Fixing Your Credit?

by Jodi on July 10, 2010

I’ve talked before about whether or not you should hire an “expert” to help improve your credit.  While you’ve probably heard loads of ads and commercials about fixing your credit, there’s no easy answer or magic bullet.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) have joined forces to strongly urge consumers thoroughly investigate and understand any debt resolution option before making a decision.

Keep in mind that it’s up to you to do your homework before doing business with anyone, particularly if it involves your finances.  So what should you keep an eye out for when looking for a reputable business?  They’ve created a tips sheet which you can download and reference before working with any company or agency.

You can find the download at www.westglen.com/online/Consumer_Information.pdf

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More on Emergency Funds

by Jodi on June 24, 2010

I know, I know… you are sick of hearing about me talk about emergency funds.  So, this time, I’m going to let Real Simple talk abot it.

Click here for this great Q&A posted on Real Simple – “Should I Pay Off My Credit Cards, or Build An Emergency Fund?”.

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Teaching Your Kids About Finance – The Lessons They Pick Up

June 22, 2010

I’ve talked a lot about teaching kids personal finance, and it’s a topic that I’m really passionate about.  Last week, I saw something that reminded me how important it is to always think about what your kids are learning, and what you are really teaching them. My kids go to an enrichment center for classes, [...]

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Credit Cards: Keep Your Eyes Peeled

June 21, 2010

I tend to put all of my expenses on credit cards.  It’s a good way to build miles and points, and that’s how I have the opportunity to jaunt off on weekends away with my friends on occasion. One thing I’ve learned from charging so much is that it’s really essential to be diligent in [...]

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The Psychology of Spending

June 17, 2010

I graduated with a double major in college – studying both psychology and economics.  It was a somewhat unusual combination, but I always thought it fit.  After all, there’s a huge impact of psychology in the world of economics.  Emotions and thoughts impact what you are willing to purchase, how much you are willing to [...]

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Your Travel Budget – Looking at the Total Cost

June 14, 2010

Once upon a time, when you booked airfare, you could easily compare prices. That time is gone, and with many airlines now charging for bags and inflight services, you really do have to do a bit of analysis before deciding which flight is the cheapest. Before you book, you should think about your optimal flight [...]

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What to Do With Your Credit Reports

June 11, 2010

Earlier, I told you how to request your free credit reports.  Now that you have them, are you wondering what to do with them? Each of the three reporting agencies report the information differently, so take a look at the format so you understand exactly what you are looking at.  Then, look at the high-level [...]

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Get Your Annual (Free) Credit Report!

June 11, 2010

Have you checked your credit report lately?  Did you know that you can request free copies of credit reports from each of the three credit reporting bureaus annually? It’s important to review your credit reports, not only for fraudulent activity, but also for common, honest errors that can occur. There are loads of companies offering [...]

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Revisiting the Importance of Emergency Funds

June 9, 2010

I know that I’ve talked about emergency funds in the past, but I know that many people still don’t fully understand the importance (or don’t want to dedicate savings to that purpose).  I’d like to reiterate that without an emergency fund, it’s nearly impossible to stay on target with your financial goals. Here’s why – [...]

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Guest Post: Savings Guide for Parents

June 7, 2010

One of the toughest jobs parents have to face is the responsibility of saving up for the family. It can be a difficult lifestyle to adapt into especially for first-parents. There’s also the misconception that savings is only for the kids’ college education when in reality, you can apply this into so many things. You [...]

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