Archive for January, 2008
Thursday, January 31st, 2008
As January comes to a close, there is still no definite word about if or when the proposed tax rebate checks might be on the way to mailboxes and bank accounts across the country. While we are waiting, it would make sense to focus our time and attention on something ...
Posted in budgeting, finances, money, taxes | No Comments »
Monday, January 28th, 2008
Based on news reports from Washington, D.C., there is reason to think that millions of Americans will receive tax "rebates" before the end of this year. The 2008 Economic Stimulus Plan will send $600 - $1200 to approximately 117 million American families. Regardless of the final details of the legislation, ...
Posted in finances, money, money management, taxes | No Comments »
Thursday, January 24th, 2008
It is virtually impossible to watch television or read newspapers without seeing ads for "same as cash" financing options. On first look, those options seem very appealing, especially for large purchases. In fact, there doesn't SEEM to be a downside to "same as cash" promotions. What's not to like about ...
Posted in debt, finances, money | No Comments »
Monday, January 21st, 2008
If someone put an actual "price tag" on you, what would it read? In other words, how much, in dollars and cents, are you actually worth? If you don't know the answer to that question, there is a way you can find out. A "personal balance sheet" is a financial ...
Posted in finances, financial records, money | No Comments »
Thursday, January 17th, 2008
When reviewing your bank account, do you find that more money is gone than you thought? Do you struggle to remember where and when the money was spent? If so, chances are good that you are leaking money. Not, literally, leaking money. Leaking money, rather, in ways that can be changed. If ...
Posted in budgeting, finances, money | No Comments »
Monday, January 14th, 2008
When midnight struck and calendars were flipped from December 31, 1999, there was great concern about whether or not banking systems and computers would make the transition to the new century. Thoughts of widespread use of online banking were definitely few and far between. Today, just 8 short years later, online ...
Posted in banking, finances, money, money management | No Comments »
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
I admit it. Since debit cards have become readily accepted, I rarely have cash. I like the fact that I can use a debit card for $3.51 or $351, whatever the situation calls for. And I like NOT having to think about whether or not I need to go to ...
Posted in banking, credit cards, finances, money | No Comments »
Monday, January 7th, 2008
According to the Federal Reserve, the number of debit card transactions is increasing by more than 20% each year. Debit cards seem to be the ideal balance between carrying cash and using credit cards (i.e. increased debt and interest charges). After all, don't debit cards look, act and get accepted like credit ...
Posted in banking, budgeting, credit cards, finances, money, money management | No Comments »
Thursday, January 3rd, 2008
It's the time of year when DEBT becomes a "four letter" word. Consumers that spent more than they should have for Christmas gifts are dreading the arrival of the next credit card bills. This dread and a promise to not get into this financial situation "ever again" has become an ...
Posted in budgeting, credit cards, debt, money management | No Comments »