It's Tax Free Weekend, Time To Get Ready For School

Image via WikipediaIn 8 states this weekend you will not have to pay sales tax on back to school items. During the month of August eight other states will also have tax free weekends. During this tax free holiday the items allowed to be tax free are clothes, school supplies, books, and computers. Each state has certain limits to the amount of the purchase and which items are allowed to be tax free in the particular state.

Originally the weekends were meant to get junior outfitted with new clothes and shoes for returning to school but the items covered by the tax free rules have expanded. Now you can purchase computers, school supplies, and even appliances. The amount of the items can go as high as $2,500 as in Louisiana.


The Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday provides an exemption from state sales tax on the first $2,500 of the purchase price of most individual items of tangible personal property for non-business use. The state sales tax is payable on the portion of the purchase price of any individual item in excess of $2,500.This Means you can buy anything except vehicles that require a tag and title.

Missouri allows you to buy software up to $350 without paying tax and computers up to $3,500 without paying sales tax.

Check out this chart for purchasing rules and links to specific states information.

State	Items and Maximum Cost (Per Item)	2011 Dates	More Information
Alabama	clothing – $100 computers – $750 school supplies – $50 books – $30	August 5-7	revenue.alabama.gov
Arkansas	clothing and footwear – $100 Clothing accessories – $50 school supplies, art supplies, school instructional material	August 6-7	www.dfa.arkansas.gov
Connecticut	clothing and footwear – $300	August 21-27	www.ct.gov
Florida	school supplies – $15 clothing – $75	August 12-14	dor.myflorida.com
Iowa	clothing – $100	August 5-6	www.iowaccess.org
Louisiana	all TPP – $2,500 hurricane preparedness items – $1,500	August 5-6	revenue.louisiana.gov
Maryland	clothing and footwear – $100	August 14-20	www.marylandtaxes.com
Massachusetts	TVs, clothing, personal items – $2,500	August 13-14	www.mass.gov
Missouri	clothing – $100 computers – $3,500 school supplies – $50	August 5-7	dor.mo.gov
New Mexico	clothing – $100 computers – $1,000 school supplies – $15	August 5-7	www.tax.newmexico.gov
North Carolina	clothing – $100 school supples – $100 instructional material – $300 computers – $3,500 other comp. – $250 sports equip – $50	August 5-7	www.dornc.com
Oklahoma	clothing – $100	August 5-7	www.tax.ok.gov
South Carolina	clothing school supplies computers other (Check SC site for explicit items’ exemptions)	August 5-7	www.sctax.org
Tennessee	clothing – $100 school supplies – $100 computers – $1,500	August 5-7	tn.gov
Texas	clothing, backpacks, and school supplies – $100	August 19-21	www.window.state.tx.us
Virginia	clothing – $100 school supplies – $20	August 5-7	www.tax.virginia.gov

Washington's Debt Crisis Is Over With Social Security and Medicare Spared - For Now

Image via WikipediaThe Congress and the President have come together and deflected the debt crisis. They have worked out a solution that both parties can hold their noses and live with. These last two months have been nerve racking for the folks dependent on Social Security. Not only for them, but the rest of the country is finally seeing how close we are to the precipice of default.

Unconscionable spending over the last 30 years by both parties has led to an environment of thoughtless borrowing. President Obama is the unfortunate president who will take the brunt of the anger of the American people over this insane borrowing and deficit. Luckily for him, the deal that was worked out will spare him another debt crisis before the next election. But before the end of 2012, we will be back where we started.

One point of the debt deal that was made is, Social Security and Medicare are off the table on budget cuts. This is not forever and when the next round of deficit discussions come around Social Security and Medicare could be on the chopping block. The gloves are off for Social Security activists and recipients. They will have to fight long and hard to keep their benefits in the years ahead. It' almost funny that our so called guaranteed benefits will have to be fought for.

What happened to the sacred promise made to the American people by our government about the Social Security Trust Fund. It seems with the stroke of the pen all that could be over. Washington says they might have to reduce benefits to keep the fund viable.

