What is a budget and what can it be used for? A budget is a forecast of income and expenditures. Merriam-Webster defines a budget as “a statement of the financial position of an administration for a definite period of time based on estimates of expenditures during the period and proposals for financing them.” They go […]
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Credit Reports and Credit Scores Explained
Many people have not looked at their credit report in years. Some may not even know what their credit score is at all. It’s so important to know your current credit score and what’s on your credit report. They follow you around like a shadow and there’s no getting rid of them. They will be […]
Continue ReadingWhich college savings plan is right for you?
All parents worry about the future for their children. That’s a given fact! While it’s commonly said that for most people a home purchase is the largest investment they’ll ever make, a parent’s investment in their child often exceeds the cost and financial complexity of a real estate transaction. Of all the expenses parents face […]
Continue ReadingOptions Besides Cable or Satellite TV
Cable prices are getting pretty ridiculous these days. It’s not only the cable packages but the pay-per-view movies as well. Satellite services can be just as expensive as cable television. Many people are looking for other options because their monthly bills are getting too costly. If you’re on a budget then your cable and telephone bills […]
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Your Credit Score
What Is A Credit Score? A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from about 300-850 that reflects your credit risk level. It is a snapshot of your credit risk at a particular point in time and is calculated using a mathematical equation with information from your credit report. Lenders use your score to evaluate […]
Continue ReadingTeaching Teens to Save Money Before College
Before your teenager leaves for college, it’s important to teach them valuable money skills so that they learn not only how to take care of themselves, but also how to stay out of debt. If you teach your teen how to make smart money choices now, it can have a lasting impression on their financial […]
Continue ReadingTeaching Children About Money
When it comes to teaching your children about money, think of it as teaching them survival skills. If you do not teach them about money–budgeting, saving, shopping and credit–it will be left to trial and error, which could prove costly and time consuming. Since only about 10% of young people learn personal money management in […]
Continue ReadingSurviving Unemployment
Worrying about money is just one of the many stresses involved in losing a job – but it is a major one. You’ll want to halt all unnecessary spending. Go into ‘crisis mode’ and get real conservative with your spending. Finding new employment may take longer than you expect, and you’ll need to deal with […]
Continue ReadingRefinancing Loans
THE INS AND OUTS OF REFINANCING A CAR LOAN: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO DO IT So, it’s time to begin refinancing the car loan. The payments are becoming just too much to handle. There’s no other way out. Before some of you make that call to the bank or creditor, […]
Continue ReadingIdentity Theft Protection
[column class=”twelve] Identity theft is a serious crime that exploded in the 1990’s and continues to grow. It occurs when someone obtains or attempts to obtain your personal identifying information (name, address, account numbers, social security number, etc.) for his own use. Identity theft protection is valuable because a thief may apply for new credit, […]
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