Keeping Emergency Money On HandA way to save money is to hide a certain amount. If you need it, take 1/2 of the money out and always put back what you borrowed.
"Pay As You Go" Cellphone Plans?If you are thinking about buying a cellphone but don't want to sign up for a 1 or 2 year contract, pay as you go cellphones plans are a great option. You can buy a reasonably nice cellphone for as little $30.00 to $60.00. The phones come with a small amount of minutes, when those run out, you buy a card to reload the phone with more.
Keep the Change Account at Bank of AmericaFor those of you that already bank at Bank of America this is great, others may want to open an account to take advantage of this one! There is a new saving aid called keep the change...
Fraudulent Home Foreclosure Site?My niece paid for a subscription to a home foreclosure site. The homes listed were already sold, some as long as 12 months a go. The site gives you the address of the foreclosure and the name of the realtor handling it. We drove past the addresses and they were all occupied.
Year End Budget AnalysisEven if you didn't save all your receipts from last year, you still can analyze your expenses and use that information to help save money next year. For example, did you buy a latte every day before work? The average latte costs about three dollars. That works out to $15 per week for a grand total of $780 a year.
Have Fast Should You Repay a Home You Plan To Sell Soon?I'm a college student who is planning on buying my first home within the next few years. I'm almost certain that this will be a starter home that I will need to resell in a matter of years. I prefer loans that have no penalty for paying more each month, but since I won't be paying the mortgage in full, is it recommended to pay as much as I can before I sell or would that be wasting my money?
Saving Money on a Cellphone?Tips for saving money on a cellphone. Post your ideas.
Debt Crash Diet: A Giant Step Toward a Different LifeShaunta Alburger has agreed to write articles for ThriftyFun. This is Part 1 of a 4 part series she has written about her plan to go on a Debt Crash Diet in 2006.
Debt Crash Diet: Plan WellPre-teens are notorious drama queens. (The girls and the boys equally!) There is no easy way to tell them things are going to change drastically. Giving them a couple of months heads up helps.
Debt Crash Diet: Earn MoreIn order to meet our goal of paying off nearly $20,000 in debt and saving $12,000 in 2006, it was clear that we would have to earn more money.
Debt Crash Diet: Spend LessIn the book Your Money or Your Life, author Joe Dominguez makes the point that money is really an exchange for your life force. Every dime spent, represents the time and energy you spent earning it.
Posting an Online Auction on Ebay?I want to sell some old jewellery on Ebay and did a search but was overwhelmed by the thousands of choices. Does anyone know a really great and concise website that helps you set up an online auction?
Why Is My $20 Bill Only Worth $5 Bucks?With a $1000.00 balance on your card and $20.00 minimum payment due ($15.00 will be for interest. Only $5.00 will be for the principal to actually pay down the balance. Your new balance is $995.00. Yep! You paid $20.00, but it was only worth $5.00
Making a Money MapAt the end of the month, you'll have a money map. You'll know how much you're spending, and on what. And then you'll be able to make some changes (and perhaps even spare your "special Coffee Drinks").
Saving Money - Delay BuyingIf you want something put it on a list and wait a month. If it is still on the list budget for this item and get it!
Dealing With High Energy Costs?How is everyone dealing with gas bills this winter as well as those other utilities? I work a part time job which is all I can find in my area this time of year. Any advice would be appreciated because I am drowning.
How Can I Join a Cash and Carry?Is there any way a member of the public (me) who is not in retail trade can join a "cash and carry" outlet to obtain a card to purchase in bulk and take advantage of reduce prices offered to traders? Bit of a cheek I know... but hey! My nearest city is Glasgow, UK and Im currently researching where these trade outlets are. Any advice would be appreciated.
Apartment LivingIf you are able to choose, (and physically able) get an apartment higher than the main floor. This works well for me for two reasons. 1) I have barely had to turn up my heat this winter, my thermostat is set at 50 and my home is usually over 70...
Job Ideas for an Outgoing Person?My son is working in heating and air, and is not really happy with that choice of occupations. He is a very outgoing type of person, and anytime he has ever taken an aptitude test, it always suggests sales. Does anyone have suggestions for him as to what he can do with that kind of personality and people skills? Any brainstorm ideas would help and be of interest.
