Many families run on a two-income budget these days, and stress their way through each week worrying about bills, their children, missed family time and the like. What they don't realize is that both parents working outside the home could be costing them money, and running them deeper into debt.
Before deciding to take a job working outside the home, most people look at how much money they will be adding to their income each week. Let's make an example of Jill and Dan.
Dan works as a truck mechanic from 10-6 Monday thru Friday, and makes a fairly good income of $2,200 a month. He and Jill have three kids, ages 1,7 and 9, and money is tight.
Jill gets an opportunity to take a part-time receptionist job at a law firm. The position is 10-6 Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for $12 per hour, which would add an additional income of roughly $1,000 per month after taxes.
That sounds like a lot of money, especially for only part time, until you realize Jill is going to have expenses. The job is on the other side of town from Dan's, so carpooling is not an option. Also, Jill and Dan have no family nearby to take some of the childcare load, so that is another concern.
Payments on a second car are at least $200 per month. Chiseling away at that $1,000 pretty quick, isn't it? Now add in the full-coverage insurance for the second car ($100) and gasoline ($100 - conservative) and you are down $700 out of that $1,000.
Jill finds a daycare center that will give her a discount on after school care for her two older children, just $5 per day apiece, but the baby is a higher infant rate for three full days a week at $15 per day. That's another $300 a month. She had to look at a dozen daycares before she found one she felt she could leave the children at, and still feels nervous about not knowing the people watching her children.
Now we come to those pesky incidentals. If Jill doesn't brown-bag it, she can expect to spend $5 to $10 a day or more for lunch. If she buys a coffee in the morning that adds another expense. Don't forget the new clothes for the new job - even supposing Jill can find the money for the initial outlay, she may have dry-cleaning costs.
There will be days when the kids are sick. The school will insist that they be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to class. The daycare will not charge Jill and Dan for the older ones since they are only half day, but they have to pay the $45 per week for the baby whether he is there or not, or risk losing his spot in the class.
Unfortunately, Jill stands a good chance of being fired if she misses work too often - and of course she doesn't get paid if she doesn't show up. Money going out, none coming in. It's harder to keep the house clean, too; seems like she is always running on her days off, trying to catch up.
Traffic is also a concern. Sometimes Dan has to stay late, and Jill usually picks the kids up from daycare, which closes at 6:30. She usually makes it by 6:20, but if there is an accident on the freeway or a traffic jam down the street she might run late. The daycare center has a strict $1 per minute, per child penalty that really adds up when she is five minutes late.
The $1,000 is probably nonexistent by the end of the month. Jill and Dan might be able to break even if Jill takes the job, but it is more likely that her working outside the home will cost them money in the long run. Factor in the added stress for all members of the family when both parents are working outside the home, and it is hard to see where the benefit comes in.
A reasonable alternative is for Jill and Dan to sit down and look over their budget. Perhaps they can reduce the cable or phone bill, or cut down on eating out.
Shopping at consignment stores is a great way to dress nicely for half the cost, and learning to conserve water and energy can be a family project. Jill also might look into finding a job she can do from home; there are many opportunities available, and she would be able to care for her children as well.
Of course, all of these scenarios can also apply to stay-at-home dads. Not to say that both parents having outside jobs never works, especially when the children are older, but with little ones in the house choosing to be a stay-at- home mom (or dad) might actually make the most sense, financially and otherwise.
Rayven Perkins is an expert at saving money at home. She has spent 7 years finding and implementing unique cost-cutting tips that allow her family to live comfortably as a one-income family. Visit her site http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com/cost-of-working.html to learn your true Cost of Working, and see if it makes sense for you to work outside the home.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Tips on Controlled Spending
During periods of high inflation, most people have to 'tighten their belts', and watch their expenditures a bit more closely. After all, buying on credit and attempting to spend more than you have coming in is a sure-fire road to financial ruin.
In order to live within your income - keep the bill collectors off your back - and not really lower your accustomed standard of living, this report is made up of a number of proven ideas to help you.
