Slash debt and speed up saving
Need more cash than you have to pay the bills? To find money for debt repayment or to build savings, consider these seven ideas.
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Credit CARD Act to curtail college credit cards in February
College students will find it much harder to get new credit cards starting on February 22, 2010. Here's a primer on how the Credit CARD ACT will affect students.
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The best way to borrow
From time to time everyone needs to borrow money. Here is an outline some of the more popular sources of funds and the pros and cons associated with each.
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Special from CSMonitor.com
Obama's plan to help the middle class: how it might affect you
The president's moves could provide a small boost for millions of Americans struggling to pay for care for children or elderly relatives, college, and retirement.
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FAQs on the new credit card rules
The new rules mandated by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act take effect on February 22nd. Not sure what this means to you? Here are some answers.
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Friendly and Frugal: 6 ways to socialize while saving big bucks
Getting together with friends is a great way to spend the winter months, a night on the town can cost a fortune. Here are a few fun ways to socialize without going broke.
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6 months to a better budget
Can you have perfect abs in just six minutes a day? Maybe not, but you can have a rock-solid budget in six months. Here's how to get started.
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How to talk to your kids about debt
When you teach kids about money and debt, you can have a profound effect on their futures. Here are six ways to get started.
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How to stop debt collectors
Most debts don't last forever, and there are perfectly legal ways to stop debt collectors. Here are four.
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How health care reform will impact medical debt
Will health care reform help solve the medical debt epidemic? No one has a definite answer, but here is an overview of some proposed changes that might make a difference.
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Get a head start on your taxes
Getting organized is the key to filing an accurate tax return. Here is a rundown of some of the more important forms that you will need.
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What's eating away your money?
How are you doing at counting pennies? These eight money-eaters may be slowly picking away at your bank accounts without you even noticing.
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Can snow days cost you? How to prepare for the occasional blizzard
Large storms can seriously stall not only your schedule, but also your pocketbook. Planning ahead is key to surviving the snow days that come with the occasional blizzard.
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How to find help if you rang in the New Year with too much debt
After the holidays, many Americans face the not-always-pleasant task of opening and paying their credit card bills. Here is an overview of the debt relief options available.
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What's love got to do with taxes? Nothing
If you're a woman, and married, here's something you may never have considered: You might be better off filing a separate federal income tax return this year.
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Your 2010 Money Calendar
From the first day of trading (January 4th) to tax day (April 15th) and Cyber Monday (November 29th), here is a list of all the dates, deadlines and reminders you'll need in 2010.
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Why capping credit card rates at 16% is bad for consumers
Lawmakers have proposed a 16% maximum credit card rate and a $15 cap on late fees. Sounds like a big win for consumers, right? The answer may surprise you.
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Give your debt a makeover for the new year
If you are plagued by ugly debt, the New Year is prime time to take a new attitude by giving your debt a makeover for 2010.
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Give yourself a holiday present for the new year
This year, consider giving yourself a lasting gift -- the gift of financial peace of mind. Here are nine ways to build a stronger financial base for 2010.
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How to put Santa on a budget
Many consumers are hunting for bargains and parents still want to cut back on their children's wish lists. Here are six tips on how to put Santa on a budget this year.
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New developments as CARD Act implementation approaches
Here are the latest developments and what you need to know before the Credit CARD Act goes into effect, including what changes your card issuer might be making.
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Taxes and health insurance: What's deductible? What's not?
The IRS allows you to deduct some forms of health insurance, but not others. Find out when health insurance premiums are deductible.
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IRS offers tips for year-end donations
Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years.
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Holiday spending and debt
Most families spend around $500 on holiday gifts. If you put all those gifts on your credit card, the end result may surprise you.
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What you need to know about tipping
It's always a good rule to be generous with people who provide you with good service all year long, but you shouldn't fall for the tip jar. Here's a primer on giving a little extra.
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Itemizing your health expenses
The rules governing health-related tax deductions are vast but easy to follow. Here are some tips on how and what to itemize to get the most out of your health expenses.
