Home Is Where The Money Is

In today's world, practically everyone is interested in having more money. Unfortunately, for too many folks it's become necessary just to make ends meet. Locating "extra" money is not as hard as it might seem, as long as you're looking in the right places.

When most people are looking for extra money, they try to figure out how to get more. Most people will work overtime, get a part time job, check out various money making ventures and even buy lottery tickets.

However, the best place to start is by looking at how you spend the money you already have. Many people can take anywhere from 10% to as much as 30% off of their spending by cutting frivolous purchases. The way to begin is by creating, then actually using, a budget.

When asking around, I've found very few people who create and use a written budget. In reality, there is little-to-no chance of being in control of your spending without using a budget.

The best way to start a budget is to begin with your regular monthly expenses. These would include such items as rent or mortgage, car loans, credit card payments and all other bills you pay regularly each month. Then you would account for your spending on such items as food, gas, prescriptions, etc. From there, you would add in other items such as car insurance, newspaper and magazine subscriptions and anything else that you pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually and then calculate the monthly cost for those things.

Next, you need to account for all the other spending you do each month. So, for one month write down how every penny is spent. Now, this really is not as hard as you might think. Simply carry a small notebook and pen at all times and write down each purchase you make no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. It is in tracking this kind of spending where you'll find most of your potential savings.

Look over your spending in these areas and ask yourself it you really need or use all these things your hard earned money is going to. Do you really read that magazine or does it just sit on your coffee table until the next addition arrives? Do you use readily available coupons on the things you're already buying? If you carry a balance on your credit cards, are you make your payment as soon as the bill comes in or do you wait until it's close to the "due date"? That alone is one area where people fail reap huge savings.

If you're honest with yourself, you'll quickly discover the waste in your spending habits.

Finally, do you pay yourself first? "Do I what?!?" You're read that right. You should be paying yourself first every payday. It's the smartest way to build your savings. You can even start small with the extra saving you find in your budget. In a few short months you'll get used to not spending that extra money and you'll likely find in fairly easy to increase that savings amount.

If you have a computer you can easily set up a spreadsheet keep track of all these expenses, even if you don't, a hand written budget will work just as effectively. If you stick to it that is.

Get control of your spending and you'll find the "extra" cash you've been looking for.

Tom Schaffer is an escapee from the corporate world and is pursuing a life of affiliate marketing at http://www.jerseyshoremarketing.com. A great way to get your finances under control is this: http://www.jerseyshoremarketing.com/redirect77.html

Credit Repair Essential Guidelines

The Answers You Need

How long can derogatory items remain on your report? How can you spot the items that should be removed? Nationally recognized credit repair expert, Jim Kemish, offers a powerful overview of the most important credit repair guidelines.

Let's Get to Work!

We speak with people all day long about their credit reports. Here is a review of the most common questions that we encounter, as well as guidance on understanding and resolving the related issues. These details, if properly understood and acted on, can make a significant difference in your credit score.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A discharged Chapter 7 bankruptcy will show in the Public Records section of your credit report for 10 years from the initial filing date � please note that the filing date is different from, and prior to, your discharge date.

Debts that are discharged in a bankruptcy can continue to report for seven years. It is important to note that once a debt is discharged it should not report with a past due balance, or in a charge off or collection status.

Dismissed Chapter 7 bankruptcies will report for ten years. A dismissed bankruptcy is a bankruptcy which was filed and thereafter cancelled or disallowed.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy which has been completed will continue to report for seven years from the initial filing date, rather than the discharge date.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy which was not completed will continue to report for seven years from the initial filing date.

Bankruptcy and the Fair Credit Reporting Act � A Legal Note

It may be of interest to note that the only reference to bankruptcy in the Fair Credit Reporting Act is a blanket rule that limits the reporting time to 10 years following the filing date. See � 605. [15 U.S.C. �1681c] (a). The credit bureaus, however, voluntarily make exceptions for Chapter 13 bankruptcies as noted above.

Collections - Overview

Collections are unique for the reason that they typically change hands, often several times during their lifetime. Important credit repair tip! Please note that only one collector at a time can legally report the debt; and only the collector that owns the debt can legally report it. All duplicate collection accounts for the same debt should be deleted from your credit report.

Collections can report for seven years from the original default date. The original default date is defined as the first time that you missed a scheduled payment. The original default date cannot be reset, and the reporting period cannot be extended by subsequent collectors.

Collections of Charged Off Accounts

Collections of charged off accounts have a slightly different reporting period than other collections. Charged off accounts can continue to show on your credit report for seven years plus 180 days from the date of original default, as defined above. This means that this extended reporting period does not start with the charge off date, but rather with the earlier default date.

Once a creditor has passed a charged off account to a collector, the original creditor cannot report the charged off amount as a past due balance. The balance should report as zero; the charged off amount may report on a separate line.

Unpaid Judgments

Unpaid judgments can continue to report for seven years or until the governing state statute of limitation has expired. You need to check your state statute of limitations to know for sure. State statute of limitations for judgments range from 4 years (PA) to 21 years (OH), and in some cases may be renewed one or more times.

