How to Not Be Broke Next Year
Updated: 2012-12-31 17:00:59
How to Not Be Broke Next Year by Jessica Morriston on December 31, 2012 December 21, 2012 quietly came and went . There was no catastrophic shifting of poles , no black holes , no planet Nibiru and not a zombie to be seen . It seems the Mayans were wrong , and life will go on after all . So we hope you haven’t been spending like there’s no tomorrow . If you were or even if you weren’t and just want to tighten your budget a bit in 2013 we have some personal finance resolution suggestions to get you back on track in the new year . Check them out . below Eat in . This simple tip is a two-for-one resolution deal it’ll help your pockets get fatter and your waistline get thinner . Eating out every once in a while is a great treat , but doing so regularly can seriously drain your funds . It’s
In the mood for some heavy metal this holiday season? Forget the new Starbucks Metal Card. The latest must-have gift card for the over-caffeinated became a has-been before it been-was, selling out its entire 5,000-card limited edition run in less time than it takes a crack barista to pull a caramel macchiato.
If you simply must have one of the $400 cards, your best bet now is eBay, where the price runs in the four digits. 
Owning a home is supposed to be the American dream, but what if you want to spend your weekends somewhere besides Home Depot?
Even if you've got good credit and enough cash for a substantial down payment, owning isn't always the best option. 
This one raises the bar on ridiculousness, even by Florida's notoriously high standards of silliness.
On Dec. 6, justice finally caught up with one Cleland Ayison, a 32-year-old Tampa man who was charged with trying to pass a bogus $500 million Federal Reserve note to an FBI undercover agent.
Math teacher Joe Bertini was getting fed up with automated calls pitching dubious financial schemes, so he decided to fight back.
His first tactic, tricking the caller into wasting their time, turned out to have consequences. But now he has found a way to free his phone from most of the junk calls.
Tomorrow night marks the first night of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on Dec. 8 and ends on Dec. 16. While it is a Jewish holiday, it actually carries some great secular messages that can apply in all areas of life, from love to work to personal finance. Learn about the holiday's backstory and my roundup of my 10 favorite personal finance blog posts from the past week.
Here are three ways to do a credit card consolidation. You don't have to use a credit card consolidation service.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in more places, but Discover and American Express have the best rewards. See why you should carry two different cards at all times.
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Freelancer’s Guide to Building Credit by Jill Krasny on 12 28 2012 The 9 to 5 grind is quickly becoming a thing of the past . According to the Freelancer’s Union , a Brooklyn , N.Y . based organization , nearly 42 million Americans have gone rogue , either due to the loss of a full-time job or the desire for a flexible lifestyle . That’s good news for employers who’d rather not pay for health care and other key benefits , and for Americans who grabbed onto a life raft when the
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Lawmakers Considering Student Loan Debt Solutions by Credit.com on 12 28 2012 Currently , consumers who have student loans in their names owe a nationwide total of more than 1 trillion , and many experts say the problem is only going to get worse in the future , particularly if the job market remains difficult for recent college . graduates The topic of student loans has become hotly debated in the last few years as politicians and consumer advocates push for greater disclosure of
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Lawmakers Hold Credit Reporting Hearing After CFPB Study by Credit.com on 12 30 2012 The federal watchdog agency tasked with ensuring consumers have more protections that relate to their finances recently released a study on the ways in which the credit reporting industry typically works , and its findings prompted a hearing on Capitol . Hill Earlier this month , the U.S . Senate Committee on Banking , Housing and Urban Affairs’ Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Housing Recovery Likely to Stay Steady in 2013 by Credit.com on 12 29 2012 While some housing analysts and consumers may think a more robust real estate recovery is coming in 2013, one expert notes that the steady improvements should remain next year , and that no substantial gains will take . place Speaking on behalf of the housing and mortgage forecast by Standard Poor’s the senior director of the company’s Ratings Services division , Valerie White , indicated that the moderate
: , Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Foreclosure Review Deadline Looms : Opt In By Monday , Or Risk Losing Cash by Adam Levin on 12 29 2012 If you were in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, you’ve got until Monday , Dec . 31 to request of independent review of your case . You’ve got nothing to lose except a chance at free . money Pursuant to a settlement between federal bank regulators and 14 mortgage servicers , 160 homeowners in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010 have until Monday to sign up to have their cases reviewed and these
, : Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans It’s Not You , It’s Your Credit Score : 7 Ways to Boost it in 2013 by Adam Levin on 12 28 2012 Newsflash The dating world has been turned upside down yet again no , not by some new feature on Match.com , eHarmony , or Christian Mingle . But rather by that universal theoretical measuring stick of financial maturity : the credit score I came upon this fascinating story in the New York Times though for a moment I thought I was reading a dating column in Cosmo Apparently , the new normal
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans NRF Wants Action on Fiscal Cliff’ Soon by Credit.com on 12 28 2012 With the economy likely to feel the effects of a fiscal plan standstill , the National Retail Federation is urging Congress to act on the fiscal cliff’ and help consumers remain in good financial . standing Middle-class tax increases will only lead to continued financial hardships for many consumers , the NRF noted Not only will consumers feel the pain of a tax increase , but so too will the overall economy , the group .
