Finances : Personal Finance
Know Your Bills to Control Your Finances - Oct 30, 2009 - 3:56:47 PM

No one likes to pay bills. This explains why some people avoid their bills until the end of the month, unless these bills are automatically deducted from their bank or credit accounts. However, we all financial obligations whether it is a car payment or a house note. Unfortunately, not everyone has a clear understanding of how to deal with their financial obligations.

Finances : Personal Finance
Is it Time to Call Your Financial Planner? - May 2, 2009 - 4:34:53 PM

Today, you must have the courage to open those statements, if they are contained in your stack of unopened mail. After reviewing your investment statements, you will need to make a phone call to your financial planner. During your conversation with your planner, schedule an annual review to measure the success of your financial plan.

Finances : Personal Finance
Do You Use Coupons Now? - Apr 28, 2009 - 3:38:46 PM

When the economy was doing well, many of us chose not to use store coupons. Hopefully, most attitudes have changed in the last year because of our gloomy economy. If not, individuals are failing to maximize their ability to save money, which may be used to start an emergency fund or investment program.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why We Might Need Another Economic Stimulus? - Apr 24, 2009 - 4:10:42 PM

While people are still debating the merits of the 2009 Tax Stimulus Package, we might need an emergency stimulus within the next six months if the economy does not show major signs of improvement.

Finances : Personal Finance
How to Survive This Economy? - Apr 23, 2009 - 7:28:03 PM

In 2009, many Americans are experiencing financial woes. Fewer people are saving money, and banks are getting rich from non-sufficient fund charges. No one knows when this economy will start improving, but you can learn some helpful tips to survive this economy.

Finances : Personal Finance
Who is to Blame for This Economic Mess? - Mar 7, 2009 - 8:50:09 AM

Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions to solve this economic crisis. While the Obama Administration is trying to jumpstart the struggling U.S. economy, we might not see any significant improvements in the economy until 2011. However, who should we blame for this economic turmoil?

Finances : Personal Finance
Break These Ten Spending Habits in 2009! - Jan 19, 2009 - 9:44:36 PM
Most of us have some bad spending habits. Some of these bad habits may be obvious, but others may not be so apparent. These bad habits, however, may be limiting our ability to get out of debt. And in this shaky economy, we all need to strive to do better.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why Having an Emergency Fund is a Survival Tactic? - Jan 17, 2009 - 4:43:41 AM

Instead of starting an emergency fund beforehand, many people only create an emergency fund after an unforeseen expenditure requires their immediate attention, such as a broken window or tax lien, which may drain their entire savings.

Finances : Personal Finance
Who is a Financial Shopper? - Jan 14, 2009 - 3:38:54 AM

When this website was created in 2003, I did not explain the meaning of financial shopper. However, I did not intend to keep this secret for nearly six years. Today, my definition of financial shopper will finally be revealed; it is much more than a person who shops for financial products.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Should Plan Your Funeral? - Jan 1, 2009 - 11:25:46 AM

One day, each person on earth will die. It is a sad truth that none of us can avoid. Fortunately, while we are still alive and well, we have the ability to make funeral arrangements and to create a will, at minimum.

Finances : Personal Finance
How Do Common Stocks and Bonds Differ? - Dec 25, 2008 - 9:54:17 AM
Most individuals have mutual funds in their retirements, whether it is a 401K or IRA account. Within these retirement accounts, the portfolio manager for the mutual fund has probably bought a few hundred common stocks and bonds if it is a balanced mutual fund (balance of stocks and bond with a mutual fund).

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Should Date People With Similar Spending And Savings Habits? - Dec 23, 2008 - 6:39:00 PM

Quite often, individuals have differences in a dating relationship, especially when it comes to money. Some people are spenders, while others are savers. What should you do if you discover you and your partner are not compatible, in regards to your spending and savings habits?

