Archive for December, 2009

Recession Proof Your Personal Finances

Monday, December 28th, 2009


When it comes to making adjustments to hedge against inflation, there are very few adjustments available that will allow you to survive an all out inflationary recession. With the cost of food, clothing, and everyday living expenses being constantly adjusted upward due to rising fuel costs, then what can you do?

The key indicator for personal financial recession and it’s downside, ultimately rides on your fuel cost, whether it be unleaded or diesel. Choosing between the two is not a good option due to the flipped-ness of the big oil companies. A few years ago and for quite along time, diesel was the lesser expensive fuel choice, then out of the blue, it is now the most expensive. I won’t go into their reasoning, but let’s face it, diesel is a much more crude fuel than unleaded gas? Go figure?

Trying to find a way to offset your fuel costs will definitely help in adjusting to the recession, from a personal standpoint. If you own and drive a vehicle that is fuelish, you may want to switch to a more fuel friendly model, but I realize that’s easier said than done. There is however alternatives to downsizing your vehicle.

One seldom realized method of downsizing in vehicles is to donate your car or truck. There are charitable organizations that accept useable vehicles and you can write off the value from your taxes. This is a very good way to reduce your federal income taxes and thus keeping more of your hard earned money. Each state has a list of charitable organizations that do this type of donation and it’s well worth a look see.

If you are of the more stubborn type and you really do not want to part with your current vehicle, you can make some small changes to your vehicles motor operations and save a bundle in fuel cost. For years I have said that, if they can put men or women, being politically correct, on the moon, then they can make cars get 100 miles to the gallon. Don’t hold your breath waiting for that technology to hit the market any time soon, but there is some incredible breakthroughs that are not commercially recognized, where you can greatly improve your vehicles fuel efficiency.

Hybrid cars have been around for a while, but the cost and the really true efficiencies are not being shared with the consumers. What I am getting at, is the method widely being tried now in virtually any make or model of cars or trucks. This method is using gas and water together to extend or improve your mileage per gallon. While it requires a few minor adjustments, most people can apply this to their own personal vehicles and it still meets, and actually exceeds emission standards. So, basically it’s a win-win for you, and the environment. I would strongly suggest you investigate this process and relieve your stress, of how to get back or get even with the big oil companies and car manufacturers.

Greed is a terrible thing and ultimately the greedy will pay, unfortunately, we may not live to see that come to pass, but anything we as middle-income earners can do to hurry it along, can’t hurt. Since middle-class Americans, front the burden of most of the national debt and taxes in this country, finding alternatives to the wages of financial sin is our destiny.

By: Jimmy Wilson

About the Author:
To learn more about car donations: http://wealthsmith.com/car_donation.htm

And to find out more about using gas & water to run your car: http://offto.net/getfreegas/



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What Do You Know About Your Personal Finances? Learn About Financial Management Now

Sunday, December 27th, 2009


Today, there are many American consumers who are seeking debt relief help. They are doing this because they are in debt; they owe a lot of money to the credit card companies and other creditors. If you aren’t in debt right now, there are steps that you can take to ensure you don’t become a debt victim. What you need to do is familiarize yourself with the best forms of financial management.

First, it is important to know what you should be watching in terms of your finances. Why is it so important to know how much money you have, how much money is being spent, and how that money is being spent? It is this that can help you out of debt and prevent you from needing professional debt relief help.

As previously stated, you’ll want to know how much money you have, how much you are spending, and how you are spending it. This is an important part of managing your personal finances. Now, does require more work, but you want to focus month to month. Many of our bills are monthly (phone, internet, mortgage or rent, and so forth). It is a good idea to grab a pen and a piece of a paper and start writing down all the total bills you pay. Then, focus on the everyday purchases that might be little at the time, but ones that can easily add-up. These little purchases can include a pack of gum or a lottery ticket at the gas station.

