<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Accumulating Money &#187; Tips</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/category/tips/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com</link>
	<description>Because wealth is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:44:34 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Helpful Budgeting Tips For Young Adults</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/helpful-budgeting-tips-for-young-adults/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/helpful-budgeting-tips-for-young-adults/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 22:25:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For most young adults, when the time comes to face the facts with finances they are not prepared.  The truth is that budgeting is not a no-brainer, but it isn’t necessarily hard either.  Unfortunately, personal finance courses are not yet a required course in high school or college, but they should be.  Instead, many Americans are left to learn through a bumpy trial and error.  This too, is not necessary.  If you are willing to do a little bit of reading in order to get all the facts straight, you can transition into financial independence easily and without fear.  If you don’t learn how to manage your <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/money-as-debt/">money</a> now you may be faced with crippling financial crises in the future.</p>
<p><strong>Learn self control.</strong>   It is far better to save up for a purchase than to use a credit card and get it right away.  Do not make a habit out of using your credit card; if you already have this habit, it is time to break it.  It is best to only use your credit card if you can pay off the balance at the end of the month.  In some cases it is ok if you can manage to pay off the balance within three months, but no more than that.  If it takes more than three months to pay off, you can’t afford it so you shouldn’t buy it.  Credit car interest will stack up and you will end up paying far more than you originally intended.</p>
<p><strong>Take control of your financial future.</strong>  Learning to manage and take care of your own finances is crucial.  If you don’t other people will and they may do so poorly.  Take charge of the situation by reading books and talking with a knowledgeable friend or family member to get some advice.  You need to understand how money works if you are going to make it work for you.</p>
<p><strong>Know how much money you have in regards to how much money you need.</strong>  The most important component of a healthy budget is making sure that your expenses do not exceed your income.  Try to keep your monthly necessities as low as possible in order to <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/tips-to-save-money/">save money</a>.  It can be helpful to get a notebook or make an excel sheet in order to keep track.  There is no shame in being responsible.  </p>
<p><strong>Know what you spend your money on.</strong>   For many people a lot of money gets spent that is unaccounted for.  While you may still only be shopping for items within your “needs” it is important to keep track.  Again, having a small notebook to jot down all your purchases as they occur, along with the amount is a great idea.  This way at the end of the month you can add them up and see where there is room for change.</p>
<p><strong>Use automatic bill pay.</strong>  Many young adults are facing real bills for the first time in their lives.  It can be difficult to keep track of when different bills are due on their different pay dates.  Instead of risking forgetfulness, getting behind on important bills and accruing late fees, sign up for online bill pay.  Most every online banking system has an option to set this up.  Take the little bit of time it takes to set up online bill pay and have all the major ones automatically withdrawn each month.  This takes a huge weight off your shoulders and all you need to worry about is having enough money in your account.</p>
<p><strong>Start a <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/high-interest-savings-accounts-a-safe-way-to-care-for-your-money/">savings</a> account.</strong>  Savings are always a good idea to have.  Whether they are for something specific, or just because, you should have them.  Ideally you should calculate a specified amount into your monthly expenses that will automatically be transferred into a savings account.  Just make it happen so that you can get into the habit of saving now.</p>
<p><strong>Get health insurance.</strong>  It is important that you have health insurance in case of an accident.  Even the most simple trips to the hospital can wind up costing thousands of dollars.  There are numerous individual health plans out there that are affordable; you just need to take the time to shop around.  Accidents do happen and it is far better to be prepared with adequate coverage than risk going into debt.</p>
<p><strong>Guard your wealth.</strong>  Getting renters insurance if you are renting a house or apartment is a great idea.  This will protect your belongings from things like burglary or fire.  If this seems like a tricky expense to manage, most insurance companies offer discounts when you combine policies.  By putting your health, renters and car insurance into one policy you could wind up saving some money.</p>
<p>Each of these things will keep you on top of your personal finances.  While this may initially seem like a lot, it is really quite simple and will keep you out of difficult financial situations.  Work to build these habits now so that you can live a financially sound life free of debilitating money worries.</p>
<p>-<br />