One of the first things you should do is take write out a budget. You do this by listing your total take home income on one piece of paper, and all of your regular monthly obligations on another piece of paper. A good idea is to set up a separate envelope for each of your bills - use the envelopes from your incoming mail for these, marking on the front of each envelope what it's for.
There should be an envelope for your mortgage or rent payment, for any payments to loan companies, and of course your charge cards, for your groceries, your lights, heat, water and telephone costs. Then, as you get paid, cash your check and divide the money you have into each envelope. If you're strung out pretty tight, you may have to contact each of your creditors with a request to lower your payments, and extend them over a longer payback period. If after making out your budget - and actually seeing on paper how much money you've got to pay your bills - these is necessary, and then by all means get in to talk with your creditors. Tell them about your situation; explain to them that you've taken a look at your income/outgo situation, and have devised a plan and work with you in everyone off. In almost all instances, they'll welcome your plan and work with you in every way possible to help you get caught up.
Probably the biggest area in which you can cut your expenses is with your groceries. To do this, always make a detailed and itemized list of the things you need before you leave home. Total up the costs and if it goes beyond the amount you want to spend or have to spend, simply go back through your list marking off those things lease necessary. Never go grocery shopping when you're feeling hungry!
When making up your list of groceries to buy, always check your local newspaper for best buys - if you've had to discontinue newspaper delivery - check your local post office about midweek and you'll find 'grocery shoppers' supplements' stacked up by people who don't want them. Go through your papers with a fine tooth comb and compare prices. Shop at the no frills stores, the food barns and liquidation sales.
By all means, clip out the 'cents off' and refund coupons. Keep a sharp eye out at all times for these coupons and use them - if they're for brands or items that you don't want to use, offer to trade them with people who want them.
It almost goes without saying that when you're trying to watch your expenses, you'll have to give up snacks and eating out. Instead of buying a candy bar to munch on as you walk through the store, buy a bag of apples and take one with you from home. Instead of eating out once a week, cut it down to once a month and make it a real reward for having lived within your budget for the preceding month.
With your cooking, prepare more of your meals from scratch instead of serving processed, pre-cooked or hear and serve meals. Save your foil/transparent plastic wrap - just wash it and use it again. Use paper towels or do without napkins. Use bread wrappers and save those place containers - just wash and use them for keeping leftovers. Use washable cloth handkerchiefs instead of expensive facial tissue.
Clothing is another area in which most people can save. Instruct everyone in your family that there won't be anymore new clothes purchases until you've got your finances reorganized - instruct them to learn to value and take care of the clothes they have - make them last longer. Learn to sew on buttons, repair ripped seams, and sew on patches. Never throw anything away - if something becomes outgrown or no longer wanted, save it for a garage sale or trade for something you can use at a second hand store.
Learn all you can about auto upkeep and minor repairs. Visit your public library and explore what is available that you can use to learn how to 'do-it-yourself' instead of having to pay someone to do it for you. Talk with your relatives, neighbours and co-workers about swapping services - you do little odd jobs for them in exchange for their doing things for you that you either can't or don't want to do.
Save and sell all materials that can be recycled such as aluminium, bottles and paper. Don't splurge on gifts - either at Christmas or on birthdays. Think of things you can either make yourself or trade for - often-times a handmade card is a gift-enough when times are tough.
And finally, don't go shopping at the big advertised sales if you don't have the cash in hand to buy a needed item. A savings of $50 on an item that puts you $50 in debt is no savings at all. At the bottom line, before you buy anything, ask yourself if you really have to have it!
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor.
Sign Up to my mailing list NOW at: Computing Business Profitability and Receive my FREE E-Course Worth $67!
In order to live within your income - keep the bill collectors off your back - and not really lower your accustomed standard of living, this report is made up of a number of proven ideas to help you.
One of the first things you should do is take write out a budget. You do this by listing your total take home income on one piece of paper, and all of your regular monthly obligations on another piece of paper. A good idea is to set up a separate envelope for each of your bills - use the envelopes from your incoming mail for these, marking on the front of each envelope what it's for.
