What You Need to Know about COBRA Health Benefits
In today’s unstable job market, the possibility of sudden job loss is on the minds of many Americans. Being downsized in the current economy deals a double blow as it is more difficult to find a new job when most employers are tightening their belts and reducing their workforce. Unemployment not only means the loss of a steady income but also the end of group health insurance. That can put a family at risk until a new job picks up the slack. COBRA health benefits can help in this situation. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. The Act was originally...Read More »
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Dealing With Collection Agencies
Posted April 3, 2009 by Bernz
No one likes to get a call from a collection agency. It’s their job to get you to pay back money you owe to a creditor at a time when you may not have the money to do so. But ignoring calls from a collection agency is never in your best interests. They have a legal right to collect the debt on behalf of their clients and not complying can be used against you in any future legal proceeding.
However, you do have rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collection agencies cannot legally do the following:
• Call you at unreasonable times (before 8 am or after 9 pm)
• Pretend to be someone other than a debt collector
• Use abusive language or threaten you with legal action
• Add on additional charges to the debt other than interest stated in the original contract
• Call your workplace if your employer forbids it
• Discuss your debt with third parties who are not directly connected as co-debtors
If any of these practices are happening, you can demand in writing that the collector stop contacting you except to let you know that collection efforts have ceased or that the case is going to trial. Remember, however, that not hearing from a collection agency doesn’t mean that you don’t still owe the debt. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Read More »
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Tags: collection agency, personal finance, recession
Posted in Financial Education, Loans, Misc | 1 Comment »
Would You Like to Trim Your Utility Bills?
Posted April 1, 2009 by Bernz
Everyone knows that not turning off the lights, fans, and televisions, and other utilities can put a dent on your pocket. In today’s economic downturn where lay-offs and unemployment are the norm, it is important to cut your bills where you can and save money. Aside from the obvious money-saving techniques you can put into practice, there are other ways to save on your utility bills. Below are some ingenuous ways that can help you save a significant amount of money every month:
Control Your Indoor Weather
Depending on your current heating system, using electricity for warmth can be eating up a big part of your utility budget. Try to look into programming thermostats to control the indoor temperature. If the residents at the house are awake, you can keep the temperature at 68 degrees. And once they are asleep, you can drop it to 55 degrees. Generally, the lower your home temperature, the more money you save. The savings can add up especially during the winter season.
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Tags: Frugality, heating bills, Saving, saving gas, Saving Money, telephone bills, utility bills
Posted in Frugality, Misc, Saving Money | No Comments »
Financial Literacy- Does It Still Work?
Posted March 30, 2009 by Bernz
Financial literacy means being savvy with your cash flows and understanding your financial transactions in order to make better decisions that will protect and increase your wealth. Many feel that financial literacy is no longer useful or relevant in the face of our current economic meltdown. They feel that, no matter what consumers know or do, they will be hurt in this recession.
However, financial literacy is more important than ever. Understanding your financial position and how to navigate through tough economic times will give you a leg up in ensuring your financial security.
The people who will survive and thrive in today’s economy are those who have a handle on their personal finances. They know what they own and what they owe and they know where the cash is coming from and going. Every dollar that comes in has a name- meaning they know exactly where it is going.
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Tags: budgeting, financial education, financial situation, Frugality, personal emergency funds, personal finance, Saving Money
Posted in 401k, Debt, Estate Planning, Financial Education, Financial Goals, IRA, Index Funds, Investing Basics, Investing Strategies, Investing in Real Estate, Life Insurance, Loans, Mutual Funds, Retirement Planning, Roth IRA, Saving Money, Saving for College, Simple IRA, Stock Market Investing, Tax Reduction, Traditional IRA, Wealth Building | No Comments »
5 Money Savings Tips You Can Benefit from Today
Posted March 27, 2009 by Bernz
When people become concerned about money, their first thought is that they’re simply not making enough at their current job. Well, switching jobs or even getting a significant raise are both tough things to accomplish within a short period of time. So, what can you do if you need more money? The answer is simple, look to you.
Most people are spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars each and every month on things that they do not need or are simply unaware of the money that they’re losing from not keeping track of it properly.
Below are five money-saving tips that you can begin using today to help you save hundreds of dollars or more every month.
Make a budget
Making a budget seems like a simple thing to do, but most people never do it. Simply writing down every single expenditure that you have on a monthly basis as well as writing down every single thing you buy will help you get a fantastic picture of just exactly where your money is going. Simply start crossing off the items that you don’t need and reap the benefits of the savings.
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Tags: Frugality, investing money, save money, Saving Money, savings, savings bonds, savings tips
Posted in Financial Education, Financial Goals, Frugality, Saving Money | No Comments »
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