<em>About the author: Jenni Sunde is a freelance fashion writer and pop culture junkie. Jenni specializes in all things lifestyle-related. From home and design to health and beauty. With her love of art and all things beautiful, she delights in sharing her sense of style from her life to your computer monitor. Her title pegs her as an editor at a website that specializes in providing people with <a href="http://www.savetodayautoinsurance.com/">car insurance quotes</a>, but her passion leads her into writing with a little more substance and a lot more heart.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/helpful-budgeting-tips-for-young-adults/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>8 Things You Can Learn From Rich People On Budget Management</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/8-things-you-can-learn-from-rich-people-on-budget-management/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/8-things-you-can-learn-from-rich-people-on-budget-management/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 15:50:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1318</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever noticed that the rich just keep on getting richer and the poor even poorer? It’s easy to assume that this pattern is a direct reflection of income, and while income certainly plays into wealth, it is not the sole determining factor in whether a person is rich or poor.</p>
<p>Rich people who stay rich (as opposed to certain celebrities we read about who lose millions and end up bankrupt) keep tabs on their money. If we want to live like the rich, we first need to learn to budget like the rich.</p>
<p><strong>1. Rich people don’t have consumer debt.</strong></p>
<p>Hold on! You’re thinking that every rich person you’ve ever seen carries around enough plastic to make a rain poncho. Yes, they probably do. The difference lies in the way rich people use their credit cards.</p>
<p>Poor people use credit cards as loans – borrowed money that, ever so slowly, gets repaid. Rich people use credit cards as cash. On any given day of the month, rich people have enough cash to fully pay off the balance on a card. And they do (pay it off monthly).</p>
<p><strong>2. Rich people spend every penny every month.</strong></p>
<p>Another little-known secret of the rich is how they plan their monthly budget. Poor and middle-class people draw up a budget to figure out if they have enough money to pay for everything. Rich people draw up a budget as a plan to ensure that all of their money is allotted to a specific purpose.</p>
<p><strong>3. Rich people live below their means.</strong></p>
<p>Sure, it’s easier for the rich to live below their means. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for the rest of us! Living below your means is, in essence, rearranging your spending habits so that you have money left at the end of the month. For people with lesser means, this could look like cutting down on the “extras” for a couple years.</p>
<p>However you slice it, you can never get ahead if you’re always living behind. Live below your means long enough and you’ll begin to see your means grow.</p>
<p><strong>4. Rich people give generously.</strong></p>
<p>Call it Karma, a blessing from God, the Good Samaritan principle, or whatever you like, the fact is that we get back what we give. Even those of us with small means can afford to be generous – giving your last $10 to a homeless man is just as (if not more) generous as the millionaire who writes a $1000 cheque. And don’t forget about all the tax write-offs that come hand in hand with generosity!</p>
<p><strong>5. Rich people plan ahead.</strong></p>
<p>You’ve probably been told at one time or another that you need an emergency fund, you should be saving for retirement or your kids’ education, and you ought to have life insurance. This is the kind of advice that rich people listen to. It’s the kind of advice they took to heart even before they were rich. Flying by the seat of your pants, with no plan for the future, is a quick way to get (or stay) poor.</p>
<p><strong>6. Rich people take risks.</strong></p>
<p>We all want to see our money grow, right? But how much does it really grow when we park it in a savings account? It’s easy to live in fear of losing what little we have, but if we let that fear rule all of our decision-making, we become trapped.</p>
<p>Sometimes, we need to take a risk in order to get results. Investing is a little like falling in love – you’ll never find true love if you aren’t willing to risk a broken heart.</p>
<p><strong>7. Rich people are cautious.</strong></p>
<p>Even though they’re willing to take risks, rich people are also cautious with their money. There are never any guarantees of investing in a “sure thing,” but the rich are seldom seen putting their money behind deals that sound too good to be true. Rather, they do their homework and weigh their financial decisions carefully.</p>
<p>You’ll find the same to be true of their spending habits. Of course, those who are rich have more to spend and can buy bigger, better, and more toys than the other kids on the playground. But they don’t buy every toy every time; they choose carefully based on their own <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/spending-money-needs-vs-wants/">wants and needs</a>. (Not every wealthy man has a yacht or a Corvette.)</p>
<p><strong>8. Rich people help those who come behind them.</strong></p>
<p>The greatest secret of rich people who stay rich is that they never forget where they came from. Those who made their millions as entrepreneurs notice the entrepreneurial spirit in others, and they foster and encourage them in their endeavours. Those with a “rags to riches” story take it upon themselves to offer a hand up to those in need.</p>
<p>Successful people recognize the mentors in their lives, and they commit to doing the same for the next generation.</p>
<p>So, you want to be rich? Start managing your money the way the rich manage theirs and watch your bank account (and attitude) transform before your very eyes!</p>
