Creating a budget should allow you to see precisely where your money is spent each month. The basic steps include recording all of your income, and then divide your expenses into mandatory and discretionary. For more guidance on creating a budget, read this C.P.A. Insight.
In a little over 40 days, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 takes full effect. This act alters how credit card issuers market, advertise and manage consumer credit cards. For more information on the changes and what your options are as a consumer, read this Financial Strategy.
Debit cards work like cash—when you use one, money is automatically deducted from your checking account. While this may save you from having to carry cash in your wallet, owning a debit card does come with risks. For a list of pros and cons of owning a debit card, as well as some security tips, read this Financial Strategy.
You stopped for coffee, dropped off some mail and picked up your dry cleaning, but at your next stop to pick up Fluffy from the groomer, you find your wallet is missing. Before this nightmare happens, know there are a few easy steps to help you minimize the loss–all in this Financial Strategy.
With students preparing to leave home for school, now is a good time to introduce your college students to creating a budget. It is important for your children to view a budget as a tool that will help them save for large expenditures like a Spring Break trip, rather than a method of control by you. For more information on budgets for college students, read this C.P.A. Insight.
Great-uncle Harry passed away and left you a fortune in coins. What a windfall! However, later you find out the coins are rare antiques and no longer U.S. currency. If you find yourself in a situation where you want to sell a rare coin collection and need to know how to obtain a fair and reasonable price, read this Financial
If you have a complex financial life, or if you are unsure of your ability to recognize a good investment, you should seek the advice of a financial adviser. A financial adviser should look at your whole financial picture taking into account your taxes, insurance and estate plans. For more information on when you should seek an adviser’s help, read this Financial Strategy.
In order to protect the confidentiality, accuracy and relevance of credit information, Credit Reporting Agencies, or CRAs, are required to follow reasonable procedures as mandated by Congress and the courts. Although there are limits on the use of credit reports, there are certain purposes in which it can be used. For more on consumer protection laws and to learn about some permissible uses of your credit report, read this Financial Strategy.
New Year’s Resolutions not only give you goals to aim for throughout the year, but they can also save you money in the process. By spending more time with family and friends, living a healthier life and helping others, your chances of living a more enjoyable life are increased. For more information about some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions and a little financial insight regarding them, read this C.P.A Insight.
Legislation in Georgia has made credit freezes an effective and economical way to curb identity theft. Credit freezes lock your credit records so that no one other than you can establish new credit in your name. For more on credit freezes and how they differ from fraud alerts, read this Financial Strategy.
