Just because you put a lot of time into creating a budget doesn’t mean it will help you achieve financial success. Here is why: You may have used inaccurate data.You have to stick with your budget (not just create one).You aren’t being realistic with your expectations. If your budget continues to fail you, month after month, it is time to adjust your approach and consider the changes you can make for the better. Here are three...
LongTermCare.gov defines long term care insurance as follows: “Unlike traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is designed to cover long-term services and supports, including personal and custodial care in a variety of settings such as your home, a community organization, or other facility.” At some point, particularly as you age, you may consider purchasing this type of policy. It is not a decision everybody makes, but it is one that deserves your attention at some point. With...
Just because you have less than ideal credit doesn’t mean you will never be able to purchase a new car. This may bring additional challenges to the process, but there are steps you can take to improve your situation and increase your chance of driving off the lot in a shiny new vehicle. Here are three ways to secure a new car loan with bad credit: 1. Start the preparation process as soon as possible. With...
As a college student, there is nothing more exciting than the summer months. This is a time to unwind. This is a time to think about the year to come. Of course, it is also a time for you to realize that nothing lasts forever. Before you know it, the first day of the fall semester will be here. There is no better time than now to prepare financially for the fall semester. It may be...
There is no denying the many benefits associated with applying for and using a credit card. For example, you may earn reward points that can be used for everything from travel to gift cards (and much more). Along with this, a credit card affords you the opportunity to make big purchases, all without having to spend your cash. Conversely, there are some potential downfalls associated with credit card use. Most notably, you can find yourself in...
Imagine this: you are all set to purchase a new vehicle. All you have to do is visit your local dealer, negotiate a deal, and drive off the lot. As simple as this sounds, it can be extremely challenging if you are not prepared for everything that could come your way. There are questions you need to answer before visiting a car dealer. These include: 1. How much do you want to spend? If nothing else,...
Are you seeking new ways to add big value to your home? Are you hoping to do so on a budget? If you answered yes to these questions, here are a few ideas to consider: 1. Paint, paint, and paint some more. Freshen up every room of your home that needs it. While painting is not always the most enjoyable project, it can quickly add value to your home. Best yet, you can do it on...
Imagine this scenario: you are searching for the right credit card, hoping to locate an offer you can get excited about. And then it happens. You come across a card that appears to be perfect for you and your financial situation. You have one of two options at this point: Sign up for the credit card, hoping your first instinct was right.Dig into the finer details to ensure that you are making a good decision. Rather...
Just because you have bad credit doesn’t mean your life comes to an end. It also doesn’t mean you can never use a credit card again. There is a big difference between obtaining a credit card and using a credit card in the appropriate manner. Simply receiving an approval will do nothing for your credit. However, if you make on-time payments and act responsibly, you can use a bad credit credit card to rebuild your credit....
Even with health insurance, it is possible you could one day face a large medical bill. Despite your frustration, it means nothing to the facility or provider that wants paid. While there is no guarantee of success, it is possible to negotiate a medical bill. Here are several tips that can guide you: 1. Don’t wait around. It may take a day or so to digest the finer details of your bill, but you don’t want...