All Americans have paid faithfully to the Social Security Fund only to have it mishandled and raided for it's funds over the years. Now the raiders want to balance the budget on the backs of retiree's. We all know that Social Security and Medicare have not caused this economic crisis and we do not support cutting these programs to pay down the debt. Then why are important programs on the table as bargaining chips as a way to balance the budget?

For over three decades, millions of older Americans have counted on annual Social Security benefit increases to help them afford their basic needs. Unfortunately, the benefits they've earned will again be frozen next year, leaving millions who are struggling in this economy without money they depend on to make ends meet.

I suggest you contact your representatives in Washington DC and let your voices be heard on this matter.

Click Here for a list of your Representatives Email and Phone numbers.

Before Buying A House Try A Financial Dress Rehearsal

Image via WikipediaYou have heard it all before, don't waste your money on renting, buy a house and pay yourself. Owning a house is one of the greatest pleasures you can have. Your place, with your name on the deed, there is no better feeling. I have owned two homes in my life and would highly recommend it. 

But what I wouldn't recommend is all the money it costs to own a house. You can never fully plan for all that will go wrong in your home. Whether it's the water heater leaking, the roof leaking, or the constant upkeep; sometimes you may wish you were back in that no maintenance apartment.

When buying a home there are many things to be considered. You need good credit. You need a down payment. You have to know the housing market so you don't over pay. That's just for starters, the real challenges begin when you move in.

I am the type of person who can sit down and write up a monthly budget with no problem. The numbers come easily after doing it for so long. I know my expenses and my income. It's easy to do because I know what I need to budget for. When you buy a home you are faced with the unknown of what to get ready for. Things will eventually break or need maintenance. It's not, if it will break, but when will it break.

Many people buy that first home and really don't know what they are getting into financially. So why not do a dress rehearsal to see how it could all fold out.

Make a list of all the new expenses you will have when owning your home. Find a perspective home you would probably purchase and use a mortgage calculator to figure out the payment. Add to it what the insurance, taxes, and expenses of owning that home. Take that number and subtract your current monthly rent. Are you able to save that amount every month for two years. If you can't save that amount every month, then you are not ready to buy a house.

Most people believe they can afford the monthly payment and all the extra expenses. It's true some people will be able to afford it, today. But in five years from now, what will be the expenses? They will surely be more. With a home being larger than your apartment, you will have the expense of more furniture and electric. Your yard will be bigger and your responsibility to maintain. What about a nice pool for the kids to swim in during the hot summer days. Don't forget the chlorine and other maintenance items.

You finally have that nice house all fixed up and decorated, but it's empty, it needs the sound of little feet running through it. Now the children start to arrive. Now your costs are rising and seem to never end.

A house is a big expensive financial burden that can sneak up on you with unforeseen expenses. Before you take the big leap into purchasing one, sit down and make a list of what it will REALLY cost you every month and year. Actually put the money aside with a phantom house budget and see if it will really work for you.

Citi's Simplicity No-Penalty, No-Fee Credit Card: HUH!

Citigroup has launched a credit card that combines the three most requested benefits, card holders have been requesting. They are not late fees, no penalty interest rate, and a single interest rate for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.

The new Simplicity card will be sold as a way for busy people with busy schedules who want a credit card with simple terms, said Jud Linville, CEO of Citi Cards. “It lets them not have to worry that they’re going to be late on a payment. It provides some flexibility,’’ he said.

It sound like a good deal at first, but this new card comes with an interest rate 16.99 percent interest. The national average interest rate is 14.40% according to Bankrate.com. If you carry a balance, the extra conveniences may not out way the higher interest rate. But if you're prone to have late payments, you won't be penalized a late fee, which could range from $35 to $45 dollars. At least with the higher interest you know every month what you will be paying. Also if you are already paying a high monthly interest already, another percent or two makes very little difference.

No Late Fees?

The no late fee feature is an uncommon occurrence in the world of credit cards. Cardhub.com states that only 5% of credit cards do not charge a late fee and only 8% of cards charge a single interest rate for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.