There should be an envelope for your mortgage or rent payment, for any payments to loan companies, and of course your charge cards, for your groceries, your lights, heat, water and telephone costs. Then, as you get paid, cash your check and divide the money you have into each envelope. If you're strung out pretty tight, you may have to contact each of your creditors with a request to lower your payments, and extend them over a longer payback period. If after making out your budget - and actually seeing on paper how much money you've got to pay your bills - these is necessary, and then by all means get in to talk with your creditors. Tell them about your situation; explain to them that you've taken a look at your income/outgo situation, and have devised a plan and work with you in everyone off. In almost all instances, they'll welcome your plan and work with you in every way possible to help you get caught up.
Probably the biggest area in which you can cut your expenses is with your groceries. To do this, always make a detailed and itemized list of the things you need before you leave home. Total up the costs and if it goes beyond the amount you want to spend or have to spend, simply go back through your list marking off those things lease necessary. Never go grocery shopping when you're feeling hungry!
When making up your list of groceries to buy, always check your local newspaper for best buys - if you've had to discontinue newspaper delivery - check your local post office about midweek and you'll find 'grocery shoppers' supplements' stacked up by people who don't want them. Go through your papers with a fine tooth comb and compare prices. Shop at the no frills stores, the food barns and liquidation sales.
By all means, clip out the 'cents off' and refund coupons. Keep a sharp eye out at all times for these coupons and use them - if they're for brands or items that you don't want to use, offer to trade them with people who want them.
It almost goes without saying that when you're trying to watch your expenses, you'll have to give up snacks and eating out. Instead of buying a candy bar to munch on as you walk through the store, buy a bag of apples and take one with you from home. Instead of eating out once a week, cut it down to once a month and make it a real reward for having lived within your budget for the preceding month.
With your cooking, prepare more of your meals from scratch instead of serving processed, pre-cooked or hear and serve meals. Save your foil/transparent plastic wrap - just wash it and use it again. Use paper towels or do without napkins. Use bread wrappers and save those place containers - just wash and use them for keeping leftovers. Use washable cloth handkerchiefs instead of expensive facial tissue.
Clothing is another area in which most people can save. Instruct everyone in your family that there won't be anymore new clothes purchases until you've got your finances reorganized - instruct them to learn to value and take care of the clothes they have - make them last longer. Learn to sew on buttons, repair ripped seams, and sew on patches. Never throw anything away - if something becomes outgrown or no longer wanted, save it for a garage sale or trade for something you can use at a second hand store.
Learn all you can about auto upkeep and minor repairs. Visit your public library and explore what is available that you can use to learn how to 'do-it-yourself' instead of having to pay someone to do it for you. Talk with your relatives, neighbours and co-workers about swapping services - you do little odd jobs for them in exchange for their doing things for you that you either can't or don't want to do.
Save and sell all materials that can be recycled such as aluminium, bottles and paper. Don't splurge on gifts - either at Christmas or on birthdays. Think of things you can either make yourself or trade for - often-times a handmade card is a gift-enough when times are tough.
And finally, don't go shopping at the big advertised sales if you don't have the cash in hand to buy a needed item. A savings of $50 on an item that puts you $50 in debt is no savings at all. At the bottom line, before you buy anything, ask yourself if you really have to have it!
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor.
Sign Up to my mailing list NOW at: Computing Business Profitability and Receive my FREE E-Course Worth $67!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
How to Beat Credit Card Debt
The simplest way to beat credit card debt is to avoid it. OK, easier said than done! But seriously, credit card debt is evil. If you cannot avoid it (like most Americans), at least keep it manageable. Following are five tips to keeping your credit card debt manageable, and with a little luck, avoid it altogether.
1. Don't impulse purchase. Said another way; don't buy things the same day you see them. Sleep on it. If still in doubt, sleep on it for a couple of days. I have found that after a day or two of reflection, I usually realize that what I wanted is not necessarily something I really needed.
2. Pay with cash whenever possible. It's not easy, but it's amazing how differently you think about spending money when it's cash versus a credit card. You are less likely to shell out hard earned cash (real Dinero's) for "nice to have" things.
