10 Negative Beliefs That Prevent You From Getting Rich in 2013

At one point in your life, you may ask yourself why other people are so successful with money when you’re not. Depending on how closely you look, you could have several answers. Do these sound familiar?

- They’re just luckier than I am
- They have a better education than I do
- They were born into a rich family
- They are white and have better opportunities than I do
- They already had money to start a business
- They already had money to invest in real estate
- They are smarter than I am
- They are younger than I am
- They look better than I do
- They probably work harder than I do

The list probably could fill several pages and even beyond. Money is the topic that generates the most beliefs, followed by the topic of relationships. In my workshops and seminars I am always investigating people’s beliefs about money which often reveals how well they handle money. After years of this analysis, here is what I can help you understand to move you to a place of reference which should transition you to action!

Your BELIEFS are the Blueprint or Map of Your Reality

You may not know this yet, but your beliefs are the blueprint of your reality at this very moment.  If you knew that, would you deliberately create one from the list above? Probably not, because these beliefs are not supportive at all to achieve wealth. These beliefs create a reality that leaves you ‘playing’ the victim, and on top of it, keeps you right where you are. You are not improving your life one bit.

Why are we creating these beliefs in the first place, when we know that they are not constructive at all? The answer lies in the nature of our consciousness. Most of us were told that there is a world out there and this world shapes our reality. It is the basic belief that life happens to us. Most of us get these beliefs confirmed several times per day. The result is that our consciousness gets imprinted each day with the same message. The message with the same old belief.

Meanwhile, as adults, we are not even aware that our life ‘as it happens’ is built around a belief. It becomes a profound reality that we prove to ourselves in each moment.

So how do we get out of this dilemma? We need to take a step back and look at our beliefs. Take a piece of paper and a pencil and write down all the beliefs you have around money. Don’t think too much, be spontaneous. When you have run out of your own beliefs, think about what other people’s beliefs are about money.

Then mark each belief with an ‘I’ or an ‘S’ depending if the belief is impeding or supportive. Impeding beliefs do not support creating wealth, supportive beliefs do. Now, look at your list and count each supportive and impeding belief. What is your score? How many impeding beliefs do you have, and how many supportive beliefs do you have?

Imprinting New Beliefs takes dedication and becoming conscious of what you take in

Realize that all the impeding beliefs do not support the creation of fortune. Now, take a new piece of paper, and brainstorm beliefs that will exactly create the wealth you would like to have. When you are done with the list, go over each of your new beliefs and create a mental image. Hold this mental image for at least 10-20 seconds. You may need some practice, but every time you do it, you will get better with it. Do this exercise in a quiet, calm, and relaxed environment, as this will help to imprint these beliefs into your consciousness.

Remember, beliefs are the blueprint of what will manifest in your life. With a little training, you will be able to move on to the next stage, which is feeling your beliefs. Feel as if these new beliefs, that foster what you really want to create, have actually been manifested.

- How does it feel to be a millionaire?
- How does it feel to have abundance in your life?
- How does it feel to have more money than you can spend?
- How does it feel to give to others?
- How does it feel to buy without having to look at the price?

Whenever you catch yourself thinking or speaking an impeding belief about money, stop what you are doing immediately!  Go back to the place in your mind where you recall one of your deliberately created beliefs about money, and connect with it. The more you do this, the more you will train your mind to think in a new way. A way that leads to wealth coming into your life. Positive people, situations and attitudes create a belief system that brings about stronger, passionate, living beliefs.  If your a praying individual, prayer can improve your outlook because prayer is about having a fulfilling life. Your beliefs can change if you are willing to work on them and the New Year upon us, will reveal rich opportunities for you and your family.

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7 Realistic Quick Steps for Financial Freedom

Some people think seeking financial freedom is like seeking the Holy Grail or even winning the Lottery. You may believe it truly exists or even can happen; but you just don't really know where to find it or how to achieve it. Luckily, with some proper strategic information you can begin to set your sites on the realistic goal of reaching financial freedom in 2013.



Budgeting is often dismissed in achieving financial freedom, but please understand, its crucial to your efforts. Why is budgeting so important to your finances? It's all about staying ahead of the game in terms of what you spend and what you need to spend it on. Unless you have properly budgeted all of your bills and other expenses, you may be caught by surprise and may end up paying a lot more than you can afford for anything.



What is an impulse purchase? That's when you see that recliner on sale and have to have it; or when you see that new HDTV and just have to put it on that brand new credit card with low interest rate. An impulse purchase is a purchase you make because you want something, not because you need something or that you planned for the cost. Obviously, you have to avoid these purchases if you want to save money.



What types of financial goals do you currently have? Maybe you would like to save 40% on your grocery bills from now on. Maybe you want to cut back on heating and cooling expenses. When you have realistic goals like these, they are much easier to follow. Think of some smaller set goals and you can begin saving money by following through with them.



Everyone needs a proper emergency fund. You never know when life meets a heavy challenge and woop there goes an emergency.  You don't necessarily need to save up a lot of money for this type of fund. How about this: Whenever you make a purchase of over $10, try to put 10% back into a fund. Try to put at least 5% of every paycheck into the fund as well. It won't take long for it to build up and your on your way.



Now, of course, this is a lot easier said than done. Your first step in becoming debt free should be to stay on top of what types of purchases you're making. If there are payment options, check to see if you can pay yearly instead of monthly. If you're indebted to multiple creditors, see about consolidating your debt for one flat payment.



Maximizing your income is more or less about making your dollar stretch out. We would all most likely love to make more than what we're currently making, so it's very important that we maximize what we do make. This means to always make the smartest decisions possible with our capital. It means buying in bulk, avoiding frivolous purchases, letting go of some luxuries, etc.



What exactly does it mean to invest in your future? Well, it all depends on what types of investments you find to be sound. And that all definitely depends on the time you're reading this and what's currently considered solid in the market. Looking into a retirement fund, gold or silver, precious jewels, an IRA -- there are many different ways you can invest. Just make sure that you're researching them thoroughly and that you're comfortable with the investment.



Financial freedom means different things to different people. For people in debt, "freedom" simply means that they're no longer struggling to pay the bills and that they have a sense of stability going forward. If you can follow these methods, you and your family will achieve something many generations never have, and its peace of mind. Choose freedom for 2013. For resources that will make your efforts in this commitment easier, check out http://getsavingstoday.wakeupnow.com/

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6 Good Reasons You Should Buy Real Estate in December

It's true December and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller even in current market conditions and you can also save on your purchase expenses and costs. Consider this:

1.  Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home; they wait for warm weather to buy real estate. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers who are out looking now.

2.  Home sellers who didn't sell during the summer buying season and are worried that their home will not sell. Also, any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is incredibly motivated.

3.  Real estate agents need to keep their momentum going even now and can't afford to take too much time off. When the agents aren't as busy, you get better service. Additionally, they're more likely to take low offers seriously. Agents love investors ready to buy real estate during December too. Investors are out in droves right now.

4.  Interest rates continue to remain steady, but can change at any time. Who knows what the rates will look like next year? Now is the time to get that offer.

5.  Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications next year. All this year, most loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today is your best shot to buy real estate and get a great rate with the best qualifications.

6.  Appraisers need work even in this economy. Too many individuals became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. My office is seeing appraisals move at a pretty decent pace. Key point, appraisal fees cost less now than they did a year ago.

Go out! Grab your schedule and make time from all the holiday hustle and bustle and go ahead and find a bargain house. Make as many offers as you can. You can still buy this late in the month and be a home owner before tax time.

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Financial Advice for Surviving a Job Loss

Whether you are laid off indefinitely or your position is terminated altogether, losing your primary source of income can be terrifying. Being proactive from the get-go can help you maintain a more comfortable lifestyle until you replace your lost income. Here are some tips for getting by when the unexpected happens.



Be up-front with your creditors. Contact your lenders to see if you can negotiate lower payments or otherwise alter your payment terms temporarily. If you have student loans, for instance, you can generally put your loans into forbearance or defer them due to financial hardship. Many creditors will require proof that your income has changed, so be prepared to offer documentation.



Give up services that you can live without. While it may be painful to go without Netflix, satellite or cable TV, a lawn service or other luxuries, trimming these unnecessary costs can help you preserve your savings and have more money to put toward necessities. Some suggest giving up your cell phone or home Internet, but if these are your only points of contact for potential job offers, it is probably worth it to keep them connected.



Consider a less expensive form of transportation. If you have a hefty car loan and expensive insurance, downgrading to a used vehicle may be a good idea. Better yet, if you have access to public transportation, consider getting rid of one or more automobiles altogether.



Alter your grocery-buying habits. If you tend to shop wherever it is most convenient, you are probably missing out on big savings. Pay attention to circulars to find the best deals on the foods you purchase the most. You can also get more bang for your buck by shopping at discount stores and by buying staples like rice, beans, and flour in bulk. Use your time off to learn some new recipes; cooking from scratch can save you lots of money.