Paid Judgments

Paid judgments can report for seven years from the initial filing date. This is handy to know if you are in a credit repair program; you may quickly remove a judgment from your report if you are willing to pay it, as long as the original filing date is seven years old. For legal support see FTC Official Staff Commentary � 605(a)(2): �Paid judgments cannot be reported for more than seven years after the judgment was entered, because payment of the judgment eliminates any "governing statute of limitations'' under this subsection that might otherwise lengthen the period.�

Tax Liens

Paid tax liens may not report more than seven years beyond the date of payment. Unpaid tax liens may report as long as they are in effect. If you are in doubt consult a CPA or tax attorney.

Student Loans

Late payments on your student loans will cease reporting after seven years. Defaulted student loans are another story�

A 1991 amendment to the Higher U.S. Department of Education Act lifted all time limits for collection of student loans. The reporting of defaulted student loans on your credit report can now go on forever. In addition, a 1998 change in federal law made it virtually impossible to discharge a student loan in bankruptcy.

If you are in default on a student loan you are well advised to address the issue, sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are excellent rehabilitation and consolidation programs now available to everyone. These programs offer affordable repayment options and can even erase the default status from your credit report! This can prove to be a painless and powerful step for anyone in a credit repair program. Explore your options today with the Student Loan Ombudsman Office at (877) 557-2575.

Copyright 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.

Jim Kemish, a nationally recognized credit repair and restoration expert, is the president of Sky Blue Credit, a leading credit repair business since 1989. For more information visit http://www.skybluecredit.com

Frugal in Small Things, Credit Card Lover for Big Things

I know a lot of people who carry a rather large amount of debt, yet they claim to be frugal. And they are... with small things. They try not to eat out a lot, keep driving that same old paid off car, and watch what they spend on groceries.

But where they go wrong is with the technology.

A lot of people get into debt because they want the latest and greatest technology. This has become particularly prevalent in areas such as home theater, cell phones, video gaming systems and MP3 players. Even people who don't have a lot of money too often have the latest gadgets in these areas.

And it means they carry quite a bit of debt.

Having nice things is wonderful, but as a rule if it's making you go into debt you need to rethink your money strategies. For example:

* Do you really need a big screen television, or can you keep using your old one until either it dies or you have the money saved up for the big screen. Try to avoid putting it on credit.

This is particularly challenging for people right now, with the upcoming switch to digital broadcasting that will make some televisions require additional equipment to receive signals. Many would rather just upgrade the whole set. But if you don't have the money for a new set, be financially smart and start saving. There's still time, and there are coupons from the government for the equipment to adapt your old TV.

* Video games and movies get expensive fast if you buy them. But if you're buying several a month, consider a Netflix, Blockbuster or GameFly subscription. Just think how often you really watch even your favorite movies, or how many games you really need to have available to play at any one time. If you're spending more than the cost of a monthly subscription to one of these services on purchases, they can probably save you money and give you a greater variety.

* Think before you upgrade. People love to upgrade cell phones, MP3 players and such because they want all the new features? How much do you really need those features? Can it wait another year or two?

My own cell phone is 3 years old. It doesn't take pictures, although it does have a color screen. I've never downloaded a ringtone or texted anyone. Sure, some of those features would be nice, but do they matter on my budget? No.

Learning to be frugal even in these areas can be a huge help to your overall financial picture. It takes some self control, and you have to remember that having the latest technology is really not that important. Just think of the money you could save so that you have a cushion in case of a lost job, an illness or other circumstance. Spread out your frugality to cover all the ways you spend your money, while still enjoying your life.

Stephanie Foster blogs at http://credit-blog.findcreditonline.com/ about using money and credit wisely. Get more tips on spending your money wisely at her site.

Will A Loan Help You Dig Your Way Out?

Its hard to make a living in this world, I dunno about you folks but for me, I have trouble putting away much savings from each pay cheque. I worry a lot about my future and how I will be able to afford to keep myself in a decent state of living let alone providing for kids, pets and other family members I may have soon.

Well, there are options of course there is budgeting but you are still not left with more money, there are loans. Some people cringe at the thought, but I am here to tell you that you shouldn't. Take out a loan knowing the risks and with goals in mind and it can change your life.

The loan could be for anything, from a vehicle to get you to work to a student loan to get you through school so you can get a better job and earn more money. You could even get a personal or payday loan to tide you over till your next pay cheque. You may even need one for unforeseen costs like medical bills or repair bills.

I decided enough was enough working a nine to five job everyday that landed me barely above the poverty line, I barely had enough money to get by each month let alone to save, this was not the life for me. I wanted to get back to school but had no idea how to go about paying for it. That's when I was told to start looking for student loans.

They offer to pay for all your schooling needs from tuition to cost of living to food and even offer you money to spend each month on yourself, for things like clothes, a quick pint with the buddies or that new mps player you wanted. All you have to do is budget and remember you will have to pay it all off once your schooling is complete.

That's alright though, if you planned it out well enough you will have a nice job after school paying much more then your nine to five job at a gas station or what have you. So not only will you be enjoying a better standard of life, you will be able to pay off that loan as well.

