Archive for the 'Personal Finance' Category

As you look to 2010,  many people have the stated goal of getting out of debt. They’ve read books about negotiating debts down and paying them off early. Is this a good idea? Normally “yes” if you can. But it pays to think the decision through. Here are some Pros & Cons of do it [...]

As you’re doing your personal financial planning for 2010, hopefully you (and I) will address the issue of debt. Here are 15 questions to help you discern an important topic. Is your debt problem economic/financial or emotional/compulsive? Anyone can get laid off or have their business implode and face a debt crisis. But the issue [...]

From Dane’s Blog GateHouse News Service: Here are several resourceful and creative ways that small-business owners can save money as they navigate today’s economy. • Barter: While bartering may sound a little old fashioned, it’s a great way to work out deals between businesses and save cash. • Save: Take advantage of programs designed to [...]

Are you a Hillbilly Housewife? It’s not meant as an insult! In these tough times, being a “Hillbilly Housewife” means you’re getting the maximum bang for your buck in times of recession (depression?) The Hillbilly Housewife Club is about like minded – take action – stay and home moms, work at home moms, and just [...]

In fact, these loan modifications are “flying off the shelf”… if they could fly and were on shelves that is. I was talking with a friend last night. He’s getting a loan remodification. With rates at 4% or so, that’s tempting. I’m not sure I have the cash. Also, these have to be loans that [...]

Here are Bankrate.com’s 9 Wackiest Tax Breaks of 2009… They’re good for a chuckle – and a reminder not to do them yourself! 1. Paper-thin home office deduction 2. Hell hath no fury … 3. At least it wasn’t ‘Travel & Entertainment’ 4. Bubble bath credit 5. Beautify your return 6. Unmarried, filing weirdly 7. [...]

Can you save money on your Hot Water bill? Do it yourself Hot Water could help you save up to 33% of your home electricity bill… if you know how to get started. I recall having solar panels on my home once (long story). I figured the money saved monthly was like a perpetual 9% [...]

Saving money is in vogue today. So these videos are getting lots of play on You Tube. It’s a 90+ year old Granny who reveals her “Great Depression Cooking Secrets”. One of them is “peas and pasta”. It’s funny. You make that with some bacon and chicken and they call it “Chicken Carbonara” at a [...]

Updated 3/24/2009. Since originally posted, there have been many concerns expressed about this company. Please proceed with caution. Obtain multiple quotes in advance of making a sale. Also monitor the “spot price” of gold before selling. The facts about HOW the worth of your gold is estimated are valid . Please check ALL your options [...]

It’s that time of year again… April 15th draws near and it’s time to finalize your tax return. It’s pretty competitive in this business so people are doing things like giving away free online returns for simple 1040EZ returns. But when you’re an entrepreneur or you have a side business or just possible deductions, it’s [...]