Too Many Bills to Pay?I have gotten myself in a bind and don't know how to get out. I owe a lot of money for my property tax. I also owe lots of other little bills that add up to big bill. Does any body have any recommendations, insights, etc.?
Paying Off Debt With My Retirement?I need advice on paying off debt. I thought that I might use some of my retirement that has built up to pay off some of the high interest bills I have. I am 30 and my husband is 26. I know it's not the best idea to do that, but I'm not sure why. Since we're still young, maybe we can still build it all back up?
Low Interest Credit Card CautionsCredit card companies are not altruistic in any way. I carry a balance with 0% interest. They sent me checks to buy items or to transfer other balances at 3.99%. On the surface this seems like a good deal but then I read a contract they provided.
Our Energy Bill Keeps Going Up?I am wondering if you all can help me pinpoint where our electricity is going. Starting approximately in November our electric bill began going sky high. We hadn't changed any of our habits that we could think of, yet our KW per hour usage started to go up. We don't watch much TV and our computers had both bit the dust so we weren't spending time on them.
Buying Used RefrigeratorsI have had good luck with buying used refrigerators, but an apartment manager I knew gave me a good tip. When you buy a used refrigerator, "Torture" it during the time period of the month or so warranty you have.
Website With Grocery Store Prices?I have heard that there are websites where you can compare prices for supermarket goods. Specifically, it allows you to see where the lowest prices for each product is in your neighborhood. Then you can go to that store to buy something such as cheese or meat and get the best price possible. Has anyone else found out about this?
Before Purchasing a Cell Phone PlanBefore purchasing or renewing your cell phone plans, ask around and find out what your friends and family are using. Some cell phone carriers allow you call people on their network for free which can dramatically reduce the number of minutes you need each month.
Shred Credit Card OffersIdentity theft is on the rise. Purchase an inexpensive paper shredder and you could save yourself a lifetime of headaches and a lot of money in the long run.
Loans and Credit Cards for People With Bad Credit?I am looking for loans or credit cards for people with bad credit.
When Can I Draw From My IRA?I am 60 years old. Will I able to withdraw funds from my IRA account? What is the minimum I may withdraw annually?
How I Went Broke Saving MoneyI haven't used more than five coupons at the grocery store in the past month, and I don't remember picking up more than a handful of items on sale. I don't "shop around" anymore, and I refuse to "stock up."
Direct Deposit of PaychecksMy husband and I have started having his paycheck directly deposited into our bank account. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most important is that if the check is direct deposited, we are less subject to forgery and identity theft.
Improving Your FICO Score?Could you post some tips about how I can improve my FICO score?
Lists for the RefrigeratorIf you get a small notebook and glue some magnets to the back, you can keep it on your refrigerator.
Window ShoppingWindow shopping can be fun and useful - I went to an upscale craft fair over the weekend and saw several things at much higher prices which I had gotten for much less.
Keeping Savings Safe From Creditors?Where can I place savings that are safe from creditors?
A Healthier Approach to Medical CostsNobody enjoys the hassle of medical insurance and its paperwork, claims, and denials, yet it's one of those things that one appreciates most when it isn't there. There are ways to save money on those parts of the claims that aren't paid, however.
Student Loan Consolidation Scam?I had a substantial amount in student loans, but upon graduation I could not find a job and another one was too low to even cover my expenses. 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to pay back some of the loans and contacted the servicing agent that was on my credit report, and settled out with hemar, the servicing agency.
"Credit" on eBayIf you're an eBay user, this might be a helpful tip. I used to buy things on eBay only occasionally, but after my son was born a few years ago, I started to buy more, usually for him. I also started selling things around my house that I no longer use, and stumbled upon a great thing--my own "free credit" on eBay! . . .
Buying a Manufactured Home?We have interest in buying a mobile home, or a manufactured home, and live in a mobile home park permanently. The homes we have looked at are very nice as are the various parks. Can anyone give me their opinion on what to look for in a home or a park? What should we ask before we move in to a park? Is there a particular manufacturer of these homes that are better quality that others?