<p>-<br/><em>Ally is part of the team that manages Australian Credit Cards, a blog that wrote about <a href="http://www.australiancreditcards.com.au/personal-finance-tips/home-budgeting/why-budgets-dont-work-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/">making budgets work</a>. Before joining ACC, Ally was a Media Planner with McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Inc., with award-winning executions, including the Levi&#8217;s 501 &#8220;Live Unbuttoned&#8221; global campaign.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/8-things-you-can-learn-from-rich-people-on-budget-management/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>3 Bad Spending Habits and Ways to Break Them</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/3-bad-spending-habits-and-ways-to-break-them/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/3-bad-spending-habits-and-ways-to-break-them/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:16:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1227</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It probably took a recession for many Americans to realize how out of hand their spending had become. It was actually a little shocking to find out how so many people were in serious credit card debt, with seemingly no way out. If there was any good that the recession brought us, then it is to take a closer look at our spending habits. We’ve rounded up some pretty common and bad spending habits that almost everyone is guilty with, and not only that, we give suggestions on how to curb them. Read on and see if you are guilty of any of them, and go on right ahead and learn how to fix them!</p>
<p><strong>1.	Going out to the mall because you’re bored</strong>- It may not be the mall, it can even be your favorite online stores, but many Americans, in an effort to look for a distraction, get around to just spending and spending. The mall seems to be a worthy distraction because its near, and its filled with many things that can tickle your fancy. The result is you come home with things you don’t need, and a hefty credit card bill to match. Break this habit by discovering other habits. When you feel bored, look for other things at home to distract you. Why not read a book, go out for a walk, or even catch up with a friend whom you haven’t talked to in a while? Your wallet will certainly thank you for it, and you’ll feel more fulfilled than just meaninglessly spending!</p>
<p><strong>2.	Grocery shopping without a list</strong>- This second offense is the one many mothers are guilty off. Going to do the groceries can already seem like a chore, so moms like to just go and be done with it. What’s worse is when kids come into the mix, they can just grab this and that and drop it into your shopping cart. This kind of shopping can add up expenses real fast, and you can end up with a humungous bill. Avoid this by always coming prepared. Shop with a list, and make this list with your kids, that way they can request for things they would like to pick up. When you stick to your budget, you won’t end up overspending, but you’ll still get the things that you need!</p>
<p><strong>3.	Getting credit card after credit card</strong>- These days, credit card offers can come in left and right, and it can become so easy to grab them, ending up with a seemingly big budget to go shopping with. However, be warned, credit card debt is no joke, and can take years to get out of! The ideal number of credit cards to keep, and even at that, one can overspend. To curb out of control credit card spending, keep your credit cards away and only whip them out in the event of an emergency!</p>
<p>It may be hard to break these evil habits at first, maybe because they are just our go to actions, and whenever we aren’t quite sure what to do, we turn to them. However, people in debt need to realize this. We got into this mess in the first place because of mindless spending. We are in our present trouble because we perform these bad habits without thought, rhyme our reason. They’ve become such natural reactions for many of us that we don’t even know that they’re wrong, and are causing us to get into more debt.</p>
<p>So whatever it takes, please stop. Take up other habits and hobbies. Distract yourself, but not with more spending please, you know that won’t do you any good now. Instead, be honest in admitting your debt. Also, take stock of what you already have that money can’t buy. You have friends, family and loved ones and those you can’t get with cash or a credit card. Cherish them instead of material things, and spend time with them. Replacing material things with the things that really matter in life is an excellent way to gain perspective and focus less on acquisition. We know you have it in you to get out of debt! Get started today! Good luck!</p>
<p>-<br />
<em>Sam Briones writes for SafeAuto, covering an array of topics from finding <a href="http://playitsafeblog.com/">cheap auto insurance</a> to safety tips.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/3-bad-spending-habits-and-ways-to-break-them/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tips for Paying Off Outstanding Medical Bills</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/tips-for-paying-off-outstanding-medical-bills/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/tips-for-paying-off-outstanding-medical-bills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:30:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1206</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When there&#8217;s an illness or unexpected injury to a loved one, the last thing you want to think about is money. Once the illness or injury is diagnosed and treated, the cost will undoubtedly need to be addressed. Carrying enough insurance will substantially alleviate your problem, but if the situation is long term, you don&#8217;t have insurance, or your deductible is high, those bills could quickly pile up. When that happens, you may need some tips on how to go about paying those outstanding medical bills.</p>
<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Put It Off</strong></p>
<p>As soon as a medical bill arrives, get in touch with the doctor&#8217;s office or hospital. They work on a daily basis with people who have trouble paying their bills. Arrangements could be made to pay the debt off in increments instead of all at once. Ignoring the problem won&#8217;t make it go away; it&#8217;ll just force them to take action. They&#8217;re owed a debt and have a right to collect. Make it easy on both of you by dealing with the situation as quickly as possible.</p>
<p><strong>Look for Payment Options</strong></p>
