You can’t turn on the TV or open a magazine without seeing incredible credit card rewards programs. Free airline miles here, free cash there, but are these rewards worth it? If you think about it, it’s kind of like trying to win a stuffed animal at the carnival. You have to spend money, sometimes a […]
money
How to ask for a raise
Most people work to live, not the other way around. And while many people enjoy their jobs, everyone works for money. So, if you feel you’re worth more than you’re being paid, how do you ask for a raise? The first thing to do is learn what you are worth. That sounds kind of like […]
Simple ways to teach kids about money
Growing up in a time of economic struggle, today’s kids might be inadvertently learning lessons about money. If Mom and Dad have been forced to cut back or even lost their jobs, chances are kids have noticed and learned something as a result. Even if parents have managed to weather the economic storm of the […]
Understanding reverse mortgages
Most people have a mortgage and understand how traditional mortgages work. They may know little about a reverse mortgage, however. Put simply, a reverse mortgage is a home equity loan that does not have to be paid back until you no longer live in the home. The most common type of reverse mortgage is a […]
Take a vacation for less money
Everyone needs a vacation now and then. It’s a time to recharge and spend important time with family. But if you don’t plan ahead, your vacation could put you in debt. Here are a few tips for saving money while you rest and relax. First, do the math. Is it cheaper to drive than to […]
Six tips to help you save money and stay organized
1. Know what you really need: Before you go shopping, plan what you need. It might not be as much as you think. First, take inventory of what you have already. Remember to check backpacks, desks and bedrooms to take stock of usable supplies left over from last year. It helps to make a list […]
You’ve invested your money, but do you own it?
(BPT) — Many people don’t take enough ownership over what they pay when it comes to investing. A recent study by Charles Schwab in May 2013 of investors who are highly engaged in their everyday lives shows that most Americans do research before making a major purchase. Yet just 51 percent say they know how […]
The safety net that helps Americans with disabilities stay afloat
Like thousands of American workers who find themselves sidelined by illness or injury, Miller could no longer work. As in many jobs, if you don’t work, you don’t earn. Miller soon found himself in dire straits, both financially and in terms of his health. He had never accepted any kind of public assistance, but now […]
Cost-cutting techniques to fit your lifestyle
(BPT) — These days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of sources offering money-saving tips. It seems like everyone has a hot new tip or an old tried-and-true method you just have to try. Unfortunately, trying to keep up with them all can actually be counter-productive to your savings goal because you aren’t […]
Moms get finances on track now and in the future
(BPT) — Being a mom is a full-time job. No matter how old the children are, a mom is on call at all hours of the day and night, responding to injuries and broken hearts, handling homework questions, setting household rules, and establishing consequences if said rules are broken. But moms often have other jobs […]