Do not turn to your credit cards unless you truly have no other options. Racking up significant debt, especially for non-essential expenses, will simply make it much harder to catch up when you find a new job or return to your old one. Save these lines of credit for true emergencies, such as car repairs.



Find a way to make extra money, however little. Use the free time you have left after searching for jobs to perform side jobs like lawn mowing, tutoring or giving lessons. Advertise your services in free classifieds, Craigslist or local bulletin boards.



Apply for help from the government. Depending on the circumstances of your job loss, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Look into your options right away, because in some localities, unemployment doesn't kick in immediately. Also, investigate services like SNAP and WIC, depending on the size and composition of your family. These programs provide debit cards or vouchers for purchasing food.



Unemployment can be a difficult and stressful time for your family. With these tips for making ends meet, however, you can reduce your struggles and stay afloat while searching for your next source of income.

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Change Your Thinking And Get Richer in 2013

Imagine two situations; 1) finding $1000, that is yours to keep with no strings attached and 2) earning $1000 through hard-work.

I'm curious - is there any difference between the value of them? Do you consider one to be worth more than the other? Is there any difference in how you would spend them?

Are they different to you in some way? You can do exactly the same thing with them. I wonder if you really would. Well if you do attach a different value to them you could be missing out; read on to learn how to get more for free!

My point in all this questioning is that if we only value the 'things' that we have to work hard for there is a danger that the 'things' that we can have with ease just pass us by - they are unvalued and do not grab our attention. These 'things' are not just money of course but skills, knowledge, relationships to name a few; they are all valuable assets.

The secret of success is to consider this all in two parts:

1) the value of it - that is how well it meets your needs, not just monetary value. This applies whether it was easy to come by or not.

2) the recognition of the achievement in attaining it. Some things can be harder to acquire than others and we should reward ourselves through recognition when we acquire such things.

You see, it is worth the same whether you had to acquire new skills or resources to get it or rely on the existing (carefully honed) ones that you take for granted.

How about if, from now on, you recognize what you have for what it is worth and separately for what it took to achieve it. Seeing it as two parts will open your awareness to the things that you can have that are already available to you without effort.

When you see yourself making these changes and getting different results be sure to thank yourself. Your mind understands gratitude. In return it will do it all the more for you. Helping others also increases gratitude, so consider that and things will truly make getting richer, better!

Enjoy getting richer!

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Smarter Ways to Use Your Credit Cards

When you use credit cards wisely, they can help you have a healthy financial picture. Today is Christmas Eve, and many people are in debt already. Christmas is one the biggest spending events of any given year and its often viewed as an excuse to go in to debt. The truth of the matter is, your personal finances can be kept in order with smart credit card use; you just have to be thoughtful about the ways you use them. You need to be very precise with them, and here are some unique ways to handle your credit cards.



1. Think about how many credit cards you need. Don't get all the credit cards you can just for the sake of having credit cards. Think carefully about which cards you absolutely need. Maybe you need a card for emergencies, and maybe you would like a card with rewards. Try to keep one to three cards; that should be enough for most people. Once you determine how many cards you need, close the accounts of the other cards.



2. Try to pay as much as you can of your credit card balance each month. If you find yourself struggling every month to pay your credit card bills, you need to think seriously about your need for credit cards in the first place. Never pay one card with a cash advance from another card; the fees you pay on the cash advance aren't worth it.



3. Think about how you use your cards. Are you using your credit cards every time you want to make a big purchase that you can't afford in cash? Think seriously about every purchase you make. If you want a big ticket item, take 24 to 48 hours before buying it. Think about whether you want to pay for it for months to come, think about whether you want to pay interest on it, think about whether you want to refuse yourself other items to buy this one thing. Then and only then should you make that purchase.



5. Monitor your feelings about your credit card bills. Do you get nervous when you see the envelopes in the mail? Are you stressed out every time you see the bills? Do you feel overwhelmed with how high the bills are? If this is the case, stop using the card for purchases and start thinking about how you can best pay off the cards. Stress can be damaging to your mental and physical health, so don't give yourself more stress by running up credit bills.



6. Consider whether you can afford the credit cards you have. If your income is not going up, but you find that your credit bills are getting higher, try to cut spending before it gets out of control. Most people keep thinking that things will turn around in the future, but if things are not changing and you find yourself depending on your credit cards more and more, stop using them or find other ways to bring in more income.



As long as you keep these tips in mind, you will be able to better handle your credit cards. Just monitor your spending habits and patterns, and you will be able to make sound decisions about your credit cards and the rest of your personal finances.

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Five Ways to Keep More Money in Your Pocket

It can be very hard to keep a substantial amount of money in your bank account, but it is very important that everyone try their best to do so. Having a decent savings can help you keep your stress levels down and it will help you get out of any tough financial situations you encounter over the course of the year.



You should not try and be extravagant and live far beyond your means. The best thing to do is to spend money as little as possible. Separate all of the items you want to buy into two lists. There should be a list of things you absolutely need and another list of things that you want. Try to purchase all of the things on your needs list and minimal money on the items on your wants list.



Try your best to keep your credit card debt to a minimum. The sooner you pay your debts off the less time you have to worry about them piling up. Late fees and high interest can make a small amount of debt into a huge mountain. You should attempt to pay your balances off in full each month if that is possible.



While eating out at restaurants can be tasty and very convenient, the cost of eating out is huge compared to the amount you would have paid if you prepared the same meal for yourself. Restaurants have bills, overhead and a need for profits so they charge a lot more than they paid for the items they prepared your meal with. If you must eat out try ordering something that is not very expensive and do not do it so often.



There are many discount warehouse stores out there now and it would save you a lot of money if you decided to buy food from these type of places. Since you would be buying food in bulk the prices are much cheaper per unit. Things like rice, flour, sugar and condiments last quite a while so it would be wise to buy them in bulk. You can also buy household items like paper towels and cleaning supplies in bulk to save even more money.



Bringing your lunch with you to work each and every day may seem like a hassle, but it will help you save a lot of money. Most people take advantage of their company cafeteria or local restaurants to fulfill their food needs. While this may seem tasty and convenient, it will eventually add up and you will end up spending thousands a year more than you need to.



Now that you know several methods you can use to save money you should use them to help your bank account grow. As the year progresses you will come to realize that you have saved hundreds or even thousands of dollars using these simple methods. With a combination of using these tips and making other financially sound decisions you are well on your way toward achieving financial security.

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5 Simple Ways to Save Money While Shopping this Holiday Season

The economy has not been kind on anyone and saving money any way you can is crucial more now than ever. One place where it is easy to save money is the grocery store, just as long as you know how the sales work from week to week. In the article you are going to read, you will be given tips to help you save big on your next excursion to the supermarket or even other places you shop locally or online.



Always look for coupons before going to the grocery store. You can find coupons in the newspaper, ask your friends or family members if they have any extra ones, or even look in recycling bins in your neighborhood. The day before going the grocery store, look at the weekly circular and see what is on sale. Then, clip the corresponding coupons and bring them with you on your shopping trip. Don't forget that some grocery stores will even double your manufacturer coupons.



Look for the generic versions of whatever items you need. Most people stay away from generic products because they think the quality of these items is not as good as the name brand versions; this is simply not true. Usually, generic items taste just as good as their name brand counterparts; the only difference between the two is the name and price.



Join a wholesale club, especially if you have a large family or can buy in bulk for household items. Wholesale clubs sell a number of items in bulk, from paper towel and toilet paper, to beverages and food. You are saving money by buying items in bulk, as the price per item is much cheaper than it would be if you were to purchase each one in a regular grocery store. Usually, you just have to pay a small fee each year to belong to one of these clubs and you have access to them whenever you want to go!



As tempting as it may be to do otherwise, simply purchase the items you need. Grocery stores actually make money by putting items on sale; it entices their customers to purchase more of something because it is on sale. But, when you make impulsive purchases, chances are good that these items are just going to sit on the shelf or in your refrigerator and go bad. Then, you have wasted your money for absolutely no reason.



Do not buy more than what you need. For instance, let's say a store has a 10 for $10 sale--do not buy all 10, unless a lot of people live with you. Buying all 10 of one thing is just going to be a waste of money, as it will probably just lay around somewhere in your kitchen. If the sale permits you to, however, you can mix and match. For example, let's say mustard, ketchup and salad dressing are all part of the 10 for $10 deal; if you buy 4 salad dressings, 3 ketchups, and 3 mustards, then the sale is worth it.



As you can tell, saving money at the grocery store is much easier than you may have originally thought. A Bonus effort for amazing shopping and incredible savings on everyday groceries, household items and even cut rate Travel for Holiday family trips, check out, www.getsavingstoday.wakeupnow.com. Saving money is simply a necessity in this economy - its time to wake up to savings!

