Get Financially Fit! | Debt Organized

Are you trying to get out of debt? Start by getting organized. John Agate, Senior Marketing Manager
for Mint.com, shares with us how to get organized in order to pay off or down debt.

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Get Financially Fit! | How to Use Your Tax Refund

TurboTax® has put together an article that address how to spend, save, or stretch your tax refund.

If you are receiving a tax refund this year, how do you plan to use it?

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Get Financially Fit! | Credit Card Debt

According to Creditcards.com, about 40 percent of Americans carry credit card debt from month to month without paying it off. The website also says the average interest rate on those credit cards is more than 13 percent. GreenPath University has put together tips to get out of credit card debt.

1. Stop using your credit cards until you pay them off.

Interest rates of 15, 20, or even 25 percent or more can cause credit card balances to grow rapidly. People often find themselves on a debt treadmill, struggling to make the minimum payments and watching their principal balances grow.

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Strategies for Building and Preserving Home Equity

Strategies for Building and Preserving Home Equity

Source:  http://www.americasaves.org/for-savers/set-a-goal-what-to-save-for/save-for-a-home/strategies-for-building-and-preserving-home-equity

Almost anyone can afford to own a home with proper preparation. Develop a savings plan to build up money for a down payment at purchase, for moving expenses, and for post-purchase emergency expenditures such as needed home repairs. Remember, the larger your down payment, the lower your home loan payment. America Saves can help you develop a plan with regular monthly deposits in a bank or credit union account. At the same time, reduce your credit card and other debts in order to increase your ability to afford a house. Lowering these debts will increase your credit score and your chances of getting a lower-interest loan. For information about credit and help with debt repayments, contact your local, nonprofit consumer credit counseling service or housing counseling agency.

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7 Steps to a Successful Budget

Budgeting can be a simple and straightforward process.  It can also be a rewarding experience for all family members.  But, it takes interest and commitment.  Here are seven steps to help you create a successful budget.

Discuss Values – Determine what is most important to the people involved in your budget, or spending plan.  By understanding these values, you can make decisions that will provide you with the most satisfaction.

Set Goals – Begin setting goals by discussing with family members what each one may want to do with their money.  An example of a goal might be to save for a child’s education.  Have each member list the goal and a deadline.  Work on the most important goals first.

Put money aside in your budget for your priority goal.  Remember, to achieve your special goal, you must treat the money as a bill to be paid to you.