Finances : Personal Finance
Why Are So Many Insurance Agents Becoming Financial Planners? - Dec 21, 2008 - 7:21:39 AM

Over the last seven years, many insurance agents have changed their insurance practice. They are now financial planners to compete with the planners from the likes of Morgan Stanley and Edward Jones.

Finances : Personal Finance
Customer Expectations of Financial Planners Are Too High? - Dec 18, 2008 - 8:50:43 PM
Some individuals expect their portfolios to earn at least a 15% return, on a yearly basis, because they have hired a financial planner to manage their investments.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Relationship between Bond Prices and Interest Rates! - Dec 13, 2008 - 9:31:33 AM

Have you ever wondered why news reporters on Bloomberg or CNBC talk about bond prices and interest rates in the same sentence? Believe me; they have a good reason to do so. Bond prices and interest rates are inversely related.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Might Need a Financial Planner in 2009? - Dec 9, 2008 - 4:22:46 PM
In most office conversations, people are talking about losses in their 401K or personal brokerage accounts in 2008. Maybe you said a word or two about your financial malaise in a recent office discussion by the water fountain or coffee maker?

Finances : Personal Finance
Can the Consumer Get a Bailout, Too? - Nov 25, 2008 - 3:34:53 PM
Almost on a daily basis, we are forced to listen to someone’s rationale concerning the bailout of Wall Street firms and other companies in Corporate America.

Finances : Personal Finance
Are You Suffering from Holiday Financial Malaise? - Nov 16, 2008 - 6:44:34 AM
The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. But unlike recent years, most retailers are not hoping for records sales numbers.

Finances : Personal Finance
Finances and Why You Need to Stay Positive at Work? - Oct 28, 2008 - 2:55:25 AM
Today’s economy has produced a lot of unhappy folks. Many people are upset about the losses in their 401K and other brokerage accounts.

Finances : Personal Finance
Should You Be Afraid of the Stock Market? - Oct 9, 2008 - 5:46:39 AM
During the 1990’s, many of us believed that the stock market was relatively safe. But in 2000, we began to see that the market could fall at an alarming rate.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Financial Frustration of 2008: An American Story - Oct 7, 2008 - 8:44:22 PM
Most Americans people are frustrated with the current economic conditions in this country. Look around you, individuals appear to be unhappy with their finances and the worst might be yet to come.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why it is Time to Become a Super Saver? - Oct 2, 2008 - 9:33:17 PM
On November 4, 2008, adults throughout the United States of America will go to the polls and vote for the next U.S. President. Some of these individuals are struggling financially, even if they have been on a job for several years.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Need a Second Income? - Sep 25, 2008 - 9:17:33 PM
While there continues to be uncertainties in our financial and credit markets, you are still responsible for paying your bills on time. Therefore, if necessary, you might be forced to work overtime in order to stay afloat, but some individuals do not have this option.

Finances : Personal Finance
Who Cares if We are Not in a Recession? - Aug 3, 2008 - 5:36:15 AM

Some people rejoiced after the second quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product) number was released, this past week. For some, the increase of 1.9% in the second quarter signaled that the U.S. economy is getting back on track.

Finances : Personal Finance
Stay Committed to Your Financial Budget! - Jul 23, 2008 - 9:21:01 PM

However, we should stop ourselves before venturing to the malls and other retail stores to spend more than our monthly budgets allow.

Finances : Personal Finance
How to Stay Committed to Your Financial Budget? - Jul 14, 2008 - 3:46:02 AM

Freeze! Normally, in our society we associate the word “freeze” with a police officer that is about to make an arrest of a criminal. However, we should stop ourselves before venturing to the malls and other retail stores to spend more than our monthly budgets allow.

Finances : Personal Finance
Conserving Fuel and Energy During Poor Economic Times! - May 4, 2008 - 6:31:24 AM

As the bills “come marching to your mail box,” you probably have become more aware of leaving the lights on in your house or extending a car trip to return to the supermarket for non-essential items, especially during these hard economic times.