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Medicare ID Cards to Get a Makeover by Identity Theft 911 on 12 28 2012 By Kelly Santos Medicare identification cards will be redesigned to remove Social Security numbers from the display in an effort to protect consumers from identity theft The change—thanks to the passage of the Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act—was a long time coming . It follows a recent study that revealed beneficiaries were at risk for identity theft but couldn’t get new cards due to high costs . Beneficiaries
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans How to Dispute a Credit Card Bill by Gerri Detweiler on 12 27 2012 What happens if you open up your credit card statement and find a problem Your first instinct may be to pick up the phone and yell at someone anyone But take a deep breath first . You have rights that may make it easier than you think to straighten out the credit card billing mistake , provided you know what to . do You Don’t Recognize a Charge If you find a purchase listed on your statement that you don’t recognize , the
, Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Uptick in Delinquencies on Car Loans , Credit Cards Predicted by Credit.com on 12 27 2012 In the time since the end of the recession , consumers have worked hard to get their finances back in order , and in many cases , they’ve been extremely successful . However , some experts believe that trend may reverse itself next . year Currently , rates of delinquency and default on many types of loans are hovering at or near lows not seen in a few decades , but it’s believed that in two or three
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Posts Credit counseling by Emily Peters on 10 03 2005 The Washington Post reported today that more and more credit counselors are having their non-profit status revoked by the IRS . 1 comment by Emily Peters on 10 03 2005 Business owners and ID theft by Emily Peters on 10 03 2005 The Association of Certified Fraud Specialists recently held a conference to discuss new trends in identity theft . The fastest growing 0 comments by Emily Peters on 10 03 2005 Don’t belive the rumors by Emily
The Book That Banks Don’t Want You to Read by Jessica Morriston on December 28, 2012 Is the Occupy movement growing up No longer just content to camp out in front of banks and march in the streets , our 21st-century hippie friends are now exploring something a little more traditional . It’s book publishing . But don’t worry , they haven’t sold out to capitalism . Their book is free and it’s actually pretty cool . Sure , some of the advice in the book is illegal , but hey that’s the Occupy movement for . ya The Debt Resistors’ Operations Manual” was written by an offshoot of the Occupy Movement called Strike Debt and Strike Debt aims to do exactly what their name says : they want to eliminate debt . The basic premise is simple : people shouldn’t have to go into debt for an education ,
: The Top 10 Colleges for Student Debt : Is Yours One of Them by Jessica Morriston on December 26, 2012 Attending college is not cheap . In fact , to put it bluntly , it’s super freaking expensive . According to US News World Report , 68 of new grads in 2011 were saddled with debt , and the average amount per student was 26,220. Ouch . Starting out in the world almost thirty grand in the hole would stack the odds against . anyone But forget about the average for a minute , because some students carry an even heavier post-graduation burden . US News World Report recently broke down the top ten most debt-inducing universities , and the college grads in that list a list that no one wants to be on are saddled with between 43,712 and 47,066 in student . debt The top ten colleges for student
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 3 Ways to Unload Unwanted Gift Cards by Gerri Detweiler on 12 26 2012 There’s a good chance that among the gifts you get this holiday season , at least one will be a gift card . They are easy to buy and give , and often popular with those who receive them . According to the National Retail Federation’s annual holiday survey , six in 10 59.8 of those polled say they’d like to receive gift cards this year , up from 57.7 percent last year and the most in the survey’s . history But that
Are Charities About to Go Over the Fiscal Cliff Too by Jessica Morriston on December 24, 2012 It appears that big businesses may be reading our blog hey guys because they too have apparently been trying to make the most of their charitable giving this year . But even though they’re tripping all over themselves to give their money away , it has nothing to do with kindness . This is all about that imminent fiscal cliff thing . Will the cliff affect the way charitable donations and tax breaks work And if so , what impact will this have on non-profits For almost a hundred years , corporations and individuals have been blessed with tax breaks as a reward for donating to non-profits . There are a variety of stipulations and regulations that come into play , but basically , when a business or
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 7 Tips for Breaking Bad Financial Habits by Deanna Templeton on 12 24 2012 For most of us , our financial habits were picked up early on from watching and learning from our parents as we were growing up . If you were lucky enough to have financially savvy parents to guide you , managing your finances probably comes easily to you and is second nature . For many of us , though , myself included , making smart financial decisions has been a process that we’ve learned by way of trial and error
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The 3 Jobs Where Good Credit Counts by Jill Krasny on 12 21 2012 Can poor credit cost you a job offer Depending on the job you’re applying for , it just . might While studies have not shown a correlation between lower credit scores and financial crimes , it’s still standard practice for many employers look to your credit history as one indicator of future job performance . Your credit report is a detailed picture of your credit behavior that lists information like balances on loans and credit
Bank of America Lowers Fees to Rip You Off More Subtly by Jessica Morriston on December 21, 2012 We’ve got more good news for you , consumers It seems that your voices are being heard after all . Well , kind of . Bank of America has decided to temporarily nix their plan to add additional fees to the accounts of lower-income customers . But don’t get too excited it’s not like everyone’s least favorite bank actually has our interests in . mind The intent of the plan was to make up for revenue that the bank loses every year on lower-income customers you know , because banks are really hurting for money There are about 10 million BoA customers whose annual household incomes fall below the 50,000 mark , who maintain lower checking account balances than average and who don’t use credit cards and
Make sure that all your credit cards are paid in full. See how consolidation and settlements may hurt your credit score. 