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The Absolute True Cost of Poor Credit

I am often asked the question; What does bad credit cost me?”

It is a hard question to answer because of the individual’s circumstances and the fact that lenders are competing fiercely for customers.

But I will give it my best shot.

Mortgages

If you know your credit score you will be in a position to make a pretty good guess at what interest you will be charged on a mortgage. In today’s (March 2006) market, mortgage rates for those in the top or prime category, with a score above 720, will pay around 6.25%.

As your score declines your rates will increase.

For those in the second tier, with a score between 700 and 720, rates will go up to around 6.38%; for those in the third tier, with a score between 675 and 699, rates will be about 6.91%; for those in the fourth tier, with a score of 620-674, rates will be about 8%; in the fifth tier, with scores in the area of 560 to 619, the rates increase to 9%; finally for those with the lowest scores, 500 to 559, the rate jumps to 9.82%.

On a $150,000 mortgage, your payments will be between $926 and $1411, a $485 difference per month.

Additionally, those in the lowest tiers will face higher loan origination fees.

Most bankrupts will be in the 650 area – if they behave themselves – within two years of bankruptcy. You will save a lot of money if you push your score above 675 before trying for a mortgage.


These numbers are not written in stone and vary from lender to lender. According to some news accounts, you can qualify for the lowest rates with a score of 620, but proof of that is hard to find.


Auto Loans

You will not qualify for zero or low APR financing offered by manufacturers. You will have to deal with a sub prime lender and will be charged rates in the 21 to 24% area.

Again, loan origination fees may be high.

Credit Cards


Interest rates will be high up in the 30% area. If that was not bad enough, bad credit risks face fees that can choke an elephant.

Fees commonly charged to those with poor credit include the following:

Setup fee - while you can find some lenders that may not charge a setup fee, fees between $29 and $49 are not uncommon.

One time fees – these can be as much as $100

Account maintenance fees - $6 or $7 a month

Annual fees - $35 to $150

Bad credit credit card fees can easily run over $250 the first year, a little bit less after that, if you are not careful.


Other Hidden Costs

Bad credit can ruin your chances of getting a new job if you employer checks your credit report, which many do.

Some auto insurance companies will charge you higher premiums if you have bad credit.

Your utility deposit may be higher than for those with good credit.

You may not be able to rent an apartment, if the landlord doesn’t like your credit.

Even though just about anybody can find credit, no matter how bad their credit score, that doesn’t mean it will be inexpensive, or even affordable. It pays to shop around and read the terms of any offer of credit very carefully.

Rebuild your credit. Pay all your bills promptly and without fail. Only use a portion of your available credit, 20 to 25%. Avoid applying for new credit.

Within two years or so, with a commitment to improve, you may qualify for better credit terms.

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4 Principles to Follow to Avoid Credit Card Debt During the Holiday Seasons

Business people usually cash in on the holiday seasons to maximize their sales and profits. It will be high season for them. They will stock up, price up and smile all the way to the bank. They know that people will be less restrained in their suspending than at any other time. It possible that you may be among the many who have suffered post-holiday season financial stress, and want to make sure it does not happen again. Your success in this will be determined by how well you control three critical factors: your increased rate of spending, the manner in which you finance that spending, and the heavy financial demands that follow in the subsequent month.

Financing Using Plastic

With holidays like Christmas or the New Year seeming to come round too quickly, people often find they have not saved up enough for their celebrations. Moreover, budgeting is an alien concept during this and spending can spiral out of control. To cover the inevitable shortfall in resources, the credit card is an obvious attraction. There are advantages to using the card to finance your expenditure:

i) It gives you free access to about a month’s credit.

ii) It gives you the temporary ability to spend beyond your current means.

iii) It allows you to track your expenditure.

iv) You do not have to carry lots of cash around with you.

Use of credit card, how ever, does carry with it significant dangers if it is not carefully controlled. Research around the country indicates that spending could increase by up to 35% when using a credit card compared with using cash. Here are some key principles to help you guard against running into credit card debt trouble.

1. Spending Plan

If your spending is going to exceed your income for the festive month, consider cutting intended festive expenses, or other expenses, to stay within your income. I am assuming you have drawn up your spending plan for that period. That’s where a credit card comes to the rescue. Though not readily apparent, the use of your credit card can create distortions in the management of your finances. Unless you are monitoring your spending in both cash and credit, there is a danger that you will be uncertain whether or not you are living within your means. It would therefore be unwise to begin using a credit card if you are not in control of your finances, that means using a spending plan.

2. Debt to Income Ratio

Do not forget that use of your credit card adds to your indebtness. In managing your financial affairs, one of the key indicators to watch is your debt-income ratio. This is monthly debt repayment as a percentage of your monthly after-tax income, and raises a red flag when you tinker with too much debt. A ratio of over 20% is becoming unhealthy. If you already have credit card debt that is overdue, do not add to it.

3. Bridging Finance

Use of a credit card is ideally a means of short- term financing of your operations. That means settling any debt incurred using your card within days. Paying the minimum balance will not do. If you are not confident that you can pay it off in full, you wound do yourself a huge favor by not using a credit card. Should you decide to go ahead and use a card, you need to be prepared for extra costs in interest and penalties associated with extended credit. This adds to your expenses, and you need to be ready to be ready to reduce other regular expense to accommodate this, otherwise you run the risk of creating ongoing hard-core debt

4. Net Worth

Credit card debt incurred during the festive season is usually for consumer spending- paying for your holiday, buying gifts, entertainment, traveling expenses, etc and creates what is known as consumer debt. This kind of debt adds to your liabilities, but contributes nothing to your assets. Your net worth is reduced to the extent of consumer debt incurred. Shrinking net worth is not good for your financial health. So do have yourself a happy holiday. But as you go about it, finance it in a way that gives you the comfort that you won't be debt-laden the following month.

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5 Practical Tips for All-Season Energy Savings

Replacing windows and doors is the fourth most common home-remodeling project and experts say it can dramatically reduce utility bills especially in the winter months. Although the Holiday season is here, most of us are out shopping for family, friends and special someone's; but this is a great time to do something special for the house, like invest in energy efficient windows at a savings this time of the year.

Homeowners should be armed with accurate information in order to make the best choices about the many available options. That's especially true as energy costs continue to climb. The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program estimates that the savings from replacing single-pane with Energy Star-qualified windows ranges from $125 to $340 a year for a typical home.

Since this is the time of year when many homeowners embark on remodeling projects, here are five basic tips for selecting the most energy efficient windows and doors for your home.

* Use Low-E glass. Select windows with Low-E glass, which controls the amount of heat transferred through the window and prevents heat loss in the winter. Jeld-Wen, a window and door manufacturer, now offers Low-E glass as a standard for its wood and clad wood windows and as an upgrade option for its vinyl windows.

* Update technology. Replace older single-pane windows with dual-pane units, which insulate the home from both cold and hot weather. Using both Low-E glass and insulating glass units will reduce home energy costs.

* Consider how they're made. Choose doors with energy-efficient cores, sills and frames that provide a barrier to energy exchange. Dual-pane, Low-E glass helps ensure that they will be weathertight and energy efficient. For example, studies show that over time, steel doors made with polystyrene maintain energy ratings better than doors made with polyurethane.

* Understand the standards. Efficiency ratings are based on U-factor, which is the amount of heat flow through a product. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the product. Efficiency also is measured by Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block heat generated by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the better. Finally, experts evaluate Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that is able to penetrate a window or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enter through the glass.

* Focus on efficiency, not bells and whistles. Manufacturers achieve efficiency in different ways. No matter what technology is employed, one of the easiest ways to identify the most energy-efficient products is to simply look for the Energy Star label. Deals are everywhere right now for the Holiday season, perhaps, an amazing gift is waiting for you that everyone in the family home can enjoy - energy efficiency.

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Why Consider A Gas Credit Card?

It seems like every gas station in the nation now has applications on the counter for a gas credit card. While many people may think, "Why bother, I already have a credit card," gas cards today also frequently offer member bonus features like regular credit cards, including airline miles, cash rebate systems, discount offers with participating merchants and affordable roadside assistance programs. Often, gas card plans will approve accounts for individuals who don't qualify for a good deal on a regular credit card account, also making them a great option for people who need to build their credit rating.

If you're looking to build credit, your options may be somewhat more limited. But if you use your gas card regularly, and pay it off at the end of every month, you'll soon find that you're able to negotiate a better interest rate with your existing card, or even apply successfully for a card with a better benefits package. However, keep in mind that gas cards often have much higher interest rates than a regular credit card would, so you should always make sure you can afford to pay your balance on a monthly basis, to prevent exorbitant interest charges.

