Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

Chris Bibey is a freelance writer and internet marketing professional located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Start Preparing to File Your Taxes Early

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Are you the type of person who makes it a habit to file your tax return at the last minute? Are you hoping to get this off your plate earlier in 2019? Regardless of what you’ve done in the past, there are many reasons to file your taxes early next year. It’s a change to your typical system, but once you understand the benefits it’ll become second nature to you. 1. Faster Tax Refund There is...
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Frank
This is a great idea, but I always file at the last minute. I am not a fan of taxes!
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:52
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Don’t Overspend on These Holiday Road Trip Expenses

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With the holiday season just about in full swing, now may be the best time for you to make your travel plans. While some people hop on a plane to reach their holiday destination, others get behind the wheel and hit the road. Taking a holiday road trip can be a lot of fun, however, it can also set you back quite a bit of money if you’re not careful about your approach. Here are three...
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Frank
My last holiday road trip was last year, and I spent ~$500. I was able to stay with family so no lodging costs. Gas and food were... Read More
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:49
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Avoid These 3 Ways of Paying for Holiday Gifts

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With the holiday season approaching, now’s the time to plan out all the gifts you need to buy. In addition to knowing who to buy for, you must have a clear idea of what you can afford to spend. Taking your plan one step further, outline the manner in which you’ll pay for gifts. In a perfect world, you’re able to pay for everything with cash. Not only does this keep you on budget, but it...
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Frank
I typically pay with my credit card, but pay off the credit card before the interest is due.
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:41
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Answer These 7 Questions Before Applying for a Personal Loan

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You’re almost positive that a personal loan is exactly what you’ve been looking for. As excited as you may be, don’t jump into this just yet. Instead, take the time to answer a few key questions: 1. How will you use the loan? There’s no good reason to take out a personal loan unless you have a clear idea of how you’ll use the funds. Are you consolidating debt? Taking care of a medical emergency? Tackling...
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Frank
Thanks for this consolidated list Chris. A minimum of 3-5 lenders is a good idea, and I would recommend more if you have time. The... Read More
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:40
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5 Tips for Negotiating with Creditors

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There may come a point when you realize you’re unable to pay a creditor in full. While you could default, it’s much better to contact your creditor with the idea of negotiating your debt. As scary as it may be to make this call, once you’re on the right track you’ll realize that it’s not nearly as difficult as you thought. Here are five tips for negotiating with creditors: 1. Know Your Story Go into the...
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Frank
I would add to be very careful and document everything in writing. This is a very slimy business so your debt gets traded on the s... Read More
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:37
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Things to do if Your Credit Card Application is Denied

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When you apply for a credit card it’s your hope that you receive an instant approval. Unfortunately, this may not be the end result. It’s always possible that you could receive a denial, thus forcing you to take a few key steps in the near future. Here are five things to do if your credit card application is denied: •    Read your adverse action letter: the credit card issuer is required to send you an adverse...
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Frank
I would also add to call the credit card company. Sometimes they have give you additional insight on your denial.
Monday, 29 October 2018 11:17
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How Much Will You Spend On a New Car?

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According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost of a new car is approximately $36,000. For some, this may be the perfect price point. For others, it may be entirely too expensive. As you shop for a new vehicle, it’s important to do so with your budget in mind. If you don’t, you could fall prey to all the bells and whistles, thus paying more than you can comfortably afford. Here are three basic things to...
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Frank
My philosophy on purchasing cars is to buy used, a car with less than 40,000 miles. I feel this is where you can get the best deal... Read More
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 14:25
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Here’s Why You Should Shop for Baby Supplies Online

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It doesn’t matter how many children you have, you’ll soon come to realize that keeping your house fully stocked with supplies would be in your best interest. After all, you never want to find that you’re out of diapers, formula, or another essential item. While you can always purchase what you need at a local big box store, there are many reasons to get into the habit of buying online: •    Lower prices. There’s no better...
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Finance Globe
Great points Chris, and especially true in the early years. The conveniences of online shopping usually makes it worthwhile for ex... Read More
Saturday, 15 September 2018 12:58
Frank
ChrisB, How about testing these products out? Is there any benefit to seeing some of these products in person?
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 14:24
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It May be Time to Move on to a New Credit Card

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In a perfect world, you’d obtain a credit card and use it for the rest of your life. However, as the years go by, you may come to find that the credit card you once loved is no longer what it used to be. There are times when it makes sense to move on to a new credit card. Here are a few situations that often call for a change: •    Variable rate is climbing. The...
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Frank
I have used other cards over time as new cards come to market and they are better deals. However, I never cancel my cards so I can... Read More
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 14:22
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3 Things to Negotiate With Your Cable Company

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Even with alternatives – such as streaming live TV services – cable companies continue to charge an arm and a leg. If you’re tired of overpaying, but not yet ready to cut the cord, it’s time to contact your cable company with the idea of negotiating a better deal. Once you make the call, there are three distinct things you should negotiate with your cable company: 1. Cost of Service This is the big one, as...
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Frank
Call your cable company atleast once every 6 months to get a refresh of new deals. They usually can offer you a low rate.
Wednesday, 26 September 2018 14:17
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