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How to host Thanksgiving dinner on a budget
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a huge drain on your budget. However, there are several ways to save money while preparing your turkey feast.
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Ten holiday money mistakes to avoid
It's easy to go overboard or make other spending mistakes. Avoid these ten missteps to stretch your holiday dollar the farthest this year.
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Six common money scams and how to avoid them
Nigerian princes? Get out of debt now? Keep your money safe and stay out of excess debt by spotting scams before they harm you.
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Preparing for Black Friday
If you are planning on doing everything on the fly, either on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, your chances of overspending will be high.
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Engaging kids early about money is key!
Teaching kids about money as soon as possible is one of the most important life lessons you can teach your child.
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Creating a budget that works
Are your monthly expenses higher than your take-home pay? Are you sinking deeper into debt? Learn how to create a household budget that works.
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Ten ways to fatten your wallet for Black Friday
Forget the mall. Save money -- and your sanity -- this Thanksgiving weekend with these money-minded alternatives to shopping frenzy.
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Drought in higher rates may be over
Some foreign countries are beginning to increase rates, and when the U.S. follows suit this trend could mean higher interest payments and inflated prices for imports.
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Give insurance coverage a checkup to avoid liability and debt
To find out if you have the right kinds, and right amount, of insurance, take a few minutes to do a basic insurance inventory.
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Top four (financial) life-changing events
From wedding bells to a having a baby on the way, good or bad, major life transitions carry daunting challenges along with them, especially for your finances.
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When it's time to itemize your tax deductions
It's never too early (or too late) in the year to think about itemizing your tax deductions.
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What to know about safety at auction and classifieds sites
Although auction and classifieds web sites make it easy to buy and sell goods, scam artists are lurking, trying to dupe the unsuspecting. Here's how to avoid getting caught in a con.
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What you need to know about the Credit CARD Act
The Credit CARD Act regulates how lenders charge fees and communicate with consumers. Here is what you need to know to understand how the law affects you.
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How to make money online
Looking for a little extra scratch? You may not get rich, but you can tuck a bit of money away with a few hours in front of the PC, all without getting a full-time job.
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The pros and cons of newlyweds combining accounts
The word newlywed conjures up thoughts starting a life together, but should that life involve combing financial accounts? Here's a look at what needs to be considered.
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What H1N1 might cost you and your family
Are you ready for flu season? If not, you should be: for a family of four, even with a mild case of H1N1, the costs can add up to hundreds, or thousands, of dollars.
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How to live within a budget and still have a life
A budget simply brings reality back into your financial picture. You can't have everything, but you can have a great life. Here are some ideas for getting started.
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Saving money by going green with your kid’s lunchbox
This year many lunchboxes are undergoing a redesign because it turns out that going green is not only good for the environment, but it's easier on your budget too.
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How to practice defensive saving
Finding a great deal no longer involves just walking into a sale. You need to some legwork and practice defensive saving: compare costs, look for coupons and plan ahead.
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House Swapping: The new family vacation
There is a new way to avoid the costs of airfare and hotels and still have the vacation of your dreams, all in the comfort of a home - just not yours. It's known as "house swapping."
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Alternatives to credit cards
Has the interest rate on your credit card increased? If it has, and you are carrying an uncomfortably large balance, here are two alternatives to consider.
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Stopped paying your insurance bill? It could cost you
Even if money's tight, don't cut down on your insurance policies: an insurance policy lapse can make it more difficult, and costly, to find coverage down the road.
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Book Review: 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget
The people behind WiseBread.com set out to write a book that could help everyday people save money in everyday ways, and in a large part, they succeeded.
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Want to save money on life insurance? Keep your New Year’s resolutions all year long
Quitting smoking, giving up drinking and losing weight could save you a small fortune on term life insurance.
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Slash your monthly bills with online help
As the nation's economic crisis grows, families everywhere are tightening their belts. Here's how the web can help you slim down your budget.
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