If you have driving-age children living at home, a gas card is a great way to ensure your kids don't end up stranded with an empty tank, while at the same time knowing that a regular credit card won't get taken on a "joy ride" by their friends. A roadside assistance benefit can give you extra peace of mind, knowing they won't have to rely on the assistance of strangers if the car breaks down or gets a flat tire.

If you have a particular gas station you visit regularly, getting a gas card from that company would be a good choice, particularly if it offers an incentive program based on frequency of use, such as airline miles per dollar spent, or a coupon or rebate program. If you travel a lot, choosing a gas card for a major nationwide chain of gas stations may be more useful than one that's branded for your neighborhood station.

A gas card with a roadside assistance option may be an affordable alternative to a premium roadside assistance plan such as AAA. There are as many options in gas cards today as there are reasons to apply for one, so don't hesitate to comparison shop to find the best benefits package for your needs! Even in this Holiday season, roaming around shopping can still have your gas costs rising. A gas credit card is a great way to save on cash out of pocket and get those amazing rebates that could put even more cash in your pocket.

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5 Simple Tips For Getting Out Of Debt In 2013!

Is credit card debt driving you crazy? Spent too much this holiday season already?

Well, you’re definitely not alone. Credit card debt is a way of life these days. Especially now, during the holidays!

For many people, money gets REAL tight this time of year – we need to pay for all the holiday gifts, get ready for tax season…

Ahhhh! What a drain!

Here is what you do if debt has taken over your life?

Make getting out of debt your New Year’s Resolution for 2013!

Here are 5 simple tips for getting out of debt. Keeping a New Year’s Resolution is difficult. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be prepared for a prosperous 2013!

1) Write down your goal and make a plan for achieving it!
The first step to getting out of debt is by far the most important – you need to:

• make a commitment to get out of debt, no excuses!
• write it down - write exactly what you want achieve - STICK TO IT!
• and come up with a plan for reaching it!

• Make extra money by starting a part-time business
• Examine the money spent on stuff you don't need
• Pay yourself first - old rule still works

Hey, you didn’t get into debt overnight, and you won’t get out overnight, either. But if you want to get out of debt – if you REALLY want to get out of debt, you need to have a plan. And you need to stick with it.

2) Seriously consider using a debt reduction program
If you have the discipline to get out of debt on your own, without any help, then good for you! But if you’re like most people, a little help will go a long way. Here are a few debt reduction programs to consider:

• Credit counseling: If you have high interest rates on your credit cards, working with a non-profit company will help you lower those high rates, and combine your credit card bills into one lower monthly payment – which means more of your money will go towards reducing your debt!

• Debt consolidation loan: If you own a home, you can consider taking out a home equity loan to pay off all your credit card bills, lower you interest rates, and possibly deduct the interest on your taxes (but check with your tax professional on this one).

• Debt settlement: If nothing else is working, and your debt is still overwhelming, then you should consider debt settlement. This is a more aggressive approach, and is not right for everyone, but if you’re considering bankruptcy, this is a good option. You can pay off all your credit card bills at a savings of 40-60%, and get out of debt much quicker.

3) Start fixing your credit problems
Many people think that anything that goes on your credit report stays there for 7 years. Well, that’s not always true. I got a bunch of negative credit items off my credit report – all I did was get a copy of my credit report, and ask the credit bureaus to remove the “bad stuff”. In just a few months, my credit was almost back to normal. There’s nothing that says we must pay for our mistakes forever (or even for 7 years)!

4) Cut down your monthly expenses
If you overdid the spending in 2005, then it’s time to cut out all the expenses you don’t need, and use the money you save to pay off your credit card bills. Take a look at your checking and savings account statements, your credit card statements, and your monthly bills. Then start looking for things to cut. I know, I know, it’s hard to live without cable TV, cell phones, internet access, the morning paper, weekend dinners and entertainment. BUT DO IT ANYWAY – at least until you get your debt back under control!

5) Make some extra spending money
Sometimes making more money is the best answer! There are lots of ways to make money – selling some of your valuables, getting a part-time job, starting your own business. Despite some of the ads you read, there’s no really secret to making money – you just need to find something you like to do, and work hard at it!

6) Think positive!
OK, there were only supposed to be 5 tips, but this one is the best one – no matter how hard life can get, no matter how much debt you have, the one thing in life you can control the most is how you think. So rather than focusing on what you don’t have, be thankful for all that you do have. Nobody dies wishing they had made more money or worked longer. But many people do regret all the fun and meaningful things THEY DID NOT DO! So make some time to have fun, think positive, and find little ways to enjoy life EVERY SINGLE DAY you are here on plant Earth!

Wondering what makes me an expert on debt? Well, I lived through it. I know what it feels like to struggle. And I know what it feels like to overcome financial problems. There’s nothing special about me. I work at a college, so I don’t make a heck of a lot of money. I didn’t win the lottery. And no rich relatives left me a pile of money.

I just learned a few simple strategies – actually, I learned the 5 tips you just read about – and stuck with them until my life changed for the better.

And you can, too – just follow the tips above, believe in yourself, and DON’T LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM REACHING YOUR GOALS in life!

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Building An Emergency Fund - A Vital Part of Financial Planning

None of us have the ability to foresee the future or predict the hurdles which lie ahead of us. This makes building an emergency fund a financial priority. Building an emergency fund is healthy for your financial well being, since you’re rarely given advance notice of a setback or an accident which will keep you out of work for an extended period. It is also a safety net that can save you from bankruptcy or severe financial hardships in the event of an unexpected change in your income or expenses.

Housing a small rainy day fund should be a vital part of an individual’s financial goals. This is of high importance if you don’t already have readily available funds in your account for covering any unanticipated expenses. They provide financial security because they give you funds to fall back on if you become ill, or if you or your spouse loses your job, you incur large medical bills, or have an unexpected large bill such as a major car or home repair. You do not want to end up in a situation where you have to buy daily necessities on credit and end up payments on groceries you bought two years back on credit, with a further 10-18% interest on it.

Saving your money in an small account for emergencies is definitely a better alternative to taking a loan or cashing in your long-term investments. If you take a loan, there is the additional burden of paying interest. Encashment of your investments before maturity means not only will you lose out the interest, but also some part of the original investment. This will also set you back significantly in your overall financial plan.

Success at building an emergency fund depends on consistency of saving money on a regular basis, and resisting the urge to dip into this rainy day fund for non-emergencies. This money should be kept separate from the general savings account. Otherwise you will be tempted to dip into these monies even if you simply run over your budget at a certain point. A substantial part of this emergency fund account should be invested in low risk funds. This ensures that your investment does not lose its value in case you need the money. Also, it should be extremely liquid, to give you access to the cash easily and quickly if you need it.

The size of the special savings account will depend on your personal situation. People often keep three to six months’ salary in the reserve. But you will have to decide on an appropriate amount based factors such as your dependants and fixed monthly expenses.

If you are single with no obligations, and have a reliable support system of friends or relatives during a financial crisis, you might not need a substantial amount stashed in this fund. This is opposed to someone who needs to pay nursing costs for his aging parents and supporting a young family. The more people you support, the more likely you are to have unexpected or unplanned costs.

While making a decision about an emergency fund, you should also take into account the degree of difficulty you'd have in finding a new job if you lost the present one. In case of a two-income household, the contribution of both parties should be weighed while calculating how much you should keep aside.

You may not be able to gather your emergency fund money together at once. Treat it as a financial goal and add to the kitty over time. If you get a tax refund, put it in your special rainy day account. Maybe a part of the bonus at work!

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Keep Your Distance From Alternative Financial Services

There has been a huge wave of alternative financial services feeding off of the sub-prime lending market in the last couple of decades. These services prey on people with poor credit to get the items they need financed or the money they need to pay bills. These arrangements are just ravaged with pitfalls and shady business. Continue reading to find out helpful tips that you need to know.



People use alternative financial services because they are available to them and legal. While legal, they offer services to people with the understanding that the help they are offering isn't really help at all. The interest rates on loans offered are just outrageous. The people using these services are are hurting financially and need the help. Is it possible to get out of a bad situation by creating another one? No! People argue that these services are needed, but the people that are using them are trying to fix a bad situation with an even worse situation.



Payday loans are a major source of pain for people that have less than perfect credit. At times of distress, when other options should be the rescue plan, payday loans step in as an easy convenience. The only problem is that later on, the payday loans really stick it to the consumer. These types of loans should be avoided at all cost.



Make sure you don't use a rent-to-own program. You want to bust your budget? You're never going to pay things down and have a budget that you can handle if you keep taking on items like this. If you can't afford the new furniture outright or on 0 percent financing, then work your way to where you can. Don't pay for something by the week that carries a huge interest rate. They want to charge you 20 bucks a week for something, and after taxes and fees, that takes 100 bucks a month out of your budget. That is if you buy one little thing!



