Four Simple Steps to Follow When You Say “I Do”

Marriage is a happy and exciting time for two people that have decided they want to spend the rest of their lives together. But money and the handling of it is one of the leading causes of dissension between newly married couples. Putting your cards on the table before the rings and vows are exchanged is the best way to ensure that money will not come between you. (more…)

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Travel Rewards Program

Airline reward cards and travel based reward incentives are more popular than ever, especially in the current, struggling economy. If you’ve decided to jump on the travel rewards program bandwagon, here’s how to find the right card and make the most of it. (more…)

What is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account is a plan that an individual purchases to safeguard against future and current expenses for medical care. A HDHP plan is a High Deductible Health Plan and an HSA is often used in conjunction with that type of health coverage. An HDHP plan is one that doesn’t cover medical expenses for the first dollar unless it is for preventive care. It can be an indemnity, PPO or HMO plan as long as the requirements are met. On December 8th, 2003, President Bush signed the HSA plan ...

Money and Marriage

Marriage is supposed to be an equal partnership. There should always be a fair division of labor. When it comes to finances, it is usually just one person that handles the bills, the distribution of funds and all investments and insurance policies. This is a fine arrangement as having two people trying to run the show can lead to bounced checks, bills paid twice and many other types of misunderstandings. But the spouse not in charge of the money should be kept abreast of all financial matters so...

5 Disadvantages of Using a Debit Card

It seems everyone uses their debit card for every purchase these days. They cite the ease with which they make transactions. There is no need to carry cash and the worries that accompany holding a bunch of cash are erased. It really seems like this phenomena has occurred in just the past two years. Pretty much every store you go to will accept debit card regardless of your purchase size. However, it’s not all great news when it comes to using your debit card. Here are five disadvantages to...

Setting up an Emergency Fund

Having emergency money that is easily accessible in an event such as a lay off or medical situation where you will not be able to work for awhile is important so that you and your family don’t suffer unduly while you are waiting to get back on your financial feet. Everyone should have an emergency fund that has from three to six months worth of your living expenses available should anything unforeseen happen to the main breadwinner. (more…)

How Your 401K Works to Your Benefit

Many of the younger generation don’t often put much thought to how they will live after they retire. After all, it seems as if it is eons away. But retirement creeps up on you faster than you realize and proper financial planning in your younger years will be a key factor to the lifestyle you will be able to lead. Many employers offer their employees a 401K plan when they are hired. Often it is not something you think about, but it can be the difference between a comfortable retirement and on...

5 Tips for Managing Your Finances if You Have Been Laid Off

Anyone, young or old can have the misfortune of being laid off. The economy is such that it has become much more prevalent than it has in the past. There are ways you can survive a lay off if you follow these tips about how to manage your finances. How is Your Money Being Spent? When you are feeling financially flush, there isn’t much thought to how you are spending your money. Most keep track of the important expenses such as car payments, rent or mortgage payments. But as to your daily s...

What to Do Before Age 30 to Set You on a Firm Financial Path

Setting yourself up for a rosy financial future is not always the first thing one someone under the age of 30 thinks about, but it should be. What you do in your younger years can not only set you on a path to financial security, it will give you the financial discipline you need in order to succeed. Know What Your Goals Are Think about where you want to be financially in the short term such as five years from now. Do you want to have the money to buy a home, a car or finance a wedding? Id...

Successfully Managing Your Credit

The easiest way to fall into the bottomless pit that is debt is by not knowing how to manage your credit successfully. Credit cards are not given to only those with financial savvy and they don’t come with an instruction manual on how to use them. The average American has anywhere from five to eight credit cards and can carry a debt of more than $20,000, and for some the number is even higher. Learning the ins and outs of credit management may save you from a bleak financial future and thrust...