tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128965872011-12-14T18:52:28.622-08:00Personal Finance Tips that you never learned in School and your Banker will never tell you! Daily tips to generate massive Returns on Investment with No Risk, simply by better understanding and managing your everyday expenses.Chrisnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1165241865047541412006-12-04T06:07:00.000-08:002006-12-04T06:17:45.046-08:00

The difference between investing and speculating in the stock market comes down to risk tolerance. With lower risk tolerance, investors should consider looking closely at Bonds. Corporate bonds provide investors with the security that they are at the front of the line when it comes to liquidation of a company. What this means, is that for investors seeking long term growth, Corporate bonds

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1158622260369632352006-09-18T16:20:00.000-07:002006-09-18T16:31:00.383-07:00

Aaccording to an NBC News Story, an 82 year old Grand Mother and her family got a first hand lesson in the cost of leasing. She first leased two black rotary phones -- the kind with a round dial -- in the 1960s.Until two months ago, She was still paying AT&T to use the phones -- $29.10 every three months, the phone company says.The family estimates her payments topped $14,000 over more than 40

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1151509101929539182006-06-28T08:34:00.000-07:002006-06-28T08:38:21.950-07:00

For anyone who has a gift card from a retail store, do yourself a favor and check for an expiry date.By placing an expiry date on the value of the card, retailers are able to legally take this money from you before it is used.This amounts to a free cash grab by retailers who take advantage of consumers who do not manage to spend all their money as quickly as the store would like.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1149163067774894272006-06-01T04:47:00.000-07:002006-06-01T04:57:47.816-07:00

This morning I woke up to hear a "Technology Commentator" extolling the virtues of RFID tags and how it will change our lives for the better. After an explanation on how it will change the supply chain for companies like Wallmart, the discussion then turned to how it will impact our domestic lives...automated recipe generation. I was pretty sure that this commentator has drank the Koolaid of

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1148902588053693342006-05-29T04:27:00.000-07:002006-05-29T04:36:28.066-07:00

Do you have a plan to maximize the benefit of charitable giving?The recent rise in $2.00 donations to charity collections at the checkout counter highlights the importance of a planned giving strategy to maximize the benefit to your favorite charity and for your own personal benefit.Lets say you give $2.00 per week to charity at your favorite store. Sure it makes you feel good but, you are giving

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1144843143215633922006-04-12T04:51:00.000-07:002006-04-12T04:59:03.230-07:00

In your quest to save money, the first principle should be to carve off some money before you start spending and paying your bills. This is an important component to your approach to saving money as it then becomes a priority rather than something you try and do after you've spent your paycheck. For many people, a quick and easy way to ensure you get your money into a savings account is to use a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1144422849774817472006-04-07T08:14:00.000-07:002006-04-07T08:14:09.786-07:00

Well...after reading some numbers from the Employee Benefit Research Institute in the Philadelphia Inquirer, it becomes pretty clear that more people need to use the Investment Growth Calculator to better understand the amount of money they have and the rate at which it will grow but, more importantly, how long it will last in retirement.Make sure you take the time to understand how much you need

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1144421925013011562006-04-07T07:58:00.000-07:002006-04-12T12:27:15.580-07:00

While the Canadian Government makes a cut in the GST that will add up to an estimated $5 billion-dollar windfall when the sales tax is slashed from seven to six per cent, theaverage household savings won't be life-changing. But buyers ofbig-ticket items, stand to pocketanywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.But for the average consumer, will this make a difference?With a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1144420875410098402006-04-07T07:41:00.000-07:002006-04-07T07:41:15.436-07:00

With changes to Bankruptcy legislation limiting the amount of debt that can be written off, personal bankruptcy filings dropped to their lowest level in 20 yearsduring 2006's first quarter, according to financial research firmLundquist Consulting Inc.Between January 1 and March 31, filings fell 73 percent, to 102,949,compared to the same period a year ago. On an annualized basis, one

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1144094046074859062006-04-03T12:53:00.000-07:002006-04-03T12:54:06.110-07:00

RESOLUTIONDesignating April 2005 as ‘‘Financial Literacy Month’’.Whereas at the end of 2004, Americans carried 657,000,000bank credit cards, 228,000,000 debit cards, and550,000,000 retail credit cards;Whereas based on the number of total United States households,there are now 6.3 bank credit cards, 2.2 debitcards, and 6.4 retail credit cards per household;Whereas Americans consumer credit debt

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1142947671621993542006-03-21T05:02:00.000-08:002006-03-21T05:27:51.656-08:00

Bottled water is one thing that has puzzled me for years. I understand that there are many areas of the world where bottled water is a necessity but, as a Canadian who has access to excellent water out of the tap, the concept of paying more for bottled water than gasoline has me puzzled. While I've been known to buy the occasional bottle of cold H2O on a hot day and I do like "Fizzy Water" at

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141941889876149992006-03-09T14:04:00.000-08:002006-03-09T14:04:49.900-08:00