Stay away from auto title loans because these are a source of major distress. They carry the same high interest rates, and the more you borrow, the more trouble you are going to be in. While these loans are backed by your car, the same reason that seems to negate the problem actually becomes the problem. People have no choice but to let their car go if they can't take care of the loan. No matter the determination, taking the loan was enough to doom them. The interest rate and terms are so ugly that there is nothing much the person can do to keep their car.



Alternative financial services have found a place in society, but they haven't found a very good one. You can be easily stripped of your financial freedom, and it is hard to get it back coming out of those waters. These companies are downright dangerous, and they should be avoided at all cost. Make sure you remember the helpful tips you've just read as you continue to battle your personal finances without contacting one of these companies.

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How To Control Your Spending To Reduce Your Financial Anxiety

One of the most common sources of anxiety are financial problems. For many people, such problems are caused by an inability to control their spending. By spending too much, it is easy to accumulate debt and damage your credit. If you are having trouble keeping your spending at a realistic level, the following advice may help.



The most important thing to do to take control of your spending is come up with a budget. You need to know exactly how much money is coming in each month and how much is going out. Start out by writing down all of your mandatory spending. This includes things such as food, utilities, housing, and other bills. If this amount adds up to more than you earn, you have found the source of your trouble. If you earn more than you need to spend, but are still having problems, you need to isolate the excess spending that is causing your problems.



Before you spend any other money, you need to allocate enough to pay for your monthly bills. These will likely include your rent or your mortgage payment, your utilities, your telephone, and any loans or credit cards that you may have. Missing payments on any of these bills can have serious consequences, so make sure you pay them first. You do not want to have to worry about damaging your credit or having your electricity shut off.



To get a better sense of your spending patterns, it can be useful to track every penny you spend for a month. If you stop and buy a cup of coffee on the way to work, write it down. If you get a bag of chips from a vending machine, make a note of it. At the end of the month, stop and look back at your records to see exactly where you are spending money. You may be surprised.



By using a record of your monthly spending, it can be easy to identify areas where you are spending too much. A cup of coffee every day can add up to quite a lot over the course of a year. You may even be able to cut back on some of your bills. If your electric bill is quite high, try using less energy at home. If you pay too much for gas, try walking or taking the bus for some trips. Once you know where your money is going, you will be better able to find ways to cut back.



Credit cards may get more people into financial hot water than anything else. With that card in your wallet, it is all too easy to buy things you do not need with money you do not really have. Instead of carrying multiple credit cards when you go shopping, take cash instead. This way, you will be unable to spend more than you can afford. Keep your credit cards at home and only use them for emergencies.



Many people find themselves in financial trouble because they just do not know how to manage their money. If you are having money problems, keep the advice you have read here in mind. Once you start applying it in your daily life, you should soon be able to achieve true financial stability.

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Seven Fast and Effective Personal Financial Tips

When it comes to money, many people are simply lost in their understanding. Their personal finances are usually in such disarray that they struggle just to pay rent and keep food on the table. If you are one of those people in financial turmoil and you feel that now is the time to change and figure somethings out, the following tips will provide guidance for you in formulating a successful strategy and sticking to it.



1. Save. Even if you begin with a simple piggy bank on your night table or shelves, start saving something beginning now. No matter how small the regular savings, it will add up to more confidence, at the very least. Learning to save is a process and once you take the first step, you show yourself that you can do it. Before long, you will be automatically deducting a decent amount from your paycheck and depositing it into an interest bearing account.



2. Be timely with bills even utilities. Get out of the habit of waiting an extra week to pay your phone bill is going to force the company into bankruptcy, waiting that extra will force you into paying a late fee and having seven more days of bill related stress. Anticipate your bills, prepare and pay them off at the earliest possible time. The sooner they are taken care of, the sooner you can set the rest of your plan into action and get a clearer focus.



3. Stop spending on unnecessary items. Sure, it's cool to have the latest gadgets and we often feel that we really must have them, but in reality, you don't. Implement a waiting period before making any doubtful purchase, say for example, three days. You will most probably find that once the euphoria has worn off, you will not buy. Write down a list of the things your resisted purchasing too, as an added confidence booster and to demonstrate the power of getting into this habit.



4. Eat in more often. One of the biggest and most wasteful expenditures is dining out or picking up take-out. Think about the difference in price between a meal you cook at home and one you order in a restaurant; the annual savings is staggering! Even if you purchase ready to eat or microwave meals, which are not ordinarily budget foods, you will be saving yourself a fortune.



5. Supplement your income. You don't need to take on another 30 or 40 hours a week, just find some way to bring in another $50 to $100. Maybe you could tutor on Saturday, wash cars or dogs on Sunday or consult some of your expertise every Monday evening. Think small and don't be insulted. That money could easily cover at least one bill every month, or equate to $1200 of savings each year. Get creative and try to find something you enjoy to make it even more worthwhile.



6. Sell things you don't need or use anymore. Not only can this give you a quick infusion of cash, it keeps your spending in perspective. You can literally see where a lot of your money has been going, and judge the necessity of your purchases. You could also be helping others who are cash-challenged that cannot afford a new watch, shoes or other item you may put up for sale.



7. Cutback on car use and unnecessary running around. Especially with gas getting so expensive, minimizing the use of your vehicle could save you plenty. Consider the necessity of each trip as well and if you could either eliminate the trip, share a ride, take public transport or even grab some healthy exercise by walking instead. Reducing the amount of miles you put on your car can also bring down your insurance as well as cutting down gas and maintenance expenses.



It takes courage to make change, but where your finances are concerned, positive and permanent change is necessary for you to be able to live a decent, relaxed and worthwhile life. Having to fight to manage your money every month just takes so much out of you, and all you have to look forward to is more debt and the same battle come next month. Make the change. Use the above tips to empower yourself to set your finances straight and start enjoying life more than ever,

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Choosing the Right Bank that benefits You

With the economic crisis of recent years still hovering over the banking industry, you as a consumer want to make sure that you choose a bank that benefits you personally, rather than just the institution itself. It is a mutual relationship and everyone needs to benefit on some level. However, make sure that your needs and goals are met by the bank that you choose. Here are some ideas on what to look for and how to wisely choose a bank that offers benefits that are conducive to wise financial planning as you move forward in evaluating a beneficial relationship.



Most banks will charge you a fee for checking accounts through their institution, and this is not a bad thing; however, there are ways to get free accounts that will benefit both you and the bank. Check into the policies of the banks in your location, and choose one that offers free checking with minimum deposit amounts. If you have the ability to maintain a minimum level of funds in your checking or savings account, you can end up with no fees for this service. This is because the bank has the ability to use "available funds" to make investments of their own and this is traditionally a bank position. Compare rates of several banks, and always ask for options that they may not tell you from the beginning.



Look for interest bearing checking or savings accounts, and find out who offers the best rates. These can vary significantly from one institution to the next, so ask about all options available to you. You may not automatically be told about ones that are in your best interest, so do your homework and research account programs.



In case of conflicts or times when you accidentally overdraw your available funds, it is always good to have a "home branch" of your bank where you are known and they have a vested interest in keeping you being happy and will perhaps reverse fees as a courtesy in the event of an overdraft occurrence. Find a banking institution that has a branch near you, and go there in person as often as possible. This can also help if you have a large deposits and do not want a hold to be placed on your funds.



Make sure that your bank has an ATM available near you, since you will be charged fees for withdrawing funds from ATM machines that are not your home bank. If you travel often, choose a national chain bank where you can make deposits easily, as well as withdraw cash without fees.



When using a debit card, make sure you know whether or not there are fees incurred per use. Know the difference between running purchases as a debit or credit and what the benefits are to you for each option. Both banks and retailers benefit from each choice that you make, so be sure that you personally benefit, too.



There has been much publicity in recent years over whether to choose a bank or a credit union. Realize that credit unions are no longer just for people who work at a particular job, but most are available to the general public. They often charge far less for loans and give more personal service. In the case of a financial meltdown similar to the one we've recently witnessed in the press, you may be well served at a credit union who is less affected by international issues.



Above all, be informed, and look out for your best interests. Nobody else will do this for you. Take the tips here and apply them in a way that puts you in the best position possible. Take control of your banking options and by doing so will make for a better, wiser and stronger banking position. Banks are not your enemy, they are tool that can truly help you build and maintain a financial future.

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How to finance your future projects in 2013

The key to building a successful future for your family or for yourself is to finance your projects well ahead of time. Read this article to find out more about how to finance your projects.