Sending Complements to Manufacturersfound that if you write to manufacturers of toiletries and tell them that you enjoy their product, they will often send out coupons for those products for free...
Don't Buy Items Under StressDon't buy items when you are stressed out or anxious. Always be prepared to leave a store or a car lot if you don't feel comfortable with your purchase. Most items can be returned, no questions asked, within the first month of purchase if they are unopened.
Auto Insurance Discount for Homeschooled TeensWe learned that adding our 16 year old to our auto policies was going to really hike up the price. I'd heard about good student discounts but since we homeschool, we weren't sure they would work with us...
DIY TaxesOne of the primary rules of being frugal is TRY TO DO IT YOURSELF FIRST. I just finished doing my own taxes with the help of a J.K. Lasser book. Not only does it give me a MUCH better idea of my finances...
Doing It the eBay WayThere is something to be said for the lure of on-line auctions. While as a consumer it offers a look across the world at what sellers have to offer, it also provides a seller with opportunities once unavailable.
Reducing My Utility Bills?Our utility bills were hiked at the beginning of the new year and nearly 6 months into it I'm still not used to it. I'm looking for your help on how we can reduce our utility bills as I've tried everything I can think of!
Using 0% Credit Cards To Pay Off Other Loans?Has anyone tried this? I am thinking of using one of my credit card offers of 0% for 15 months (though I plan on paying it off in 12 months) in order to put $15,000 down toward a HELOC loan currently at almost 7% interest.
"Debt into Wealth" Reviews?I'm wondering if any of you have tried the "Debt into Wealth" course that is offered online by Greg Moore. He claims that he can have you debt free in 5-7 years, including your mortgage.
Transportation Problems?I am a single parent and I only get paid at the end of every month. Like all parents, I have my child involved in an extracurricular activity. I cannot make it with one paycheck each month. I thank God for my transportation, however, I am putting oil in the car at least twice or three times a week and that takes money.
Tips for Shopping at Outlet Malls?Tips for Shopping at Outlet Malls. I am planning my first "Outlet Mall" excursion for this next month, for school shopping and for supplementing my little one's hand-me-down wardrobe. What is the best time of month to go to these stores?
Saving and Investing Money?Tips for Saving and Investing Money. I am looking for tips on how to save money and invest it?
Shop At Stores That Save You MoneyIt's true that while one store may save a shopper money on shampoo another store will do that same for grapes. Yet, traveling to these different stores to save pennies here and there often isn't worth the gas it takes, especially with today's gas prices.
Saving on Professional Services from SchoolsJust got a great haircut at the Vidal Sassoon Academy for $20! (As they say, a $75-$100 value) - by an experienced cutter there to hone her skills. . .
Mystery Shopping Advice?Mystery Shopping Advice. I am interested in mystery shopping. Has anyone done this with any companies that don't charge a fee and are easy to deal with? I know there are a lot of these companies, but I also know you have to watch which one you deal with.
Can't Access Amazingrates.com?Does anyone know how to get access to www.amazingrates.com? This site has the most complete and helpful listing of CD rates and other banking information specific to one's own locality.
Is the Job of Direct Sales for You?Ultimately it was an act of timing. At a time in my career when I was being "downsized" and the looming dread of losing $15,000 of income a year was getting closer, I took on a job of direct sales.
Cutting Expenses?Tips for cutting expenses. This may be a strange request, but here goes. My son attends a very good college and we were fortunate to have most of it funded by scholarships, etc.
Having Fun Saving and Making Extra MoneyHaving Fun Saving Money. I'm a preschool teacher, but just started a month off of work without pay (we close in August for maintenance and teacher training).
Keeping Track Of Debit PurchasesKeeping Track Of Debit Purchases. I use my debit card for most purchases to save writing checks or carrying too much cash. . .
Credit Help in the Philippines?I am really broke and I owe so much money from creditors, please help me find feasible solutions as to how I can settle all my dues in time.
Faxing My Resume to EmployersI'm currently looking for a job and keep finding job postings that say FAX RESUME TO: and no other information. Does anyone know a way of tracing a fax number to its origin? I am nervous about sending my info without further information.