A recent story out of the UK got me thinking that there might be a good reason to print warnings on credit cards and credit card statements. The article tells of store braned cards that charge 30% per month interest rates compared to 10-15% for conventional credit cards. After looking at the interest and ancilliary rates charge, The Competition Commission in Britton is tellingcard providers, who

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141936285795600292006-03-09T12:31:00.000-08:002006-03-09T12:31:25.813-08:00

There is a very interesting article at AlterNet that pretty much sums up how the U.S. Economy is adding heaps of debt to an already strained tax payer. In the year this blog has been in existence, I've had a gut feeling that something was wrong in the economy as there was no real indication that people are saving money. This revelation came after moving into an established neighbourhood where

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141395555148623432006-03-03T06:19:00.000-08:002006-03-03T06:19:15.193-08:00

As the income tax deadline nears, there are approximately 102 million Americans who will get an average tax refund of $2,154.00.Considering the the average american carries around $8,500.00 in credit card debt with interest rates around 17-20%; now is the time to take charge of your finances and do something that will help you reduce your debt and save money. The first step in building savings

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141307511113071272006-03-02T05:51:00.000-08:002006-03-02T05:51:51.150-08:00

A recent article in USA today, questions the validity of the negative US savings rate suggesting that the calculations are off base considering that during The Great Depression of 1933 the savings rate of the day was -0.7%.While the article questions the way the Government calculates the savings rate, the fact remains, consumer debt is growing and people are inflating their networth with inflated

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141244719569953852006-03-01T12:25:00.000-08:002006-03-01T12:25:19.593-08:00

News reports out of Charlotte North Carolina indicate that Payday loan companies in that state have been effectively shut down by the State. This is a significant victory for consumers as the practice of payday loans tend to prey on those who can least affort the high intrest rates charged by these firms. I guess the loansharks will be happy now that their competition has been eliminated

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141054869099340012006-02-27T07:41:00.000-08:002006-02-27T07:41:09.116-08:00

If you're looking to increase the return on your savings deposits and are discouraged by the miniscule returns most banks offer on savings accounts, look into savings accounts offered by Online Banks. ING is offering 4.75 percent on new deposits to its well-knownOrange online accounts through April 15, after which they pay 3.8percent. HSBC is offering 4.8 percent through April 30 and 4.25

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1141047240174750942006-02-27T05:01:00.000-08:002006-02-27T05:34:00.193-08:00

For those of us in North America, our domestic hotwater tanks tend to be energy hungry beasts that heat and store the water until you are ready to use it. For some reason, we have not caught up with the rest of the world who use energy saving, on demand heating systems. There are a couple things that can be done to increase the efficiency of your hotwater tank. 1. Insulate the tank - fairly

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1140195361087892562006-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:002006-02-17T08:56:01.106-08:00

Convenience does come at a price but, when you are on a monthly service plan, that price can be way more than you would ever think.Consider the $12.95/month for Tivo service. Not to knock the technology but, if you're 25 yrs old, those small payments can add up to a huge chunk of change over the years. If you were to take that money and invest it at a 7% return, your small payment would add up to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1140108871900780892006-02-16T08:54:00.000-08:002006-02-16T08:54:31.916-08:00

With interest rates starting to come off alltime lows, there is a general sense that the housing bubble is about to burst. According to a piece at The Daily Reckoning, Home builders are facing declines in new orders, while various markets around the United States are seeing the supply of homes increase from 86.9-149.2% in major markets whild it is up 25% Nationwide.When combined with the fact

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1140107584707950242006-02-16T08:17:00.000-08:002006-02-16T08:33:04.733-08:00

Take some time out and do a review of your banking arrangements, and get an understanding of your spending patterns. One way that you can force yourself to save money, is to put a limit on the amount of money that you can withdraw in a day. While you may not initially feel comfortable with a lower cash withdrawl limit, what it does is force you to plan your purchases better, and cut back on

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1140031013285641952006-02-15T11:10:00.000-08:002006-02-15T11:16:53.373-08:00

For Anyone looking to set up their own site, and are in need of a domain name, check into a free domain from .tk. While it is not a high level domain designation, it will save you a few bucks if you are looking for a domain for a personal site. Your .TK domain will point to a directory on your existing server. While I doubt it will compete with a .com in terms of search engine rankings, it will

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1139586603573734482006-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:002006-02-10T07:50:03.616-08:00

For many people, the prospect of investing the proceeds of their savings, is what puts them off saving money. This may seem like an odd paradox but, the world of professional money management has fostered a culture where most people are bewildered with their financial options, and as a result, opt to spend their money rather than save it. With complicated investment vehicles, and the risk

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1139409594942915892006-02-08T06:39:00.000-08:002006-02-08T06:39:54.960-08:00