Take the time to think about your future. If you have a family, you should talk with your spouse about future projects and ask your children about what they intend to do regarding their education, once they are old enough to make these decisions. Keep your projects realistic; if you are currently unemployed, going on vacation to an exotic place should not be among your primary goals. You should focus on getting things your family needs to be comfortable and plan on introducing more luxury into your lifestyle once you can afford to. Do some research about the things you want in your future to get a better idea of how much money you will need. You should, for instance, find out more about the real estate market if you want to buy a home.



Start putting money aside every month. Financing your projects can take a lot of time, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. You should live on a budget and plan on putting a certain percentage of your income aside every month. Open a savings account with the best interest rate possible to get started and do your best to save money on your energy consumption and different small expenses so you can put more money aside. You should keep track of your expenses, to find out which habits are too costly and avoid spending more than you can afford.



Create a good portfolio for your investments as you start putting more money aside. You should look for stable investments at first and take more risks once you can afford to. Place your money in stocks, bonds, real estate property and even think about financing a small business venture. Go to a professional for advice if necessary, but do not trust the first person you find. Do some extensive background research on the financial services you use and be careful who you trust with your money.



Regardless of which projects you need to finance, you should primarily think about your retirement if you are over 40. An IRA is usually a good solution, but you could find other ways to finance your retirement if you think you can make enough money by investing on the stock exchange market or with a home business, for instance. Take the time to figure out how much money you will need to retire comfortably and find a concrete solution to get that kind of funding. You should definitely get help from a qualified financial counselor to plan your retirement carefully and perhaps invest in a life insurance to cover any kind of medical expenses.



Keep these tips in mind and do more research about personal finance and savings. Remember that financing projects such as buying a home, retiring or sending your children to college can take years.

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5 Good Reasons Eliminating Credit Card Debt should be a Priority for You

1. Credit card companies can change almost all of the terms of the credit card by giving just 15 days notice.

We get used to credit card companies adjusting their lending rate by 1/4% as interest rates fluctuate but did you know they can alter any of the terms for any reason. For example they can increase the late payment fee and they can increase the interest rate without the need to justify it. If you are late or miss just one payment the low rate you are currently being charged can double or even treble almost overnight.

2. Credit card companies can increase the cost of a purchase months after you bought it.

If you purchased a widescreen plasma TV 3 months ago, using a card which at the time was costing 9.9% APR, and you are late with just one payment, the credit card company can charge you a late payment fee, say $40, and increase the interest rate to 29.9% APR, or even more, and there is nothing you can do about it.

They can, in effect, increase the cost of your TV months, or possibly even years after you purchased it. The TV retailer wouldn't be allowed to do this but your credit card company can.

3. Discount offers are only good if you keep up all your payments.

Interest free balance transfers and initial periods can disappear for any minor omission. Failure to keep to all the terms of a card will result in special terms being withdrawn and possible penalty interest being applied. If you have interest free purchases and balance transfers make sure you keep up the payments.

4. It's not just your card payments you have to keep up.

If you miss a payment on your mortgage, or your car or any other financial payment, the credit card companies can re-assess your credit score and increase your interest rate accordingly.

If you therefore miss a loan payment on your boat or car, but still pay the payments due on your cards, you can find that your credit card interest charges jump to 2 or 3 times the original rate.

5. Credit card companies are today are making record profits from you because making the minimum payments do not tackle the balance.

If you don't pay your cards in full each month credit card companies make the majority of their profits from you and a substantial portion of that is in the additional charges they levy.

It makes little or no sense to keep money in the bank earning 5% maximum and pay 29.9% or 19.9% or even 9.9% on your cards. Pay off the card and use the card for emergencies rather than the savings. Without the card payments you will be able to rapidly replace the savings.

Without your knowing credit card companies can hold you hostage at the very time you may really need financial assistance. Don't allow credit card companies the continuing opportunity to make record profits at your expense, and at the same time the opportunity to benefit from any misfortune.

If you can pay the balance off within 3 to 6 months, you should, or otherwise consider some form of consolidation loan to remove that strain credit card companies have around your finances.

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Shopping for New Credit Card: - Important Tips to Consider on Black Friday

The following article presents the very latest information on credit card use for this Holiday season. If you have a particular interest in credit cards, then this will be very helpful!

When you are ready to take a new credit card there are lots of factors you need to consider.  Among these factors is a credit card term. You need to choose the plan terms that best fit and suit your financial needs. You need to consider plan terms like free period or grace period, annual percentage rate (APR), annual membership or participation fee, transaction fee among others.

It’s very important that you understand each of the credit card plan terms before you accept the card to avoid putting yourself in financial bondage. For example if your issuing company did not give free period and you are unable to pay on time your account will be charged and it will ends up adding to your debt.

There are several cases of card theft in recent days and with today being Black Friday, it’s advisable that you keep your card very well to avoid unauthorized use. Also don’t give away your card information where you aren’t feeling secure. Another way to avoid lost or unauthorized use of your card is to only carry the card you think you will use. And in case of lost of your card you need to call issuer and inform them of the lost quickly. So keeping separate records of each of your account number, expiration date and issuer contact information is very important as well.

If your credit card facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important credit card information slip by you.

It’s very important that you re-conciliate your account when you get statement of account from your card issuer. With the frenzy of Black Friday, credit cards are often stolen and/or maxed out with the days shopping activities. In other to reconcile your account successfully you need to keep record of receipts where possible and personal note where you don’t have receipt. Most likely you will discover errors which could have been added to your statement without you noticing it.

Keeping the above tips in mind will help you while shopping for new card and using it as well.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about credit cards and their impact on your budget, spending and use. Happy Shopping - Black Friday Shoppers!

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Need to Put Money Back Into Your Wallet? Try these Simple Steps!

Saving money isn't something that has to take a lot of effort! By exercising some simple common sense money saving tips, you can be well on your way to saving money and putting more back into your wallet. The advice in the article below is sure to save you some hard earned cash!



Banks are ten a penny and they can be picky towards you, so you should be wise in picking the bank that's right for you. Choose a bank that offers a free account without any obligations or monthly fees. Some banks are sneaky and claim that the bank accounts being offered are free; meanwhile, they require you to make certain monetary deposits each month or use the account a certain number of times or a fee will be posted to your balance. Make sure to read all of the fine print and understand exactly what type of account you hold.



Shopping is always fun and tempting. This is probably the most dangerous pastime as it can lead to more money spent than intended. The best way to work around this problem is to make a shopping list and don't stray from it. Decide to only purchase the items that are on your shopping list and nothing else. It may seem hard at first, but you will get the hang of it once you do this a few times.



Eating out is an easier approach than having to cook your own meals, but it can also prove costly. Most fast food restaurants not only hinder your health but your wallet too! Cook your own meals whenever you can and store them in your freezer. Consider dedicating your weekend to cooking your meals for the week ahead. This can save you money, give you a healthier lifestyle and have your meals prepared for a week.



Understand the importance of do-it-yourself or DIY projects. Many of the things that you see available in stores, you can make yourself for one third of the cost. A good example of this would be holiday decorations. Don't pay ridiculous amounts for a Christmas wreath or a gift basket. Be economical and personal, and do it yourself!



You have probably walked down the aisle at your local supermarket and noticed the generic versions of many popular products. Listerine, for example, is pretty pricey in and of itself because you are paying for the proven brand name. However, by reaching for the generic store brand products you can get the same effectiveness for half the cost. Don't think that just because you are paying extra you are getting a better product. Remember, toothpaste is still toothpaste and so are baby wipes!



Reading is a favorite pastime for many, but it can also become costly. It is hardly a wonder that so many famous bookstores are closing their doors. Meanwhile, Amazon Kindle may have something to do with that, and it's quite clear that so do their prices! Get a card to your local library and check out some books that are of interest to you. Most libraries have bestsellers available to check out as well as magazines, music and DVDs.



Sometimes you are faced with a catch 22 option. Should you sacrifice the reliability of one product over the idea of spending less? In some cases this may not matter. For example, purchasing a paper towel or plastic cups will rarely hinder the performance of anything if purchased at the lowest price. However, cosmetics and beauty products should not be purchased at the cheapest price. Stick to what you know and love. Don't pinch pennies to the point that you end up using an inferior product or one that can cause an allergic reaction for you.



Pinching pennies doesn't always have to be literal. Making some well informed and wise decisions about your spending can go a long way in keeping money in the bank or your wallet. Follow the tips from the article above and you are sure to see an improvement in your personal finance!

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How to get in Control Of Your Personal Finances

Do you sometimes feel like your life is controlled by your money? It really should be the other way around. You can take control of your money, but only if you know how to go about it. Read this article for some helpful tips on how you can make the best use of your money.



In order to get a better handle on your money, you need to develop a budget. This will include how much money you are taking in, how much money you are spending and for what purposes your money is being spent. Examine your real needs, and create a budget that is realistic. You will need to commit to this budget in order to make it work for you.