Keeping Credit Card Signatures LegibleKeeping Credit Card Signatures Legible. To keep your signature legible on the back of your credit or debit card, just cover it with a strip of cellophane tape.
Cash for CraftsWe are pleased to announce a new program we are starting to help build the Craft Projects section on ThriftyFun. If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.
Stopping Prescreened Credit Card OffersYou can choose to stop receiving 'prescreened' offers of credit from credit and insurance companies by calling this number. I did it and stopped the offers for 5 years for my husband and I.
Explaining a Gap in My Resume?I am going back to work after an 8 year gap of staying at home. I was at home caring for a family member. I worked as receptionist, office manager and have used switchboards. What I need is advice on what to say during interview for the gap in employment.
The Dangers of Co-SigningThe chances are that someone will ask you to co-sign for a loan at some point. With a co-signer, a person with no credit or bad credit can qualify for a loan that they wouldn't ordinarily be able to get.
Look at the Dollar a DayFace it, budgeting is hard. Sometimes what makes it so difficult is the "big picture." Paying $50 a month for something doesn't seem so bad until you realize how many things cost $50 a month. Now the $50 turned itself into $250 a month.
UK Bankruptcy Advice?If I declare bankrupt will my house get taken off me if the house is in joint names?
Applying for a Job at Lowe'sCan you fill out application online for job at Lowe's?
Bank of America: Keep the Change Reviews?Bank of America's Keep the Change program is now available in my state. Has anyone used this? What do you think?
Dealing With an Unexpected Job Loss?My husband just lost his job unexpectedly. I work part-time, and we have a 3 year old son. I'm looking for any tips from others who have been through a job loss. Does anyone have any feedback on what you did day-to-day (financially) to help you get through until starting a new job?
Jobs in New Port Richey, Florida?I am looking for advice about getting a job in New Port Richey, Florida.
Tax Receipts for Thrift Store Donations?The sales person who gave me a receipt for donation in the thrift shop refused to put an amount on it if it worth less than $500. Now I have 3 receipts which indicate only number of shopping bags.
How do I set up a budget?How do I set up a budget? I work in construction so there is no set amount I make each week. I have tried the Microsoft Money and a couple others but usually run out of time during the week to enter all the information in.
Getting a Better Credit Card?Getting a Better Credit Card. How do I get a high limit card to transfer a high balance? I have a Credit Card that's killing me in interest but my credit rating is too low to get much in a new credit card.
Keep Getting The Paper StatementsKeep Getting The Paper Statements. Online bill pay is a good idea. But it is also a good idea to keep getting the paper statements too. You can do one of two things with them. Watch the balances disappear as you pay them on time.
Online Credit Cards?Online Credit Cards. I saw an article in the paper about using private on-line credit cards when purchasing on-line. They are impossible for thieves to steal any info.
Do I Count a Gift as Income on Taxes?Do I Count a Gift as Income on Taxes? This question is for those of you with any tax knowledge. My husband's and my income for our family of 4 is such that we usually receive a tax refund of all taxes taken out of paychecks plus earned income credit.
Free Tax Guide For IndividualsAre you facing a lot of different tax questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place.
How much rent can I afford?I'm looking to move into a new apartment. The problem (aside from not knowing neighborhoods and wanting to get a dog), I'm not sure how to find out how much I can afford for rent. I've been told to take my either net or gross income for a month and subtract my bills, etc. for a month from it.
Tax Software Reviews?A lot of people are doing their taxes online or using tax software. What software do you use to do your taxes?
Can you live on less than £5 a day?Can you live on less than £5 a day?
Debt Reduction Companies in Iowa?I am wondering if anyone who lives in Iowa can recommend a good company for debt reduction, etc. What I am looking for is the type of company that takes credit card debt and other unsecured type debts and gets payments and interest lowered for its customers.
Health Insurance for the Self Employed?Does anyone know of a good carrier for self employed health insurance?
Saving Money Vs. Paying Down Debt?Does anyone have any advice about the virtues of paying off debt versus the benefit of having some cash on hand? For example, do you feel it's important to try to save money while you still have debt (especially credit card debt)?
