Archives

Cost of Cooking Meals vs. Eating Out

Food is a major expense in American households and eating habits can make a huge impact to your finances if you’re not careful. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that a family with four members could easily spend between $568 to $1,293 each month. Unfortunately, 25% of these purchases go to waste.

With food taking a major cut in your budget, it is important to carefully assess your eating habits and make adjustments in line with your financial goals.

Is cooking your meals or eating out cheaper?

There’s a never-ending debate about the cost of cooking your own meals versus eating out […] Read more

Finding the Best Travel Insurance for Your Upcoming Trip

More than 70 percent of Americans are planning long-distance getaways this year, almost 20 percent more than last year according to a recent survey. With economic conditions improving significantly and people’s disposable incomes returning to pre-recession statuses, the rise of the stay-cation is now dwindling.

Whether going on a cruise, flying to a tropical haven or escaping to a breathtaking mountain retreat, getting away from the chaos and hassle of everyday life is good for the body and soul. Of course, Murphy’s Law applies no matter how much you might need a vacation.

Unexpected mishaps could send stress levels through the roof […] Read more

Getting Your Tax Refunds

It takes a while for the IRS to credit funds to taxpayers after they submit their tax returns. Curious about what happens in that period? Read on to find out what happens to taxpayers’ tax returns before they receive their refunds.

How to Get Your Tax Refund FAST
The Steps

Whether they file using a tax rebate program like Turbotax or they head to an accountant for help, the first step after a taxpayer calls it a day and finishes his or her return is sent to the IRS, short for the Internal Revenue Service. It can be sent in either electronically or […] Read more

Best Savings Account and Rates Available Today

When consumers start savings accounts, they usually do so with the intention of putting away money for emergencies, meeting goals, or rainy days. It’s easier to do that when they open accounts at institutions that offer high interest rates. This article will look at some top-performing savings accounts in the U.S., offering information not just on APY but also on minimum account balances, fees, and more.

Keep in mind that it’s perfectly fine to use different banks and financial institutions for different purposes. Plenty of consumers have online savings accounts linked to regular checking accounts from other banks and many borrowers […] Read more

Find the Best Credit Card to Meet Your Financial Goals

Credit cards can be used as a key financial tool if they are used in a responsible manner. There is a myriad of credit cards to choose from, so it is beneficial to look at several options before submitting an application. Credit cards provide a great deal of convenience when making purchases. They also provide you with a reliable way to keep track of your spending habits. Credit cards can also be used as a low-cost loan when a purchase needs to be made and you don’t have the cash on hand at the time of the purchase.

Many credit cards […] Read more

How to Get Your Free Credit Report

Until relatively recently, people typically had no idea what their credit score was. They were also unclear about their credit history. With the widespread expansion of the Internet, obtaining one’s credit score for free has become very easy. Consumers who want their full credit report also can obtain this at no charge through the Internet, as well as by mail. Follow the strategy of your choice to acquire your free credit history and to monitor your score.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Free Credit Report
The Three Credit Bureaus

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three national reporting bureaus. Along with […] Read more

How Much House Can I Afford?

Owning a home is a dream that many Americans aspire to, and one of the most frequently cited reasons is the belief that owning a home is less expensive in the long run than renting. Money paid to a landlord is seen as nothing but a loss, while payments on a mortgage are viewed as an investment in something of value. However, buying a home is only a financially sound decision if you’re buying a house that you can actually afford.

Tips to Help You Figure Out the Price Range on Your New House
Take “Pre-Qualification” With A Grain Of Salt

The first […] Read more

Best Car Insurance Companies to Protect Your Car

Every driver wants to find the best car insurance company, but it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Superior car insurance companies offer transparency, excellent customer service, and respect and courtesy for all policyholders. Whether drivers have taken out loans to pay for their cars or they own them outright, their vehicles are investments that deserve to be treated with respect.

Only insurance companies that hit all of these sweet spots have made this list. They’re all rated by J.D. Power and Consumer reports and they all have relatively few complaints filed against them with the National […] Read more

What Is a Roth IRA and Should Your Retirement Plans Include One?

Recent surveys indicate that fewer than 15 percent of Americans have a traditional pension, and only about 40 percent of employees contribute to any type of individual pension plan. For years, people were encouraged to contribute to 401K plans, but most employees don’t.

Since 401K retirement plans are not working as intended, many employees are exploring other ways to fund their retirements. Both regular IRAs and Roth IRAs offer employees ways to save money that will be needed once they retire. But, which type of IRA is the best one for meeting your retirement goals?

Both forms of IRAs offer benefits anyone […] Read more