Fight the Powers That Be:Your Guide to Filing Complaints With the CFPB by Jessica Morriston on December 19, 2012 Good news , consumers Credit reporting companies must now answer to The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , the federal agency that helps consumers file financial grievances and fight the powers that be . In a nutshell , from here on out the CFPB will monitor credit reporting companies to make sure that they’re following the law . But what exactly is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , and why is this news important Credit reporting companies exert great influence over the lives of consumers , said CFPB director Richard Cordray They help determine eligibility for loans , housing , and sometimes jobs . Consumers need an avenue of recourse when they feel they have been
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Tips for Keeping Credit Card Spending Under Control This Season by Jessica Morriston on December 17, 2012 This year’s Black Friday was a real banger to the tune of more than a billion dollars . This unprecedented figure was largely due to increased online and mobile shopping , and it doesn’t even include Cyber Monday shopping , which added up to another 1.98 billion on its own . These astounding e-commerce numbers mean an increase in credit card transactions , and therefore more potential to ring in the new year with a whole bunch of debt . How can you keep your credit card spending in check this holiday season We’ve got some smart tips for . you Be charitable . Does your sister have to change the channel every time one of those heart-wrenching Sarah McLaughlin ASPCA commercials with that
Learn how a lowest price guarantee from a credit card company can save you thousands. Save time shopping with this valuable credit card perk.
Your 100 Accurate Financial Horoscope for December by Jessica Morriston on December 14, 2012 It’s December , and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas , Hanukkah , Kwanzaa , the end of the Mayan calendar and perhaps the world as we know it Will you be feeling fine this month Take a look at your 100 accurate financial horoscope and find . out Aries March 21- April 19 Have you noticed yourself feeling extra fiery this month You might want to rein your sass in a bit , lest you find yourself five drinks deep at Christmas dinner telling your intolerable but filthy-rich great aunt what you really think of her and getting yourself cut from the will . So bite that tongue of yours to ensure your fiscal and familial . safety Taurus April 20 May20 Good news The white Christmas you’ve been
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Top Posts How to Make the Most of Credit Card Rewards Malls Those who use their credit cards to earn free travel , merchandise and cash back know these rewards can be extremely by Jason Steele on 12 14 2012 Smarter Shopping How to Make the Most of Credit Card Rewards Malls Those who use their credit cards to earn free travel , merchandise and cash back know these rewards can be extremely by Jason Steele on 12 14 2012 Interest Great Did Your Credit Card APR Change Don’t Freak Out The message on
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: Famous American Bank Heists : Ma Barker and Her Boys by Jessica Morriston on December 12, 2012 A cherub-cheeked , middle-aged woman with a demure string of pearls around her neck isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you think of the average crime boss . And that’s exactly what makes Ma Barker , matriarch of the Barker crime family and reputed mastermind behind a string of Great Depression-era bank robberies , so delightful . While the Barker-Karpis clan was notorious in its day , they’re now overshadowed by the truly blockbuster criminals of the era people like Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow , or John Dillinger . So today , we’ll give Ma and her boys some . shine The details of Ma Barker’s life are a bit uncertain , but here’s what we know for sure . Born Arizona Donnie Clark” weirdest
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: Credit Card-Linked Discounts : Creepy or Cool by Jessica Morriston on December 10, 2012 Extreme couponers take note many companies are now switching from traditional paper coupons to credit card-linked coupons . This is great for news for trees , but is it great news for people too What kind of risks does it pose risks for consumers Unless you’re a professional bargain hunter coupons can be a pain . Finding deals means endless sifting through newspapers , junk mail and magazines . Sometimes all the trouble you go through to find them hardly seems worth the savings . It’s so easy to misplace or forget about them , and we’ve all been in line behind that person with 40 coupons who is both fumbling to find them and insisting on splitting the transaction into 32 different ones in order to get
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Feature 3 This Week in Credit News : A Wintry Mix by Kali Geldis on 12 07 2012 The news this week was a mix of naughty and nice , as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they would 0 comments by Kali Geldis on 12 07 2012 What to Do If Santa Gives Your Kid a Cell Phone by Identity Theft 911 on 12 06 2012 Long gone are the days when all your daughter wanted for Christmas was her two front teeth . Now she wants 0 comments by Identity Theft 911 on 12 06 2012 A Credit Insider’s Tips for Smart Holiday