Many of the American consumers who got into trouble with debt suffered because they weren’t prepared for an emergency. Many were already living paycheck-to-paycheck. Then, the worst happened and many lost their jobs or saw their pay or hours cut. This led to debt (often because credit cards were relied on heavily). If you want to avoid needing professional debt relief help, you want to create an emergency fund of money. If you don’t already have one or feel as if you don’t have enough extra money each month, it is time to start trimming your finances. Eliminate that weekly lottery ticket, make your coffee at home, and so forth.

In short, the tips above can help you stay out of debt. With that said, always remember that there is a lot of debt relief out there. The best action is to protect yourself, but know that professional help in the form of settlement and consolidation is there if you ever find yourself needing it.

By: Morgan Laronte

About the Author:
There has really never been a more advantageous time for consumers to try and eliminate unsecured debt. Creditors are very concerned about collecting and most have government money to make eliminating some of your debt financially feasible.

Check out the link below to locate legitimate debt relief companies in your area:

Free Debt Advice



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Steps to Getting a Credit Card

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009


We all get those credit card offers in the mail saying we are already approved and need do nothing more than sign the application or go online to confirm it. Then you get your card, and the next thing you know you’re spending like crazy. Although obtaining a credit card can be very easy these days, there are steps you can take to assure you get the best card for your needs that will be less likely to cause problems for you in the future.

It is almost always a good decision to go to your local bank if you are thinking about getting a credit card. If you have a good reputation with your bank, then chances are the institution will be more than willing to issue you a card. The benefit to this is that if you have any problems with your card you can walk into your branch and talk to a person face to face rather than over the phone. Bank-issued cards usually have the lowest interest rates, too.

No matter where you are thinking about or looking into getting a charge card, it is important to find one with the lowest interest rate possible. Cards that offer zero percent interest for the first year are great, but you need to see what rate you will be paying after that period concludes. Anything below 12% is considered good. Many issuers will also negotiate with you if you are bringing a good credit score to them.

Once you have a credit card, you have to be responsible with it. Having one does not mean it is time to go out and buy everything you have ever wanted or something you do not legitimately need. Maxing out a credit card can cause major problems when trying to pay off the balance because the higher your balance, the more interest you are going to pay. If you are not careful with spending, card issuers can tack on annual fees, over-limit fees and late payment fees. These can add up very fast and almost double you balance over time.

If you think you are ready to obtain a credit card, then start by looking around for one and contacting your local bank. Do not accept a card that has a high interest rate or a credit limit that you feel is too high or unnecessary. Remember that credit cards are for emergencies or purchasing items you can pay off in 90 days, and they should not be used to borrow money from and buy things you simply want for instant gratification. Credit cards can be a great thing to have if you are responsible with them; if not, they can do some quick damage to your financial situation and credit file.

By: Paul Colcleasure

About the Author:
Paul is an expert in the credit industry and has helped thousands of people with online credit card applications



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Effectively Using Your Personal Finances Towards Achieving Financial Freedom

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009


Once you have determined and drawn your financial plan, there things you can do to make sure the plan works. It is not enough to just draw a budget and leave it at that, you are required to act on it to achieve financial freedom.

With your long term goals and short terms financial goals in place, you need to break down the plan on how you are going to spend you cash from day to day. By these I mean you stop spending your money on expensive clothes or going out so that you can be able to save for your dream house or car. Financial planning is about how you use your money each day. Have a budget that will prevent you from impulse buying.

Life is about the choices we make thus choose to stay at home with your family rather than go out with your friends for a drinking spree. It is this kind of spending that will delay or make you fail to achieve your financial goals. Some of these things, you can make a conscious decision to do avoid them for now and do them later once you have achieved financial freedom.

Idleness is what brings about this habit of overspending therefore get involved in more constructive activities which contribute towards your financial goals. You can buy a book that shares on how to implement a business strategy or teaches on financial planning tactics. Choose to go to school and advance your career thus avoid impulsive behavior that only lead to overspending.

To achieve financial freedom and fulfill your financial plan you need to be disciplined. Make conscious decisions that positively affect your financial goals. With dedication, determination and focus you can generate wealth thus personal finance success.

By: Belsheba Nyabwa

About the Author:
Belsheba shares her experience in personal growth that will definitely add value to your life. Website: Personal Development Tips



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