The Simplicity card also doesn’t offer any rewards, which can be a deal breaker for some. Or it may turn out you won’t qualify for the card. Citi declined to specify what type of credit background is required. But CardHub.com, which lets consumers search and compare card offers, lists the Simplicity card for those with “excellent’’ scores of 720 or higher.

Citi has revamped this card to coincide with the new regulations coming out of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Many credit cards will be moving to these types features. They will be losing quite a bit money in cutting these fees so with the interest rate increase they will be making it up in some way.

The upside to this card is the elimination of theses pesky fees. If you carry a balance you will have to deal with the higher interest rates. If you pay off your credit card bill every month you will never have to pay a fee, even if you are late on a payment. It's a good deal if you don't carry a balance.

Kidflation Affects The Children With Higher Prices At The Candy Store

Image via WikipediaMom and Dad think they have it bad, with paying $4.00 for gas to go to the supermarket to shop for ever rising food prices. Kids have it rough too in this economic downturn. While adults are feeling retail prices increasing 8.5%, kids are feeling it worse in the pocket book with a rise of 14.3% for the things they need to buy.

Typical costs for kid purchases of sweets and candy have risen 24% on average. Soft drinks are up 16% and kids clothing is also up 17%. To make matters worse for the kids, Mom and Dad are handing out less and less pocket money. Some parents have reduced or eliminated giving the kids their pocket money. Though many parents are making the kids earn their extra money by taking on additional chores around the house.

This terrible affect of the recession on kids has helped them learn the cold hard facts of life. They are learning money is finite and you have to work for the money you receive. Today's kids have many more hands out for their money. Also income from jobs and chores have not kept up with the prices. If they have jobs they are probably receiving the minimum wage. With expensive gas, movie tickets, clothes and cell phones the kids are having a hard time making ends meet.

The high cost of video games is affecting junior's pocket book. The average new, must have video game sells for $50. Being in the baby boomer generation, thinking of spending $50 on toys when I was young, Mom and Dad would of thought I was crazy to spend that much.

Teach good lessons

All this spending can be used to teach good economic behavior to your children. Teaching wants verse needs is a lesson that can be taught at a young age. This kind of lesson probably will have to be taught again and again depending on the maturity level of the child.

Teach how money is earned

Handing the kids an allowance is not a good idea because it teaches money is free with no action taken by the child to receive it. Rather teach the child to work for their allowance by doing chores around the house. Linking their regular chores with the money teaches WORK = MONEY. If you get that lesson into that head of mush it will be the best thing you can do for your child.

Teach how money is used

When they finally receive their money they must be taught how to make financial decisions in life. This is the parents time to guide the youth in making good spending decisions. Eventually they will be on their own and you won't have this influence anymore. The kids should learn to spend and save for future spending. Eventually, you should not be paying for everything. So start by keeping things simple. Kids (via their allowance) pay for the wants (toys, snacks, gifts for friends). Parents pay for needs (school supplies, Grandpa’s birthday present) and the expenses that are random or unpredictable (class trips). Of course, it’s still your money. But transferring the responsibility for those expenses to the child gives them the chance to learn to budget and save and make wise choices.

Learn to let go.

You have taught them how to spend now step back and let them try it out. If they do well with their spending you have accomplished a lot. If they fail miserably you have an opportunity to use the failure to teach a lesson. Remember this is a process. As their maturity level rises, or doesn't rise, you will have to at time step in and reinforce the lessons not quite learned yet.

Learnvest.com Is A Mint.com For Women, Only Better

Image by Courtbean via FlickrLearnvest.com is a personal finance site for women. It's been around since 2009 but a recent cash infusion of $19 million dollars has allowed it to really become a real player in the financial aggregator field. It's trying to be a Mint.com for women. 


It was founded by entrepreneur Alexa Von Tobel, who wanted to design a website attuned to the financial needs of women. Learnvest.com, which has one million users, is launching My Money Center, which like Mint.com, allows women to aggregate all of their financial accounts, such as bills, credit cards, checking accounts, savings, 401K and more, to give users a comprehensive view into the health of their finances. Members can link all of their accounts into a Financial Inbox, which allows them to track their spending.


