Monthly Archives: December 2010
Seven Financial Resolutions for the New Year
Good riddance to 2010, and hello 2011, the year you get your financial act together. Commit to improving your financial health next year, and get a jump-start by identifying one thing you could begin doing today to improve your personal … Continue reading
Q: As I consider giving to charities during the holidays, how can I be sure my donations are really going to a good cause?
A: Many people are inspired to reach into their pocket to help the less fortunate during the holiday season. Unfortunately, this is also the season when scam artists try to take advantage of that compassion. With a little caution, you … Continue reading
Take a Staycation this Holiday Season
Vacations are downright expensive, so if it’s not in the budget to get away this holiday season, but you could really use an escape, how about opting for a staycation? Cut the costs of travel by finding things to do … Continue reading
Q: Will it hurt my credit score if I choose to opt out of higher interest rates by closing my card and paying off my balance at the normal rate?
A: Closing an account never helps your credit score, but it may not hurt it either—for awhile at least. As long as you maintain a balance on the card, both the balance and the card’s credit limit will continue to … Continue reading
Making ‘Cents’ of Christmas
Responsible spending and saving is essential to controlling your financial future, especially around this time of year. Over indulging on yourself and gifts for others could put you in a pretty predicament for the rest of the year. Don’t take … Continue reading
The Anti-Budget: Pay Yourself First
Are you having trouble budgeting and then sticking to it? Most budget advice tells you to cut back on your overall spending by carving out non-essential expenditures from different categories. However, sometimes despite all our slicing and dicing, we are … Continue reading
A Holiday Shopping Strategy Equals a Holiday Shopping Advantage
With a little insight, careful planning and an eye on the shopping prize you can make the holiday season one full of joy, without experiencing a credit hangover on your credit report or credit score. Are you up for the challenge? … Continue reading
The Joys and Perils of Gift Cards
When you don’t know what to buy for someone on your list, it’s a gift card to the rescue! Who doesn’t like receiving a gift card? You get to go shopping with someone else’s money! Deloitte’s 24th Annual Holiday Survey … Continue reading
Holiday “Toys” Can Carry Identity Theft Risk
Personal electronics such as laptops, portable GPS systems, and smartphones may be the most popular gifts this holiday season, but because they store your personal information they can put you at risk for identity theft—America’s fastest-growing crime. Read on to … Continue reading
Celebrate the Holidays without Racking Up Debt
Have you started your holiday shopping? If you’re like most Americans, you’ll spend about $800 on holiday gifts, plus more on holiday travel, gift-wrap, food, and decorations. If you charge your purchases and then pay only the minimum, you could … Continue reading