Author Archive for: ‘Guest Author’
The Importance of Financial Literacy
The less you know about credit cards, the more you will pay, especially if you are a woman. A study from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation showed that women with low levels of financial literacy were more likely to take part in costly credit card …
How to Manage Having Roommates
For many people, having roommates is a natural transition between leaving their parent’s house and buying their own home. It can be a great way to trim expenses and save for the future. But if you’re not careful, cohabitating can also devolve into constant bickering …
Just One Late Payment Can Ding Your Credit Report
Dear Erica, This month we are unable to pay our credit card bills for the first time. We have no more money to give after paying for our house and food. My husband has been out of a job for eight months, and I am …
Important Things to Know About Paying For College
I’m a firm believer that the more knowledge you acquire, whether through college, trade school or self-study, the richer your life will be. But as college tuition and fees continue to skyrocket, students and parents increasingly are asking, “Is a degree really worth the cost?” …
Putting Your 2011 Tax Refund Check to Work
If you’re among the millions of Americans expecting an income tax refund this year, you’ve probably already filed your 2011 return and are eagerly awaiting the money. But if you haven’t already mentally spent your refund on a guilty pleasure, here are several great ways …
Organizing Your Financial Documents
Organization is important. Having a designated time and place to pay bills and store records will give you the assurance that you are in control. Set up your place for paying bills with all of the basics: pen, stamps, work space, and possibly a calendar. If you …
How to Protect Yourself From Online Hackers
Global Payments is the latest company to fall victim to a large-scale hacking incident. On Monday, the company said hackers stole debit and credit card account information for nearly 1.5 million consumers. Unfortunately, this has become a fairly common news story. Last year, hackers stole …
How to Save Money at The Gas Pump
Back in the days when I had a real job my commute was 50 miles one way. Can you imagine what that would be like today with the gasoline prices where they are? I was wondering that myself the other day so with calculator in …
Ten Painless Ways to Save $10K
Saving shouldn’t be painful – if the steps you’re taking negatively impact your life, you probably won’t be able to maintain them. So don’t go on a “dollar diet.” Instead, find ways to save that are simple and fast and won’t feel like deprivation. And keep …
How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud in 3 Easy Steps
In the midst of the global financial crisis, Americans cited credit and debit card fraud as their number one fear, surpassing that of terrorism, computer and health viruses and personal safety.[1] For many Americans, this fear is not unwarranted. Each year, credit card fraud costs …
