Articles
- Budget Commitment
- Holiday Shopping
- Budget Baby Steps
- Entertaining Affordably
- About Credit Reports
- Dealing with Debt
Tip of the Day
Make a habit out of keeping current on your budget. You'll reap the rewards and stay out of trouble!
Making the Budget Commitment
Perhaps budgeting is difficult because of the aspects of a budget that have nothing to do with numbers. Money, and its management, can be a stressful experience. For many people, “budget” is a bad word. Just hearing it spoken makes people cringe and picture all types of deprivation. It doesn’t have to be that way! A budget is a plan for managing day to day expenses. In and of itself, a budget is not something to fear or dread. In fact, a budget that is thoughtfully created and consistently implemented is one of the most effective financial tools available.
Consumer Spending on the rise
Based on press reports, there is a lot of “doom and gloom” in holiday shopping projections for this year. According to the National Retail Federation, “Consumers will likely increase their spending by 3.7% on average…” Note, the projections indicate that shoppers will spend more than last year. The problem for retailers, however, is that they don’t think consumers will spend ENOUGH more to help their bottom lines.
Debt Consolidation
If you have gotten in over your head in credit card debt, you may need professional help. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and you'll be better off the sooner you take control of your finances. You can get a free quote and find out if you would benefit from a credit counseling program.
Credit Cards
Learn how to spot the best credit cards available to you efficiently. The more you understand about the implications of the fine print the better. Variable APRs, compounding late fees and monthly service charges are just a few of the ways creditors make their money.
Credit Report
Do you know what's in your credit report? You should. Your credit score controls your ability to apply for loans, buy a house or car and what type of credit cards you can get. If there is inaccurate information you need to dispute it and have it corrected.