My husband and I are moving and we’ve been scouring Craigslist ads to buy our furniture. We currently live in a shack and are upgrading to a two-bedroom townhome, so we need items to fill up the space, but we’re still two newlyweds on a budget that don’t have a lot of money to splurge on high-end furniture.
Everything Finance Monthly Round Up – Who Will Be the Republican Candidate?
February 2nd, 2012 
Melissa BataiThe American political scene is heating up. With a different winner in each of the first three presidential primaries, the Republican candidacy is still up for debate, though clearly Obama believes it will be Mitt Romney. Within the next few weeks, the front runner should be clearly identified, and then the long battle to get to the White House, or in Obama’s case, to keep his position in the White House, will begin.
Job Hunting? You May Be Able to Get a Tax Deduction
February 1st, 2012 Melissa BataiIn this economy, many people are job searching, which can be expensive. Between paying for resume quality paper, mailing out resumes and traveling to interviews, the search for a job can cost you quite a bit during a time when you can least afford it. Whether you have been laid off or are simply looking for a new job, if you have job-search related expenses, you may be able to qualify for a tax deduction. (Just make sure you keep those receipts!) However, make sure you meet the requirements first.
Can You Live a Cash Only Life?
January 31st, 2012 Suzanne CramerThis may sound like a silly question but credit card companies would lead you to believe it is not possible to live a cash only life. Their marketing teams push hard to make us believe life without a credit card is just not possible.
Those of us that have been in debt or are struggling to get out know that credit cards are not all they are cracked up to be.
Think Before You Invest: What Are You Comfortable With?
January 30th, 2012 Tushar MathurInvesting in and for your future is a smart move. But there are so many different types of investments that it doesn’t pay to dive headlong into the first one you come across.
It’s great to feel eager about investing your money. Maybe you’ve finally gotten around to setting a budget, trimming your outgoings and making sure you’ve got some cash left to invest at the end of each month.
Top Five Money Saving Appliances and How to Afford Them – Part 2
January 29th, 2012 Ashley EnerizTwo weeks ago, I shared two of my personal favorite money saving appliances – the crockpot and an upright freezer. It is no secret that cooking at home makes you feel healthier and saves money. With the right money saving appliances, cooking at home can be easier and less time consuming.
What Should You Do If Your Identity Is Stolen?
January 27th, 2012 Tushar MathurEach year, hundreds of thousands of Americans fall victim to identity theft. While incredible advances in technology have changed the way that we do everything from shopping to catching up with friends, they have also exposed us to new security threats.
If you find yourself a victim of identity theft, here are some steps you should take immediately to lessen the impact that it has on your financial and personal life:
Contact all three major credit bureaus -
Equifax – 800.525.6285
Experian – 888.397.3742
TransUnion – 800.680.7289
Report that your identity has been stolen and request that each credit bureau place a fraud alert on your credit report.
Itemized Deductions vs. Standard Deduction
January 26th, 2012 ErikaHow do I decide which tax form to file? Whichever one leaves me with the most money in my pocket, obviously.
But how do I decide which tax form will give me the most money? Apparently, it all comes down to deductions. As a young married couple of two, do we file the standard deduction of $11,600 for a married couple filing jointly?
College Credits and Deductions Available When Filing Your Taxes
January 25th, 2012 Melissa BataiIf your child is currently in college, you may be able to receive several credits on your tax return. Two of the most common are the American Opportunity Credit (formerly the Hope Credit) and Lifetime Learning Credit. In addition, if your child has recently graduated from college and is paying back student loans, the interest is also deductible.
Advance in the Career that you Enjoy
January 24th, 2012 Tushar MathurToday many men and women feel the pressure to financially provide for their family. This unreliable economy only makes matters worse. With unemployment at record highs, employees are susceptible to feeling pressure to perform in their career. One small mistake at their job can quickly lead to unemployment.
Guaranteed Life Insurance
January 21st, 2012 Tushar MathurLife insurance is a very important matter to consider but also one that most people do not like to think about. A recent study showed that nearly 1/3 of all U.S. households had no life insurance whatsoever. To make matters worse, the ones that did have life insurance, didn’t have nearly enough.
Investment in gold and other precious metals is gaining popularity
January 20th, 2012 Tushar MathurBonds and stocks were considered to be a reliable method of investment since the past several years, but the recent economic uncertainty has caused a lot of investors to reconsider their investment plans. Even though some people consider that bonds and stocks might still be a better option to invest in, because of the consistent return on investment in the form of dividends etc, you might want to consider new forms of investments and re-plan your investment strategy.
How to manage money in a marriage
January 19th, 2012 ErikaManaging finances in a marriage can be difficult, especially when one partner is a saver and the other is a spender. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, though, the old adage “opposites attract” has some truth to it.
Individuals seek partners who complement the attributes they lack in, which is why it is not uncommon to see an outgoing personality coupled up with a more serious partner.
Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance
January 18th, 2012 Tushar MathurThis article deals with Home owner’s insurance. I have recently bought a house so this one “really hits close to home”, if you know what I mean:) GoodHouseKeeping had these easy ways.
Shop around While automobile insurance rates are expected to go down this year, homeowner policies will likely go up (by about 4 percent).
Save Money on Auto Insurance
January 18th, 2012 Tushar MathurDo you wish you could squeeze extra savings from your budget-without making any big sacrifices? Here’s an idea you may not have thought of: Slash the premiums you pay to insure your home. Rates have risen so sharply in recent years that it may seem impossible to cut these back.
How to Claim the Adoption Tax Credit
January 18th, 2012 Melissa BataiDid you adopt a child in 2011? If so, you know how expensive and time consuming the entire adoption process can be. However, to offset some of the costs, you are eligible for the adoption tax credit, which was to be phased out in 2010 but has now been expanded and extended thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