Well there are tonnes of loan companies out there and many are less then savory, I am here to tell you about a great collection of loan sites that have the absolute lowest terms which means you pay back less and pay off sooner. A loan can easily change a persons life, it did for me. I highly recommend you check out my site and get a feel for how a loan can help you out.

If you plan out the whole process, know what you are getting into and are conscious of it all the time a loan can really turn your life around and may be the option for you. Keep it in mind and check out my links for the best and cheapest loan sites out there. Good luck!

http://www.gurucreation.com - SEO Service http://www.loanitall.com Best Loan Rates Anywhere

Seven Ways For Journalists To Save Money

Being a journalist can involve a lot of travel to do interviews for newspapers, television or radio and can rack up many expenses that can occur at the last minute that may not be covered by your job. These expenses can make it difficult to make ends meet. To save money, create a budget and look for ways to reduce expenses. Here are seven ways for journalists to save money:

1. Travel Discounts. Comparison shop for discounts on parking or air, hotel and rental cars or buy as packages. Some companies that provide discount fares LongTermParking, HotDeals, SideStep, and Kayak. Sign up for online alerts with airlines to learn about their weekly specials. Search for fares early in the morning or on weekends. Check to see if they accept discounts for membership to Diner's Clubs, AAA, AARP, etc. This can save you $30 to $175 per transaction.

2. Supplies and Expenses. Shop for office supplies at Costco or online sites such as Amazon. Consider setting up a home office. You can write off a portion of your mortgage, and utility bills. If you do not have space for a home office consider using a telecommuting or telework center at companies such as Virtual Office Center, Regus or the World Environmental Organization and search for telecommuting sites. This can save you $50 to $100 per week in supplies, wear and tear on your car and gas.

3. Food. Pack you own drinks such as water and juice along with your favorite snacks. Search online for coupons to your favorite restaurants. Sign up for a free newsletter from restaurants to receive coupons. This can save you $30 to $200 per month.

4. Car Maintenance. Perform regular maintenance on your car by keeping your tires properly inflated and balanced, which improves mileage. Save money on gas by using the lowest octane which is usually 87. Fill up your gas tank before going to work or in the evening when it is cool. This can save you $.05 to $.30 per gallon.

5. Insurance. Make sure you have health and disability insurance. If you need to see a doctor you won't have to worry about paying medical bills. If you become sick for an extended period of time you won't have to worry about how you will pay your bills. Contact eHealthInsurance for health insurance quotes. If you need disability insurance contact the Assurity company. This can save you $20 to $200 per month.

6. Use coupons. Use coupons to save money when shopping. Search for online coupons at sites such as Visit MyCoupons, CoolSavings, and CouponSurfer. This can save you $20 to $250 per month on your grocery bills and other household costs.

7. Go green. Try eco-friendly ways to save money. Visit sites such as Bankrate and search for ways to save money going green. This can save you $20 to $500 a month.

If you receive an advance, spend the money wisely and plan ahead. These seven tips can reduce many of your work related expenses and stress, allow you to focus more on your work assignments and become more productive as a journalist.

Harrine Freeman is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and personal finance services company and author of "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free." Visit http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com.

Student Loans 101

Student Loans 101 by Peter Kenny

There are many ways for students to finance a college education, but one of the most common ways is through taking out a loan. There are loans specifically designed to cover the cost of higher education.

Types of Student Loans
Federal student loans have terms and conditions that are determined by the federal government. Federal loans may come directly from the federal government. Banks can also issue federal student loans.

Private student loans and their associated terms are issued by private banks.

Applying for Student Loans
To apply for federal loans, prospective students need to complete a FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application will request personal information such as your name, address, and social security number. It will also require you to submit information about your plans for school attendance for the upcoming year, including the type of degree you are working to obtain and your grade level. Lastly, the application will request detailed financial information from you and your parents to determine the type of aid you will be eligible for.

When applying for a private student loan, the application process is less detailed. However, the requirement for loan approval are stricter than with federal loans. Private lenders will check your credit history and your income before approving you for a loan.

With both federal and private lenders, they will confirm that you will actually be attending school before granting you the loan.

Student Loan costs
The rate of interest applied to the loan determines the cost of the loan. The lower the interest rate, the less the loan will cost you.

Be aware that interest begins accruing on your loan as soon as you receive it. If you have a federal loan, the government may pay the interest whild you are in school. With other types of loans, you are responsible for paying the interest while you are enrolled in school. There are options for deferring interest payments until after graduation, but if you choose to defer these payments, the interest will be added to the balance of your loan, thereby increasing the total amount owed.

Repaying Student Loans
You usually have a six month grace period after graduation before you must begin making payments on your loan. Once the grace period ends, you must make regular payments on the student loan if you want to remain in good standing with the lender. You should contact the lender prior to the end of the grace period to determine the exact amount of your monthly payments and to learn what options are available to you.




About the Author:
Peter Kenny is a writer for Finance 123. Please visit us at Reward Credit Cards and Home Loans


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