People have an inherent need to make their space their own. It’s a part of what makes a home feel like home. The downside of renting, however, is that you typically don’t have the freedom to customize your space. Buying Means Freedom to Customize As a...
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We all know that building a savings fund is an important personal finance step. But how do you motivate yourself to spend less and save more out of each paycheck? Have you found tips or tricks to make the challenge fun? Is it even possible to make saving fun? Plenty...
read moreWhen shopping for a home it is important that you consider the short term and the long term. Some long-term items often overlooked are future home repairs or replacement of major parts of your home. Make sure that you have a qualified inspector go through your new...
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Credit Card Consolidation refers to combining your various credit card debt into one monthly payment. Consolidation can simplify your multiple credit card account payments but does not erase your debt. Many credit card companies offer balance transfers with their...
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People often think of a recipient of sudden windfall as someone like those that won the huge jackpots from the Powerball and Mega Millions last month; however, most sudden windfalls do not come from lotteries or gambling and are not huge sums. Most recipients are...
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There are moments when you need to speak with your bank about customer service-related questions containing information specific to your accounts or transactions. This type of message should not be sent to the bank using regular email. Instead for security purposes...
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Technology is part of life, and unless you’re planning to live off the grid in the wilderness, it will remain part of our everyday experiences. Our mobile devices are used for communication, social interaction, shopping, banking, maintaining fitness, lifestyle, among...
read moreNatural disasters can happen any time of the year, so having a home – and a mobile disaster supply kit can help you better manage the situation in the days that follow. Create a mobile disaster kit in a waterproof storage container that can be quickly and...
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The buying vs. renting debate has been going on for some time, and the truth is – there are pros and cons to both sides. What’s most important is that you make your decision based on your short- and long-term goals, as well as what’s right for your...
read moreAs the temperature goes down, you may notice your utility bills start to go up. Luckily, there are ways to avoid those increases. If you’re cranking up the heat at home, that’s definitely going to increase your monthly bills. Instead, consider optimizing your window...
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Credit card disputes occur when a consumer disagrees with the accuracy of a charge that appears on their statement. The Fair Credit Billing Act is a federal law that gives consumers the ability to dispute charges they did not make. However, in most cases, inaccurate...
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Make the most of your extra time indoors this season by giving your house some much needed updates, even on a small budget. These inexpensive projects are a simple way to stay busy during the cold winter months while making your home beautiful in the process! Paint...
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Start the new year with a cyber security checkup! Taking preventative measures to protect your personal information now could save you valuable time and resources in the future. Keep your bank account safe by being cyber smart. Listed below are simple ways you can...
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Being in jeopardy is not an unfamiliar state for a business, as they are constantly evolving to survive, retain key talent, and adjust to new circumstances and demands from their customers and partners. The fact that there are always unknowable risks for the owners of...
read moreIt’s the cozy season, which means we’re all spending more time at home. So, why not take this time to make some inexpensive changes to your space? Adding trim to any room makes it look more polished, and depending on the room size, it can cost under $150. If you want...
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Take a good look at your surroundings and your daily routine. What is working, and what isn’t? Here are some ideas for things you can you do during January, sometimes known as “Get Organized Month”, to set yourself up for success this year: Prioritize. On a...
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The last month of the calendar year can be a helpful time to review your personal finances for a couple key reasons: 1) There may be steps you can still take to reduce your taxable income for the year and get a better tax result, and 2) By reviewing your income,...
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New Year’s resolutions often don’t stay in our minds long, and then reappear as the year ends to be supplanted by new ones. Do New Year’s resolutions work for you? If not, then you are in the majority. Goals are usually fulfilled or dropped as new problems arise that...
read moreIf you’re writing new year’s resolutions, you should have a plan for executing them, too! To make sure you set goals you can keep, you should be realistic. Think about a few things you wish you would’ve done in the past year to make yourself happier or healthier –...
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Investors planning substantial gifts to children or grandchildren may be considering whether or not to give stocks or sell the stocks and give the cash to alleviate the management concerns for the recipients. This article explores some of the unique benefits that may come with gifting the stocks directly, and introduces the strategy of using the annual gift tax exclusion as an estate planning method.
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