Depending where you live, parking tickets can be a minor nusance or a major expense. On a Saturday afternoon in May 2004 I came out of a restaurant to find a parking ticket on the winshield.After looking at the signage, I was enraged and vowed to fight the ticket because, according to the signs I had the right to park there. Not knowing how the system worked, I opted to contest the ticket only to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1138212489950084012006-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:002006-01-25T10:08:09.970-08:00

When trying to save money, everyone dreads the thought of being put on a budget.While a budget s important in knowing where your money goes, a Personal Cashflow Statement helps you understand where your money is coming from and might be helpful in improving your savings. In looking at income, take the time to understand the source deductions on your paycheque, and make sure you are not paying too

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1138022547397898022006-01-23T05:22:00.000-08:002006-01-25T05:23:06.800-08:00

There is an interesting program offered by Bank of America to encourage use of debit cards. We all know that debit is better than credit but, according to the Keep the Change Program Bank of America is putting more money in your bank account. How it works is when you make a purchase with your Debit Card, Bank of America will pay you the difference between your purchase and the next highest even

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137702549266996992006-01-19T12:27:00.000-08:002006-01-19T12:29:09.976-08:00

A recent survey conducted by Scotiabank shows that almost 25% of Canadians are using their RRSP savings to meet everyday expenses or significant expenses like homes or education.The Howared Kabot, national director of financial planning for Scotiavank is quick to point out that "Taking money out of an RRSP should always be a last resort as the funds will eventually be taxed at the investor's

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137605287167112332006-01-18T09:28:00.000-08:002006-02-14T08:35:30.013-08:00

With the rise in Gold prices lately, I have noticed an increasing number of companies selling Gold, Silver and Platinum as an investment vehicle.While some people may be attracted by the prospect of owning a relatively liquid physical asset like Gold, there are a few things to consider before you start buying bars of Gold. Yes, Gold is a nice asset to hold, but only at the right price. Consider

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137605135673420192006-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:002006-01-18T09:25:36.456-08:00

With the rise in Gold prices lately, I have noticed an increasing number of companies selling Gold, Silver and Platinum as an investment vehicle.While some people may be attracted by the prospect of owning a relatively liquid physical asset like Gold, there are a few things to consider before you start buying bars of Gold.Yes, Gold is a nice asset to hold, but only at the right price.Consider the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137422818433318042006-01-16T06:46:00.000-08:002006-01-16T08:16:20.620-08:00

With the Credit Cards starting to mount after the Christmas shopping rush, many people will choose to try and keep everyone happy by paying the minimum payment on their credit card balance. While this might sound like a great idea, the interest quickly accumulates, forcing you into greater debt and extending the time for you to pay off your bills. January is the time to make a concerted effort

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137422261284510942006-01-16T06:37:00.000-08:002006-01-16T06:37:41.313-08:00

The Kansas City Star ran an interesting article on personal finances that outlines the need for financial literacy amongst Americans. Reporting on a survey by Opinion Research Corp. for the Consumer Federation of America and the Financial Planning Association, the article points out that only half of consumers in the survey understood that “personal wealth” refers to financial and tangible

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137160961182798782006-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:002006-01-13T06:02:41.206-08:00

A Recent article at MarketWatch identifies a new tax credit strategy designed to encourage the purchase of new hybrid vehicles. While tax credits are great, going out at taking on new debt just to get the tax benefit is not. In addition, the total environmental life cycle cost of buying a new car should be examined closely. The energy and environmental cost of building a new hybrid will likely

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137159449422973032006-01-13T05:37:00.000-08:002006-01-13T05:37:29.436-08:00

There is an interesting dynamic when it comes to money management that, often works against those who need it most. For many low income people, the thought of financial independence is not a tangeable goal and the only way to can picture accumulated wealth is from a Lottery winning. The reality is, if you have enough time and extra monthly cash, it is entirely possible to generate over

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1137158246836778192006-01-13T05:17:00.000-08:002006-01-13T05:17:26.850-08:00

Perhaps it is just New Years financial resolutions but, a report out of the UK indicates that 37% of people are looking to increase their savings rate in 2006. The survey quoted indicates that 55% of people save on average, 7.16% of their monthly income. This number is quite remarkable when compared to the personal savings rate in the United States which, according to the U.S. Department of

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1136900401846700842006-01-10T05:40:00.000-08:002006-01-10T05:40:01.856-08:00

According to a recent survey by RBC, 38% of Canadians identify saving for retirement as their biggest priority while, 28% are concerned about making regular debt payments, 27% are concerned with simply trying to keep their head above water and 25% focused on saving for a rainy day.These numbers paint an interesting picture but a couple of others in the survey put this into perspective. Of those

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1136843102338019322006-01-09T13:45:00.000-08:002006-01-09T13:45:02.350-08:00

The rise in consumer debt has given rise to a new debt reduction strategy that you may regret for years come. If you have an annuity that provides you with regular payments, Settlement Funding companies may tempt you with an upfiront cash payment inlieu of payments over time. There are a number of factors consider when looking at such an offer. An properly structured annuity will provide you a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1136826575988596452006-01-09T09:09:00.000-08:002006-01-09T09:09:36.000-08:00

