Here's a second tip: Be proactive about managing your credit. Call up your lender and ask it to lower your interest rate. Usually, lenders will lower callers' rates by 2% to 3%, says Scott Gamm, founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Also check your credit report. You can check your credit for free at annualcreditreport.com, for example. If you see mistakes, contact the credit agencies and get those mistakes corrected. If errors are dragging down your score, eliminating them can boost it to where it belongs and make you eligible for better rates.
2. Think automation
Free online banking tools can make it easier to manage your finances with less work. To help grow your savings, for example, you can schedule regular transfers from your checking account. Manisha Thakor, author of Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey, suggests setting up the transfer of a set amount of money into your savings account every pay day.
Also automate recurring bill payments so you never miss a due date or pay a late fee, which sends money down the drain. Even without late fees, timely payments are key: 35% of your credit score is based on your ability to make payments on time. If you sign up for automatic payments, however, make sure to check your monthly bills for errors. One other caveat: "Make sure you have enough cushion in your checking account to avoid any overdrafts" before setting up auto-payments, money coach Lora Sasiela says.
Over the past few years, much of the news has revolved around the economic crisis in the United States. I have opened newspaper after newspaper only to find the words “debt” and “budget” streaming across the headlines more mornings than I would have thought possible. One can conclude one of two things from these frequently reoccurring words. Either journalists are having an incredibly troublesome time finding synonyms for them, or debt and budgeting are two serious issues facing both individual Americans and our overarching political establishment.
I would venture to say most would agree that it is the latter. Debt is a financial reality for countless Americans, as well as the United States government; however, this discussion will not revolve so much around the government but the American people.
Debt could be easily be compared to a common illness that seems innocent enough—until you find yourself unable to get out of bed because it has rendered you helpless. Debt starts out a bit like that. It seems harmless enough until you receive the credit card bill at the end of the month.
Far too many individuals in the United States not only spend recklessly but spend far beyond their means. Just think about it. A grande cappuccino from Starbucks costs somewhere between $3 and $4, possibly more if you prefer soy milk or extra flavors. Now I am well aware that drinks such as these are delicious treats. With every Chai Tea Latte I consume, I feel an instant peace ensue throughout my body. That may be due to my caffeine addiction, but whatever the case may be, it would undoubtedly be more cost-effective to purchase a pound of coffee beans and brew the caffeinated beverages myself.
That is only the beginning. Consider the number of new vehicles you see driving along the highway each morning, some worth well over $50,000. That in itself could fund almost my entire college education.
robert shumake detroit
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake
The theory is simple: "If you don't have the money, don't charge it. Try to leave your credit card at home and only use it to pay bills," advises April Lewis, director of education for Consolidated Credit Counseling Services. Then immediately pay off your credit-card balance. As for old credit-card debt, sit down and commit to paper a plan for paying them off. Go for a quick hit, like paying off the smallest balance first, or decide to take on the highest rate card first. Get the job done.
Here's a second tip: Be proactive about managing your credit. Call up your lender and ask it to lower your interest rate. Usually, lenders will lower callers' rates by 2% to 3%, says Scott Gamm, founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Also check your credit report. You can check your credit for free at annualcreditreport.com, for example. If you see mistakes, contact the credit agencies and get those mistakes corrected. If errors are dragging down your score, eliminating them can boost it to where it belongs and make you eligible for better rates.
2. Think automation
Free online banking tools can make it easier to manage your finances with less work. To help grow your savings, for example, you can schedule regular transfers from your checking account. Manisha Thakor, author of Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey, suggests setting up the transfer of a set amount of money into your savings account every pay day.
Also automate recurring bill payments so you never miss a due date or pay a late fee, which sends money down the drain. Even without late fees, timely payments are key: 35% of your credit score is based on your ability to make payments on time. If you sign up for automatic payments, however, make sure to check your monthly bills for errors. One other caveat: "Make sure you have enough cushion in your checking account to avoid any overdrafts" before setting up auto-payments, money coach Lora Sasiela says.
Over the past few years, much of the news has revolved around the economic crisis in the United States. I have opened newspaper after newspaper only to find the words “debt” and “budget” streaming across the headlines more mornings than I would have thought possible. One can conclude one of two things from these frequently reoccurring words. Either journalists are having an incredibly troublesome time finding synonyms for them, or debt and budgeting are two serious issues facing both individual Americans and our overarching political establishment.
I would venture to say most would agree that it is the latter. Debt is a financial reality for countless Americans, as well as the United States government; however, this discussion will not revolve so much around the government but the American people.
Debt could be easily be compared to a common illness that seems innocent enough—until you find yourself unable to get out of bed because it has rendered you helpless. Debt starts out a bit like that. It seems harmless enough until you receive the credit card bill at the end of the month.
Far too many individuals in the United States not only spend recklessly but spend far beyond their means. Just think about it. A grande cappuccino from Starbucks costs somewhere between $3 and $4, possibly more if you prefer soy milk or extra flavors. Now I am well aware that drinks such as these are delicious treats. With every Chai Tea Latte I consume, I feel an instant peace ensue throughout my body. That may be due to my caffeine addiction, but whatever the case may be, it would undoubtedly be more cost-effective to purchase a pound of coffee beans and brew the caffeinated beverages myself.
