Finance Globe

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...

As credit cards become more secure and consumers become more savvy about protecting their financial accounts, there’s another type of account that we should be on guard for - account takeover fraud. Criminals can do just as much damage by taking over your accounts as they could by having direct access to your credit card or bank account. What is Account Takeover Fraud? Account takeover fraud is a type of theft where a criminal gains access...

Cable companies are notorious for regularly increasing the cost of your service. Just as you get comfortable with one payment, you receive a bill that you’re not expecting. While you could simply pay the higher bill, you don’t necessarily want to take this approach. It’s better to contact your cable company, ask about the increase, and determine if there’s anything you can do to save. It goes without saying that you can negotiate the overall price...

Many Americans are struggling financially, with a large number of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and others having to borrow to make ends meet. Americans who grew up in a home with parents who struggled my repeat their parents’ mistakes because they don’t understand the important parts of being financially healthy. As you work to improve your finances, focus on mastering these key areas. Spend less than you make. When your monthly expenses are greater than...