As the christmas tree goes out and the kids go back to school, the bills for your Christmas endulgences begin to roll in. Now is the perfect time to look at all your finances and get a better understanding of where your money is going and how to save more. The first step is to list and rank ALL current debts and bills. Include balances, due dates, interest rates and minimum payments. Prioritize

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1136384613410393742006-01-04T06:18:00.000-08:002006-01-04T06:23:33.426-08:00

As cell phone technology advances, color phones and downloads has lead to a new revenue stream for carriers as they charge significant dollars to those who want to pay to change the picture on their phones. If you'd like to get your own custom pictures on your phone without going out and getting a camera phone, check out Pix2Fone.com which was found over at Luddite Lounge and save on picture

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1136142706280235002006-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:002006-01-01T11:11:46.326-08:00

Until recently, I did not see the need for teenagers to have cell phones, however, this perspective has changed in recent weeks. With some of our Kids' friends racking up phone bills in excess of $250/month, the need for prepaid cellphones for kids has really hit home. As someone who worked in the cellphone application field, which has caused me to become somewhat of a luddite, I have come to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1135964216099488152005-12-30T09:23:00.000-08:002005-12-30T09:36:56.126-08:00

Before the Retirement Savings Plans start pitching their services, I thought it would be a good idea to provide some counter balance to their advertising. Putting advertising into perspective and offer some peace of mind at a time when you're being bombarded with facts figures and fear. Yes, fear is at the heart of retirement planning advertising. The fear that you won't have enough to provide

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1135260616106590332005-12-22T05:53:00.000-08:002005-12-22T06:10:16.126-08:00

With only a few business days before the year end and fewer days before Christmas,this is a reminder to set some time and money aside for tax savings. Instead of getting caught in the buying frenzy in these last few days before Christmas, look for tax savings opportunities that need to be capitalized on before January 1st. Consulting your financial advisor now, may identify ways to minimize your

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1134660723618346892005-12-15T07:29:00.000-08:002005-12-15T07:32:03.633-08:00

As the year end gets ever closer, there are a number of tax deductable payments that need to be made in order to lower your taxable income for 2005.In Canada,Payments due by December 31, 2005- Charitable gifts;- Medical expenses;- Union and professional membership dues;- Investment counsel fees, interest and other investment expenses;- Certain child and spousal support payments;- Political

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1133277156029207082005-11-29T07:06:00.000-08:002005-11-29T07:15:49.133-08:00

If you are thinking of a new computer for Christmas, don't forget to think about software.Most computers do not come loaded with all the great tools you need so look into OpenSource alternatives. One of the best introductions to OpenSource for the average consumer is Mozilla Fire Fox. It provides a superior browsing experience, tabbed browser windows, popup protection and many other fine features

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1133207089082840232005-11-28T11:36:00.000-08:002005-11-28T11:48:10.750-08:00

As the Christmas Shopping season kicks into high gear, there is no indication that consumers are cutting back as early reports of black Friday sales indicate improved sales numbers. Indeed, some commentators are encouraging consumers to turn to their Credit Cards to make it through the Christmas season whilst, giving the cautionary warning of limiting spending to only half of your available

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1132845059741058762005-11-24T06:58:00.000-08:002005-11-24T07:17:30.066-08:00

For most Americans, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to remember those New Years Resolutions that were made at the beginning of the year. For some Diet, Health and Fitness topped their list of things to improve on. For others, it was Money and Financial Fitness. With Thanks Giving upon us, now is the perfect time to remember those resolutions, perhaps it means eating a little less and

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1132603335694167812005-11-21T11:52:00.000-08:002005-11-21T12:02:15.710-08:00

For all the parents out there worried that their child is not going to develop, because they don't have the hottest gift under the tree, you may want to take the time and really evaluate the expense of a gift like the new xbox 360 rather than go out and buy it just because the Christmas marketing machine says it is great, and that it will run out. As the folks over at Gizmodo are pointing out,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1131981023165251952005-11-14T06:56:00.000-08:002005-11-14T07:10:23.183-08:00

Most of us do not pay much attention to the cost of longdistance calls and with the multitude of long distance plans, it is easier to stay with your phone company and pay a higher price instead of bouncing around to the lowest company advertised.There is one option that you should consider though. Look for a pre-paid long distance card.These cards provide you with low cost long distancephone

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1131564718329152212005-11-09T11:28:00.000-08:002005-11-09T11:31:58.343-08:00

Ever waste your money on a lame ass gift for Uncle Fred or Aunt Martha?Instead of tossing your money out the window on useless knick nac's or another sweater, check out RambleWeb.com and use the gift guru selection service for great ideas.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1130503688931416002005-10-28T05:45:00.000-07:002005-10-28T05:48:08.950-07:00