That is only the beginning. Consider the number of new vehicles you see driving along the highway each morning, some worth well over $50,000. That in itself could fund almost my entire college education.
robert shumake detroit
robert shumake
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake
After graduation I took a trip with my friends. The trip was immense fun but it wasn't fun when I did the expenses. When I sat down to settle the trip bills, I knew I had to be stricter with my finances. Here's a plan I made for myself and it has continued to help me to stay on track. I hope it helps recent graduates like me.
Make a budget for variable expenses: We all have expenses that are fixed- rent and bills. But expenses such as food, laundry and other personal expenses can change. Set a budget for such variable expenses.
Track your expenses, ALWAYS: if you don't know how much amounts to your variable expenses, track them for previous months. You are sure to come to an average amount. Then set a ceiling for how much you should spend on them and stick to this number rigidly. Don't give up tracking. Always track your expenses.
Avoid swiping your credit card for lesser amounts: pay by cash or use your debit card to pay for smaller amounts. Smaller amounts like the 10s and 20s amount to quiet a big number on your bill. It feels good to get them out of your way when you pay by cash.
Start cooking at home, because that is much cheaper than eating out every day. And it can save you a lot of money.
Avoid eating out as much as possible. Need I say again that it can save?
Say no: you don't need to always catch that flick with your friend or go out every weekend for dinner. It is difficult to say no but your friends will understand.
Pause before you shop: Before you are ready to swipe your card, ask yourself if you really need the item you are buying. Can you do without it? If the answer to this question is 'yes' you know what to do. Few days back I was in BJs doing grocery shopping. I picked up a lovely winter jacket which was costing only $30. I was tempted to buy it. I roamed the entire store with it in my cart knowing I shouldn't buy it. Eventually I put it down and bought only the required groceries.
It can be difficult to curb yourself from shopping in the beginning. But after you see the difference it makes it isn't that difficult. All the best!
robert shumake detroit
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake detroit
robert shumake detroit
The theory is simple: "If you don't have the money, don't charge it. Try to leave your credit card at home and only use it to pay bills," advises April Lewis, director of education for Consolidated Credit Counseling Services. Then immediately pay off your credit-card balance. As for old credit-card debt, sit down and commit to paper a plan for paying them off. Go for a quick hit, like paying off the smallest balance first, or decide to take on the highest rate card first. Get the job done.
Here's a second tip: Be proactive about managing your credit. Call up your lender and ask it to lower your interest rate. Usually, lenders will lower callers' rates by 2% to 3%, says Scott Gamm, founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Also check your credit report. You can check your credit for free at annualcreditreport.com, for example. If you see mistakes, contact the credit agencies and get those mistakes corrected. If errors are dragging down your score, eliminating them can boost it to where it belongs and make you eligible for better rates.
2. Think automation
Free online banking tools can make it easier to manage your finances with less work. To help grow your savings, for example, you can schedule regular transfers from your checking account. Manisha Thakor, author of Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey, suggests setting up the transfer of a set amount of money into your savings account every pay day.
Also automate recurring bill payments so you never miss a due date or pay a late fee, which sends money down the drain. Even without late fees, timely payments are key: 35% of your credit score is based on your ability to make payments on time. If you sign up for automatic payments, however, make sure to check your monthly bills for errors. One other caveat: "Make sure you have enough cushion in your checking account to avoid any overdrafts" before setting up auto-payments, money coach Lora Sasiela says.
Over the past few years, much of the news has revolved around the economic crisis in the United States. I have opened newspaper after newspaper only to find the words “debt” and “budget” streaming across the headlines more mornings than I would have thought possible. One can conclude one of two things from these frequently reoccurring words. Either journalists are having an incredibly troublesome time finding synonyms for them, or debt and budgeting are two serious issues facing both individual Americans and our overarching political establishment.
I would venture to say most would agree that it is the latter. Debt is a financial reality for countless Americans, as well as the United States government; however, this discussion will not revolve so much around the government but the American people.
Debt could be easily be compared to a common illness that seems innocent enough—until you find yourself unable to get out of bed because it has rendered you helpless. Debt starts out a bit like that. It seems harmless enough until you receive the credit card bill at the end of the month.
Far too many individuals in the United States not only spend recklessly but spend far beyond their means. Just think about it. A grande cappuccino from Starbucks costs somewhere between $3 and $4, possibly more if you prefer soy milk or extra flavors. Now I am well aware that drinks such as these are delicious treats. With every Chai Tea Latte I consume, I feel an instant peace ensue throughout my body. That may be due to my caffeine addiction, but whatever the case may be, it would undoubtedly be more cost-effective to purchase a pound of coffee beans and brew the caffeinated beverages myself.
That is only the beginning. Consider the number of new vehicles you see driving along the highway each morning, some worth well over $50,000. That in itself could fund almost my entire college education.
robert shumake detroit
Opinion: Can Oprah Help Restore Civility? - AOL <b>News</b>
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
<b>News</b> Corp. Online Gaming Head Sean Ryan to Head Facebook's Social <b>...</b>
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
John Roberts Leaves CNN for Fox <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com
Executives at CNN confirmed Monday that John Roberts, who served as the morning anchor for the network since April 2007, would be joining Fox News as a national correspondent.
robert shumake
robert shumake
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