<p>Doctors and hospitals are used to dealing with insurance companies. They&#8217;re also used to treating people who aren&#8217;t completely covered by insurance. Payment plans can usually be worked out but be sure the plan you agree to is reasonable and something you can budget for. Even if you agree to pay only $10 per month&#8211;the important thing is that you agree to pay something. If you set up a payment plan and get behind, be sure to let the creditor know that you&#8217;re in trouble. They may be willing to renegotiate your payment plan.</p>
<p><strong>Ask for a Reduction</strong></p>
<p>If you don&#8217;t have insurance, you may be able to get your doctor or hospital bill reduced. Many health care facilities have two different rates&#8211;one for people with insurance and one for people with no insurance. If rates like that aren&#8217;t in place, you may have to ask for a reduction. You can do so with a written request or by calling the billing department of the facility you owe money to. Explain that you have no insurance, but that you are very eager to get the bill taken care of. Then, ask if they would be willing to provide reduced rate or a percent discount.</p>
<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Be Afraid to Ask for Help</strong></p>
<p>Unexpected medical bills, especially if they&#8217;re the result of an ongoing problem that causes stress, such as a terminally ill family member or a child with a disabling disease, are particularly difficult to handle. The double whammy of dealing with the money problems on top of the emotional trauma could be eased by receiving help from a charity program. Many hospitals can assist by giving you contact information for available charities. There are also government programs that could help. Don&#8217;t be afraid to ask for financial aid. It&#8217;ll free you up to concentrate on the care and healing of your loved one.</p>
<p><strong>Settlement Options</strong></p>
<p>If worst comes to worst and you find yourself truly unable to meet your financial obligations, consider offering to settle the account. A lot of doctors and hospitals will be willing to take a partial payment so they can clear their books. They frequently contract with collection agencies for unpaid medical bills and receive only a portion of the original bill anyway.  They&#8217;re further ahead dealing directly with you. Don&#8217;t be ashamed to approach them and ask for a settlement. You won&#8217;t be the first to do so.</p>
<p><strong>Medical Bills and Your Credit</strong></p>
<p>Paying off a medical bill or making arrangements to do so as soon as possible is advisable. Hospitals and physicians have no qualms about sending your debt to a collection agency. If your medical bill is delinquent, sent to collections, or charged off, it will hurt your credit score. You can also lower your credit score if you settle for less than you owe. Settling is not the same as getting a reduced rate, so contact the medical office as soon as possible if you would like to pay less than the amount due. A reduced rate will not harm your credit score like settling would.</p>
<p>&#8211;<br />
<em>Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes about <a href="http://www.healthinsurancequotes.org/">health insurance companies</a>, finance, and related topics for www.healthinsurancequotes.org.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/tips-for-paying-off-outstanding-medical-bills/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Taking Control of Your Financial Life: Six Common Bad Habits That Are Costing You Money</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/taking-control-of-your-financial-life-six-common-bad-habits-that-are-costing-you-money/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/taking-control-of-your-financial-life-six-common-bad-habits-that-are-costing-you-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:47:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In today’s unsure economy, most of us have made significant changes to the way we view money, spending, and our financial future.  We’ve switched from name brand to generic, clipped coupons, and shopped for sales.  Most of us feel pretty good about the changes we’ve made. Unfortunately, in spite of those changes, many of us have also developed some costly bad habits.  Here, I am not talking about bad habits you can put a price on, like smoking or eating out too much (that’s another story); I’m talking about bad money habits. These habits, quite often overlooked, could be costing you thousands of your hard-earned dollars.  Here are six of today’s most common financial bad habits:</p>
<p>1.	<strong>Not opening the bills.</strong>  This is a potentially disastrous way to handle bills, with late fees costing you money and your credit rating. Even if you only pay bills twice a month, be sure to open mail as it comes in and organize it by date to ensure deadlines are met.  Additionally, opening mail will also allow you to quickly resolve any erroneous charges or other issues that arise on your bills.  Even if you know you don’t have the money to pay your bills, not opening them will not solve the problem.</p>
<p>2.	<strong>Not having a flexible budget.</strong> Maybe you have a budget that you plan to revise it in a few months, once you get the car paid off.  That’s great &#8211; it is necessary to budget for short term goals, especially if you’re saving up for a large purchase or paying off a debt, but don’t forget the big picture.  You should also have a plan for the foreseeable future and beyond&#8211;retirement planning, home purchase, starting a family. Planning today may eliminate higher, unexpected costs later.</p>
<p>3.	<strong>Overdoing a Carpe Diem! attitude.</strong>  This great phrase has led to many good and many bad decisions over the years.  While you must enjoy the life you have now, do not seize today so much that you are still paying for it next Christmas.  Impulse buys, trips, and other “me” items should be paid for in cash, based on a specified allotment you give yourself.  Once your monthly cash is gone, the spending stops and so does your fear of opening the credit card bill next month.</p>
