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!

Our Photo Guestbook

Can you believe I ordered this from Picaboo (half off) on 09/08...and UPS dropped it off on 09/10?!?!?!? Can we say unbelievable service??

Great quality. Here are a couple of the pages. I'll have black, pink, and metallic gold pens for guests to sign.

(Excuse the crappy Blackberry pics).

EDIT: I hopped on over to Michaels (armed with a 40% off coupon) and grabbed some metallic-y writing scrapbooking markers and it's done!

YAY for checks!

Weekly Savings Tip: September 9, 2009

Annuities as an Investment Option

Your retirement may be decades away but it’s important to start saving and investing now. Consider annuities, a retirement funding strategy that was often neglected in the face of a boom economy. Now, however, the stability of an annuity often looks just as appealing as other retirement funding options. Here are some basic facts to help you decide whether an annuity might be right for you:

- An annuity is a tax-deferred investment contract. You invest your money (either a lump sum or a series of contributions) with a company that sells annuities, such as life insurance and mutual fund companies and banks. In exchange for your investment, the annuity issuer promises to make payments to you or a named beneficiary at certain points in the future.

- Rates of return and costs can vary widely between different annuities, so shop around! You'll also want to shop around for a reputable, financially sound annuity issuer. There are firms that make a business of rating insurance companies based on their financial strength, investment performance, and other factors.

- Payout options, also known as annuitization options, differ based on how you’ve elected to spread payments over the coming years. The amount of each payment depends on such factors as the amount of your principal investment, the particular type of annuity, the length of the payout period and your age if you elect for
lifetime payments.

Annuities may be a good option to explore if you’re looking for investment options outside the stock market. As with any investment, remember to research and educate yourself before making any decisions. For more information visit the Retirement Planning section of the 360 Financial Literacy website.

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