With so many types of loans to consider, you should feel confident in your ability to find the one that’s best for you, your finances, and your goals. A short-term loan is often overlooked, but there are times when this is the perfect solution. Here are three of the many benefits associated with this type of loan: • Lower interest rate: When borrowing money, you always want to know how much you’ll pay in interest. Short-term...
It is becoming fairly common that individuals have a side gig or business while working full time. Most are not able to quit their full-time day job, but still want a way to make supplemental income. Being your own boss is the new trend, but doing it full-time without a safety net is very risky. Below are a few tips to build your side business which is a great way to mitigate risk, learn your market...
If you wear contact lenses, you’re familiar with the expense of buying replacements every three, six, or twelve months. Even if you’ve made it part of your budget, it doesn’t make it any less painful when you have to part with the money. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on the purchase of contact lenses, with buying online one of your best options. If you’re interested in giving this a try, here are a few...
Summer is the time to make memories with your family and kids. However you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Below are a few great and fun ideas that are not too expensive. Library: Public libraries are free and educational. During the summer they have sing-alongs, arts, and crafts. Check with your local library for their list of activitiesBeaches: Most beaches are free, and have endless activities. Bring games, a book, and plenty...
Does your car need new tires? How about a brake job? Is the check engine light on? From regular maintenance to emergency service, there are times when you require the assistance of a mechanic. Unfortunately, this is an expense you don’t typically want to take on. Rather than call your local dealer’s service department, you may be able to save money by visiting an independent mechanic. Here are three reasons why: • You can negotiate: Good...
It’s a common myth that your credit score can keep you from getting a job or promotion. While your current or a prospective employer may check your credit, they’re not checking your credit score. In fact, a credit score may not even be useful to an employer because it doesn’t provide the information they need to make a decision about you. An employer wants to see your credit information, so they receive a modified version of your...
Banks and fintech startups are increasingly offering personal loans for consumers who need to consolidate debt, make home repairs, or take care of other financial obligations. While personal loans are becoming easier to access, there still remains some risks to watch out for before you take on new debt. Fixed Monthly Payments There’s a fixed monthly payment based on your interest rate, loan amount, and repayment period. Payments can be difficult to make if you’re having...
Your health is more important than anything else, so if your doctor suggests you take a prescription medication it’s probably a good idea to follow their instruction. However, you may have concerns about the cost of the medication, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on prescription medication, with these four strategies among the best: • Compare local pharmacies: While your current pharmacy may have the lowest price,...
As you review your budget, one category may stick out like a sore thumb: entertainment. While there’s nothing wrong with spending some money to have a good time, you don’t want to go over board. Doing so can wreak havoc on your finances, thus calling for a complete overhaul of your budget. So, this leads to an important question: how much should you spend on entertainment related expenses every month? There’s no right or wrong answer...
2019 is off to a fast start and hopefully the winter is over. Now that you are getting your taxes done for 2018, you may want to look at your financial picture for 2019. This is a great time to start boosting your savings and really focusing on your financial plan. Below are tips and helpful guidelines to help improve your savings in 2019. Please feel free to add any in the comments section below. Breakdown...
