Millennials are saving money and working hard, despite what you hear from the witless wonks and social commentators who mock them on cable news. Often portrayed as being lazy, self-centered, spendthrifts who live in their parent’s basement, the reality is just the opposite. (more…)
Few would argue that the cost of groceries is on the rise. With the cost of feeding a family of four averaging between $800 and $1,000 per month, learning how to save money on groceries can present challenges. Nowadays, to save money on groceries is less about being a frugal shopper, though that is certainly one of the goals to keep in mind and more about developing a shopping strategy. (more…)
For many people, it is tax refund season. The time of year when American taxpayers get to see a portion of their hard-earned money returned to them. Even though you promised yourself last year how not to spend your tax return, you went ahead and bought the new PlayStation. The year before your tax return was spent on a 75 inch flat-screen HDTV. Well, now’s your chance. It’s a new year and you have another opportunity to save your tax refund and put it to good use. Putting it in your savings account is not the only option, but it’s a good start. Here are 4 other options to consider making the most of this year’s tax return: (more…)
A registration loan is a unique type of loan that is only offered in Arizona. Though most lender registration loan requirements may vary slightly, what will be required is the registration of a vehicle in the borrower’s name. In other words, in order to be eligible for a registration loan, one must have a vehicle registered in his or her name. Vehicles can include autos, trucks, an RV, motorcycles—anything with an Arizona vehicle registration. (more…)
Getting a loan with bad credit or no credit does not have to be a stressful experience. You may be a first-time borrower needing a loan or experiencing bad credit due to a medical crisis, a poor financial decision, and-or a period of under-or-unemployment. Even on the rebound, a financial emergency may strike and you will need to take out a loan to weather the storm, so to speak. You may believe it is not possible to qualify for a loan without turning to predatory lenders. However, the good news is that it is not true. (more…)
There are ways to lessen the financial drain on your bank account this Christmas and enjoy the season. In fact, Christmas on a budget does not mean having Christmas without fun. You can still give thoughtful gifts to your loved ones. With a little planning and budgeting, you can have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season without wondering how you’re going to make it through January. Here are 10 ways to save on Christmas while celebrating the season. (more…)
It’s always nice to have a healthy credit score, but if you are in place at that moment where your credit needs rebuilding, rest assure that you are not alone and, even better, you are not stuck in this place forever. Knowing how to rebuild your credit score will help you get back on track with your credit rating. It doesn’t happen overnight, but within a few months, your credit score will begin to rise and improve. You will need to establish a strategy—a practical approach to achievable goals, month by month. (more…)
Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends, a time to be grateful and count your blessings. It doesn’t have to be a lavish affair. In fact, doing Thanksgiving on a budget will not only save you money but can be rewarding. A budget-minded feast takes but a little planning and a little creativity. You can celebrate the goodness in your life with turkey, side dishes, desserts, and drinks and do it all within your monthly food budget. If you are hosting this year’s dinner, here are ways to keep the costs down, and enjoy the day and your company as it’s meant to be. (more…)
Who wouldn’t want a little extra money in his or her pocket? Finding ways to make quick cash can bring about financial security and a lot of stress relief. It can help you pay down debt or save money toward a new car or home. From a side hustle or a gig to launching your own cottage business, there are many ways to make quick cash and start earning extra money. (more…)
Teaching your kids about money can help lead to a lifetime of fiscal responsibility and financial stability. It’s essential that your children learn from a young age the merits of managing money. With nearly 60% of today’s working-age Americans having very little or no retirement savings, any unexpected expense can impose a hardship for many families. There is a very real debate on the root of the problems—the export of jobs, inflation outstripping wages, and an undertrained workforce—but there is also a number of personal factors to consider. Top among these is taking responsibility to ensure the next generation is better prepared. (more…)
Short of cash and need a quick loan in Arizona? Consider weighing title loans vs. registration loans as a way to get quick money. Either of these loans can solve your immediate financial needs in a hurry—especially in a financial emergency. Waiting on approval for a credit card or a traditional bank loan can take between a few days up to a week or more. The process is not designed to work for most emergency financial situations. There may also be a problem getting approval if you happen to have limited or no credit history, or are in the midst of rebuilding your credit score. Title loans and registration loans are a good choice to fill a financial gap in the event of an emergency. (more…)
Moving can be an expensive and stressful experience. With costs of an interstate move by a professional moving company averaging approximately $5,630, for many, moving on a tight budget may be the better option. Though it may not be appealing, instead of paying out thousands of dollars, you can probably move to your new home for far less, especially if it is in-state or locally. (more…)
Everyone wants a deal when trading in or selling their old car for a new one. One way of ensuring the deal is by understanding what equity is in a car. Whether you plan to trade it in or sell it privately, you will need to know the value of your vehicle to get the most for it. The equity, and knowing it, can mean more money for you, a greater down payment, and lesser monthly payments on your new car. (more…)
For parents with school-age children, July and August are when they start shopping for back-to-school supplies. For the budget-minded, sticker shock on school supplies will have most parents wondering, “When do school supplies go on sale?” Besides pens, pencils, and notebooks, these days it is not out of the question for laptops, headphones, and even a new wardrobe on the list of school supplies. It can add up quickly. The National Retail Federation, a trade organization, estimates that families will spend close to $700 per child on back-to-school supplies—about 25 percent compared to a decade ago. (more…)
Looking for cheap things to do in Phoenix, Arizona? The Valley of the Sun has many low costs, even free, family-oriented things to do all year long. There are many community activities and events throughout the greater metro area happening all the time. You’ll find a variety of sporting events, educational events, fun-filled kid events, cultural events for lovers of art, history or music, and much more. There is always something special going on in Phoenix—be sure to check the full calendar of upcoming happenings online at your local libraries, city or town hall, community centers, local newspapers, etc. Inside or out, there are always plenty of fun and rewarding things to do in Phoenix for the whole family. (more…)
Thinking of how to pay a loan down fast might seem overwhelming at first, but with a little planning and patience, it is possible. You will need to know your current balance and payoff terms, consider the strategies available to you in repaying the loan, and then, turning those strategies into cash to apply against your loan. Here are six easy steps on how to pay down a loan fast and be well on your way to being debt-free. (more…)
Registration loans are a funding source unique to the State of Arizona. They present a convenient way to get quick cash for varying types of emergencies ranging from medical to auto repair. The convenience relates to the accessibility of funding and the number of loans available to the borrower. How many registration loans can you have in Arizona would depend on your needs—the state allows borrowers up to five registration loans in your name at any one time. (more…)
There is no doubt that the costs of attending college have increased in the past decade. Where circumstances allow, personal loans for students with no income or credit history have become a popular choice to offset the cost of books, dining, off-campus housing, and even day-to-day living expenses.
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Looking to get away this summer? But worrying about the expense? There are ways to save money on a tight budget. The first thing to do is to set your savings goal. Where is it you wish to go on vacation and how much money will it take to get you there? Once you establish the cost for air or ground transportation, accommodations, meals, and miscellaneous activities, then you will know how much you need to save. It doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday this year, but you can certainly make it an epic one. Chose a destination, determine how much you need to make it happen, and follow these 10 steps and you will be on your way to save money for your summer vacation. (more…)
Can you use a car as collateral for a personal loan? Though it is not necessary to pledge any security or collateral when applying for a personal loan, if you have any type of collateral, then you can use that when applying for your loan. However, most personal loans are unsecured loans that are given by a lender to help the borrower meet financial needs. For personal loans are just that—a flexible loan to be used for just about any personal reason you may need. (more…)
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