Federal agencies on Tuesday warned to consumers of a new computer malware that can take hold of personal files and literally hold them for ransom.The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the malware, “Cryptolocker,” encrypts your personal documents, photos, and other files. You can’t get it back unless you pay a fee of about $300 and the clock is ticking until it’s gone for good. And there’s no other way to...
There is no denying the benefits associated with carrying at least one credit card. From the ability to make big purchases to the reward points you can collect, this is a financial tool that many people rely on.As long as you are responsible enough to use a credit card in the appropriate manner, you don’t have much to worry about – or do you?There are many credit card myths that have harmed people just like you...
When choosing a college, there are hundreds of details to consider. However, your financial situation will go a long way in dictating your final decision.The last thing you want to do is make a mistake that will negatively impact your finances now and in the future. This is something you will regret.Here are five money related details that should be on your mind as you attempt to make one of the biggest decisions of your life:1....
Before dipping your toes into the “self employment pool” it makes good sense to learn as much as possible about what your life is going to turn into. Just like anything, there are pros and cons of working for yourself. And just like anything, there are many myths circulating that could quickly get you off track.The more research you do the more you will understand what to expect as you make this career change. Below are...
With so much to look forward to, planning a vacation can be extremely exciting. From choosing a destination to searching for the best deal, you are going to find yourself making a lot of important decisions along the way.While most people understand the importance of using the internet to save money, some don’t realize they could still make mistakes that cost them dearly.Here are five vacation planning mistakes to avoid:1. Booking too soon or too late....
Green home building is projected to continue to climb in the next few years as Americans increasingly search out energy-efficient and environmentally responsible homes, industry experts reported this week.McGraw Hill Construction reported that last year, the green home-building industry accounted for 23% of residential construction and is projected to grow to between 26% to 33% by 2016. This increase would more than double the value of the industry, growing from $36 billion in 2013 to $83-$105...
Just because you are comfortable with your current car insurance agent and policy doesn’t mean you should never ask questions. It is your right to be informed, ensuring that you are getting what you pay for.Here are five questions to ask your current agent:1. Which discounts are being applied to my policy? Once you have the answer to this question, you can move onto something just as important: finding out if you qualify for additional discounts.Tip:...
Yep. I’m not exaggerating. If all goes according to plan we really will have saved over $33,000 by the end of the year. Admittedly, numbers aren’t my forte, so you’d be right to question that figure, but I guarantee my math’s not fuzzy and $33,000 is only the tip of the iceberg. That amount only speaks to the items on which I have hard data right now or don’t need the help of an expert economist...
In the past few weeks, hundreds of consumers have complained online about a mysterious $9.84 charge on their credit cards. The complaints have become serious enough for the Better Business Bureau to issue a fraud alert warning others to look out for a similar charge on their credit card statements. Consumers may be reluctant to report an unauthorized charge of such a small amount, brushing it off because $9.84 seems insignificant. However, there have been past...
At some point in your life, you’re sure to suffer some kind of major unexpected disaster that can disrupt your financial life. It may be a job loss, divorce, natural disaster, or unexpected pregnancy. How you handle the situation, as dire as it may seem, will make the difference between getting out of it successfully or making the situation worse. Don’t panic. Money problems, big or small, can be pretty scary. The uncertainty that comes along...
