So the summer is half-over. The year is half-over. Time for a fiscal check-up. Just as you do with your annual physical, you need to determine whether your budget is healthy or if expenses are bleeding enough red ink to cause anemia. Are you shedding pounds of debt or are you over-stressed ? Will … [Read more...] about 8 easy ways to improve your fiscal health
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Zip into the United States with Global Entry
Under the harsh lights of the interrogation room, a bead of sweat slowly trickled down my forehead.“You are self-employed? That’s a red flag,” declared Agent “Smith” as he scrutinized my passport and paperwork.“What is it that you do?” he demanded to know.“I’m… I’m a journalist,” I … [Read more...] about Zip into the United States with Global Entry
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
How to boost your savings as you near retirement
Retirement may seem far away, but those who are closing in on it can tell you that it comes faster than you think. What you do in the last 10 years before you retire can make an enormous difference in how comfortable your retirement years will be."From 55 to 65, you've got time to really make a … [Read more...] about How to boost your savings as you near retirement
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print.Do your pre-trip homeworkThis may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
Is it time to buy a home?
With interest rates expected to rise later this year, you may be wondering whether you should buy a home at today's low rates. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 3.85 percent last week, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey, about what it was at the end of … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a home?
How to find out if your car has been recalled
If you own a car made between 2002 and 2008, you might need new air bags.Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an agreement with the Japanese company Takata that doubled the number of cars it will recall due to the potential of faulty air bags. The first Takata … [Read more...] about How to find out if your car has been recalled
7 places to find cheap books
I’m a hands-on person when it comes to books. I like to touch them, hold them, read a page or two before I buy. I don’t like ordering them online (though I have, from time to time), so I have to find ways to feed my reading habit that involve going to actual brick and mortar stores.Here are … [Read more...] about 7 places to find cheap books
Should you get a home equity loan? It may depend on the reason
With home values rising, more Americans have equity in their homes. That has generated plenty of cheers from homeowners, and it’s also brought back the home equity line of credit as a popular option for the first time since before the Great Recession.Americans took out $23.4 billion in home … [Read more...] about Should you get a home equity loan? It may depend on the reason
How to pay off your mortgage early
The mortgage-burning party may have gone the way of the rotary phone, but that doesn’t mean Americans don’t own their homes free and clear anymore. In fact, about 34% of homeowners in the United States no longer have a mortgage, according to U.S. Census data.The stories of people who pay off … [Read more...] about How to pay off your mortgage early
6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
This post is by Cynthia J. Drake, author of Budget Travel for the Genius.Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you’re relegated to a fleabag motel that hasn’t seen a vacuum cleaner in years.On the contrary, with a bit of planning, you can be rewarded with some really unique experiences in … [Read more...] about 6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
14 tips to make your home sell faster
The peak spring home-buying season is approaching, and you're ready to sell your home, the quicker the better. How can you make it happen?First, of course, you want to make sure your home looks its best. “Curb appeal is everything,” says Michael Mahon, general manager of HER Realtors in … [Read more...] about 14 tips to make your home sell faster
20 networking tips for building your career
Business networking is a useful life skill whether you work for yourself, are looking for a job or want to enhance a corporate career. Networking is about establishing relationships with people who can help you. These people include potential clients, influencers who will promote your business and … [Read more...] about 20 networking tips for building your career
How to find and hire a good contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or retiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor … [Read more...] about How to find and hire a good contractor
4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
I love credit-card rewards. They're fairly easy to earn and they can give your budget a nice boost. I personally use my rewards for fun things I want, such as vacations or a new big screen TV. However, you can easily get caught up in the rewards game and end up paying more money in interest and fees … [Read more...] about 4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
