How You Can Use Your 401K to Start a Business (Tax-Penalty Free) I am a business woman at heart. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. As a result, I am constantly thinking of businesses that may be helpful to the economy, community, or my family. Having started 4 businesses myself, I know the …
The Credit Game
Financial guru, Dave Ramsey, notes that the mortality rate for human beings is 100%. Death is what you might call an “unavoidable” inevitability. But thankfully, because we know our ultimate fate, we can plan for it and avoid problems that otherwise result from it. Often loved ones are left with a lot to handle: sadness, …
With credit card debt reaching historical highs, some debt experts are encouraging consumers to ditch the credit cards and just use cash. Credit card debt can be a vicious thing. Interest rates often run very high and compound, the credit card itself may have an annual fee, there may be late fees, deferred interest, etc. Yet credit …
Having out-of-control debt is a source of major stress and worry for many. Debt can start small and manageable, but often continues to escalate if not handled properly. Dealing properly with debt stress is important. Try the following: 1. Assess the scale of your debts. Part of the problem for many is not knowing precisely the extent …
Credit card fraud seems like it is rampant these days. It is wise to protect yourself from fraud in any way you can. I’ve had quite a few fraudulent charges on my cards throughout the years. That said, I have not had to pay for one fraudulent charge. I’ve been so happy with the service …
My mother has always been a great example of fiscal responsibility. She would often say, “Anita, control your money, don’t allow it to control you.” It reminds me a lot of the famous quote penned by P.T. Barnum, “Money is a terrible master, but an excellent servant.” My mom taught me by example this principle …
Recently, my brother in law’s boss called and asked him why he was filing for unemployment. Seeing as how he was at work that day, his boss was perplexed. My brother-in-law hadn’t filed for unemployment. To figure things out, my sister called the state department and found out that his identity had been stolen. She …
Did you know that many people are paying a monthly payment of anywhere between $50 – $400+ per month for insurance that doesn’t even benefit them? Yep, it’s called private mortgage insurance or PMI. This insurance benefits your lending institution if you default on your loan. If you have bought a home and put less …
Today I’m excited to share a get-out-of-debt-success-story with you. It’s actually the story of a life-long family friend, Stephen Gardner and his wife working together to do what many young families dream of: becoming debt free. Since we have been great friends for a long time, I was able to watch a few of the struggles and the …
It is often a good thing to take a look at a debt calculator to find the total Real Debt (debt+ interest) that you will pay and when you will have it paid off. If you use a tool like this you can determine the least expensive way (least amount of interest) you will …
Did you know that in order to own a cell phone you have to have a credit score (in almost all cases)? More often than not, you also have to have a credit score to rent an apartment, turn on utilities, get approved for a credit card, and sometimes to get insurance or even hired. A …