Some Thanksgiving Facts

It pays to do research... Thanksgiving comes but once a year (or occasionally twice as stated in the illustration below). Now is a time for us all to reflect inward, and give thanks for our shortened work week. We hope these random Thanksgiving facts and anecdotes will shock and entertain you. Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually...

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Posted in: Thanksgiving

What's the Right Order to Payoff your Debt?

Debt Elimination Plan  So you have acquired some debt and you want to create a plan to pay it off.  There are a number of ways you can choose to go about paying off your debt. I think the most financially prudent way to attack multiple debts with different interest rates is to attack the highest interest rate debt first.  It's even more helpful if you can rearrange your budget to free up some cash to throw at your plan.  As each debt is eliminated, you take it's former payment and add it to the next highest interest balance.  You just keep doing this until all your debt is gone. Another method, which is endorsed by radio talk show host Dave Ramsey is the "Debt Snowball method", this is where you payoff the smallest...

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Posted in: credit card debt , debt management , debt snowball

How to Create a Personal Budget with Mint.com

If you’ve previously tried (and failed) to follow a budget, the problem may have been that you were using a formula designed for someone else, with different life circumstances. The best basis for a successful budget is your own past spending patterns. From there, you can create realistic guidelines for yourself that will help you meet your goals.  According to pcmag.com,"mint.com is hands-down the best personal finance service. Mint.com gives you the best control over your finances, even though it does most of the work for you." I have personally used mint.com for years and love how easy it is to setup and start using.  Best of all, it's free. You don't have to take my word for it, check out these reviews of mint.com: Mint.com...

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Posted in: budget , Mint.com , personal finance

Facts That Should Scare Women About Personal Finances (Infographic)

Women make less, save less and tend to live longer than men...Here's how to help support and encourage the women in your life to be proactive about personal finances. Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually....

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Posted in: Personal Finances

All about your Credit Score

For the next few weeks I'll be posting blogs focussed on helping you better understand your credit report, credit score and providing you with tips and tools to help you improve your credit health. I figure you need to understand the makeup of a thing before you can even begin to work on it.  To that end, this post is all about the basics of your score. What are the minimum requirements for a credit score? You must have the following in order for the credit bureau to figure your credit score: At least one account that has been open for six months or more At least one undisputed account that has been reported to the credit bureau within the past six months No indication of deceased on the credit report (Please note: if you share an...

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Posted in: Credit score

How much do Americans Save?

How much money does the average American have in their savings account, and how does that compare against other nations? How much do we put away each month, and is that better or worse than a decade ago? If questions like these keeps you up at night, then you’re in luck as this infographics examine the American savings attitude.  ...

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25 Ways to Save Money

Here is an info graphic I found that could be instrumental in your commitment to save.  Of course not all these tips may apply to you, just go through and pick the ones you can implement in your life.  You gotta start somewhere:) Happy Saving!! Leave a comment below if you thinks these are helpful. Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually. ...

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Posted in: Save , Tip

Is it Ok to Have Nice Stuff?

Once you are out of debt, living on a budget and have money put away for emergencies, you will have extra money available and can start doing some fun things and buying nice stuff. It really comes down to, can you afford it? According to National radio show host and personal finace expert +Dave Ramsey, "If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else." If you live on a budget, get out of debt, save and invest, you will eventually get to the point that you'll have the extra money to do things others can't afford to do. I love how +Rachel Cruze puts it in her youtube video....

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Posted in: budget , Investing , personal finance , Save

Have an Emergency Fund

Emergency expenses happen, and if you're charging them on a credit card, you can easily find yourself bound by debt and stress, especially if the emergency involves unexpected unemployment. by Column Five Media. Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually...

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Posted in: Emergency Fund , Save

How Finances Impact Emotional Well-Being

Stress, embarrassment, fear — the state of our finances can affect us adversely in a variety of ways, especially in this tough economy. A recent survey by Quicken reveals how a lack of financial control can negatively impact one's emotional state of mind. Do you resonate with the majority? by Column Five Media. Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually...

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How to Check your Credit Report and Credit Score for free

Getting where you want in life is a financial process: you make, you spend, you borrow. The truly successful make sure how they borrow is part of achieving their goals. Your credit history is your financial DNA. The importance of good credit cannot be underestimated, more employers are reviewing credit reports of perspective employees. Insurance companies review your credit report when you apply to insure you home and/or car. And without good credit it is very difficult to obtain a credit card. Many businesses today prefer to use credit cards and many employment fields, such as financial services, gaming, military and law enforcement, continually monitor their employees’ credit reports. If you are thinking about buying a house, a car or...

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Posted in: Credit Report , Credit score

The How, Why, and When for building your Savings (Infographic)

You may be asking yourself why is there so much pressure to save money. If you have enough to pay for everything you need, why should you worry about putting any aside each month? There are a variety of reasons to begin saving money now.  Check out this infographic on why you should be saving. ...

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Posted in: Save

Money Secrets- Financial Literacy

Money Secrets - 360 Degrees of Financial Litera...

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Posted in: Financial Literacy , Money secrets