What sets it apart from similar websites is it's offering personalized financial advice via the LearnVest Advice Center, in which members can submit questions focused on their own financial situations and will receive a tailored response within a matter of hours. This is included in LearnVest’s premium membership, which costs $4.99 per day, $39.99 for three months and $129.99 for a year. The Advice Center also offers access to LearnVest Courses, which help women create a financial plan.

The word learn is in Learnvest because the founder of the website feels education is an integral part of being successful with your money. To help in this goal Learnvest has "BootCamps" where over a period of time you are educated in basic financial subjects. The three online programs, include a Financial Basics Bootcamp, Cut Your Costs Bootcamp, and Investing Bootcamp. Instead of creating a book-like online experience, LearnVest is making email newsletters the foundation of the educational sessions.

The integration between the bootcamp educational sessions and the user’s LearnVest profile is key to the success of the initiative.

Von Tobel explains, women need more tailored financial products in the same way that women join female-focused gyms. It’s about building sound financial habits, she explains, and a more personalized, tailored approach helps this.

There is a promo code, courtesy of Techcrunch.com, for a free one day pass for the premium service. Just enter the code ‘tc2011′ in the next week when signing up. Also there is another free day pass code "daypass2011", good till August 2.

Supplementing Your Income with a Part Time Real Estate Business

This is a guest post by Jeffry Evans, licensed real estate agent.

If you are approaching or are in retirement, or simply want to have a little extra money come in here or there, then pursuing real estate as a side career part time might be just the thing to do. Out of all the things I can think of, it's hard to think of one job where you can make a few thousand dollars, with just a few hours of work and all from your home (or office, if you prefer).

                                

The typical real estate contract pays some 5-6%, and the paperwork to complete it is just several pages long, and often promulgated by a state body, such as a real estate commission or association of Realtors. This makes the technical part of being a real estate agent easy. So it really just comes down to getting your license, and working with buyers and sellers.

Getting Your Real Estate License

To become legally able to act as a real estate agent, you'll have to get licensed. Each state varies slightly on the steps to becoming an agent, but they all following the same basic steps. First, you'll have to have some education. There are many companies, both online and offline, that can deliver a custom package of real estate education to you.

Once you have completed the courses, you'll have to pass a state exam. Once that's passed, you need to deliver the paperwork, and any background checks the state requires. Then you'll need to partner with a local broker, until you become a broker yourself (and you don't have to, you can stay under another broker indefinitely). Once the state acknowledges you partnership, you are ready to begin helping buyers and sellers.

Becoming Successful and Making Some Money

Now that you have your license, your focus needs to shift to finding and helping interested parties. Starting a website is the best approach, because over 80 percent of home buyers begin their search online. Be sure to get a website that you can list properties on, and then begin promoting your site out through social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Start searching online for other websites that have something to do with real estate and/or finance. Partner with them to deliver helpful content that their visitors can use. In return, you'll get creditability and visitors to your site. This is the vital part of the process called real estate internet marketing.

If you consistently publish quality work that is helpful to online home searchers, you'll soon find that you have prospects that want you to help them find their next home. When they do, all you have to do is use the MLS and any other means you have of finding properties to locate and show your new prospect homes that fit their desires.

Be as helpful as you can, and you'll end up with more business than your competitors, and a nice supplemental income, that doesn't cost you all of your time.

Finding Cheap House Insurance For The 50 Plus Person Is A Necessity In Retirement

Image by Laineys Repertoire via FlickrWhen getting ready for retirement you need to reaccess many of the financial parts of your life. From where your going to live to how you will support yourself. Reducing expenses is a priority for making your income go further. Utilities, food, transportation, and insurance are all necessities that we must try to budget for and find ways to save money.

House insurance for the 50 plus crowd is one of those large expenses that has to be looked at to find ways to save money on. Luckily, insurance companies look highly to the 50 plus crowd when giving a quote for a house insurance policy.

Getting old does have it's disadvantages but when it comes to insurance there are benefits. Many insurance companies recognise that people over 50 make fewer and smaller claims. What’s more, if they do make a claim, they tend to be more honest about the true amount lost. So make the most of your glowing reputation as a mature and responsible citizen when seeking house insurance quotes by going to an insurance company that favors the 50 plus crowd with generous insurance discounts.