Finances : Personal Finance
Pay Your Debts Now, Save More Later! - Apr 13, 2008 - 5:59:54 AM

Before you start a savings program, you better take a second look at the
debt level that you have already incurred. In addition, the price of
the interest associated with your debts may charge a higher interest
rate than what you are currently earning on your savings.

Finances : Personal Finance
Be Weary of Investing In One Stock Company! - Apr 7, 2008 - 9:58:17 PM

For every success story of an IPO or growth stock that brings average investors tens of thousands of dollars from buying a round lot of a stock, there are many more stock companies that result in the investor losing most or if not all of his or her investment.

Finances : Personal Finance
Are You a Slave to Your Money? - Mar 24, 2008 - 4:29:46 AM

In most of our lifetimes, we will have to get a job, save money, pay our debts, including credit card and car payments and file our taxes on a yearly basis. In some way, our lives revolve around money. However, some individuals may become slaves to their money, and this can be an unfortunate way to exist.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Danger of Playing the Stock Market ! - Mar 21, 2008 - 4:28:05 AM

Unlike a fixed annuity or guaranteed interest rate offered on a savings account at your local bank, you can gain or lose all of your money when you buy and sell stocks, in many instances. While it might be appealing to gamble your savings on the stock market, there can be serious consequences if you guess wrong. Therefore, it is usually not wise to put your emergency fund or future retirement income at risk by “day trading” or trading stocks that are labeled as risky investments.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Psychological Harm of Being Late on Your Bill Payments - Mar 12, 2008 - 3:44:48 PM

Life can present many challenges. Unfortunately, if one of them involves money, you might have other problems beyond the inability to pay your bills. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals with financial dilemmas to also suffer from psychological issues.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Importance of Investment Diversification - Mar 9, 2008 - 5:12:52 AM

Everyone has heard the following statement: “Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.” If are saving or trying to preserve your wealth, then it is important that you heed this advice. Otherwise, you might be gambling by investing most, or if not all of your money into one type of investment.

Finances : Personal Finance
Finding Hidden Treasures Under Your Bed - Mar 4, 2008 - 4:26:27 AM

On a daily basis, many of us use our debit and credit cards without regards to bank ATM fees (debit and credit cards) and finance charges that occur if the credit card purchases are not usually paid before the close of the billing cycle. Unfortunately, some of us do not realize that we could avoid a lot of charges if we just look under our beds, in our cars or around the house for loose change.

Finances : Personal Finance
The Euro, the New Dollar - Feb 8, 2008 - 6:13:46 AM

It is becoming apparent that the Euro has become the money standard around the world. While the U.S. Dollar has long been the symbol of “global power and money,” in recent years, the popularization of the Euro has been eating away at the marketability of our U.S. Dollar.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why Recession Talk is Useless? - Feb 8, 2008 - 5:09:54 AM

In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about the U.S. economy being in a recession. Unfortunately, the beginning and end date of a recession usually has past by the time the lead economists declare the beginning and end of it.

Finances : Personal Finance
Is It Time to Let Go of the Cable TV! - Jan 30, 2008 - 3:22:28 AM

As you watch your savings dwindle, it may be time to look at options to keep yourself from racking up banking NSF Fees. While you may enjoy your cable TV, if you decide to cancel it, you could have more money in your pocket.

Finances : Personal Finance
Save Some Money: Don’t Buy Pop at Work! - Jan 26, 2008 - 8:13:47 AM

Average people, including myself, can learn simple tips to save more of their hard earned income. At work, many of us fall for a “pop machine trap.” You might have a habit of buying a pop in the morning when you arrive at work and also when you go to lunch. Well, have you ever thought about this financial cost of buying pop on a weekly or yearly basis?