It may be common sense, but many people spend more money then they earn, then wonder why they have money problems. The key is to keep your spending below your income. If you do this, you will not go into debt. This is why a budget is important. In your budget, you can allocate specific amounts of your earnings to certain expenses. You can immediately see if your expenditures are higher than your income.



One of the smartest things you can is to set aside money for savings as soon as you receive your paycheck. This is important for retirement savings or for any other type of upcoming big expenses, like college tuition or a home. What you have left should go toward paying your other expenses.



Credit card debt creates problems for many people in their personal finances. The interest rates are extraordinarily high. It is easy to sink deeper and deeper into debt if you are not careful about paying it off. The best thing for you to do is to pay off as much of your credit card debt as possible, as quickly as possible, before you sink any lower.



A retirement account is important to have if you want to live comfortably in your golden years. Social Security can no longer be relied upon as the sole income for retirees. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the easier it is for your money to grow into a healthy nest egg.



Learn how to invest your money. You should look for ways for your money to work for you and to grow for you. Keeping it in a regular savings account will not give your money the chance to do more. Consult with a reputable investment firm and look into opening an investment account.



You should keep meticulous records of your finances. This way, you will know exactly where every penny of your hard-earned money is going to, and you can see if any money is being wasted.



Do not forget to set aside money for an emergency fund. You should have around six months worth of monthly expenses in cash accounts for urgent times when you need money right away. A sudden loss of employment or unexpected medical expenses can be devastating, but having an emergency fund can ease the hardship.



If you follow the advice in this article, you can improve your personal finances tremendously. The sooner you can get your finances into shape, the better your financial future will look.

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Ever wonder where Credit cards came from?

Credit cards have nowadays insinuated themselves into all corners of our lives, and it is rare for an adult these days to not carry at least one card. As well as being used in the traditional manner to buy goods or services in person, they are also now used online, over the telephone, for writing checks, and even for withdrawing money from cash machines. People use them in all sorts of ways - as a means of borrowing, as a convenient payment method, and even for earning money through cashback or reward schemes.

Despite their ubiquity in modern life, credit cards have a fairly short history, with the first general purpose credit card being introduced less than fifty years ago. In this article we'll look at the origins of credit cards, and then at how they've developed over the years with the emphasis on the United Kingdom market.

The very first credit card was launched by Diners Club in 1951, and was limited to use in twenty seven New York restaurants. It wasn't a huge success initially, with only 200 cards being issued. The real story of credit cards began in 1958 with the introduction of two major new products. The first was the American Express charge card, which boasted over a million users within five years of it being launched.

The other innovation was the first example of what we now recognize as a credit card: the Bank Americard, a general purpose card developed by Joseph Williams while working at the Bank of America. Over time, this card was to develop into the Visa company that we know today. Eight years after the introduction of this card, fourteen U.S. banks formed an alliance to launch a rival to the Bank Americard, named Interlink, which was to evolve into the Mastercard payment processor by 1979.

The first UK general card was launched by Barclays Bank in 1967, and their Barclaycard is still one of the most popular and widespread cards forty years later. In 1972, four other UK banks joined forces to launch the Access card in competition with Barclays, and for the next decade or so this remained the status quo.

It was during the 1980s that the credit card industry began consolidating behind the two big processors that had evolved into their current form by this time, Visa and Mastercard. Banks dropped their own processing facilities, and began to issue cards that could be used at any outlet that supported these two main payment processors. It was this move that led to the great expansion in card use, as they could now be easily used almost anywhere in the world.

The next major change to the industry was the revolutionizing technology of the internet, allowing purely online cards such as Egg in the UK to offer attractive benefits to the cardholder at low cost to the issuers. Competition between lenders quickly heated up, and features such as balance transfer offers began to appear.

Balance transfer deals allowed cardholders to move their debt from card to card and avoid paying any interest on it almost indefinitely, or so it seemed. Unfortunately, this ruse of 'credit card surfing' couldn't last as it was costing the credit industry billions every year, and so a balance transfer fee was imposed which made it much less attractive to cardholders.

The last major change in the credit card industry has been the introduction of Chip and PIN technology which has cut card fraud substantially by requiring payments to be approved via entering a code number rather than relying on a signature. The technology began to be rolled out in the UK in 2004, and is now fully in use across the country.

What's next for credit cards? Only the issuers know, but with record levels of debt many people are reluctant to apply for new cards, and so we're likely to see more attractive features becoming available to new applicants as credit companies compete for the shrinking amount of business available.

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Change Your Financial Situation by Changing your Attitude!

If you need to turn your financial situation around, you may be depressed about what you don't currently have. Instead of focusing on the negatives, you can help yourself learn how to save and begin improving your finances immediately. Before you can even think about changing how you manage your finances, you need to manage your attitude so that you don't get too wrapped up in financial considerations and neglect other important areas of your life.



Your physical and mental health are important considerations when you're trying to improve your finances. Many people get stressed out looking at the number of bills they have to pay. They push themselves harder than they are physically capable of in order to resolve financial problems. For example, some people may take a second--or even a third--job, leaving little time for family, while others exhaust themselves trying to get credit so that they can use it to pay off other loans. Other people may spend all their spare time going over their accounts, reading about financial management or looking into options for saving money.



Getting out of balance in this manner is both physically and mentally unhealthy. Physically, you'll tire yourself out and make yourself sick--and if you end up in the hospital you'll have more financial problems on top of your health problems.  Mentally, focusing too much on finances, especially if you focus on how much money you need and don't have, can leave you feeling depressed and powerless. You won't be able to make very many positive changes if you're feeling down, angry or upset about your current financial situation.



Try to schedule time for your financial management activities. Limit your study of your finances to the scheduled times so that you aren't thinking about finances 24 hours a day. Doing this can really help you stay in balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed or depressed.



Approach financial management in a way that you enjoy. The more you focus on negatives, the more you'll dread your financial management sessions, and that will interfere with  being able to resolve financial problems and move on. Instead, you need to make financial management fun. Allow yourself time to dream every day. Think about your financial goals and what you will do with the extra money you're going to save.



On a more practical level, the best way to keep yourself motivated to improve your finances is to set up a rewards account for yourself. Reward yourself every time you get a paycheck by depositing $5 to $25 in this account. Do this before you do anything else so that you can keep yourself motivated. You may want to use your rewards money to buy yourself a small present once in a while instead of saving for larger rewards all the time.



There's plenty of practical things you can do to improve your finances, but none of them will help you until you change your attitude. Approach your finances with a relaxed, open-minded attitude and you will soon be eager to try new ideas and create more prosperity for yourself.

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4 Principles to Follow to Avoid Credit Card Debt This Holiday Season

Business people usually cash in on the holiday seasons to maximize their sales and profits. It will be high season for them. They will stock up, price up and smile all the way to the bank. They know that people will be less restrained in their suspending than at any other time. It possible that you may be among the many who have suffered post-holiday season financial stress, and want to make sure it does not happen again. Your success in this will be determined by how well you control three critical factors: your increased rate of spending, the manner in which you finance that spending, and the heavy financial demands that follow in the subsequent month.

Financing Using Plastic

With holidays like Christmas or the New Year seeming to come round too quickly, people often find they have not saved up enough for their celebrations. Moreover, budgeting is an alien concept during this and spending can spiral out of control. To cover the inevitable shortfall in resources, the credit card is an obvious attraction. There are advantages to using the card to finance your expenditure:

i) It gives you free access to about a month’s credit.

ii) It gives you the temporary ability to spend beyond your current means.

iii) It allows you to track your expenditure.

iv) You do not have to carry lots of cash around with you.

Use of credit card, how ever, does carry with it significant dangers if it is not carefully controlled. Research indicates that spending could increase by up to 35% when using a credit card compared with using cash. Here are some key principles to help you guard against running into credit card debt trouble.

1. Spending Plan

If your spending is going to exceed your income for the festive month, consider cutting intended festive expenses, or other expenses, to stay within your income. I am assuming you have drawn up your spending plan for that period. That’s where a credit card comes to the rescue. Though not readily apparent, the use of your credit card can create distortions in the management of your finances. Unless you are monitoring your spending in both cash and credit, there is a danger that you will be uncertain whether or not you are living within your means. It would therefore be unwise to begin using a credit card if you are not in control of your finances, that means using a spending plan.

2. Debt to Income Ratio

Do not forget that use of your credit card adds to your indebtness. In managing your financial affairs, one of the key indicators to watch is your debt-income ratio. This is monthly debt repayment as a percentage of your monthly after-tax income, and raises a red flag when you tinker with too much debt. A ratio of over 20% is becoming unhealthy. If you already have credit card debt that is overdue, do not add to it.