Why should insurance companies favor the over 50s?

In the eyes of the insurance companies you are a lower risk when it comes to house insurance. Insurance companies see you as a stable and good partner in taking care of your home. People in their 50s, 60s, and 70s care for their homes better through maintenance and repairs. The house of the 50 plus person is in better condition resulting in less risk for the insurer. They are not running around chasing children or going to a job. They have more time for there homes.

What should I look for in a House Insurance Company?

• By switching insurance companies most people save at least 10% to 20%. Look for an insurance company that specializes in people over 50 years old.
• Make sure you save at least 10% when you switch. Mention it to the new insurance company you need to save money, let them work for your business.
• Tailor the policy to not only cover your home but also it's contents so you not only guarantee coverage but replacement coverage.
• Check out heir claims process for ease of use. Do they have a helpful claim center with communication through Internet, phone and fax.

A House insurance company that specializes in the 50 plus person and wants to provide you with cheap House Insurance is Castle Covers. Go here for Castle Covers Cheap House Insurance for over 50s'.

Should I Hire A Handyman or A Contractor For Home Repair.

Image via WikipediaKeeping a residence or commercial business in good condition is a tough job. Water pipes may leak, toilets can overflow and the electricity can go out in the blink of an eye. Property owners must also pay close attention to how the outside looks, as to not violate any city code violations. A handyman or professional contractor may be consulted for these issues – but there are major differences in the qualifications and duties of each profession.

Do you hire a contractor or a handyman?

A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects.

Handymen are skilled professionals who can handle a variety of home repair and maintenance tasks, from fixing plumbing issues to painting walls. When looking for a handyman near me in Lowes Island, VA,” it’s crucial to choose someone dependable and experienced to ensure quality work. They offer services for both indoor and outdoor projects, making them a convenient option for homeowners. Whether you need small repairs or larger projects completed, a good handyman can save you both time and hassle.

Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it is required in your area. No matter who you hire for which job, it is always important you know exactly what you want in a project and communicate that. These days, contractors and handymen are very similar, especially with more contractors developing an all-around approach - making the decision on who you should hire that much more confusing.

Before you hire, make a list of what you need done. Include as much detail as you can so the company can determine if your requests are within their abilities. Have this list on hand when you call to make an appointment. Talk through your list with the handyman or contractor. Most professionals are going to tell you up front if it's a job outside their area of expertise. And, in the case of some of the larger handyman shops, knowing what jobs you need done, often determines which employee they send to your house

Who to hire? Contractor or Handyman?

• A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects. Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work - but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it's required in your area.
• A contractor tends to concentrate on larger jobs or a more specialized field that could require a license or special certification. If you are planning a room addition or a kitchen remodel, for example, a contractor would be better suited for your project. These jobs may last several weeks or months, whereas a handyman's work may be done in just a few hours.

Are You Really Frugal Or Just An Old Cheapskate?

Image by epSos.de via FlickrI have been called cheap and I have been called frugal, what's the difference, is there a difference? Maybe people are just being nice when they call me frugal. Cheap has such a negative connotation, maybe they just don't want to hurt my feelings.

What is frugal? 

Frugal is that you are making definite choices to save money. You are spending money in the most wisest way with a dignity and respect. Also no one is getting harmed or losing in the process.

What is cheap? 

Cheap is more akin to being a hoarder of money and things. You have something and just don't want to part with it on principle. Also when you are being cheap, someone or something is being hurt or losing in the process.

So what separates "frugal" from "cheap"? Here's a list, culled from several blogs: "Frugal for Life," The New York Times' "Your Money," Queercents.com and Bankrate.com.

Frugal: Taking home those tiny hotel shampoo bottles.

Cheap: Taking home the hotel-room light bulbs.

Frugal: Sneaking a snack into a movie theater.

Cheap: Sneaking into the theater itself.

Frugal: Accepting "free samples" at a grocery store.

Cheap: Accepting a free continental breakfast at a hotel where you are not staying.

Frugal: Buying artificial sweeteners in bulk from a discount store.