Finances : Personal Finance
Do You Have the Holiday Spending Blues? - Jan 21, 2008 - 10:04:38 PM

After the holidays, you might have realized that you spent too much. You cannot put the blame on anyone else. Ultimately, you are responsible for the bills that are currently outstanding. Maybe it is time to visit a financial planner or start the year with a new budget plan?

Finances : Personal Finance
Signs of a Good Financial Planner - Jan 17, 2008 - 7:54:26 AM

While many people associate a financial planner with investment advise, there is so much more to consider when choosing a quality advisor. This individual should be able to help you find the right kind of insurance, whether it be life insurance or disability income insurance, develop a savings program and address estate planning issues.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Should Not Depend on Overtime Pay? - Jan 9, 2008 - 3:17:17 AM

It can be very tempting to depend on overtime pay. While many of us would hate to admit it, some of us also include our overtime pay in our financial plan. Unfortunately, changes in your company’s philosophy or earning concerns can limit or prevent any overtime pay.

Finances : Personal Finance
What is Dollar Cost Averaging? - Jan 8, 2008 - 3:51:39 AM

Instead of trying to time the stock market, many individuals have setup an automatic investment program. In the investment world, this method is often called dollar cost averaging. The idea of dollar cost averaging is to buy the same stocks or mutual funds when the market is high and low, at specific intervals (i.e. on a monthly basis).

Finances : Personal Finance
Why to Exercise Spending Discretion in Front of Your Children? - Jan 3, 2008 - 4:18:32 PM

During our adults years, many of us will realize that our spending habits have been influenced by our parents. While most of us did not celebrate when our parents told us to put a toy back, we can now appreciate why our folks did not give us everything. Therefore, it is now our turn to show our children what it means to be fiscally responsible.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why Financial Planning is a Life Journey? - Dec 24, 2007 - 8:56:20 PM

Financial planning should be a life long commitment. While many of us start the process after college, it is an important tool to combat money issues that can arise now and in the future.

Finances : Personal Finance
How to Save Money While at Work? - Dec 15, 2007 - 6:29:31 AM

If you have a job, you are already familiar with the power of your paycheck. This may be your only source of income to pay your bills and buy groceries. Therefore, you should be aware that your company wants you to give back some of your earnings by marketing breakfast, lunch and vending machines to you at work.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why to Keep Your Finances Separate in A Dating Relationship? - Dec 11, 2007 - 11:18:36 PM

Sometimes individuals get excited about a dating relationship. When this occurs, it is not uncommon for people to start a joint savings or checking account or move in with one another; however, this could be the beginning of financial worries.

Finances : Personal Finance
Save For More Than Just Retirement! - Dec 7, 2007 - 3:17:16 AM

Most people save for retirement, but there are short-term financial obligations that need to be considered. Whether you are thinking about buying a new house or that engagement ring within the next 18 months, you probably need a saving plan to accomplish either goal. While most financial planners may encourage riskier investments for long-term obligations, such as retirement or saving for a newborn‘s college fund, this is usually not the case for money that will be used within the next 24 months.

Finances : Personal Finance
Are You Obsessed With Money? - Dec 6, 2007 - 9:24:45 PM

If you cannot leave the office or need to look at your 401K and other investment accounts on a daily basis, you might be obsessed with money. While there are many books devoted to making or saving more money, there is little interest of talking about someone’s obsession with money.

Finances : Personal Finance
Why You Should Be a Coupon Shopper? - Dec 6, 2007 - 3:03:22 AM

Practically all of us are shoppers. When we buy something from the store or fill up the tank at the gas pump, we are considered to be consumers of goods. While spending money might be necessary, you can spend less money for some goods with the use of coupons.

Finances : Personal Finance
Some Ways to Avoid Online Fraud! - Dec 5, 2007 - 3:44:28 AM

While the internet appears to be a safe place to be, there are many predators out there. From phony e-mails to websites that are not affiliated with banks and other Fortune 500 companies, you will need to be on guard at all times, while surfing the internet.