*This post was sponsored by SheSpeaks for Prudential. All opinions are 100% my own. I can still remember the first time that I started thinking about my long-term finances. It was in September of 2000 and I had just started a new job as a NYC public school teacher. As I was filling out papers for my pension, another veteran teacher sat down next to me and advised me on the importance of starting to think about my retirement from an early age. At that moment, I recall stifling a chuckle because nothing was further from my twenty two year old mind. She persisted and went on to tell me how women's social security benefits are 27% lower than that of their male counterparts.* This statistic shocked me as well as the fact that she shared with me that she had failed to make those important financial decisions at the beginning of her career. As a result, her pension consultation had left her disappointed and worried about her future. That day, my eyes were fully open to … [Read more...]
Ladies, Your Financial Future Awaits! #OwnMyFuture @Prudential @SheSpeaks #Ad
Don’t Break The Bank With Groupon! @Groupon #Ad
Shopping online is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love browsing through all the sales and even waiting for the packages to arrive through the mail. What I don't love is spending a lot of money for the things I buy so I am always looking for a good deal to save me as much money as possible. Groupon helps me to discover and save money on thousands of great deals at nearby restaurants, spas, things to do, shopping, travel and more. That is music to the ears of this deal savvy shopper who doesn't like to break the bank! You can also discover great deals, fun activities, and huge discounts in your own city through Groupon. They offer savings on things to do on everything from kids' activities to nightlife. Imagine trying out new restaurants, massages and hair salons near you, or even planning a trip away from home. If you love to shop and get deals online just like I do, you will really appreciate all the savings that you can take advantage of thanks to … [Read more...]
5 Things To Do When You Are Behind On Your Bills
It happens to most of us, you take a vacation when you really couldn't afford it, your car breaks down and needs a lot of expensive work done, you lose hours or your job altogether and bills suffer for it. Life happens. You can either mope and get down or you can hustle, figure it out, and take care of it. Make a plan and prioritize- Make a list of all bills, past due and current. Grab all your bills, a pad, and a calculator and lay them out in front of you. Decide what takes priority, obviously, food and shelter are going to be right at the top. Then you can order them by their due date. Call creditors and work out a payment plan- If you are not chronically late, and often even if you are, most creditors are more than willing to work with you. They just want to get paid and a lot understand that things happen so they will work out a plan with you that benefits you both but if you don't call and try you won't know. Once when I was in a bind I was behind on my car payments, I … [Read more...]
12 Ways To Save $100 Per Month
The new year is quickly approaching, and with it might come high hopes of saving more money and slashing your bills and budget. If you want to make smarter money moves in the new year, there are simple tasks you can implement each month to do just that. Take a look below at 12 ways to save $100 per month in the new year so you can start setting more cash aside. Here is what you need to know to get started! January: Call and see if your utility carriers can offer you lower rates. If you are a loyal customer, they may be willing to do that in order to keep you. Call your cell, internet, cable, and even electric and water carrier to see if they have any special rates or discounts they can offer. If you knock just 5 utility bills back $20, you have saved $100 per month. February: Check your home to make sure it is efficient. Seal window cracks and doorway cracks/drafts. Take shorter showers and use the washing machine only when full. Use energy efficient … [Read more...]
Is Your Teen Ready For A Debit Card?
One of the hardest jobs in the world is being a parent. You want to raise your kids to be healthy, responsible, productive, independent and happy adults. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves, it is important to teach your kids integrity and independent thinking that isn't easily swayed by peer pressure. When it comes to giving your teen responsibilities, there are some key factors that can help you know when they are ready. Here are some things to help you know if your teen is ready for a debit card. #1. Are they working for their own money? If your teen is in high school and able to work a job, they may be ready for a debit card. When a teen works for their own money, it helps them to know the value of a dollar. The problem with a debit card is that it makes it really easy to spend money. The other problem is you have to keep a close watch on your account balance, so you don't go below your balance. #2. Are they … [Read more...]
