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4 Tips for Negotiating an Apartment Lease
Tweet Share on Facebook May 17, 2013 CommentFinding the perfect apartment that fits your budget can be tough – especially in today’s economy, where rental rates have increased by around 9 percent since 2009, according to a recent report by Reis Inc., a real estate research firm. Nonetheless, in many markets, landlords need renters just as much as you need a place to live. Although you probably won’t end up chopping your rent in half, you may be able to get a better deal by following these strategies:
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10 Easy Ways to Save for a Down Payment
Tweet Share on Facebook May 17, 2013 CommentThe down payment is often the toughest hurdle to clear when buying a home. Whether you’re opting for a Federal Housing Administration mortgage loan with just 3.5 percent down, or shooting for a conventional loan with 20 percent down, saving for a down payment on your first home can take years. It’s even more difficult to save when you’re juggling rent, living expenses, insurance payments and debt.
Whether your goal is $5,000 or $50,000, consider these 10 simple ways to save for your down payment:
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7 Car Dealership Fees and Services to Avoid
Tweet Share on Facebook May 16, 2013 CommentOnce you’ve settled on the price for a new car, you’ll meet with the business manager for some "paperwork," and the negotiating starts all over again.
The business manager isn't just there to help you fill out the forms. They're a trained salesperson, with the goal of getting you to pay for as many dealership fees and services as possible.
When you meet with the business manager, be prepared to negotiate these fees and service offers.
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The Best Credit Cards for College and High School Graduates in 2013
Tweet Share on Facebook May 15, 2013 CommentMany college and high school graduates will soon open their first credit card account. When used responsibly, a credit card can help a consumer build healthy credit, as most lenders report information to the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) on a monthly basis. Therefore, young adults who open credit card accounts and pay their bills on time each month position themselves to build the type of excellent credit that can lead to savings on mortgages and insurance premiums.
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Open an IRA and Start Saving Today for Your Future
Tweet Share on Facebook May 14, 2013 CommentA number of alarming signs forecast that Social Security won’t be able to provide today’s younger professionals nearly as much money for retirement as it gives baby boomers (if any at all).
As such, savvy retirement planning is more important than ever. Once you’ve begun saving regularly, you need a good place to put it. So why open an individual retirement account? This part of the equation is clear: Opening a tax-advantaged account to save for retirement helps you bank significantly more money over the years. And the sooner you get started, the better.
But saving alone isn’t enough – you have to save strategically. By applying these rules of thumb, your savings will add up faster than you thought possible in an IRA.
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Where to Look for Free Information About Your Credit
Tweet Share on Facebook May 14, 2013 CommentGoogle the term “credit report,” and you’ll face an overwhelming number of options, including claims that offer access to the “secrets” contained in your credit report “for free.”
But can you really obtain free credit information? Actually, you can on these websites, but they have their limits.
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Download These Mobile Apps to Save Money on Summer Travel
Tweet Share on Facebook May 13, 2013 CommentAs we approach the official start of summer, many of us are planning a vacation. Whether it be a family road trip, a resort stay or an international adventure, the costs associated can add up; gas, airfare, rental cars, accommodations and eating out can strain your budget. Arm your smartphone with these free apps, and you can significantly reduce the costs of your summer travel plans:
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Easy Ways College Grads Can Save Money
Tweet Share on Facebook May 13, 2013 CommentWith graduation season underway, young adults are gearing up for a career and paying close attention to their personal finances. While sticking to a budget can be challenging, the good news is more young adults are becoming financially conservative.
According to a recent study by the financial startup SaveUp.com, young adults ages 22 to 32 are saving more money and paying down 57 percent more student loan debt than generation X or baby boomers.
Here are six ways to jumpstart savings behaviors for recent college grads.
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5 Thoughtful, Cost-Friendly Gifts for Mother's Day
Tweet Share on Facebook May 10, 2013 CommentIf you haven't gotten a Mother's Day gift yet, don't panic: It's not too late to find the right present. And considering everything mom has done for you, you want to be sure to get the gift-giving part of the holiday right. However, you don't have to shell out a ton of cash to do it.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend an average of $168.94 on Mother’s Day gifts this year. While the latest gadget or a day at the spa is a wonderful gift, you can make mom just as happy with something inexpensive that comes from the heart. Here are five creative, budget-friendly gift ideas to make your mother smile on her special day:
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5 Tips From the Pros on How to Save More for Retirement
Tweet Share on Facebook May 10, 2013 CommentAsk yourself, “Am I saving enough for retirement?” If the answer is “no,” you’re not alone. Studies show most people don't have enough in savings when it comes time to leave the workforce. While young adults with poor saving behaviors miss out on the benefits of compound interest and the ability to make small, reasonable payments throughout their lives, baby boomers who haven’t saved enough are in a rough spot.
To help boomers find retirement success, NerdWallet rounded up tips from financial professionals. If you are sick, you see a doctor. Therefore, if you’re suffering from what we’ll call “insufficient retirement savings syndrome,” you should consider what financial advisers say can help cure your pain.
