Weekly Savings Tip: November 9, 2009

Smart Use of Credit Cards

As the country begins to recover from the recession, retails sales are improving and, along with them, credit card use is on the rise, according to MasterCard Advisors. As the holiday shopping season begins, keep the following in mind when applying for or using a credit card:

• Most credit cards offer rewards, such as airline tickets, cash back, car insurance or other incentives. Paying off your monthly balance to avoid interest will allow you to fully reap the benefits of the card.

• Credit card applications may often contain low interest rates to attract customers. Before you sign, research varying interest rates, minimum payment requirements, grace periods, annual fees and credit limits.

• Understand the impact that cancelling a credit card will have on your credit score. If the card is one that you've had for awhile and consistently paid off, it could negatively affect your credit rating.

• Using credit card pay off calculators will help you realize what it will take to pay off your balance, and what personal spending habits you can change to meet your repayment goals.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips!

Weekly Savings Tip: October 5, 2009

Calculate How Much You’re Worth

Do you know how much you'll be worth when retirement comes? A recent Gallup Poll revealed that 52 percent of Americans are worried they won’t have enough money to live comfortably once they retire. Use this Retirement Estimator Calculator to determine your Social Security earnings and help plan for the future.

Additionally, non-retirees expect to rely on several income sources in retirement. For more information on these income sources, click the links below:

Social Security
Stocks or mutual fund investments
Savings accounts or CDs
401(k) or other retirement accounts
Annuities or insurance plans
Home equity
Pension plans

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips!

Weekly Savings Tip: September 28, 2009

Credit cards can help build a good credit history but improper use can be disastrous. Being knowledgeable and reading the fine print may save you money and prevent unnecessary charges. If you have one or more credit cards, consider the following tips:

• Credit card applications may offer low interest rates to attract customers. Before you sign, research the card’s varying interest rates, minimum payment requirements, grace periods, annual fees and credit limits before you
open a new account.

• Make payments on time to avoid possible automatic rate increases and other credit card pitfalls.

• Pay off your monthly balance to avoid interest and to fully reap the benefits or rewards your card may come with (cash back, frequent flier miles, etc.).

• Understand the effect that cancelling a credit card will have on your credit score. If the card is one that you've had for awhile and consistently paid off, it could negatively affect your credit rating.

• Credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to “opt-out” of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for more information.

Read more on paying off credit card debt.

Weekly Savings Tip: September 21, 2009

Fall Saving Strategies

As the summer months wane and the chilly weather of fall begins, consider doing some upkeep on your home in order to save on energy costs. Here are some simple ways to ensure that your house and wallet are properly insulated:

• Clean or replace your furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters can block warm air from the furnace and make it operate less efficiently, costing you money.

• Lower your thermostat 5 to 7 degrees at night. Your energy savings will increase as much as 3-5 percent for every degree the thermostat is below 68.

• Keep your shades and curtains open during the day to let in sunlight and warmth. Close them at night to retain heat.

• Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all exterior
doors and windows.

Learn more fall savings tips.

Have any other green ideas that will help you save this season? Register on www.FeedthePig.org to post your comments on the message boards!

Bridal Brunch: September 13, 2009

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of enjoying brunch with one of my bridesmaids and a couple of coworkers. Since we don't live close to either of our families, I won't have a traditional bridal shower, but I thought it was awesome of my coworkers to celebrate us!


Mimosas, waffles, omelets, crab legs, and shrimp - YUM! And don't forget CAKE!

Our hostesses and ushers are an extra-special part/addition to our day. They will be :uber: important in making sure our guests are comfortable and everyone is happy at the reception. They will be wearing the wedding colors so that they stand out, and we've decided on this
and this for the guys (with black slacks and black shirts):

Weekly Savings Tip: September 14, 2009

End-of-Life PlanLife can change quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Decision-making during these stressful and vulnerable times can be difficult and the results can often have far–reaching consequences. The key is knowing the issues and having a plan in place before the unexpected happens.
Whether you are currently dealing with the loss of a loved one, caring for an aging parent, or own a business or have children and need to be ready for the future, a new free resource, A Guide to Financial Decisions: Implementing an End-of-Life Plan, will identify many of the issues, decisions and programs of which you should be aware, such as:- Guardianship for Minor Children: Choosing the person who will care for your child if you are unable to do so is a critical decision for all parents. Learn why it’s important to name a guardian in a legally executed will or trust so that your children are cared for by the person you designate.- Titles: Choosing the person to be the listed owner, or “title holder,” to your various assets, such as your home and financial accounts, is an important decision. Learn more about the steps to take to ensure that your wishes are known and respected.- Life Insurance: One of the most common reasons for buying life insurance is to replace the loss of income that would occur in the event of your death. Learn about the common types of life insurance policies to ensure there are funds available to support your family in the case of your untimely death.This guide, developed by certified public accountants, is the result of a vision brought to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants by Hospice of Michigan and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.
For more information, visit the 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy Web site.Visit http://click.bsftransmit1.com/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=lOq6Zi%2bzrWLqi1JWXun6Jc8No6wyvjR7QQxjXtqXYuE%3d&digest=P3VNOIwDruOLOUTSdVW0%2bg for more money-saving tips!