Cheap: Pocketing sweetener packets from a restaurant.

Frugal: Ordering only free water with your meal at a restaurant.

Cheap: Bringing your own drinks to a restaurant.

Frugal: Eating at less-expensive restaurants.

Cheap: Being a poor tipper at less-expensive restaurants.

Frugal: Finding stray golf balls in the rough at courses and using them.

Cheap: Selling those golf balls.

Frugal: Having dinner at 4:30 p.m. to get the "early bird" special.

Cheap: Eating a meal at a soup kitchen if you can afford to buy food.


So what's the verdict? Are you cheap or frugal. If your frugal, feel good about yourself, you are saving money and helping yourself get ahead. If you are cheap, rethink your motives and move away from the dark side.

Are Prepaid Cards Finally A Good Idea?

Image via WikipediaLately the emergence of prepaid cards are making a dent in financial circles. When American Express starts to get into the business people take notice. You see these cards more and more at drug stores, supermarkets, and retailers. You usually find them next to the gift card card display racks.

What are prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards are re-loadable cards that can be used anywhere credit or debit cards are accepted. They're popular with people who can't afford a traditional bank account, or who have been turned off by overdraft fees and other costs. They also offer a way for consumers who don't have credit cards to shop online. They come with monthly fees and reloading fees. If you need plastic and don't have a credit card or a bank account, with a debit card, prepaid cards are your only option.

What's the downside?

According to Consumer Reports, there are many fees and charges. They did a study comparing 19 different prepaid cards.

1. Activation Fees

Twelve of the 19 prepaid cards come with activation fees. The worst offender: First Vineyard card and its $39.95 tariff.

2. Monthly Fee

Sixteen of the 19 carry this fee ranging from $2.95 to $9.95. Most of the cards will waive the monthly charge if a direct deposit — think allowance — is set up. But the Green Dot card actually requires you maintain a $1,000 balance or make 30 transactions per month.

3. Balance Inquiry Fee

All 19 prepaid cards charge a fee to withdraw cash. So you shouldn’t confuse this product with a debit card. But 18 of them are really pushing the envelope and taking an additional 45 cents to $1 if you dare to check your balance at an ATM machine.

4. Customer Service

Perhaps the most surprising fee — and the most offensive one — is a charge to speak with a customer service representative. At least two do this and they are BuyRight and Exact card. If they nickel and dime you just for calling, I can’t imagine the companies will be all that helpful if you have a problem.

5. Inactivity Fees

Like gift cards, some of the prepaid cards carry inactivity fees. The Exact card dares to yank nearly $10 off your account every month it sits idle in your wallet.

One thing is for sure, prepaid cards have many fees and gotchas. Make sure you check out all the fees first before you sign up for them. Bankrate.com has a nice comparison chart to help you in your selection.

Men: If You Want To Have A Longer, Healthier Life Have Your Wife Retire

Image by SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget via FlickrAARP has a Health Discovery article that claims men will have a longer and healthier life if their wife retires. Angela Curl, assistant professor of social work at the University of Missouri, did a survey analyzing working couples over many years at the university's Health and Retirement Study. The surprising results revealed men feel their health improves when their wives retire.

"Women tend to monitor their husbands' well-being, making sure they eat right, go to the doctor, get some exercise, socialize," Curl says. The reciprocal of the wives claim of a healthier life did not happen. It seems the wife has a much more natural care giving tendency than men do.

When the wives retire they generally rated their health as worse during the first few years after they left their jobs, but then said it improved as time went on.

I find that this husband/wife ecosystem extends to other facets of life. Women tend to socialize more outside their jobs while men have more friendships integrated to their workplace. Success in life and business tends to be increased when a wife is there to guide and nurture the situation, keeping things on track.

Lower risk from heart disease.

Men can thank their spouses again because the reason married men have a lower risk of death from heart disease may be because their wives encourage them (ok, nag them) to go to the E.R. when they’re having the symptoms of a heart attack.

But again the reciprocal doesn't hold true, married women having chest pain did not get to the hospital sooner than single women.

