a load-bearing wall, and give you a bid for the job.

* Getting Help Designing Your Kitchen and Saving Money : Take measurements of your kitchen, where your cabinets are and their sizes, appliances and sizes, floor span and ceiling height, and lay the measurements out on a drawn diagram. If this is your first remodeling job, then go to your local home improvement store and sit down with a kitchen designer who can put all your measurements into a design program and give you help for free, initially. The home improvement designer can also help with appliance, cabinet, countertop, flooring and store credit card deals currently in place and give you a great financial package, based on those specials. It's all a matter of timing it just right.

* Cabinets, countertops and other structures : Ask which cabinet makers have the best deals right now and for how long they last. Select cabinets with the wood type, color and door style that you want and have the designer put it into the software. Decide if you want to add in an island with a cooktop if there is room. Also get a bid on a countertop currently on sale. Get a quote on installation fees with cabinet prices, countertops, and also one with just the cabinet order if you think you can install those yourself. Save your bid.

* Appliances in a package deal : Next, have your designer take you over to the appliance section and look over current sales with appliance manufacturers. Look for brands that offer a range, refrigerator, over-the-stove microwave, and dishwasher package which allows you to get a rebate of $100 or more back in purchasing a package deal. Stick with well-known brands and later, do some research through Consumer Reports on current reviews for that brand and models. Get all the information and a sales bid done through the designer.

* Financing at its best : Home improvement stores offer their own credit cards and especially if you are a first-time successful applicant, you can make charges and payments on your card for 12 months without paying any interest. You have to apply at the time when the 12-month, no interest payments are going on in order to realize all the money you'll save by going this route. Enjoy your new kitchen!

Isaac writes on behalf of Cliq Studios a home improvements business who design, manufacture and sell quality kitchen cabinets which come with a lifetime warranty. Use the Cliq Studios website to visualise your new kitchen, request free kitchen samples or check kitchen cabinet prices. Whatever your requirement – trust Cliq Studios' Discount Kitchen Cabinets to exceed expectations.