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How to Dodge the 7-Year Car Loan
Tweet Share on Facebook September 14, 2012 CommentThe seven-year car loan is becoming more popular among consumers who buy new cars, according to a recent survey by Experian, one of the three major U.S. credit bureaus. The finding raises concerns because the longer the term, the more interest consumers will pay over the life of the loan.
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Moving Back in with your Parents: 15 Ways to Make it a Positive Experience
Tweet Share on Facebook September 13, 2012 CommentThere's a higher percentage of young adults aged 25 to 34 living with their parents than at any time since the early 1950s, according to the Pew Research Center. It’s more than 20 percent and rising quickly.
There are various reasons for the trend. An analysis, based on a Northeastern University study, counts about 1.5 million or 53 percent who held bachelor's degrees and were under age 25 who were jobless or underemployed.
For high-school grads, the numbers are even worse. The Economic Policy Institute says that the underemployment rate was more than 50 percent last year.
No matter what the cause, moving back in with your parents can be a traumatic crossroads experience. Your life can get much better (or worse) depending on how you handle the situation. So here are 15 ways to turn moving back in with your parents into a positive experience:
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5 Ways to Maximize Credit-Card Perks Without Ruining Your Credit Score
Tweet Share on Facebook September 12, 2012 CommentI probably don’t need to tell you that credit-card perks can be very useful. One or two good cards and you could be enjoying free flights, free hotels stays, and more.
In fact, one of my friends applied for 14(!) cards at once, just to max out the points and rack up almost one million frequent flyer miles.
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Comparing Americans to Grocery Shoppers Worldwide
Tweet Share on Facebook September 11, 2012 CommentNearly every week my family finds itself standing in the aisles of the grocery stores. As we walk up and down the rows of food, we pull various products off the shelves. It’s a ritual that requires constant decision making. I may know that I want spaghetti, but with a half dozen brands to choose from, what causes me to pick one brand over another? How does my decision-making differ from the average shopper worldwide?
Nielsen recently conducted a survey to determine what factors affect shoppers from every continent. While North Americans tended to be close to the average, the similarities and differences provide interesting insight into how we shop, and what we should (and should not) focus on.
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How to Find the Best Deals on Electronics
Tweet Share on Facebook September 10, 2012 CommentWhen you’re in the market for a new computer, camcorder, tablet, or other electronics, make sure you’re getting the best deal for that big-ticket purchase. While you can wait until the holiday sales and clearance events to get some good deals on those gadgets and electronics you’ve been eyeing all year, there are some other ways to pay less than the retail price for those in-demand items. Setting a budget before you start shopping will help you narrow down your search and could even prevent you from overspending. Knowing exactly what you want—what features you need, the make and model you are ready to purchase, and how much you’re willing to stretch your budget—is essential for securing the best possible deal on the market.
Use these tips to find the best deals on electronics:
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5 Weird Investment Products
Tweet Share on Facebook September 7, 2012 CommentThe S&P 500 traded flat last year. Uncertainty in the markets and the rise of high-frequency trading has made it especially difficult for retail investors to make a decent return. In times like these, people often turn to stranger alternative investments to seek above-market returns. Here are a few strange investments you might not be aware of.
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4 Reasons to Take In a Renter—and 7 Ways to Avoid Problems When You Do
Tweet Share on Facebook September 6, 2012 CommentThe problem? You're a little short on cash each month. Your mortgage payment is too high, but you can't sell or refinance your home. One potential solution? Renting out a spare bedroom.
Sounds like a strange idea? It shouldn't. Many of us are stuck in our homes. We can't sell or refinance because we owe more than the house is worth. Each month the mortgage payment squeezes, but there's no easy way out.
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Avoid These 3 Credit-Card Marketing Traps
Tweet Share on Facebook September 5, 2012 CommentShortly after the recent financial crisis, credit-card issuers tightened their requirements, and consumers decided that they didn’t want to deal with credit-card debt. Now, though, confidence is returning. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the average cardholder had a higher balance in June 2012 than in June 2011.
Mailboxes are filling with credit-card offers again, and consumers are ready to dip their toes into credit waters again. As you consider adding plastic back to your financial repertoire, watch out for these credit-card marketing traps:
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How and Why to Start Saving for the Holidays Right Now
Tweet Share on Facebook September 4, 2012 CommentThe holidays are still months away, but now is a great time to take a close look at your budget and start setting aside some extra cash for those holiday purchases. According to the American Research Group, Inc., Americans spent an average of $646 on gifts for the 2011 holiday season. This doesn’t include other holiday-related purchases such as food, decorations, or travel expenses, so your actual holiday expenditures could be significantly higher. Planning for those purchases over the next few months can help you enjoy the season without money worries—and prevent high credit-card debt come January.
Here are some tips on how to start saving for the holidays right now:
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