I see in my own life how the marriage dynamic keeps things on track for me. I am grateful to my wife for the consistent gentle persuasion or nagging that is good for my health and happiness. The odd thing is even if my wife isn't there at the moment, I hear that voice in my head telling me the right thing.

AARP article: Husbands Benefit From Wives' Retirement

10 Reasons To Not Use Credit Cards

Image via WikipediaThere are many reasons to use credit cards and just as many reasons to not use them. Credit cards are just disastrous in some peoples lives. It's true a lot of people use credit cards their whole life and never get into trouble. But when you don't understand the dangers and troubles that can occur from misuse it's better to stick with cash.

I have listed several ways the use of cash is better than using credit cards:

1. You will never be in debt. It's pretty hard to get into credit card debt when you don't have any credit cards. It's hard enough getting out of debt, staying out of debt is much harder with those plastic cards pulling at you.

2. Impulse purchases will disappear. Credit cards make it so easy to make impulse purchases, only limited by your credit line. Within no time you can be in debt and over your head. When you spend cash it hurts. Cash is always in limited supply. When it's gone you know it. There is a physical connection between you and your money. Credit cards are a cheat on the process and a disconnect.

3. Credit card purchases are traceable. If you value your privacy use cash. If you want some computer somewhere to know everything you purchase, use credit cards. It's none of anybody's business what you do, where you go, or what you spend your money on. Credit cards makes it easy to know everything.

4. Budgets are easier to keep. When writing out your budget every month knowing your income less your expenses is simpler. Even if you are not the best at budgets you can never go back to debt if you overspend and are short on some bill. You will know where every dollar went, you will be more organized.

5. You will spend less. When you use credit cards, statistics show you spend on average 19% more than what you would with cash. Credit cards disconnect your brain from making good purchasing decisions. Spending money is sexy with credit cards, it's visceral with cash.

6. Card bonus points are not worth it. You think you are winning when you earn rewards from your credit card purchases. But these reward programs are just a way for the credit card companies to keep you on the hook so someday you will get caught again and go into debt. If you don't play their game you will always win. If you do play, there is a very big chance they will get you.

7. Spending cash links work with spending. Credit cards always break that link with how much you need to work to pay for that purchase. Spending hard cash makes it very real that the computer you just bought for $1,000 means you just had to trade a month of you labor for that item. When spending money is viewed as trading your days time and work for a hunk of metal or plastic you look at purchase in a new way.

8. Debit cards work instead of credit cards. There will be a time where you will need plastic to make a purchase and that's your excuse for keeping a credit card. Using a debit card from your checking account works exactly the same way. I have reserved automobile rentals and hotel rooms without any hassle using my debit card. I then pay my bill in cash or with a check.

9. No wasteful fees to pay. I never have to worry about late fees, lost payments, finance charges, messed up accounting, or interest rates. Also I never get a bill from a credit card company.

10. It's a freeing experience to not be beholding to the bankers. With all we have gone through with the financial institutions these past few years there is a bad taste in my mouth with these companies. Not using their product is just my way to voice my disgust for their actions.

I like to use cash, I prefer it to credit cards. It's a shame how the use of credit cards and their abuse is now the norm in our society and using cash is the rarity.

Social Security Encourages You To Boldly Go To Their Website

Social Security has been running PSA ads touting the ease of using their online services. Recently they have been using actors Patty Duke and George Takei to make cute videos about how easy the Social Security website is to use.

It was three years ago when, Kathy Casey-Kirschling, the first baby boomer applied for Social Security. The preparation began for the increase of applicants many years before when the Social Security Administration streamlined there application process online. Today you can go online and apply for retirement benefits, disability benefits, Medicare, and extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.

Other things you can do online is get a personalized estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits. Here you enter your name, social security number, and date of birth. You will see your benefits for full retirement at age 66 1/2, how much it will be at age 70, and if you apply at age 62. Start here for the retirement estimator.

If your ready to retire soon you can complete and submit your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes at the Online Retirement Application here.

If you need to apply for disability benefits, it's east to start your application here.

If you need to apply for Medicare, the application process begins here.