3. Negotiate the interest rate with your credit card company. If you are like most Americans, you get several credit card offers each week. Play those credit card companies against each other. When you get that next offer, call them up. Tell them the interest rate and benefits you get from your favorite credit card company and ask them if they'll match it. Half of the time, they'll meet or beat the deal you are currently getting.
4. Watch your credit card statement. As crazy as it sounds, I have experienced establishments that round up (in a big way!) when you make a credit card purchase. Get a 15 dollar haircut; your credit card is charged 20 dollars. Have a nice 75 dollar meal; your credit card is charged 95 dollars. It seems small in the whole scheme of things, but it adds up. Don't get taken for a few dollars here and there. Save your receipts and verify your credit card statement each month. Don't be afraid to call your credit card company and dispute a charge. If a charge is total BS, your credit card company will do the legwork and contact the vendor to dispute the charge. I have found that in most cases, your credit card company will resolve almost any charge that you do not agree with.
5. Number Five is the most important (and hopefully simplest) tip; Pay off your balance each and every month! This may be an incredible challenge, as credit is all too readily available, but it is essential to you and your family's well being. If you avoid carrying a credit card balance, you avoid paying interest charges to the credit card companies. The credit card companies fool you by offering a low "minimum monthly payment". Don't be fooled. That minimum monthly payment is available only so you drag out your payments and rack up interest payments to your credit card company. It is not in your interest (no pun intended) to pay the minimum monthly balance. Be sure to pay off your balance each and every month!
So assuming you mastered 1 through 5 above, how can you beat the credit card companies? Take money from them! There are a number of credit card companies that offer cash back on the purchases you make. I did a ton of research on cash back credit cards and wrote up my finding on my blog about Getting Things Done. I would highly recommend that once you get your credit card finances in order, you find yourself a high quality cash back credit card and take money from the credit card companies!
Check out another article of mine for details on how I found the best cash back credit card. Also, check out http://www.mygtdstuff.com for more about Getting Things Done!
1. Don't impulse purchase. Said another way; don't buy things the same day you see them. Sleep on it. If still in doubt, sleep on it for a couple of days. I have found that after a day or two of reflection, I usually realize that what I wanted is not necessarily something I really needed.
2. Pay with cash whenever possible. It's not easy, but it's amazing how differently you think about spending money when it's cash versus a credit card. You are less likely to shell out hard earned cash (real Dinero's) for "nice to have" things.
3. Negotiate the interest rate with your credit card company. If you are like most Americans, you get several credit card offers each week. Play those credit card companies against each other. When you get that next offer, call them up. Tell them the interest rate and benefits you get from your favorite credit card company and ask them if they'll match it. Half of the time, they'll meet or beat the deal you are currently getting.
4. Watch your credit card statement. As crazy as it sounds, I have experienced establishments that round up (in a big way!) when you make a credit card purchase. Get a 15 dollar haircut; your credit card is charged 20 dollars. Have a nice 75 dollar meal; your credit card is charged 95 dollars. It seems small in the whole scheme of things, but it adds up. Don't get taken for a few dollars here and there. Save your receipts and verify your credit card statement each month. Don't be afraid to call your credit card company and dispute a charge. If a charge is total BS, your credit card company will do the legwork and contact the vendor to dispute the charge. I have found that in most cases, your credit card company will resolve almost any charge that you do not agree with.
5. Number Five is the most important (and hopefully simplest) tip; Pay off your balance each and every month! This may be an incredible challenge, as credit is all too readily available, but it is essential to you and your family's well being. If you avoid carrying a credit card balance, you avoid paying interest charges to the credit card companies. The credit card companies fool you by offering a low "minimum monthly payment". Don't be fooled. That minimum monthly payment is available only so you drag out your payments and rack up interest payments to your credit card company. It is not in your interest (no pun intended) to pay the minimum monthly balance. Be sure to pay off your balance each and every month!
So assuming you mastered 1 through 5 above, how can you beat the credit card companies? Take money from them! There are a number of credit card companies that offer cash back on the purchases you make. I did a ton of research on cash back credit cards and wrote up my finding on my blog about Getting Things Done. I would highly recommend that once you get your credit card finances in order, you find yourself a high quality cash back credit card and take money from the credit card companies!