<p>4.	<strong>Seeking the quick money.</strong>  Are you attracted to get-rich-quick plans, such as day trading or high risk investments.  Yes, you may earn money…but more often than not, you will lose whatever you put into it.  Be sure to research whatever investments or financial deals you make and know the risks…and never put any money into this type of venture if you can’t afford to lose it.  The same goes for playing the lottery, bingo, and engaging in any kind of gambling.</p>
<p>5.	<strong>Being clueless about your spending.</strong>  If you’ve ever taken your wallet out at a register, had no cash, and couldn’t remember where you spent it, then read closely. You need to track your money so you know where it goes and who gets it. One of the easiest ways to identify financial bad habits is by tracking your spending.  Track all expenses for one entire month—this means everything from your morning latte and lunch with your coworkers to your rent and vehicle expenses.  At the end of the month, review your expenses and you’ll be amazed at what you find.</p>
<p>6.	<strong>Overvaluing your Rewards card</strong>…Yes, those ever-popular rewards credit cards may be great for earning trips and free hotel stays, but did you know that the average Rewards-based credit card has a 2% higher APR than other cards?  Also, economists have noted that people may increase their spending and use of the cards as they get closer to rewards they want.  So, if you typically pay your card off at the end of each month and you view the rewards as an unexpected bonus, these cards may be great for you; but beware of your interest charges if you carry a balance from month to month.</p>
<p>Regardless of your financial situation, talking stock of how you spend money will reveal some surprises. You can then make an action plan to make changes in your behavior. If you put your plan into play, reevaluate in six month.  You will very likely find that your financial outlook is different, you are more aware of your finances, and you have more money to spend.</p>
<p>-<br />
<em>This guest post is brought to you by CareOne Credit &#8211; a <a href="http://www.careonecredit.com/">debt consolidation</a> advisor.  Check them out with your debt relief needs today!</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/taking-control-of-your-financial-life-six-common-bad-habits-that-are-costing-you-money/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beating the High Cost of College</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/beating-the-high-cost-of-college/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/beating-the-high-cost-of-college/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 04:54:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1131</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Trying to figure out how to pay for college is enough to stress out almost any parent with young kids.  The good news is that if you take advantage of tax breaks, start saving early, and get creative with college credits, you can have plenty of money for your children to take advantage of a higher education, and gain a degree that ideally helps to prepare them for the workforce. </p>
<p>One of the easiest ways to save for your child’s college education is by investing in a 529 plan.  These plans allow you to put away money tax free for any qualified educational expense such as tuition, fees, books and room and board.  The funds deposited in a 529 plan also grow tax deferred as well, and you&#8217;d pay no taxes on the distribution for education purposes.   If you child decides not to pursue a higher education, the money can still be withdrawn or transferred to that family member.  Under a transfer, no taxes will be withdrawn.  However, if you take the money out yourself, it will be subject not only to income tax but a 10% penalty tax on earnings.  With a 529 plan, you are allowed to deposit up to $12,000 per year, or $24,000 if your spouse also contributes.  Any amounts above that and you will be faced with paying a federal gift tax.  You can even make a one time contribution of $60,000 and average it over five years. </p>
<p>Another great way to save money on college is by earning college credit before stepping foot on campus.  This can actually be done either online or by taking actual classes either at a four year university or community college.   Just be sure that any classes you sign up for will be allowed to transfer to your school of choice.  Many times, taking classes at a smaller college or online is much cheaper than taking the same class at a university.  By getting the basic requirements out of the way, you can save thousands of dollars in the long run and graduate earlier. </p>
<p>If you don’t want to enroll in a college course, you can still earn college credits while taking high school courses.  Advance Placement, or AP, tests can give earn you credit if you score high enough on the end of the year tests.  AP courses are available in a wide variety of subjects including English, calculus, biology, history and many more.  These classes are generally taken during a student’s senior year of high school.  At the end of the semester, a test is given covering the material and if the student scores a three or higher out of five, then college credit is earned in the same subject.  This, too, can save thousand on fees and expenses by getting certain classes out of the way early.  Some states even have programs that allow high school students to take college classes full time. </p>
<p>Students can also save some big bucks by getting creative on where they live while attending school.  Studies show that students can save up to $10,000 annually just by living with a relative or at home while taking classes.  Even if you put off attending a four year college by taking classes for two years at a community college first, you can also save big bucks.  If you decide to go this route, on average, you can save $23,000 on your final tuition bill. </p>
<p>Finally make sure to apply for all the available scholarships and grants.  They take more time and research, and you often have to jump through a lot of hoops to meet various criteria, but the reward is well justified. </p>
<p>-<br />
