Monthly Archives: January 2012
Primed to Talk About the Prime Rate
What is the prime rate? Do you know? Not everyone does. In fact, it’s not uncommon that many people wouldn’t be able to tell you the number value of the current prime interest rate, but oftentimes they’re not sure what … Continue reading
Budgeting for Debt: Five Steps You Must Take
The most recent numbers available (as of Oct. 2011) show that Americans’ total debt on revolving credit accounts (think: credit cards) topped $792 billion, according to the Federal Reserve. If you’re carrying even some credit card debt, you know that … Continue reading
Making HARP Play for You
Even if you’re not underwater or in arrears on your mortgage, you probably would still love to lower your monthly payments. Who wouldn’t? Clearly, reducing one of your biggest monthly payments could make it easier to stay on budget. You … Continue reading
Beyond the Bank Account: Other Types of Savings Accounts
When it’s time to spend your money, you know there’s more than one way to get the best deal. But are you as aware of the many options available to you for saving your money? The possibilities go way beyond … Continue reading
Ideas for Celebrating Your Financial Freedom
National Freedom Day is around the corner. On Feb. 1, we commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery and indentured servitude in the U.S. But around here, the freedom we most commonly think about is the … Continue reading
Timeless Financial Wisdom in Honor of Chinese New Year
If you thought your New Year’s revelries were over for the next 12 months, think again! Chinese New Year is Jan. 23, and around the world billions of people will celebrate the arrival of the 4,710th year in the Chinese … Continue reading
Young Entrepreneur Challenge Turns Teaching Kids About Money into Fun Times
Whether your little one wants to be a princess or an astronaut when she grows up, it’s a sure bet having a lot of money figures into her big plans. Teaching kids about money is important, and what better way … Continue reading
Automatic Bill Pay: A Step-by-step Walk-through
Banking online has become mainstream. In fact, one 2010 survey, by Fiserv, Inc., a financial services tech company, found that 80 percent of all households with Internet access use online banking. Paying bills online is less pervasive, however, the survey … Continue reading
Taking Control of Your Finances Part 1: Savings
Few things in life are a one-step process. Getting a degree takes two, four or more years, depending on the degree you’re going for. Achieving your career goals can take years, too. Taking control of your finances is no different; … Continue reading
What is a 401(k)?
When you’re struggling to make ends meet every day, it’s hard to think about saving for the future. It can also be difficult to think about planning for retirement when you’re young and making good money. But money experts agree … Continue reading