Check out another article of mine for details on how I found the best cash back credit card. Also, check out http://www.mygtdstuff.com for more about Getting Things Done!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
How To Be Debt Free Within 5 Years
Although debt is nothing new, increasing numbers of people are finding themselves in this predicament which causes a great deal of stress. It is now possible for special finance companies to arrange an emergency debt relief loan which combines all outstanding loans into one with a lower monthly repayment. Companies that set themselves up this way also help with the payments to lenders as high interest rates and charges mount up and provide other options to help with the situation.
The sooner this situation is rectified the better because the money owed will continue to mount and it could reach the situation where the only option left is bankruptcy which will make repairing a persons credit history that much harder. As a rule, those individuals that approach emergency debt relief companies are likely to be the high risk people that tend to overspend and may have a poor credit history. Often the problem is just one of spiraling interest rates which cannot be controlled by the person in debt.
Once these emergency debt relief agencies are involved they can assist with negotiations with credit card companies and other debtors, sometimes helping to lower the amounts owed, thereby reducing the overall burden. Educational programs based around finance and improving personal financial management are also run to help people not repeat past money problems. These debt relief systems are designed to get the debtor and the creditor talking so that a resolution to the situation can be found which benefits both parties normally by organizing a single repayment.
Personal information security is always a concern but there should be no cause for concern as each individual's personal data is protected by state laws. Becoming debt free does not come easy but if a person follows the proper procedure and works at the emergency debt relief program then they should become free of money problems within a few short years. By canceling the credit card and finding another card with a lower rate of interest, savings on monthly payments can be made; providing the credit card is not used and cash only purchases made, it will help maintain the monthly budget.
Each person knows exactly how much money is due for payment each month so must learn to keep a check on this spending then when spare cash is available, a little extra can be paid off; ensuring early payments to creditors are made wherever possible. You really only need one credit card so if you have more, cancel those with the highest interest rates, then eventually you will only have one monthly amount to pay. This situation can take anything up to five years to clear but can be reduced if you are meticulous in your desire to end the debt problem and rebuild your credit history thereby putting an end to being in debt.
Leo Jones has been researching how to relief debt at any time of life. For further information on how to free yourself from debt visit:
http://debtfree4u.wordpress.com/debtrelief
The sooner this situation is rectified the better because the money owed will continue to mount and it could reach the situation where the only option left is bankruptcy which will make repairing a persons credit history that much harder. As a rule, those individuals that approach emergency debt relief companies are likely to be the high risk people that tend to overspend and may have a poor credit history. Often the problem is just one of spiraling interest rates which cannot be controlled by the person in debt.
Once these emergency debt relief agencies are involved they can assist with negotiations with credit card companies and other debtors, sometimes helping to lower the amounts owed, thereby reducing the overall burden. Educational programs based around finance and improving personal financial management are also run to help people not repeat past money problems. These debt relief systems are designed to get the debtor and the creditor talking so that a resolution to the situation can be found which benefits both parties normally by organizing a single repayment.
Personal information security is always a concern but there should be no cause for concern as each individual's personal data is protected by state laws. Becoming debt free does not come easy but if a person follows the proper procedure and works at the emergency debt relief program then they should become free of money problems within a few short years. By canceling the credit card and finding another card with a lower rate of interest, savings on monthly payments can be made; providing the credit card is not used and cash only purchases made, it will help maintain the monthly budget.
Each person knows exactly how much money is due for payment each month so must learn to keep a check on this spending then when spare cash is available, a little extra can be paid off; ensuring early payments to creditors are made wherever possible. You really only need one credit card so if you have more, cancel those with the highest interest rates, then eventually you will only have one monthly amount to pay. This situation can take anything up to five years to clear but can be reduced if you are meticulous in your desire to end the debt problem and rebuild your credit history thereby putting an end to being in debt.
Leo Jones has been researching how to relief debt at any time of life. For further information on how to free yourself from debt visit:
http://debtfree4u.wordpress.com/debtrelief
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