Ten Tips to Home Refinancing! The bad news is that we are currently living through a frightening economy. The good news is that mortgage rates have never been this low in the last half of a century. The mortgage process, for buyers as well as home owners is a challenge at best but if you are prepared you can save money AND get through the process with your sanity in tact! Why should you refinance? There are costs involved with the process, but if you … [Read more...]
Beware of Check Scams!
June 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Protect Yourself Against Fraud! "All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I myself deny it." - H.L. Menken As the economy dips and unemployment rises so does fraud. Check scams of all sorts are popping up with more frequency than Orville Redenbacher. The most insidious thing about a check scam isn't that it happens or that it happens to you. The worst part is that it is like a domino effect. A check scam can become complicated and puts you in a … [Read more...]
5 Consistent Ways to Save!
April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Uniformity = Savings "Getting money is like digging with a needle; spending it is like water soaking into sand." - Japanese Proverb I think the Japanese had it right when they said, "Getting money is like digging with a needle!" We all know how easy the spending part is. The proverb addresses spending money and obtaining money but it leaves out saving it. I would add, "Saving money is like trying to hold on to an eel in an oil pan--not easy!" I think that getting a check on today's … [Read more...]
The Recession and Your Pets!
April 4, 2011 By 1 Comment
Keep Your Pet - Pet Food Pantries are Here to Help! "One must be poor to know the luxury of giving." - George Eliot (1819-1880) I never thought I would live to see the day when friends and associates lives were turned so upside down because of an upheaval in the economy. My mother and grandmother always talked about the Great Depression--although "Great" isn't exactly an adjective that I would use to describe it. I have always been a "helper" -- as is one who would organize others … [Read more...]
Don’t Let Divorce Destroy Your Credit!
April 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
"You never really know a man until you divorce him!" - Zsa Zsa Gabor The nine-times married (and divorced) 94 year old actress was alternately proud and demure when sharing her checkered marital past and I don't know the details of her divorces, but it is said that when she divorced hotel heir Conrad Hilton (Great Grandad of a little girl named Paris?) she got the house but no mortgage--lucky girl. And back in Zsa Zsa's hey-day they didn't have to worry about pesky credit reports. (no … [Read more...]
How To Avoid fees
March 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
This sounds so simple and it is, but you would be surprised how much we all pay in extra fees each year. ATM fees, late fees, library fees, luggage fees, hidden fees on your phone bill. Fees are everywhere, some are upfront, others are more sneaky. Stay alert, keep on the lookout for them! Pay that bill before the due date. Return that book or movie before you get charged a late fee. Check your phone or cable bill for services you didn't sign up for or hidden fees they tack on, … [Read more...]
Buying Used Could Save You Tons!
March 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
One of the best ways to save money is to buy used. Sure, it's feels good to drive a shiny new car off the lot, but within 24 months, you've already lost 1/3 of the value. Your better bet? Buy a used car that is 1-2 years old. The same goes for electronics, clothing, household items, and more. Shop garage and estate sales for furniture or visit resale shops for clothing and baby items. Remember used doesn't have to mean "old." Shop ebay.com and/or craigslist.com (local) for … [Read more...]
Negotiate Your TV & Phone Bill
February 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Every 6 months to a year, call up your cable or satellite company to re-negotiate your bill. I just saved almost $200 off my AT&T U-verse bundle by making a call and received a $75 credit AND $20/month off my bill for 6 months, just by asking! I also received a free movie channel for 6 months. These companies are in competition with one another and are always running new promotions. Sometimes, they will credit your account just for being a good customer and paying your bill on … [Read more...]
Use Cash and Avoid Debt
February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The best way to avoid getting into debt (or accumulating MORE debt) is to use cash for everyday spending. When using debit and credit cards, it's too easy to swipe your card and walk away, not realizing how much you've just spent. Instead, set up a cash envelope system or simply set aside a certain amount to use each week on groceries and other expenses. It helps you keep better track of how much you spend and holds you accountable! Think of how good it will feel to take control of … [Read more...]
Pay Yourself First
February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pay yourself first. Before you pay bills, groceries or anything else, take 5-20% off the top of your paycheck/gift money you receive and put it into a savings or investment account. If you are lucky enough to work at a company that deducts it automatically from your paycheck (AND matches your contribution), you'll get there even faster! Before you know it, you'll have a nice little nest egg. … [Read more...]
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