Saving For College

If you’re a parent wondering about how you’ll pay for your child’s future college bills, your best source for a college savings plan is a 529 Plan. Below are some different saving plans that are available.

1. Direct Sold Savings Program. As with many 529s, this plan will vary according to the state that in which you are located. This type of plan is managed by investment firms where investors will purchase directly from the plan manager.
2. Broker Sold Saving Program. These 529s are sold through a financial advisor, which means that you’ll get the benefit of advice and expertise of an investment professional.
3. Prepaid Contract. This plan allows you to purchase a contract covering from 1 to 5 years, in a lump sum or in installments.
4. Prepaid Unit/ Guaranteed Savings. This plan allows you to buy units toward tuition, which will equal credit hours once your child enters a college.

Source: www.savingforcollege.com

Ways to Keep Giving Back, Even in a Slumping Economy

I know what you’re probably thinking… I can barely make ends meet now, how can I even think about giving to my favorite charities? Still, for those of us who would like to continue giving back to others who are less fortunate, there are ways to do just that… and without completely emptying the bank account.

1. Treat the family to a night out and give back at the same time. Restaurants often have special nights when you can eat there and a portion of the sales will go to a specific charity.

2. Many online lenders offer referral programs with high pay outs (anywhere from $20 to $100) for each referred borrower. This provides extra cash for things like giving to charities just for referring friends and family to loan sites!

3. Donate used items. Do some spring cleaning and search through your closets for items that you haven’t used in a while. Take a trip to Goodwill or any other charitable thrift store to donate all of your used gear.

4. Look for companies who have contribution opportunities available. Some companies will agree to “match” community donations earned for schools and other charitable organizations.

Easy Ways to Save on your Spring Break Travel

Spring break is here! By now, you’re probably itching to get out of town to do something fun. Why not save some money too! Here are three key ways to save on spring break travel…

· Travel with another family. Splitting expenses with other friends and family can significantly reduce trip cost.
· Buy groceries. Get snacks for the trip ahead of time, so that you won’t be tempted to buy at a gas station along the way. If the place where you’re staying has a kitchen, load up on groceries and set a goal to only go out to a couple of nice dinners.
· Look online for deals. Research online and at the visitor’s center once you arrive at your destination. Often you can find coupons for hotel stay, restaurants, air fare and entertainment.

If budgeting for spring break travel seems like too much right now, you might want to consider ways to get short term cash between paydays. Payday loans offer a quicker solution than traditional bank loans and offer the ultimate in flexibility, loaning any amount you choose between $100 and $1500.

Three Steps to Creating a Budget

Financial stress can bring anyone down. Having a household budget can help combat some of that tension and help you be on your way to cash relief. Below are three easy steps to creating a flawless budget.

Identify how you're spending money now. Keep track of your receipts and keep a spreadsheet to log every expense. This may seem time consuming in the beginning, but will become less tedious as you become accustomed to the process.

Evaluate your past spending to set goals for any future spending. It may be difficult to see how you have been spending in the past since you weren’t tracking before, but read through your bank statements to create an estimated idea of where your money has been going. Then, choose where you can make cuts or eliminate expenses that are unnecessary.

Track your spending to make sure it stays within those guidelines. As you begin tracking your expenses, evaluate the spending every month to be sure that you’re staying within your goal budget.

Spring Fever

Spring is almost here. This is a time for fresh starts – flowers will begin to peek and weather will begin to get warmer. How will you get ready for a fresh start? A payday loan can provide you with the funding to help in recharging yourself in preparation of the more colorful, sunnier surroundings, but you’ll need to make arrangements for your complete renewal.

Cleaning your home might be a start in the right direction. A thorough elimination of cob webs, leftover Christmas tree needles and other winter dirt can help in your quest for a new beginning this spring.

Here are some items you’ll want to check off your list:

· Windows - Clean inside and easy-to-reach outside windows.
· Blinds, shades or drapes - Start by dusting or vacuuming the valance and frame, then vacuum from top to bottom using the upholstery attachment for drapes and the brush attachment for blinds.
· Kitchen Cabinets - Wipe down cupboard fronts, shelves and walls.
· Upholstered Furniture - Remove the cushions. Thoroughly vacuum nooks and crannies with a crevice tool.
· Rugs or carpeting – Have these professionally cleaned to thoroughly remove any dust and bacteria.
· Walls – Wash down.

For a complete spring cleaning check list, visit realsimple.com

Keep your head up in an Economic Downturn

In an economic downturn, it’s common for people to have the blues. But negativity doesn’t have to be contagious. If you’re experiencing some hard times, you might want to think about turning to a short-term cash advance for some immediate help. The fees for a short-term cash advance are less expensive than late payment fees and won’t reflect negatively on your credit report.

Here are the comparisons:

$100 payday advance with $15 fee = 391% APR;
$100 bounced check with $48 NSF/merchant fees = 1,251% APR;
$100 credit card balance with $26 late fee = 678% APR;
$100 utility bill with $50 late/reconnect fees = 1,304% APR.

Get Smarter with your Money

We’re all guilty of making bad financial decisions at some point in our lives. But it’s when lessons are never learned and mistakes keep happening that there is a real problem with bad financial choices.

By following some of these easy steps, you’ll be on the road to financial success in no time.

1. Don’t write checks, if there isn’t enough in your checking account to cover it. On Average, a bounced check fee will cost you over $50. So, if you’re already in a financial crunch, the chances are that paying won’t be pleasant.

2. As with the checks, don’t over extend your credit card’s line of credit. If you know that you are within $50 of your credit limit, don’t use it. Otherwise, you could end up paying at least a $30 over limit fee.

3. Don’t live by the motto “To have is to spend”. Avoid living from paycheck to paycheck and start saving a portion of your hard earned cash.

4. Finally, if you’ve tried and you just can’t get ahead, an online cash advance could help you get back on your feet. But borrow responsibly!