-
What Does 2012 Have in Store for Your Wallet?
Tweet Share on Facebook December 23, 2011 CommentThe year 2011 was not only the first full year in which we enjoyed CARD Act-borne transparency and consumer rights, but as the country continued its economic recovery, we also saw unemployment fall, credit availability rise, and an influx of extremely attractive credit card offers.
In light of the precarious European debt situation and the looming threat of a double-dip recession, however, many people are wondering whether 2012 will resemble its immediate predecessor or signal a regression into the of economic woes of years past. With that being said, let's take a sneak peak at what 2012 holds for your wallet.
-
A Shorter, Simpler Credit Card Agreement
Tweet Share on Facebook December 22, 2011 CommentI’ve practiced law for 20 years, yet trying to a read a credit card agreement from beginning to end is like trying to finish the expanded edition of Stephen King’s The Stand. I’ve never finished, either. Well all that may change soon, at least as far as credit card agreements are concerned.
-
7 Ways to Save on Gasoline
Tweet Share on Facebook December 20, 2011 CommentWhen thinking about ourselves as egalitarian agents of environmental and climate change, it is too easy to think that your automotive needs take precedence over everyone else's. While you may think you have a special case to drive around in your huge SUV to make the 45-minute commute to work, everyone else on the road feels the same way.
-
6 Ways to Destroy Holiday Debt
Tweet Share on Facebook December 19, 2011 CommentIf racking up credit card debt over the holidays was simply unavoidable, now would be a great time to put together a plan topay off that debt as quickly as possible. Americans were expected to spend an average of $646 for gifts this holiday season, according to a survey by American Research Group, and many consumers chose to put some or all of that budget on their credit cards. If you were one of them, you don’t have to let a holiday spending hangover ruin the new year.
Here are some tips to deal with that holiday debt load and look forward to a less-stressful year ahead.
-
Get Rid of Bank Fees Once and for All
Tweet Share on Facebook December 16, 2011 CommentThere’s nothing worse than getting punished for doing the right thing. And that’s just what happened to a mom and her 18-year-old son when he opened a checking account at a local bank in McCullom Lake, Ill. His mom encouraged him to open the bank account as a way to teach him how to handle a bank account. And that’s when the trouble began.
-
5 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
Tweet Share on Facebook December 8, 2011 Comment (3)Just like paying taxes and waiting in line at the DMV, paying for auto insurance is an inescapable part of modern life. If you live in a big city or in the suburbs and do not have a car, there is a good chance you may not be able to get to work very easily. Most states force drivers to purchase auto insurance by penalty of law and if you are caught without coverage, you could face stiff fines and penalties. It is inevitable that you will have to purchase insurance, but there are several different ways you can get your rates down.
-
Online Bargain Hunting: 6 Secrets to Saving Big
Tweet Share on Facebook December 7, 2011 Comment (3)You probably already know a few ways to save money while shopping online. Maybe you check several stores for the best price on a single item. Maybe you wait for a sale or use coupons whenever you can. Easy, right? It’s shopping, not rocket science. Did you know that you can still do better? A little research goes a long way if you know where to look. These six shopping secrets can help you save even more on your online purchases.
-
Is Lil Wayne's New Prepaid Card a Money Pit?
Tweet Share on Facebook December 6, 2011 Comment (4)Money is a significant part of rapper Lil Wayne’s life. Not only does he talk about it incessantly in songs like “Got Money,” “I Got Some Money on Me,” “Money on My Mind,” “I’m so Paid,” and “Money to Blow,” but he also makes a lot of it, ranking 4th on Forbes’ 2011 list of hip-hop’s Cash Kings. Now, Lil Wayne has his own prepaid card, The Young Money Prepaid Card, which launched on November 10 under the brand name of his record label, Young Money Entertainment.
-
6 Ways to Get Extra Perks at Budget Hotels
Tweet Share on Facebook December 5, 2011 Comment (2)Staying at a budget hotel doesn’t mean you have to compromise on all the great services and amenities you would expect from a deluxe property. Many budget hotels offer perks such as complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and even free nights for multiple bookings. However, only some travelers really take advantage of all the perks available at any given time. Whether you’re planning a short-term business trip or an extended stay vacation, make sure you’re getting the best value by seeking out some special offers, discounts, and freebies.
Here are six ways to get extra perks from your budget hotel:
