Many people have fallen in love with the idea of shopping online. This puts them in position to find and buy everything they need, all without stepping foot outside their home. Despite the convenience and opportunity to save money, this experience does not always go as planned. Below are three mistakes to avoid when shopping via the internet: 1. Overpaying for shipping. While you may be able to save money on the cost of the item,...
The biggest shopping season of the year leads a lot of people into debt because they overspend with their credit cards. It’s not a bad thing to use your credit card during the holidays. The key to avoiding debt and future financial troubles is to use it responsibly. Follow these eight tips to maximize your credit card use without running up big balances. Use only one credit card. The more credit cards you use, the harder...
Many homeowners face this situation: they purchase an affordable home insurance policy with comprehensive coverage. Everything is going just fine, and then they receive a notice that their premium will increase. If you don’t know why your premium increased, the best thing you can do is consult with your agent. This person can explain what happened and provide information on your options. Before it comes to this, however, you may want to learn more about some...
To change your spending habits you have to change how you respond to the cues that typically tempt you to spend money. For example, you may typically see something in the store, want it, and then purchase it. But, there are some little mind tricks you can use to spend less money. Know how long you have to work to afford it. Divide the cost of the item by your hourly wage to figure out how...
With the holiday season in full swing, you may find yourself mailing packages all over the country (or world). Unfortunately, some people aren’t lucky enough to see their friends and family in person every holiday season. Before you begin wrapping your gifts, putting them in boxes, and finding a shipping company, here is a question to answer: which shipping provider can best meet your needs? While there are many details to consider, here are three that...
With tax season on its way, now is the time to start thinking about your final return. For many, this leads to one very important question: will you file your own return or hire a CPA? For some, the thought of hiring a CPA is out of the question. They believe this is too expensive. They also have no confidence that the person knows what he or she is doing. Before you jump the gun and...
As a self-employed professional, you are well aware of the pros and cons of working for yourself. Regardless of your industry or how much money you earn, nothing changes the importance of understanding your tax situation. There are many ways to reduce your taxable income, including a variety of deductible expenses. With the year coming to an end, it is time to focus some attention on your tax situation. Once the calendar turns, it won’t be...
Many stores offer their own exclusive credit card. It is likely you have been presented with such an offer at the cash register. As tempting as it may be to sign on the dotted line, don’t do this just yet. Instead, ask for more information so you can review the offer before making a final decision. The primary benefit of a store credit card is the savings you will receive. For example, you may hear the...
When it comes time to purchase life insurance, there are many decisions to make. To start, you must answer this question: will you rely on the services of a broker or contact multiple companies direct? Some people shy away from insurance brokers. They don’t understand how the process works. They don’t believe that the person has their best interests in mind. While there is nothing wrong with being cautious, you should familiarize yourself with the benefits...
Your budget is sure to have both fixed and variable expenses. For example, your mortgage (or rent) and car payment are fixed. They don’t change from month to month. Conversely, there are variable expenses that jump up and down on a monthly basis. Your goal is simple: to shave as much money as possible from these budget categories. By doing so, you will soon find yourself with the ability to save more. Where should you start?...