8 Things You Will Need To Help You Get Out Of Debt
Getting out of debt is a big deal. It takes time and energy to get out of debt. The good news, it is possible. When you sit down to think about how you will get out of debt, you’re probably wondering what tools you will need. I wanted to outline at least 8 things you will need to help you get out of debt. #1. A Plan The most important thing you will need when you are trying to get out of debt is a plan. Don’t ever try to attempt to get out of debt without a plan of some sort. #2. Extra Money Another thing you will need when you get out of debt is extra money. Most people have a budget that is already tapped, which is why trying to make extra money is important. #3. Lots of Patience It’s always easy to wish for something, but it is much harder to get out there and work for something that you want. When trying to get out of debt, you will need lots of patience. #4. Communication Whether it is communication with your spouse or with the debt you’re … [Read more...]
Protect Yourself While Back To School Shopping! #FraudIQ @Chase @BrittneyCastro #Ad
*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of CHASE. The opinions and text are all mine. We are down to the wire here in New York City when it comes to back to school shopping and preparing for school to resume next week. I'm so grateful for online shopping because it allows me to purchase the majority of the kids' supplies from the convenience of home. I'll also be shopping in-store this week for some of the items that I was unable to buy online. Since I had my identity stolen a few years ago, I always worry about being a victim of fraud or having my financial information compromised. CHASE's Financial Education Partner, Brittney Castro, has some great tips for how you can protect yourself and avoid fraud during busy shopping times like back to school. Some of Brittney Castro's smart shopping tips are: Shop at well-respected and trusted retailers both online and in-store. When shopping online only shop … [Read more...]
Save Time And Money With A Personal Shopper! $30 Paypal #Giveaway #ShopYourWay
Being a mom of two who works full-time, I am always looking for ways to save more money at some of the stores where our family loves to shop. That is exactly why I love the Shop Your Way Rewards program at Kmart and Sears. We shop there quite often and they always have some great prices so I was excited to find out that I could earn and redeem Points at Kmart, Sears, Lands’ End, Sears Auto Centers, and mygofer. The Shop Your Way Rewards program is designed to reward you with special offers. You will receive custom offers and exclusive deals based on the purchases you make. You may get offers sent via email, text message, postal mail, and online. You earn 10 points for every $1.00 you spend on qualifying purchases. I love that you have the option of redeeming your points immediately or saving them for up to a year to use during the holidays or to buy birthday presents for loved ones. Have you partnered with a FREE Personal Shopper yet? Did you know it's FREE to use … [Read more...]
Becoming Debt-Free After Having Children
Are you done having children? Maybe it’s time to focus on serious matters like getting out of debt. There’s good news, it is possible to get out of debt with a little bit of determination. Here are some tips to make this a reality. Only Use Cash It’s pretty simple to use a debit card and swipe swipe swipe. However, when you only use cash, it’s gone when you run out and there’s nothing you can do about it. Using only cash can help you get out of debt because you’re not going to continue to use a credit card. Prepare for Emergencies One of the biggest issues facing people who are debt is that they are not prepared for emergencies. When an emergency happens, it’s easy to put it on a credit card and then debt adds up really quickly. You can start preparing for financial emergencies by having an emergency fund set up. Even if it’s only $500, that’s something you won’t need to put on a credit card. Sell Your Stuff Although you may not want to, selling your items is one … [Read more...]
Show Your Appreciation For Those Who Protect Our Freedom! #DECares @DirectEnergy #Ad
We have always been very proud of the military personnel in our family and throughout the country. Both my brother and husband served in the Army previously and my Sister in Law is currently serving in the Navy and has completed tours in Afghanistan. Their sacrifices have helped to ensure not only my own family's freedom but every other citizen's as well. It is a source of pride to know that they have served our country in this way. When my Sister in Law was in Afghanistan for a year, I wanted to know how we could support her while she was away from home. She would often call us and tell us how lonely and homesick she was so far away from home. During this time, I picked up a few tips for how we could let her know that we were thinking about her and show her our appreciation for her service. Servicemen and servicewomen benefit greatly from feeling connected to their family and loved ones when they are deployed. The long-term benefits for veterans are … [Read more...]