<em>This is a guest post from Andrew Wang.  Some of his blogs include <a href="http://www.moneyalps.com/">Personal Finace</a>.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/beating-the-high-cost-of-college/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>4 Financial Tips From Successful Entrepreneurs That Will Guide You To Great Financial Decisions</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/4-financial-tips-from-successful-entrepreneurs-that-will-guide-you-to-great-financial-decisions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/4-financial-tips-from-successful-entrepreneurs-that-will-guide-you-to-great-financial-decisions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:10:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=1122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you think about your finances, chances are you aren’t thinking happy thoughts. Finances can be a great source of stress, cause headaches, cause turmoil between loved ones, and on and on. But they don’t have to cause those types of issues. Handled correctly and carefully, your financial woes can be a thing of the past, once and for all. </p>
<p>Entrepreneurs are known for acting their way to success rather than thinking about the issue over and over again, which is what many of us get caught in. By knowing how to handle your finances and how to make good, even great, financial decisions, you can act your way to financial stability and a sense of calmness, or at least to a point where you’re not ripping your hair out! Below are four tips that successful entrepreneurs use to make great financial decisions, professionally and personally.</p>
<p>1)	When starting a new company or venture, know how much you are willing to spend! Before you launch or even start with your venture, know how much you are willing to spend, and more importantly lose! Know what the financial limit is and when to call it quits. If you don’t put that limit in place from the beginning, you may find yourself in a sticky situation, and out of more money than you’d expect.</p>
<p>2)	Do the math. Know how much you have, what you’re spending and how much you have left over, realistically. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t track their finances. You would think that would be a personal or professional finances 101 tip, but we have been unpleasantly surprised at the number of people that don’t keep track of their household or start-up finances (we’re talking prior to garnering investment), versus how much they spend on monthly bills, etc. Knowing and rationing out your money doesn’t mean you have to be cheap, it just helps you track your money so you can rest easy knowing you have enough money for everything you need. For personal financial tracking, try Mint.com.</p>
<p>3)	Start saving early and have a “safety net” account! It’s never too soon to start saving for your retirement. Along the same lines, it’s always necessary to have a safety net account. These two tips go hand in hand. Make sure you allot a certain amount or percentage of money to put away per month. Whether it’s for your personal retirement, a back-up account for your venture needs, emergency reasons, etc., start putting money in an account and try your best to forget about it…until you really need it of course.</p>
<p>4)	Don’t forget about long-term assets! From a personal finance perspective, you want to diversify your investment portfolio to involve not only short term assets like cash and maybe bonds, but also stocks and other equity. This will also help secure you financially in the long-term. Mix not only the short and long term assets but their risk. Go with some riskier assets as well as less risky assets. Generally, Fidelity and other financial service providers can help counsel you on your portfolio depending on your financial status.</p>
<p>&#8211;<br />
<em>To learn more about how to act like an entrepreneur, as well as to find out more about how to use a new entrepreneurial formula called CreAction to work for your goals, please go to <a href="http://www.actiontrumpseverything.com/">www.actiontrumpseverything.com</a> for a free copy of the Action Trumps Everything book.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/4-financial-tips-from-successful-entrepreneurs-that-will-guide-you-to-great-financial-decisions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>5 Lessons About Managing Money I Learned From An 8-Year Old</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/5-lessons-about-managing-money-learned-from-an-8-year-old/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/5-lessons-about-managing-money-learned-from-an-8-year-old/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 04:08:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=987</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you&#8217;re young, life is so much easier, isn&#8217;t it? Sure, you have to deal with parents, and your friends can change from day to day.</p>
<p>But each day is its own day. Most problems don&#8217;t carry over to the next day. You don&#8217;t have to worry about the future. Because today is more important.</p>
<p>There are lots of lessons we can learn from kids.</p>
<p>Some of them are easy to incorporate into our adult live. And some of them aren&#8217;t. But we can still learn a lot by watching children, whether they are our own, or they belong to a friend or neighbor. If we could turn back the clock&#8230;well, that&#8217;s not possible. So let&#8217;s focus on what we CAN learn from young people.</p>
<p>I like talking with my 8-year old son about money. His outlook on money is so simple. If you have it you can spend it, if you don&#8217;t then you can&#8217;t. Thank goodness they don&#8217;t make credit cards for kids, or that would ruin all the fun &#8211; and take away the lessons we as adults can learn from kids about money.</p>
<p>Every once in a while you&#8217;ll see an article about the money lessons adults should teach their kids. But rarely do you see similar articles explaining what we can learn from them.  So here are 5 lessons about money that I learned from watching and listening to my 8 year old son:</p>
<ol>
<li>Buy only when you enough money in your piggy bank.<br />
