The folks over at askthemoneycoach.com outline five ways you can guard your assets while traveling during the holiday season. First, have a game plan for emergencies. Write down important information that you might need if you lost your wallet, pocketbook or passport and secret it away in a safe place. Online resources are available for… Continue reading Five Tips to Protect Your Money While Traveling During the Holidays
Category: Money Behaviors
Frugal Doesn’t Mean ‘Deprived’
Donna Freedman started her writing career with an article called “Surviving (and Thriving) on $12,000 a Year.” It got a lot of negative reaction from readers on MSN Money. People considered it hardship or deprivation to live on such a meager amount of money. Ms. Freedman, however, looked at things in a different manner. She… Continue reading Frugal Doesn’t Mean ‘Deprived’
The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living
This article gives 50 tips for frugal living, all helpful suggestions to help control your finances, with the top 20 listed here to get you started. Go with one car. Go with a smaller house. Go with a smaller car. Rent rather than own. Look for used first. Eat out less often. Eat out frugally.… Continue reading The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living
Credit Card vs. Debit Card: When is it Best to Use Either One
There are certain situations when using a credit card is preferred over using a debit card for expenses. For instance, when renting a car use the credit card and avoid lowering your credit score. When buying online, the credit card offers more protection against ID theft, damaged goods, or unfilled orders. Low-cost meals are best… Continue reading Credit Card vs. Debit Card: When is it Best to Use Either One
The Conversation You’re Not Having, but Should Probably Start
Alarming statistics include the fact that 50 percent of Americans have less than a month’s worth of savings for emergencies. One in four of us have no savings whatsoever. More than half of us have no budget. Credit card debt averages $15,000. That is the tip of the fiscal iceberg. While this debt looms, no… Continue reading The Conversation You’re Not Having, but Should Probably Start
How to Budget: Avoiding Retail Therapy
In these times of economic downturn, it is crucial that people take control of their finances. In every adversity are the seeds of equal or greater benefit, and that includes the current economic climate. Let the uncertain times be a motivator for you to think seriously about taking control of your spending and your life.… Continue reading How to Budget: Avoiding Retail Therapy
Thriving During Buy Nothing New Month
October is Buy Nothing New Month (BNNM). Who knew? It was started three years ago inMelbourne,Australia. The organizers of BNNM ask consumers to think about the origin of the things we buy. When you see an incredibly cheap tee-shirt, ask yourself what the real cost might be in terms of human suffering or environmental destruction.… Continue reading Thriving During Buy Nothing New Month
Shopaholic: Seven Signs You’re Addicted To Shopping
When purchases go from impulsive to compulsive, you may have a serious problem with shopping addiction. There are seven signs that you are addicted to shopping as enumerated by Renee Morad from MoneyTalkNews: 1) You have many unopened or tagged items in your closet. 2) You often purchase things you don’t need or didn’t plan… Continue reading Shopaholic: Seven Signs You’re Addicted To Shopping
Compulsive Shopping: The Applauded Addiction
Madame Bovary, in Gustave Flaubert’s first novel, was imprisoned in a gilded cage. In order to escape her prison, she indulged in living beyond her means. She moved on to adulterous affairs and, after driving her family into the poor house, she committed suicide in shame. This serves as a cautionary tale to women crowding… Continue reading Compulsive Shopping: The Applauded Addiction
Six Traits of Financially Smart Women
Women with fiscal acumen have several traits in common. First, they abide by a realistic budget and regularly save money toward a predetermined goal. They know the difference between returns on various savings’ programs. These women often have a financial planner or accountant. They are not hooked on credit cards. In fact, they may rarely… Continue reading Six Traits of Financially Smart Women