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Any time there is a massive change, it presents a perfect opportunity for people to take advantage of the confusion. The recent healthcare plan set forth by President Obama has been no different. If you’re worried about scammers coming after you using the new healthcare system as ammunition, you don’t have to panic. There are several things you can to keep yourself from becoming a victim. Don’t Give Out Personal Information You should never give out personal information to an individual that is seeking you out. Whether they have...

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases that a person will make in life. It is also one of the hardest decisions to make with the available options for homes in a specific area. One of the items that are often forgotten about is jobs that require relocation or frequent travel. If this is the situation in your life, buying a home is likely not the answer. Below is a quick breakdown of the home buying 101 process to aid potential buyers in what to expect and items to be aware of. Choosing the Area to Purchase In First and foremost,...

Having a credit is truly a convenient thing. It allows you to buy the things you need that are a little out of your purchasing capability as long as it’s within your credit limit. A credit card is a handy thing to have during emergency purchases, and goes a long way in helping you manage your money better. However, there is always the possibility of falling into a debt cycle if the credit card holder is careless with credit card use. Credit card debt can cause a person more than just a little financial inconvenience; rising interest...

Going to college is important. It’s also really expensive. In addition to (probably outrageous) tuition costs, you have to come up with money for room and board, and supplies for your classes (which can get expensive, particularly for art and music classes). Then, of course, there’s the peer pressure that comes from college life, the feeling like you have to “keep up with the Joneses.” That’s the worst. How are you supposed to manage all of that and not go completely broke or mire yourself in tens or even...

The 80/20 rule may sound a bit cliché to you. The rule—also known as Pareto’s Principle—was named after an Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. In 1900’s, Pareto realised that 80% of Italy was actually owned by 20% of the population. This principle was carried through generations and has become a common thought applied by everyone. Pareto’s Principle has become a working pattern for people comfortable with the idea of having priorities. In terms of applying the said principle to your personal life, it could be reflect something...

Taxpayers have to play by the rules. It isn’t just the scheming and unscrupulous who are flagged by the IRS. Common avoidable mistakes can delay a claim, sending the most honest taxpayer into the IRS abyss. Who is Targeted? Returns are flagged when compared with statistical norms by both human and automated sources. Once the return is flagged it is examined by three layers of personnel, significantly delaying the process. Sometimes small and seemingly insignificant items can lead to trouble later on. Even without offshore assets, a...

In this economic climate, it can be all too easy to lose control of your finances. If you have lost the balance in keeping your finances in order or are struggling from payday to payday, it can be essential to respond swiftly. There are some simple and very practical ways to ease the strain on your wallet while getting your finances back in line. Discuss these difficulties with your credit provider When it has become increasingly more difficult to maintain a firm grip on such utility bills as electricity or water, you must make the step...

Whether you are a First Time Home Buyer, or looking to make an upgrade into the home of your dreams, your front-end and back-end ratios play a large role in how large of a mortgage you qualify for.  There are two ratios that are calculated to determine how much new debt (Mortgage Amount) you can service or afford to pay.  In the residential finance industry, these ratios are called your front-end or housing ratio, and your back-end or expense ratio. The housing ratio is comprised of the monthly expenses of owning a home, which is your...

We’re almost nearing the end of the year, a highly anticipated moment for most employees because of the year-end bonuses they’ll be receiving from their companies. As such, most people are already trying to think of the best types of investments they could pick. Today, let’s look at some of the common things people invest in and find out if each one is really worth the money. Car Possibly the most common investment to aspire for is a car. Having your own car means no more rides on public buses. No need to put up with traffic on...

Last winter, the average cost for heating a home was $905. This isn’t chump change when you’re on a budget! Considering this, you’re likely searching for ways to slash your heating bill in half this winter. And remember, winter is only weeks away! Fear not, for the following eight tips can help lower your bill in no time; thus, making your winter less expensive. Tip one: Diagnose your house for cracks and gaps If a house has cracks and gaps, you’d best to believe this will make your heating bill high. In fact, it can raise it...