It doesn&#8217;t get any better than this. What a great lesson! Sometimes I&#8217;ll tell my son &#8220;we&#8217;ll give you some money towards that toy you want&#8221; and he looks at me strange. Not that he doesn&#8217;t appreciate my offer, but he wants to buy it with his own money, not mine. Hopefully he&#8217;ll remember these moments when he gets older, and wants to buy a $1,500 3D-TV or something like that.</p>
<li>Save for the fun things you really want.<br />
Big or small, expensive or cheap. If you really want it, then save up for it. Fortunately, he won&#8217;t spend his money on junk. He only spends it on the things he wants, and will take as long as needed to save enough money to buy it. What discipline! How many people do you know that do this? In this world of instant credit, many people don&#8217;t care about saving up for something they can buy with credit &#8211; especially if they get no interest for 3 years.</p>
<li>If you need more money, find a way to earn it.<br />
The kid never asks to borrow money. But he&#8217;ll ask if there are any jobs around the house that he can do. Not just to earn money, but to earn money for something specific he wants to buy. He&#8217;ll even ask grandma and grandpa if they have any jobs for him (of course, they&#8217;ll just give him money because he&#8217;s cute, but that&#8217;s another story!) Or he&#8217;ll open a &#8220;candy store&#8221; or &#8220;toy store&#8221; in the house and try to sell those items he doesn&#8217;t want. He&#8217;ll even ask us to send out emails to our family and friends.  There&#8217;s definitely a future for him selling stuff on Craigslist.</p>
<li>Find ways to have fun without spending money.<br />
The message here &#8211; you don&#8217;t need to spend money to have fun. Sure, most of what adults do involves money in some way. But there are lots of ways to have fun and still not spend a lot. Go to a local carnival or fair instead of the amusement park. Go out for ice cream instead of an entire dinner. Buy used instead of new. Or don&#8217;t buy at all until you have the money (see #2 above!). Have family movie night or game night at home instead of going out to the theater. Be creative (just being creative can be fun!).</p>
<li>Saving is fun, especially when you can see the money.<br />
Set up a separate savings account just for big purchases, then post your statements up on the fridge so you can see them. Or just use a sticky note or erasable message board so you can update your savings. And make sure to write down what you are saving for. If you have a family, this is a great way to get everyone involved if it is a purchase that everyone can enjoy, like a big screen TV or family vacation.
</ol>
<p>What money lessons have you learned from a child? If you&#8217;re not sure, make sure to take a few minutes next time you are around kids and see how they handle money &#8211; in a restaurant, store, or just hanging out.</p>
<p>&#8211;<br />
This article was written by Kris Bickell, whose website offers tips for finding the right <a href="http://www.debt-tips.com/debtcons.html">debt relief program</a> without getting ripped off.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/5-lessons-about-managing-money-learned-from-an-8-year-old/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Currency Trading Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/currency-trading-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/currency-trading-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:02:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Forex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[currencies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[currency exchange rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[currency trading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[currency trading tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The value of a currency is dependent on the demand for currency. Different countries have different currencies and for the purpose of trading goods and services, it is necessary to have currency of that particular country. Traders make use of these <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/forex-trading-strategies-and-tips/">forex strategies</a> with aim to make profits. Trading of currency is usually carried out in pairs and the rate at which they are exchanged is termed as currency exchange rate. Currencies are traded 24/7 and this makes it very volatile.  </p>
<p>There are two different currencies in the trade – base currency and counter currency (also called quote currency). The exchange rate is the ratio of base currency and counter currency and its value is what the buyer should pay to purchase the base currency.  </p>
<p>There are three types of exchange-rate system – fixed, semi-fixed, and free floating. The fixed one is less volatile because of government intervention in the market. In the semi-fixed rate, the price of the currency varies within a range. In a free-floating system, the price of the currency is fixed by the supply and demand in the trade market.</p>
<p><strong>Important <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/currency-trading/">Currency Trading</a> Tips </strong></p>
<p>Some of the most important currency trading tips, which should be kept in mind, is:</p>
<p><strong>1. Leverage of exchange rate</strong>- Leveraging in the system should be applied carefully. Excessive leverage will land the trader in trouble. Those traders who can sense Forex signals or who use reliable automated currency trading robots can employ <a href="http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/lets-talk-about-leverage/">maximum leverage</a>.</p>
<p><strong>2. Stop orders and Limit orders</strong>- Stops orders can prevent from making huge losses. Stop order is executed when price reaches the preferred price. Limit order enables to enter a fresh position or exit the present position. However, limit order is difficult to be executed because of the volatile nature.</p>