Before the Christmas marketing machine cranks into high gear, now is the time to make your commitment to a credit free Christmas and give yourself the best gift of all…No Debt.When you are caught up in the inevitable shopping frenzy that will soon be upon us, it will seem impossible to resist the temptation of putting one small extra gift on your credit card. The reality is unless you can pay off

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1129552617913362142005-10-17T05:23:00.000-07:002005-10-17T13:35:30.253-07:00

A recent change in U.S personal bankruptcy law means that if you have debt now, you'll probably have most of it forever. And no bankruptcy judge can bail you out.This means that it has never been more important to control your consumer debt and control your Credit Card Spending.One of the challenges facing those who get into bad debt problems, stems from looking at the monthly payments for

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1128551756455377062005-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:002005-10-05T15:35:56.463-07:00

For those of us in North America looking for ways to cut rising fuel costs and save money on heating, It may be wise to consider placing some controls on our heating systems. Boiler Controls are one area of savings that can be applied to Domestic Hot Water Production. Benefits * Reduced energy consumption. * Reduced heat loss from distribution piping during periods of low or no domestic hot

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1127422334825566082005-09-22T13:48:00.000-07:002005-09-22T13:52:14.833-07:00

Never underestimate the value of rain checks at the grocery store. When you favorite store runs out of a sale priced product, a rain check lets you cash in latter on at the sale price.While there may be limits, rain checks can be collected by multiple shoppers and redemed over a period of time, giving you the opportunity to save a substantial sum with very little effort. Think of 4 lbs of meat at

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1127259456496960492005-09-20T16:29:00.000-07:002005-09-20T16:37:36.496-07:00

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Fuel Economy Benefit: 5-33%Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.15-$1.01/gallonSource: EPA

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1127258578019093692005-09-20T16:19:00.000-07:002005-09-20T16:28:48.666-07:00

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.21 per gallon for gas. Fuel Economy Benefit: 7-23%Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.21-$0.71/gallonsource:EPA

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1126878464409870812005-09-16T06:43:00.000-07:002005-09-16T14:30:22.856-07:00

This one is just for fun Rambleweb.com waste time more efficiently with automated random searches.More blogs about rambleweb.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1126877965890127682005-09-16T06:14:00.000-07:002005-09-16T06:42:52.136-07:00

While the popularity of Day Trading has fallen dramatically,people will always be on the hunt for stock tips that will provide a quick return. Recent ads on TV for stock picking strategies that follow a repetitive buy-sell channel strategy raises a couple of issues for the uninitiated stock picker looking for a get rich quick buy. A couple of things to consider are:Capital Gains tend to be taxed

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1126659525701758722005-09-13T17:42:00.000-07:002005-09-13T17:58:45.716-07:00

Very interesting study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information looking at Obesity rates amongst students found that those who bought their lunches at school are 39% more likely to have weight problems than those who brown bag it.Taking the time to prepare a wholesome lunch does more than help keep the weight off, it is also an opportunity to save a significant amount of money. Making a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1126122470966610022005-09-07T12:37:00.000-07:002005-09-08T07:46:18.966-07:00

Many of us are fortunate enough that we will never have to endure a natural disaster on the scale of Katrina, making it difficult to contemplate a financial strategy in the event the unthinkable occurs.As I read about the Department of Homeland Security providing victims with debit cards worth $2,000.00 I'm think it is worth pointing out a couple of strategies that may help you in the event of an

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1125684110354857842005-09-02T10:56:00.000-07:002005-09-02T11:01:50.363-07:00

For anyone with family in the area, here a few options available for some short term relief of financial woes. Source:www.nola.comFord Offers Payment DeferralsFord Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by Hurricane Katrina the opportunity to defer up to two vehicle payments.Under the Disaster Relief Program, customers have the opportunity to defer these monthly payments without

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1125065449921830172005-08-26T07:02:00.000-07:002005-08-30T10:01:30.666-07:00

Initially intended to smooth over unexpected expenses and provide a safety cushion in the event of emergency repairs home equity loans are now used to cover everything from discretionary purchases like telivisions and hot tubs to significant expenses Kitchen renovations and College Education. Most HELOC borrowers assume the value of their home will go up and one day they can just sell their home

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1125063595601099352005-08-26T06:28:00.000-07:002005-08-26T06:58:29.956-07:00

Home Equity Lines of Credit provide easy access to cheap money, but they are a credit treadmill designed to entice you with low monthly payments, your HELOC can become a perpetual debt that never gets paid off unless you pay down the principle. The fact that you can make small monthly payments on a rather large debt makes it easy to justify a new kitchen or hot tub but use your HELOC wisely.With

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1124811005100305402005-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:002005-08-23T08:31:30.050-07:00

A very interesting initiative to promote savings is coming out of the White House.Starting every child out with an initial deposit may sound like a good idea, and it is one that should be explored a little closer. While setting up every baby with a savings account could foster savings growth, the reality is low interest rates minus inflation will not create a great return or growth of capital.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1124806555737880142005-08-23T06:38:00.000-07:002005-08-23T07:15:55.750-07:00

