Take control of your finances with budgeting tips, spending strategies, and everyday money management tools. Whether you’re saving more, spending less, or setting new goals, this section helps you build a solid financial life.
Many consumers have grown to enjoy the convenience of shopping online. You can easily compare products and prices from many retailers within a short amount of time. The shipping charges are usually well worth saving the time in traffic and gas money spent shopping the old-fashioned way. Purchasing goods online is the answer to many … Read more
The unemployment rate is on the rise, the stock market has been giving investors a scary ride, the American homeowners’ biggest asset has been devalued, inflation is pushing up the price of everything, and we still have a family to feed… It’s easy to get careless about finances when times are good and credit is … Read more
Higher grocery bills now and are expected in the future A weak economy and high inflation is already costing consumers a larger portion of their paychecks for basic needs such as fuel and food. Grocery prices have risen over 5% from January to June in 2008, and they’re expected to go up by another 15% … Read more
Consumers and businesses suffer from identity theft Identity theft is a major threat for consumers. Often, a consumer doesn’t even realize their identity has been stolen until they’ve been denied credit and then find the delinquent accounts on their credit report. Then, the consumer may have to write letters, make phone calls, and file police … Read more
Creditors and financial institutions are required to develop and implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program by November 1, 2008. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a list of 26 red flags to help give businesses a starting point in developing their program; this is not meant to be an all-inclusive checklist, but rather as … Read more
When I first started driving as a teenager, gas was only $.99/gallon. And the car I drove was a Chevy Chevette. Not too glamorous, but I could get to school, work, and play for about five dollars a week. Yes, times have changed, but I think they changed a lot more than any one expected … Read more
Every parent wants to provide their children with the basic needs, and also enough of the extras to give their kids an enjoyable childhood. But kids don’t always know what they need to have fun. You know how it is, they beg and beg for an item because they saw it on TV or their … Read more
You could spend a small fortune preparing for the birth of your child, even before the little angel is born. So many cute outfits, cute bedding sets, and cute toys to choose from, it may be difficult for first-time parents to know what is actually needed and what you can go without. Save on baby … Read more
When a couple decides to get married or live together under a joint financial arrangement, there are quite a number of financial subjects that should be dicussed. Couples often mistakenly assume they learned all they need to know about their partner through their courtship, but soon learn differently when they move in together. Talking honestly … Read more
Couples may be hesitant to mention the subject of money to each other, either because it’s an uncomfortable subject, or because past attempts at the topic have resulted in getting no where. But as difficult as it may be, it’s vital that couples communicate to each other about money. Effective communication about money matters will … Read more