<p><strong>3. Fundamental and Technical analysis</strong>- Technical and fundamental analysis are useful to estimate the currency price fluctuations. Fundamental analysis involves assessing factors responsible for the fluctuation, while technical analysis involves study of charts and graphs to plot the price movements. From these it is possible to assess the highest price; opening price, lowest price, and closing price can be calculated.</p>
<p><strong>4. Analysis of leading indicators</strong>- The leading indicators send Forex signals, which should be interpreted and analyzed for better results. Similarly, employing an automated Forex trading system is also beneficial. The automatic systems ensure Forex trading without any human intervention. Such automated currency trading systems are becoming popular these days. However, this system should be constantly monitored for better results. In addition, one should go for the most appropriate systems that are popular and enjoys good reviews.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/currency-trading-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Money Leaks: Slow Ways to Become Broke</title>
		<link>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/money-leaks-slow-ways-to-become-broke/</link>
		<comments>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/money-leaks-slow-ways-to-become-broke/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Money 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money leaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waste money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/?p=864</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are of course huge ways to waste money, but then there are small wastes, which are referred to as leaks. Sometimes the leaks are so small, you may not even notice them, but they do add up and can end up being a huge chunk of money that could be better spent somewhere else. In this post, I am going to highlight some leaky ways you could be leaking money without you realizing it.</p>
<p><b>Clunkers</b>:  Not only is buying a brand new way too expensive car a huge waste of money, but on the other hand, a clunker that you have multiple problems with can be a slow leak of money. Are you constantly putting money into repairs to keep your clunker running? Are the repairs costing more than the car is worth? You may want to consider purchasing a car that is a little more reliable. A car that is too crappy can also end up costing more in gas, which may end up being a large amount of money in the long run.</p>
<p><b>Gadgets</b>:  Everyone likes gadgets, but if you’re constantly having to upgrade an item, usually the upgrades are slow leaks of money. They don’t seem like a lot, but do you need the newest gadget if the old one you have works the same?</p>
<p><b>Houses that Are Too Large</b>:  Of course a house that is too large for you or your family would seem like a huge waste of money but there are slow money leaks in buying a house that is too large as well. For instance are you paying electricity, heating or air conditioning on areas of the house that are never used? It may not seem like much but those small amounts can add up.</p>
<p><b>Alcoholic Beverages While Out</b>:  Restaurants and bars are the most expensive places to have a drink. Not only is a glass of soda way overpriced, but sometimes just a couple glasses of wine can cost as much as just buying a bottle and drinking it at home. </p>
<p><b>Convenience Store Items</b>: If you stop regularly at convenience stores, you’re probably wasting more money than you think. Most often you are simply paying for the convenience of being able to stop on the side of the road, run in and grab  your bottled of water. It is way cheaper to purchase a larger amount of whatever you need while on the go and keep it in your car than to shop convenience stores. Besides the fact that most people end up grabbing at least one more item than they had initially planned.</p>
<p><b>Eating Out for Lunch</b>:  It doesn’t seem like much, especially when you think you’re just purchasing things from the dollar menu each day, but eating out for lunch is a complete waste of money. Try leftovers from home or packing a lunch, it’s cheaper and better for you (which could cut down on medical expenses too).<br />
Coffee:  This is what is referred to as the latte factor. If you’re purchasing your favorite cup of coffee everyday on your way to work, this is a slow leak of money that ends up costing quite a bit. Add up how much you spend on your favorite latte for the month. You may be surprised.</p>
<p><b>Designer Wrinkle Creams</b>:  In all actuality there is more to having healthy skin and looking younger than the cream you use on your face. If you drink plenty of water, limit time in the sun, wear sunscreen and avoid things like smoking, you’ve pretty much done what you can. Designer skin care does not really do much and can definitely end up being a slow leak of money that costs a lot. </p>
<p><b>Bottled Water</b>: Of course we need water so we don’t have to buy designer wrinkle creams, but the slow leak is that you can fill up a cup or use a purifier and save money instead of purchasing overpriced bottles of water that are usually no different.</p>
<p>Take a look at the things that you purchase and you may notice some slow leaks of money that you weren’t aware of. Even if they seem minimal, add up the total per month and even year. You may be shocked to find out how much you’re actually spending on slow leaks of money.</p>
<p>There are obviously many more ways for you to leak money. Please share with us other ways which you have experienced that slowly leaks money.</p>
<p><i>This post is written by Mr Credit Card from www.askmrcreditcard.com. Mr Credit Card reviews lot of credit cards on his site. His latest post is about <a href="http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/instantapprovalcreditcards.html">instant approval credit cards.</a></i></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.accumulatingmoney.com/money-leaks-slow-ways-to-become-broke/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!-- Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: http://www.w3-edge.com/wordpress-plugins/

Page Caching using disk: enhanced

Served from: www.accumulatingmoney.com @ 2012-02-07 02:36:25 -->
