The simple, fool-proof method for paying off debt If it seems like you’ve always been in debt and there’s just no way to get out, take heart: There is a solution to becoming debt free. Can you imagine a life without debt? A life where you’re not paying for yesterday’s expenses, but instead can use everything you earn for today, and possibly put something away for tomorrow, too? Here’s the good news: It can be done! The method for paying off debt is…

How to be the host with the most without draining the bank Hosting a holiday meal can be stressful.  While it’s great to open your home to family and friends, feeding a crowd can put a serious strain on your budget.  Fortunately, it’s possible to be a great host while providing a holiday dinner on a budget. Try these three handy holiday budgeting tips to keep from breaking the bank: 1. Plan The first step in personal finance is to make a…

How to avoid Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams The extended weekend that ushers in the holiday shopping season—the days between Black Friday and Cyber Monday—can put you at great risk. Shopping scams abound. A phishing scheme or a bogus bargain can quickly turn your mood from merry to Grinch. While you try to snag the best after-Thanksgiving deals, be aware of these online selling scams that can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.…

How to enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank While children anticipate the holidays with giddy delight, parents often feel an extra dose of stress. Shopping, meal planning and attending all those events and get-togethers can take its toll—on your time and your budget. Before the shopping season starts in earnest, check out our holiday budgeting tips. These tips will help keep you from overspending, so you can enjoy the holidays with a little more peace of mind. Holiday shopping…

8 reasons to shop Small Business Saturday Mega e-tailers, like Amazon and Walmart, may monopolize online commerce, but it’s small businesses across the country that keep the economy going. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the 30 million small businesses in the United States account for 54 percent of all sales. Small businesses create jobs, build a demand for locally made products and keep communities thriving. There are many benefits of shopping local. Local small businesses are…

How to buy a used car in 8 steps While there is no denying the excitement of that new car smell, the fact is that many people can’t afford to or prefer not to buy a new car. One deciding factor may be depreciation on new cars—it’s estimated that the average car loses 20 percent of its value as soon as you buy it and 30 percent in the first year. So, if you’re in the market for a deal…