Archive for the ‘Saving’

  • How to manage unexpected income?
    Income or money that arises out of nowhere, not exactly, is unexpected income. It can be anything like a birthday check of $20 or an income rise or a dividend. However, “anything” can be quite a vague categorization. Hence, let us divide this income into two categories: One time and Regular Income. One Time One time income can be tax refunds, or rebate check, or birthday money, or something like that. However, it comes quite often then we realize and instead of spending it appropriately, we squander the amount. Let’s have a look at how we can utilize it. If the amount received is below $50, use it for fun. You cannot do much with $50. If the amount is between $50 and $100, you can use it pay some of your bills. Or maybe add it to your savings. If the amount is above $100 and below $1000,  [...]
    at March 8th, 2010 at 01:03 am
  • The Best of What You Could Do With Unused Gifts
    On Black Friday, I bought myself the latest trendy timepiece in the market. On Christmas my friend presented me the same item. Now what am I supposed to do? I couldn’t probably be impolite to her and not accepted the gift. I can gift the extra piece to someone but let me think over other possibilities. I’m in need of some of money too so I like to think about ways in which I can recover money spent on extra items. I can return back the purchased items to the store I suppose. But then I seem to have lost my receipt in the holiday emergency (You know, a lot of relatives flooding your house with bag, baggage and gifts and you are so absent-minded about managing small things). So, the store will not accept the item and refund me my money. Ah! I can always give the item to my credit card issuer  [...]
    at February 1st, 2010 at 01:02 am
  • Simple Tips to Save 25% Gas Bill
    The gas price per gallon seems to be rising incessantly. But don’t fret, here are some very simple tricks that will help you to save around 25% of the gasoline cost. How? Here is it. The first 20% can be saved by driving and maintaining your car efficiently. Here is how you can do that: Remember that faster pace means more resistance against wind. This friction causes your fuel economy to drop. Drive smoothly with patience, less fluctuation in acceleration, and minimum usage of brakes. That doesn’t mean don’t apply brakes and start bumping your car everywhere. Apply when necessary. Use of overdrive except you are ascending a steep slope. Make use of cruise control, which means drive at a stable speed with stable acceleration and not using brakes, when on freeway. You cannot do this on  [...]
    at January 25th, 2010 at 01:01 am
  • Recovering From The Economic Damage
    If this recession has eroded your finances, there’s no need for you to worry. Just take the correct recovery measures and your financial condition will normalize soon. Here are some recovery measures that seem to work for many people under these present circumstances: Talk to friends who can help. Don’t be embarrassed to tell your friends that you are bankrupt. Ask them to help if you are in crisis, but be sure to pay them back as soon as you are comfortable with your money. Make a note of your damages. In this step it is necessary for you to jot down the monetary losses that you suffered. It should include your material as well as money loss. You might have made a mental note of this, but that will hardly help. By jotting down, you’ll get the exact picture. Contact your credit bureau  [...]
    at November 1st, 2009 at 01:11 am
  • Don’t Stop Your 401(K) Contributions!
    Contributions to the 401(K) retirement savings seem to have reached a low in the present times, owing to the scarcity of money and job layoffs. Insurance savings of all types have seen a low and many companies stopped the 401(K) plan. Ford Motor, Motorola, Eastman Kodak all have stopped their 401(K) retirement benefits to their employees for some time now. When the economy improves you’ll see everything returning to normal. But don’t stop your 401(K) contributions because there are still a lot of benefits by continuing the contributions. Tax Advantage 401(k) is known for the tax benefits that it offers. Your contributions for the 401(K) will be reduced from your gross income which will automatically lower your taxable income. Keeping this money in your savings or any unqualified account  [...]
    at October 14th, 2009 at 01:10 am