A recent article in the Globe and Mail underscores the high cost of software piracy.Rather than take the risk of Pirated Software, consider using and Open Source Alternative such as OpenOffice which provides a competitive alternative to the major office productivity software.From the Globe And Mail:By PAUL LIMAThursday, August 18, 2005 Updated at 9:02 AM EDTSpecial to The Globe and MailThe

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1124382938926278862005-08-18T09:21:00.000-07:002005-08-18T09:37:58.353-07:00

Used car present a great opportunity to save money on your next vehicle. Even cars that are not even one year old depreciate significantly but, more important is the variability in prices between geographic regions. If you are willing to travel a little further afield, it may be possible to save a huge amount of money on a late model used car. A recent search for a used SUV for a friend of mine

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1124311052837903372005-08-17T13:24:00.000-07:002005-08-17T13:42:34.320-07:00

When it comes to income tax, most people view it as a once a year dreaded task. For most people, it may be worthwhile to look at income tax with a longer horizon and look for ways to reduce the amount of taxes you pay over the long haul to maximize your deductions, and structure your income sources so that you pay the lowest amount of tax possible not just this year but, in future years too. It

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1124120768524848272005-08-15T08:34:00.000-07:002005-08-15T08:48:52.670-07:00

As the amount of consumer debt has risen in recent years, one important thing to consider is what would happen to your loved ones in the event of an untimely death?If you are like most consumers, your debt load has been increasing. This creates an added burden for your estate, making an unforseen death even more troubling for your loved ones.If you have not taken the time recently to review your

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1123618439898550012005-08-09T13:09:00.000-07:002005-08-09T13:16:47.203-07:00

Canadians take note, if you bought an MP3 player in 2004, a recent Supreme Court Decision clears the way for a refund of $25.00 on an anti piracy levy that was collected when you bought your device. Check with your Manufacturer for more information.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1123172555518708072005-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:002005-08-04T09:23:42.453-07:00

Often times the people who need money the most end up paying extremely high interest resulting in a deep downward spiral.On of the most vicious loan traps are In a title loan, you give the title to your car and a copy of your keys to a lender as security for a loan. If you don't repay the loan, or if you fall behind in your payments, the lender simply takes your car, sells it, and pockets the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122992657032932502005-08-02T06:36:00.000-07:002005-08-02T07:24:17.040-07:00

There may be an occasion when you run your credit card purchases over your approved limit.Keep in mind that your Credit card company will apply an "Over Limit" fee. Depending on your card and the amount you are over, this fee can be a significant penalty, especially if you pay off the monthly balance. Assuming you are assessed an "Over Limit" penalty of $15.00 (check the terms of your card)

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122646222796636082005-07-29T06:30:00.000-07:002005-07-29T07:13:40.393-07:00

A recent article out of Texarkana,Texas underscores the need for people of all ages to be aware of household finances and the need for effective estate planning.Unfortunate circumstances like an unexpected death in the family can create a significant strain on personal finances unless proper insurance and estate planning has been put in place.A key component of an effective estate plan is sharing

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122560329253765182005-07-28T07:15:00.000-07:002005-07-28T07:29:47.506-07:00

As consumer debt soars, and credit card companies write off more bad debts, there may be an opportunity to profit.You may wish to consult your stock broker about an investment in a firm involved in the purchase and collection of charged-off consumer debt. Essentially, these firms purchase bundles of bad debts for pennies on the dollar and then attempt to recover some or all of this debt. With

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122479599858395712005-07-27T08:39:00.000-07:002005-07-27T08:57:29.290-07:00

The runaway success of employee pricing plans is creating intersting opportunity for anyone who wants to save thousands of dollars on their next car. As more people flock to buy new cars, there is likely to be a corresponding increase in used cars brought onto the market thereby creating an excess supply of used cars. Given that used car prices are like a commodity and driven in a large part by

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122472666687388252005-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:002005-07-27T07:01:15.500-07:00

The growing popularity of Health Savings Accounts appears to be driven by lower insurance premiums but, it also presents an opportunity to accumulate money tax free which can be used to fund future health care expenses. Under federal law, your HSA must have a minimum deductible of $1,000 a year for an individual and $2,000 for a family; maximum out-of-pocket expenses - for example, co-payments

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122120231692967722005-07-23T04:53:00.000-07:002005-07-25T06:14:57.773-07:00

This article from "The Voice of America" quick overview of how the Savings/Loan cycle works will provide you with a an understanding as to how your savings account impacts the bigger ecconomic picture.Saving money is a first step toward wealth. Putting money away for the future also supports the banking system. Banks need a supply of savings to provide money for loans. In the United States,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1122039178875446822005-07-22T06:23:00.000-07:002005-07-22T06:40:37.543-07:00

