Most of us do not save money the way we should. It is not unusual for many people to use the excuse that it takes every penny they make just to pay all the bills and keep food on the table. While this may be true for a select few, the reality is that a lot of us waste money that could easily be diverted to savings. Here are a few simple tips that will allow you to save money every month, and divert that money to a savings account or a retirement fund without making any severe lifestyle changes. Read the rest

The economy has everyone looking for ways to cut costs and save money, at home and in the workplace. Small businesses especially may be struggling to keep costs low. Finding ways to keep expenses at a minimum requires some thought and creativity but can prove beneficial in the end. Read the rest

In general, choosing to shop at Walmart versus other competing grocery stores saves consumers money. However, there are other money saving strategies that can help save money at Walmart. These strategies include price awareness, buying and trying Walmart’s Great Value brand items and effective coupon usage. All of these strategies add up to a winning formula for knowing how to save money at Walmart. Read the rest

The first step to saving money after a job loss is to halt the panic the pink slip caused. If you were forced by health or other circumstances beyond your control to resign, you’re probably feeling some guilt. Get over it fast. Read the rest

As with anything financial, the planning of your estate is a very personal business. With inheritance taxes creeping up, estate planning is becoming even more important. Read the rest

If you’ve ever been in an accident or have been the victim of medical malpractice, you know firsthand that it can turn your life upside down. The financial pinch you might experience due to lost income or medical costs can be even worse. Read the rest

Chapter 12 refers to the chapter in the United States Code that is only available to family farmers and fishermen. It has a similarity to Chapter 13 but specifically covers the above professions and is advantageous only to them. It was made permanent in 2004 after it was renewed just before it was about to expire. The number of persons filing for bankruptcy under this chapter is very small, and this has invited a lot of criticism from experts in this field. Read the rest

Chapter 13 bankruptcy has the advantage over other forms of bankruptcy claims in that it acts somewhat as if it were actually a consolidation loan. With the Chapter 13 type claim, the debtor can, in some instances, retain some of his property while paying off his creditors through the bankruptcy court instead of directly. Read the rest

You’ve probably seen the bumper sticker I can’t be out of money, I still have checks! and chances are you smiled knowingly. This statement, while very amusing, is really quite scary. Checks are only as strong as the money in the account to pay them. Many people find the process of balancing their checkbook each month too much of a hassle. So they periodically check the amount of money in their accounts and then write a check if they guess the balance can cover the check. The surprise comes when someone to whom you wrote a check holds it for many months and then cashes it. Banks make lots of profits off people who bounce checks. If you do not remember how to balance your checkbook, a simple review course follows. With your most recent bank statement in front of you, do this: Read the rest

In a tough economy many people discover that they have a need for more cash. Perhaps they have lost their job or have a family member who has lost their job. Or their job has cut back their hours or they have not been given a raise they were expecting. Fortunately there are some easy ways to make money – even in a tough economy. Read the rest