Many Americans struggle to avoid debt for much of their lives. The goal for all of us, however, should be debt-free living. One way to learn how to live a debt-free life is to take a cue from those people who are already doing it. When we examine the lives of people who don’t take… Read More
Track Your Net Worth (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)
Your net worth, the combined value of all your assets (car, home, checking accounts, investments, etc.) is something that many people keep track of. And for good reason. This represents the total amount of wealth that you have accumulated over the course of your lifetime. And if managed correctly, you can see this value begin… Read More
Credit Card Perks (as reported by Rosie Spinks on quartz.qz.com)
For the responsible consumer, credit cards offer a lot of value. If you have a credit card already, and you make sure to pay off your balance each month, you may want to ask yourself what you’re getting from it. Smart credit card users know that they can get special perks for spending on their… Read More
What are Credit Unions? (as reported by Ryan Guina on cashmoneylife.com)
Have you considered joining a credit union? If you’re like most people, you don’t know what a credit union is. But the more you know, the more prepared you will be to manage your financial future. Credit unions are alternatives to traditional banks. The major difference between the two is that credit unions are non-profits,… Read More
High-Yield Checking (as reported by Sophia Bera on www.learnvest.com)
High-yield checking accounts offer the convenience of checking accounts, with growth potential similar to savings accounts. Though most banks offer some form of high-yield checking, many people are unaware that they exist. But these accounts can be great for certain people who wish to grow their wealth. For those among us who tend to keep… Read More
Most Dangerous Credit Card Mistakes (as reported by John on www.frugalrules.com)
Though credit cards offer convenience, among other advantages, they also come with risks. They often entice people to spend money that they don’t have on things they cannot afford. That’s why, as a nation, we are billions of dollars in credit card debt. The most dangerous mistake that people make with their credit cards is… Read More
Spread Your Accounts Around (as reported by Tahnya Kristina on www.learnvest.com)
Different banks and financial institutions offer different kinds of accounts. They also vary their rates, and other perks for customers, in order to attract your business. But one common question that a lot of people end up asking themselves is this: Should I keep all my accounts at one bank or spread them around? While… Read More
Common Financial Scams (as reported by Sean McDonnell on www.kiplinger.com)
Financial scams abound. For as long as there has been money, there have been people who will find ways to go after money that isn’t theirs. Today, many financial scams originate online, and take advantage of people who are more vulnerable to attacks – the young, inexperienced banker or the aging retirees. The best way… Read More
Know Your Credit Score (as reported by Kathryn Vasel on money.cnn.com)
For many years, it was very difficult (in some cases, nearly impossible) for an individual to check his or her credit score. We had to hope that when we needed a loan, our score would be there to support us. Then companies started offering free and paid services so that people everywhere could check in… Read More
Tax Breaks for the Middle Class (as reported by Sandra Block and David Muhlbaum on www.kiplinger.com)
During tax season, it is helpful to understand all of the different tax breaks and deductions aimed at middle and working class families. Often, we don’t know all of the different deductions for which we qualify, and that can mean overpaying. Sandra Block and David Muhlbaum, writing for Kiplinger.com, have put together a collection of… Read More