3. Bridging Finance

Use of a credit card is ideally a means of short- term financing of your operations. That means settling any debt incurred using your card within days. Paying the minimum balance will not do. If you are not confident that you can pay it off in full, you wound do yourself a huge favor by not using a credit card. Should you decide to go ahead and use a card, you need to be prepared for extra costs in interest and penalties associated with extended credit. This adds to your expenses, and you need to be ready to be ready to reduce other regular expense to accommodate this, otherwise you run the risk of creating ongoing hard-core debt

4. Net Worth

Credit card debt incurred during the festive season is usually for consumer spending- paying for your holiday, buying gifts, entertainment, traveling expenses, etc and creates what is known as consumer debt. This kind of debt adds to your liabilities, but contributes nothing to your assets. Your net worth is reduced to the extent of consumer debt incurred. Shrinking net worth is not good for your financial health. So do have yourself a happy holiday. But as you go about it, finance it in a way that gives you the comfort that you won't be debt-laden the following month.

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3 Ways to Get a Student Credit Card Approval

If you're a college student, you know how expensive books, movies and tuition can be. And if you only work during the summer break, you may be looking for a way to stretch your funds through the cold winter months. Fortunately, a student credit card can help. Find one with low interest and good terms, and you can charge during the lean times and then pay it off when you're making money on your summer job.

To get a student credit card, follow these guidelines:

1. Find some cards for comparison.

It's easier than you think. Credit card companies often set up tables and booths at college fairs. You may even find fliers or applications around campus. And you can always find a student credit card with an online search. Be sure that the cards you're considering are specifically student cards. Credit cards aimed at students tend to have more lenient credit score and credit history criteria, and they also tend to have lower interest rates.

2. Pick the one with the best terms.

Not all credit cards are created equal! Since your student credit card is probably your first, educate yourself a bit about the terms and jargon you'll encounter. Choose one with a low interest rate, since that's the "extra" amount your credit card will tack onto your balance each month. Look for one with a longer grace period, too, which is the amount of time you have to make a payment before interest begins accruing. Other things you should look for is a card with no annual fee and a low late payment fee.

3. Apply!

Simply fill out the application--either on paper, online or on the phone--and answer the questions on the form. You'll need to reveal all the basics, like your name, current address and phone number. You'll also need to provide them with a "permanent" address and phone number. The application will include lines for information about your school, your school's address, your enrollment status and your year of graduation. It's possible they'll ask about your bank accounts and employment.

If you're currently employed or have significant savings in the bank, chances are your line of credit--the maximum balance you can hold on your card--will be higher. But even if you only have a summer job, you should still be able to qualify for $500 - $1,000 in credit.

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9 Amazing Essentials of Credit Card Rewards

A credit card that offers a reward point scheme means that as you use the card you accumulate a certain number of points which can then be converted into a reward of your choice. It can be air miles, gift vouchers, or a purchase of some kind. But to get the most benefit out of a reward card you need to ensure that it offers good value for your money. Did you know it could take over five years and an expenditure of over US$ 5000 to get a free ticket within the US.

Credit rewards are carrots dangled by credit card companies. Before you are caught by the enticement evaluate your monthly earnings, expenditure, as well as loans. Do not invite a financial hurricane if you are not in a position to pay all your bills every month. Interest rates on reward cards can be at least 2-3% higher than other cards.

1. If you love travel then choose to treat reward points as frequent flier miles. Check         out the options your credit card offers.

2. Many cards offer a cash rebate. The enticement carries hidden a higher interest rate and if you are not in a position to settle your bill immediately you will spend much more than you earn on the rebate.

3. Use a card that offers a large number of options. Then you have the luxury of selecting from a huge variety of merchandise.

4. Be clever use the reward points quickly before the card company downgrades the points gathered by you.

5. Check whether your reward points can be set off against the annual fees payable by you. If you have a no fee card then choose rewards that are of use to you like gasoline, travel assistance, retirement incentives, flier miles, or cash back. Do considerable research and choose a scheme that works for you.

6. Use the card that offers you a reward steadily but be sure you can settle the bills every month otherwise, the interest you pay will negate the rewards earned.

7. Use the rewards card to pay for groceries and utilities every month. It is a necessary expenditure which can earn valuable reward points.  

8. If you have a mortgage payment to make and the bank accepts credit cards then pay with you credit card and earn the reward points. However the outstanding must be settled immediately.

9. Always be well informed check consumer reviews and with www.cardratings.com   about the cards you hold.

To reap good value out of a rewards program you will need to use your credit card often. By using the card to pay for utilities, groceries, prescriptions, mortgages, and more you can earn many points perhaps even a 1000 dollars in a year. Handle your finances wisely, never spend more than you can afford.

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5 Tips to Keep your Credit Cards safe!

Ultimately keeping you credit card safe is you responsibility. Indeed, in a worst case scenario, if it can be proven you may have been negligent in keeping your credit card safe, you may find yourself liable for the cost of all transactions made fraudulent on your account should you lose the card. To help you avoid this, here are 5 basic credit card safety tips:

Never have more cards than you need

While it is always advisable that you have more than 1 credit card, in case it gets lost, you should never have more credit cards than you actually need to use. The principal reason why this is the case is because it becomes harder to keep a track of which cards you have and where you have kept them with the more cards you have.

Always keep a photocopy of your cards

How many times have you been asked what you card number is only to find yourself looking for your card to get the number? Now, what happens if you have a card stolen and no credit card statement to-hand? You have a problem! For this reason, it is always best practice to take photocopies of you credit cards to so that always know where to find the number should anything unfortunate happen to your card.

Always keep your receipts separate

Among the most important of the basic credit card safety tips you’ll receive is never to keep your credit cards and credit card purchase receipts in the same place – because likely as not if you have lost your card, or if it is stolen, then you’ll have lost or stolen the receipts as well. Now there is no way for you to vouch which transactions were yours and which where not – or, there is no way to tell which was the last genuine transaction you made.

Moreover, never keep a record of your PIN with your card, this is only asking for trouble!

Never give your account number to someone you don’t know

If you are ever asked to give your credit card details to someone you don’t know, or who as initiated a discussion with you (rather than the other way round) over the phone or via email, you should always refuse. Worst come to the worst, phone the card issuer and ask them if it is okay for you to divulge the information or phone the enquirer back. If the enquirer seems reluctant to accept this, you have to ask yourself why!

Never leave your account details open to public viewing

It may sound rather basic to say you should never let ‘Joe public’ see your credit card account details, but ask yourself this question: “How often have you received a publication subscription form in postcard format?” Now, suppose you complete this with your credit card details filled in. Suddenly half the world has access your credit card number, expiry date and signature!

Although the above may sound like 5 basic credit card safety tips you already know, you would be surprised to see how many people fail to follow one or all of them!

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Personal Finance Advice for Today's Grads!

Graduating from school can be an exhilarating experience. You are finally done with your education, you have a job (hopefully) and you are living on your own. It is important to start out on the right track with your personal finances in order to avoid running into trouble later.



First of all, make sure that you have health insurance. If you are young and healthy, you may not think that this is very important. But you never know when you may become ill or sustain an injury, and if you are not adequately insured, you can incur major expenses that will be a burden to repay. Your workplace may offer health insurance, but if not, you can purchase your own policy or stay on your parents' policy until you are 26. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you have health insurance.



With each paycheck you receive, you should put some money away in savings. The easiest way to do this is to set up payroll deductions in which a certain amount of money is automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited in the institution and account of your choice. Alternatively, you can make the transfer yourself after you receive your paycheck. Whichever method you choose, be sure to get into the habit of saving money from each paycheck.



Because you never know what surprises life has in store for you, it is wise to build an emergency fund that contains enough money to tide you over for three to six months. This money should be kept in a money market or savings account that is easily accessible, so that if you lose your job or become ill or disabled for a time, you will be able to pay your living expenses.



It is never too early to start saving for retirement, and the sooner you begin, the more money you will have when the time comes. Plus, the earlier you begin, the sooner you may be able to retire. Setting up a Roth IRA is an ideal way to save. You can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and you can invest it in stocks, bonds, CDs and other financial vehicles.



If your employer offers a 401k with any matching contributions, you should definitely take advantage of it. The way this works is for every dollar you contribute to your 401k plan, your employer will match it at a certain rate up to a certain maximum. This is like getting free money, so you should always contribute to your 401k at least the amount that your employer will match.



If you have accumulated credit card debt, do your best to eliminate it as quickly as possible. Pay off your cards with the highest interest rates first, as this will save you the most money over the long term.



Devise a budget and adhere to it. Make a list of your expenses, including rent, utilities, gasoline and so on. Be sure to budget for leisure activities and unexpected expenses too. Once you come up with a budget, try not to deviate from it. After all, the point of having a budget is to make a workable plan for spending and saving your money.



As you enter life as an independent person, you are bound to have many experiences, some good and others not so good. But if you have your personal finances under control, at least that will be one thing that you will not have to worry about.

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