Go On a Money DietOne thing we do when money is tight, say before pay day, is just go on a money diet and spend as little as humanly possible. It's a good habit to get into now and then, as it helps you curb the habit of spending just to amuse yourself!
Taxes on a Thrift Savings Plan?I'm a 100% disabled veteran and want to withdraw my thrift savings money from my government job that I'm now retired from. Do I have to give 20% to taxes or am i exempt? What should I do?
Jim Snyder - Saving You MoneyWe have a local news station here in So. Nevada that helps us save money in ALL areas of our lives. They have tips on how to take your mortgage payments from a 15-30 yr loan and have your house paid off in 5 years! How to save gas like UPS drivers :) Hint: making only right hand turns!
Getting Out of a Car Lease Early?We have outgrown a vehicle we had leased for 36 months. We found a replacement vehicle and are looking to get out of the lease 9 months early. We are very close the the mileage limit on the lease and did not want to pay penalties.
Statute of Limitations for Excise Taxes?Does anyone have an idea of the statute of limitations the department of revenue has on collecting excise taxes, or do the even have a limit on how far back they can go?
Suggestions For an HDTV for a Kitchen?My very old kitchen 13 1/2 inch TV set is doing a going...going... almost gone. Thought I'd replace it with a small size HDTV.
How Long To Keep Financial Records?How long do we have to keep records of PAID credit card bills, etc
Budgeting for a Family of 5?How much money is needed to feed a family of 5?
Cheap Long Distance Calls From Mexico?I need advice for making long distance calls cheaply while vacationing in Mexico.
Purchasing a Prefab House?I am thinking about purchasing a prefab house but I don't know much about them other than that they are less expensive than a traditional one. Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Keep Your Home Phone For EmergenciesI have a niece that her and her husband only have cell phones. Yet when they're both out (not together) and have their children being babysat, now what?
Legal Advice For Qualifying As Non Profit? I leave in San Antonio, TX and I have an incorporated, non-profit business and I want to apply for my 501(c)(3) which is tax deduct for donors. I need someone that knows what the government looks for to qualify non-profit business as "exempt". Can any one tell me of someone that can help with this issue.
Looking For Legitimate "Type-At-Home" Program?Has anyone joined a current "Type-At-Home" program that is legitimate? I'm thinking of joining at www.type-at-home.com. However, I would feel more comfortable if I heard from someone that has knowledge about how it works.
Question About Account Receipts?Instead of saving all my bill receipts, wouldn't it be easier to just save my account statements showing I paid the bill? Then I won't have much clutter of every bill statement? Any advice?
150+ First Time Home Buyer's Programs?Does anyone know of the site(s) that lists the 150+ First Time Home Buyer's Programs? I would greatly appreciate the info.
Creative Ways to Save Money?What creative ways do you save money?
Grants For Seniors To Buy a Home?I would like to buy a house for me and my husband where we can control the environment we live in. We need a grant to do so. Where do we go or how do we apply.
Help finding Vehicle Grant/Donation Organization?How can I find an organization that will help get a car for my daughter and grandkids?
Help Finding Legitimate Survey Websites?Any legitimate web sites to take surveys for gift certificates, free products, etc. without having to jump through hoops? I tried with Eversave and they always want money in order to receive any thing from the survey products!
Advice For Managing Budget With 2 Houses?Both my husband and I own separate homes. Mine was bought in 2003 for 62k @ 5.9% before we got married and his house was bought in 2006 one month before we got married for 161k @ 7.0%. What should we do since both houses are 30 yr mortgages and our combined income in 72k yearly. Any suggestions? Note: I recently invested a personal inheritance of 5k in Money market and Roth IRA. Was this wise?
Looking For Non-Profit Grants?We are looking for grants for non-profit 501c3.
My New Job Doesn't Offer a Retirement Plan?I have a 40000.00 in my 401k and my new job doesn't offer a retirement plan, what should i do?
Credit or Debit?With only a few exceptions, you are better off sticking with credit cards and using debit card only to get cash at ATMs
Do Disabilty Checks Need To Be Paid Back After Retirement?I have heard that if you receive disability checks BEFORE you reach retirement age, you have to pay that back AFTER you reach retirement age.