Your benefit amount can be affected by a number of different factors. If you already have a benefit estimate, you can use the charts and calculators listed on this page to find out how different retirement dates and situations affect your Social Security benefits. If you:

• are currently working and are eligible for retirement or survivors benefits this year, you can learn how your earnings may affect your benefit payments with our Earnings Limit Calculator.
• start benefits early, the amount may be reduced based on how long you will receive benefits before your full retirement age. If you want to find out how much retiring early reduces your monthly benefit as a wage earner or spouse, use our Retirement Age Calculator.
• will start receiving benefits after your full retirement age, your benefit may be higher due to delayed retirement credits.
• are trying to decide whether to retire early and take a reduced benefit,wait until full retirement age or delay benefits until age 70 we can help you decide if the higher benefit is worth the wait.
• know the amount of your full retirement benefit, you can
• compute the effect of early or delayed retirement on your benefit amount and
• include Medicare Part B Premiums in your calculations.will receive a pension from a  federal, state or local government job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes, it may reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit. 
• Find out what having a government pension will do to your Social Security benefit if it is based on: Your work, Your spouse's work.

Are You Afraid To Use Online banks?

Image via Wikipedia
With ever changing technology, we always seem to be playing catchup. Technology is progressing faster than the time it takes for us to adapt. Most technology in our lives is just enhancements of existing products. For example, cars today are technological marvels with their computer controlled engines, satellite radio, air bag technology and many other enhancements. But basically it still the same machine it was 50 years ago. It has a steering wheel, pedals, and four tires.

Other things like TVs, radio's, home appliances are all basically old inventions with enhancements and upgrades. One of the things that is completely new in the last 50 years are computers. The world has never seen a technology like this before. An even newer technology coming from computers is the Internet. The Internet has made our shopping, learning, and daily life quicker, faster, and easier. It is still relatively new and will take time to be integrated into our lives.

Many things that we used to do at the corner store we can now do on the Internet in a more efficient way. Every year more and more shopping is done on the Internet. Many of us have our old checking accounts that are able to be accessed and used to check balances online. But we know, if we ever want to, we can still drive down to the old brick and mortar bank and talk to a real person. This lifeline to the old and familiar make us feel more secure to use online banks and all their services.

Article: Why Use An Online Bank Instead Of A Brick and Mortar Bank?

What if there was a bank that was online just like the one you are using presently. But there was no physical bank to go to. Would it make you apprehensive? A lot of people don't like the idea of their checking account and savings account being exclusively on the Internet or as they say "In the cloud".

What are peoples number one worry about Internet banking? They want to be able to go to a physical building to see where their money is. If you do go down to your local bank and think your money is there you will be very disappointed. The bank teller won't be showing you your money. The best and only thing they will do is print up a piece of paper with your account balance on it. Banking online is the same thing. Only you can do it from the comfort of your home.

If you have a lot of money you are probably investing through a brokerage account. When you invest in mutual funds, bonds, and stocks where is your money. The only way you are able to see where that money is, is if you look at the balance on your online brokerage account. It's the same as your online checking account.

You are trusting that your money is in your brokerage account, why not take the step to trust the online bank.

Today there is an online bank that wants your business and is willing to give you rewards to have your business. Take the money from under the mattress and open an account at the best bank on the net. Try PerkStreet Financial.

Here's what you get with PerkStreet Financial:

• 2% cash back on non-PIN debit card purchases, with 5% PowerPerks categories
• Free, complete online banking
• No monthly fees for active account holders
• Free online bill pay
• Free, automated electronic transfers between bank accounts
• Free book of paper checks
• Mobile alerts for balances and deposits
• Access to 37,000 ATMs - the nation's largest network
• 24/7, fast phone and e-mail service

You don't have to close your account at the old brick and mortar bank, use them for transferring funds in and out of PerkStreet Financial. Sign up and link your PerkStreet account to any other bank account for free, transfer money when you need it, it's always free. You will get free checking, access to 37,000 ATMs nationwide, free online banking and billpay. All FDIC insured and your debit card transactions are protected and backed up by MasterCard.


Open an Account today at PerkStreet Financial Here.