In business as in life, there are things that you buy and will never be able to recover the purchase price from.When a business purchases capital equipment, (machinery,computers,vehicles, etc.) accounting rules provide a tax break to compensate for the deminished value of the original purchase. As individuals, there is no opportunity to write off the devalued purchase price but, there are two

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121957953753269152005-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:002005-07-21T08:00:21.576-07:00

You can save serious money at the pump simply by checking the air pressure in your tires regularly. The U.S. Department of Energy reports one pound of underinflation costs consumers two to three miles of gas per gallon, about 10%. That wastes four million gallons of gasper day nationwide. Take time out of your busy schedule at least oncea month to make sure your tire pressure matches the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121957389186584492005-07-21T07:46:00.000-07:002005-07-21T07:54:12.823-07:00

Drive Sensibly: If you drive aggressively, by accelerating and braking abruptly, you're wasting fuel. By driving a little more sensibly, avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops, you can save yourself money by increasing gas mileage by up to 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.Get the Pedal off the Metal: Fifty-five not only saves lives, it saves

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121956794872963942005-07-21T07:37:00.000-07:002005-07-25T06:13:50.296-07:00

Ever wonder just how much you can save with a more fuel efficient vehicle? The difference between a car that gets 20 miles per gallon and one that gets 30 amounts to about $550 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (if you drive 15,000 miles a year and pay $2.20 a gallon for gas). After four years, your savings rack up to $2,200.Many people concerned

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121727871150437272005-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:002005-07-18T16:06:14.900-07:00

The Federal Reserve Board says that total U.S. consumer debt, excluding mortgages, is a staggering $2.02 trillion—an average of about $19,000 per household!In addition to credit-card debt, new car loans account for much of this figure. Notice this report from USA Today: “New car buyers are paying more, making the lowest down payments ever and taking increasingly longer loans. … [C]onsumers seem

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121715058271198542005-07-18T12:08:00.000-07:002005-07-19T06:55:20.373-07:00

0% interest car loans may seem like a great deal but, make sure you compare it to other discounts and incentives that the dealer may offer.Dealer discounts that can take up to several thousand dollars off the price of a new vehicle, may in fact be a better deal. When comparing a $25,000 vehicle that is eligible for a $2,000 in dealer incentives, it may be useful to look at the discount as the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121694381024462572005-07-18T06:23:00.001-07:002005-12-22T06:12:14.110-08:00

There are a number of great sites availble for those fans of cell phone games who want to play games but, avoid the fees charged by carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, Orange, O2 and the like.Check out these sites for free games and cell phone tools and Save Your Money!Midlet.OrgPhalloutPhone E-Book

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121619578331980782005-07-17T09:48:00.000-07:002005-07-17T10:36:29.226-07:00

There are several ways to save money every month simply by managing your cellphone use. Areas to consider range from simply limiting use to essential calls only to avoiding use of premium features like games, email and photos.While many phone companies offer downloadable games, they come at a cost as each game can easily add an extra 10% to the average monthly bill. If you provide a phone for

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121445150167752202005-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:002005-07-15T09:32:30.176-07:00

Tracking down savings on everyday expenses begins with taking the time to understand the impact of discounted prices on your long term savings strategy and the value these accrued savings can generate. In addition to our Coffee savings calculator a number of new tools will be created to help you better understand how interest rates and time can work on your side to help your money grow. To

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121437041070603642005-07-15T06:50:00.000-07:002005-07-15T07:17:21.080-07:00

Many people have a hard time managing the food budget. With busy schedules, far too many people have turned to pre-packaged foods to save time but, what is the cost, where are the savings and what are the benefits? To better understand the impact pre-packaged foods have on your budget and waistline, consider the amount of marketing dollars that go into the packaging, advertising, and delivery

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121351750223828062005-07-14T07:28:00.000-07:002005-07-14T07:35:50.230-07:00

If you find it difficult to balance your chequing account, you may want to consider the best way to avoid nasty overdraft fees. One of the best ways is to link your savings account to your checking account. In this method, your savings will cover a shortfall in the savings and avoid NSF and overdraft charges.This makes sense, but there are other strategies to stay away from, as they will cost you

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121202089982318572005-07-12T13:49:00.000-07:002005-07-12T14:01:29.993-07:00

The IRS appears to have found yet another way to take more money out of peoples pockets. By providing lenders focused on refunds with access to potential customers eager to get their tax refund back a couple of weeks early, low income families are being charged interest rates that can make a loanshark seem like your best friend.BOSTON – The Internal Revenue Service provides a taxpayer-subsidized

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1121131338995717892005-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:002005-07-11T18:22:19.000-07:00

In case you're wondering about just how much money you can save by modifying your buying habits of everyday items, we would are pleased to provide you with a savings calculator that will show you the impact of purchasing lower priced generic items or sale priced major brands. If you explore the everyday purchases you make, you will uncover items that can generate thousands of dollars in savings

