Weekly Savings Tip: February 22, 2010

How the CARD Act May Impact You

The CARD Act, signed into law last May, goes into effect today. Among other items, the new act will eliminate double-cycle billing, arbitrary rate increases and hefty fees for exceeding your credit limit. While many of these changes are positive, always read the fine print and be aware of credit card traps. Here is a brief summary of some of the changes the CARD Act will bring.
• In an effort to counteract the lost revenue credit card issuers may see due to the CARD Act, banks and other card issuers may begin implementing new fees or raising existing ones. Because the new law does not restrict the types of fees issuers can introduce, be sure you know exactly what you're being charged for.
• Credit card companies may begin placing restrictions on reward programs if you make late payments. To help avoid this situation, be sure to make your payments on time and read all notices sent by your credit card company, including those regarding changes to their rewards program.
• One of the primary benefits the CARD Act brings are a series of limits on how and when credit card companies can set interest rates. Previously, issuers could raise your interest rate just for missing a single payment without giving much notice. The CARD Act states that consumers must be alerted 45 days in advance before raising their rates.
T

his is America Saves Week (February 21-28)! Take time this week to assess your savings by taking action and developing a plan to improve your personal savings. The America Saves Web site is an excellent resource for additional tips and advice to help you set aside more.

Also take this quiz to test your current financial literacy IQ while learning savvy saving tactics.Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.

Our Wedding: The Bridal Party Processional

And here they are...

My dear friend and sorority sister that also happens to be a coworker...

Our Godson's father and dear friend...

My legal guru, friend, and sorority sister...she happened to be present the day that Mr. CB and I reconnected...

Mr. CB's younger brother (definitely can't call him the "little" brother)

My sorority sister/ex-roommate/friend/partner in crime/the list goes on and on and on...

Mr. CB's cousin and fraternity brother

Mr. CB's cousin and friend that I have grown to love dearly...

Mr. CB's friend and college homie

My cousin

My BFF (before Mr. CB, of course) and former classmate. He was present when Mr. CB and I met for the first time and they have grown to be great friends, too.

My Matron of Honor and dear friend - mother of our Godson, sorority sister/former classmate/shopping buddy/homie...one of my dearest friends on Earth...

Our (my) beautiful niece - I hope her Daddy is getting his target practice in!

Our (my) handsome nephew...Here Comes the Bride!

And our (my) other handsome nephew...LAST CHANCE! Sidenote, these banners were definitely a labor of love. Add the amount of time and effort that it took plus hiding them from Mr. CB and it equals a PITA! I wouldn't have traded it for anything, LOL!

For some reason, I lurve this shot!

Can you guess who he's waiting for? ;)

Ciao Bella,

Weekly Savings Tip: February 15, 2010

Online Bill Pay

The internet has given us many modern conveniences, including online bill pay. Paying bills online can save you the effort of writing checks and stuffing envelopes, and ensure that your bills are always paid on time. Unsure if your bank offers online bill pay? Speak to your bank about available options and if any fees are involved.

Here are some advantages to online bill pay.

• Many banks have a database of companies to choose from when setting up your online bill pay, making the setup process easier. Additionally, you only need to enter a company's information once and it will be saved to your account, as opposed to manually writing checks for each bill.

• Avoid late fees and processing fees by setting up automatic payments. If you know your bill will be the same amount each month, taking advantage of automatic electronic payments will give you one less thing to worry about.

• Paying your bills online reduces the chance for human error and conveniently groups all your bills into a single location, giving you control over every aspect of your bill paying process. Just a few clicks and you're good to go!

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

Giveaway Alert

Bianca over at Deals for the Short and Curvy is hosting a giveaway in honor of her one year blogaversary. How generous is that?!?!?!?!?

To celebrate, she's giving away this beauty



It's called the "Inspire" Pendant. Check her out!

Our Wedding: The Family Processional

Our ceremony was near and dear to both of us - but especially me. Because we were married in my hometown, my family has some history with the church that we married in.

Here are a few pictures

The aisle

Our Hostesses

The Musician

Mr. CB entering the ceremony with our officiants

This is one of those sentimental parts of our ceremony. The first officiant is my Uncle - my Father's older brother. The second is my first cousin - also on my Father's side of the family. My cousin had been recently ordained, and we were his very first wedding!

My brother and his beautiful wife

Father of the Groom

Beautiful Mother of the Groom

My Grammy

Isn't she jazzy???

Sister of the Groom and her hubby

I know I may be slightly partial, but I think we have some good-lookin family! :)

Weekly Savings Tip: February 8, 2010

Creative Ideas to Save on Your Wedding

Your wedding may be a year or more away but you're probably already aware that the big day can be expensive. Use the months leading up to the big day to budget and plan. Here are some tips to help ensure that money is the last thing on your mind
when you say "I do."

• Date: If you avoid planning your wedding on a Saturday, or during the months of June and August, vendors may be more accessible, and less expensive. Also keep in mind that brunch and lunch are less expensive than dinner.

• Spirits: Alcoholic beverages dramatically increase the cost of any event. One money saving idea would be to hold the wedding earlier in the day. Another option would be to only offer wine and champagne.

• Location: Consider free locations to host your wedding, such as your home, a friend's home or a park. Additionally, your church or synagogue will likely be less expensive than commercial venues. Having the freedom to choose your own caterer or bring your own beverages can also be a great cost saver.

• Decorations: When it comes to the flowers and decorations, keep it simple! Try your local farmer's market, where you can choose from a wide variety of flowers that are grown locally and in season. Also consider working with local florists' programs at technical colleges or high schools to make your wedding a final project for a student.

• Invitations: Discount warehouses or online stationery stores may be an inexpensive option, since you generally get the same quality in exchange for a smaller selection. Or try getting a simple printed card and adding your own creative details.

Remember that the wedding only marks the beginning of a partnership that extends to your finances! Read more financial tips on Couples & Marriage.

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

Our Pre-Baby Bucket List

It seems that since the wedding, EVERYONE has been baby-crazed. Not saying that we don't want children, but there are a few other things we would like to be able to do before our lives are turned upside down as well as preparing for any new additions. We also understand that the timing is ultimately left in God's hands, but we can do our best to be as prepared as possible.

Some things are just to secure more financial comfort...some things are just pure fun!

Without further adieu, here's our pre-baby bucket list...

Eliminate the PMI on our home (in progress)
Build the Emergency Fund (in progress)
Invest said fund (in progress)
Baby fund (in progress)
Find a church home (in progress)
Life Insurance (check!)
Have a budget (check!)
Reassess Insurance (check!)
Get involved in community/volunteer work (in progress)
Get Disability Insurance
Exercise regularly (Me)
Have a Cinco de Mayo Party
Declutter our home (in progress)
Decorate our Home (in progress)
Attend the Essence Festival in New Orleans
Attend Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards
Attend a live Tyler Perry/Madea play
Visit Chicago
Participate in a Christian Couples’ Book Club (in progress)
Complete our wedding shadow box
Weekly Date Nights (in progress)
Visit Disney World
Treat our Parents to a really nice vacation (or something similar)
Pay off all credit card debt (in progress)
Visit a vineyard for wine tasting
Sleep in on weekends
Take up a hobby, as a couple


For now, I'll just enjoy being a DINK ;)

Do you have any types of bucket lists?