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120915759917819962005-07-09T06:20:00.000-07:002005-07-09T06:29:19.923-07:00

For those of us who live in Northern Climates and are faced with heating bills, summer presents an opportunity to save money on Gas and Electricity rates. Depending on how you approach your energy expenses, summer also presents an opportunity to roll the difference between your higher winter energy costs and the lower cost summer period into your mortgage and save a significant amount off your

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120837673650347152005-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:002005-07-08T08:47:53.656-07:00

Disposable paper products are simply money you earned that is being thrown into the trash.While there is a price for convenience, substituting generic products or sale prices for regular priced brand names can save you a significant amount of money over time. Using our new lifetime savings calculator, you will see how searching out lower priced products will generate huge returns and put

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120749420187480602005-07-07T08:10:00.000-07:002005-07-07T08:20:06.023-07:00

Is your car lease costing you too much?Perhaps your vehicle no longer meets your needs and you would like something better suited to your lifestyle.Well there are a host of lease takeover options available that will help match someone looking for a vehicle just like yours. Several web sites are available that will help you save money by getting out of your lease.Lease BoysLease Busters

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120591992133606102005-07-05T12:21:00.000-07:002005-07-08T10:38:58.823-07:00

Ever add up the cost of your favorite morning Perk?While we all need our favorite cup of Java, Premium Coffee is eating away at your savings. Let's say you have a modest habit of 1 latte a day at work. What does it really add up to. Using the Coffee Savings Calculator a modest one latte a day habit can take over $1,000.00/year out of your pocket.Over the next ten years, this will total more than

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120520386872672992005-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:002005-07-04T16:39:46.876-07:00

As summer hits, checkout some Summer Travel Savings. What's New on Cheap Tickets!

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120518936738632412005-07-04T16:05:00.000-07:002005-07-04T16:15:36.746-07:00

Ever think that you are about to get a great deal, only to find that it is a mail in rebate?The next question is, what did you do with the rebate form and receipt?Manufactures and retailers count on a marginal uptake on the rebate offer, effectively getting the majority of customers not to go to the trouble of filling in the rebate forms and mail them in. If you are looking to buy your next Nikon

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120479655630067912005-07-04T05:16:00.000-07:002005-07-04T05:20:55.630-07:00

Specialization in the investment industry creates a problem for retail investors as they search for Mutual Funds and Financial Advice that meets their personal Goals. As advisors and funds become more specialized, you may be paying for higher service fees than needed, and not benefit from the advanced expertise.Ensure that your fees are in line with your needs and keep more money in your pocket.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120479241730887722005-07-04T05:10:00.000-07:002005-07-04T05:14:01.736-07:00

Costs matter: Wall Street made $350 billion from investors in 2004, according to John Bogle, founder of mutual fund giant Vanguard Group and a leading critic of the mutual fund industry.Mutual funds collect fees levied against assets under management. As fund managers gather more assets, they make more money, whether you receive any benefit or not."Fees are always up," Bogle said "Costs (to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120142244479153742005-06-30T07:31:00.000-07:002005-06-30T07:37:24.480-07:00

While paying cash is preferable over paying interest, there is still a need in today's society to use credit cards for things like, car rentals, security deposits and the like. The challenge is, how do you use credit without getting in too deep. Think about searching for "secured credit cards" You will get a list of banks and other lenders that offer credit cards backed by money you put into a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120141599292269372005-06-30T07:21:00.000-07:002005-06-30T07:26:39.300-07:00

This is one of the best explanations of the effects of high leverage mortgages.The question is, what will happen over time when housing prices ease off and people are left owing more on their house than it is worth.Personal finance: Interest-only loans no bargainJeff BrownPERSONAL FINANCEMany people are flocking to interest-only mortgages. One Philadelphia lender said these made up half the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120074986081392132005-06-29T12:50:00.000-07:002005-06-29T12:56:26.080-07:00

Looking to save some money on your next rental car?Airport convenience has a price, Airports charge hefty concession fees that get passed on to consumers. At Dulles airport in Washington DC you can save $18 a day on a midsize rental if you bypass the Hertz lot at Dulles airport and take a cab to the nearby Hertz lot in Chantilly, Va.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120074228182763432005-06-29T12:37:00.000-07:002005-06-29T12:43:48.186-07:00

Tax sheltered education savings plans provide an excellent opportunity to grow your money tax free but, ensure you are getting the plan with the lowest overhead. There are huge variations in plan costs. While some 529s charge no sales commission and annual expenses equal to less than 0.7 percent of assets, others impose an initial or deferred sales commission and expenses that can top 2 percent a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12896587.post-1120067505925261802005-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:002005-06-29T10:51:45.926-07:00

Ever wonder how you can control your credit card bills?Try using your debit card instead. While Credit Card companies lure consumers with bonus points, the simple fact that your statement comes only once per month can lead to over spending on your credit cards.By switching to your debit card, you will control over spending and reduce your interest costs associated with credit card

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com1