Save Your Change

At the end of the day, put all of your change away - in a bank, dish, basket - whatever. Then, every so often wrap it up and take it to the bank - you´ll be surprised to see how quickly it can add up. TIP - Don´t let your bank count the change for you in a change machine - they´re not as good at counting as the human!

Lower Interest Rates

Call your credit card company and ask them if they will lower your interest rate. If they tell you no, ask to speak to a manager. Tell them that you just received a notice that you were pre-approved for a different credit card with a much lower interest rate. mention that you like their card, but unless they can lower the interest rate, you will have no choice but to switch. This usually gets their attention because they would rather get less money out of your interest rates than no money at all from you.

Shop Around

Before you start looking at homes, you might want to start talking to different institutions about mortgages first - especially if you´re a first-time home-buyer. You´d be surprised at how different institutions handle mortgages. Make sure you find one that´s comfortable for you. Then, once you´ve got an idea of what you can afford, start looking for homes within your price range.

Budgeting Tips Article

Check out this article on budgeting tips. http://www.pioneerthinking.com/finance.html

Buying Checks Through the Bank

When you buy checks, you should never buy them through your bank, because they charge a lot more than other places. There are many companies that you can order your checks, get any print/design/style you want, and get them mailed directly to your front door. Check out Checks Unlimited at http://tinyurl.com/6cm8 for some great savings and styles. They also offer a special design for 9/11, where procedes go to a 9/11 fund.

Save Your Receipts

Save all of your credit card receipts so that you can check them against your credit card statement. If you have more than one credit card, separate the receipts by card so that it´s easier to find it when you need it.

Get a Financial Planner

Unless you´re a financial wiz, I suggest getting a financial planner to assist you with your investing. Shop around to find one that you feel comfortable with, tell them everything about what you have and what you want to do, and then let them go over the options. If you´re not comfortable with a particular option, don´t do it until you´ve asked around or researched it. It´s your money, so feel comfortable about what you do with it.

Let ´em Rip

Destroy carbons and incorrect charge slips. Paper shredders are not just for offices any more! You can get an affordable shredder for home use. Better yet, tear the receipt in half so that part of your account number is on one half and the rest is on the other half. Throw each piece in a different trash can for added security.

Never Be Late Again

A great way to help you avoid late fees is to be organized. Check out this link to see a great bill organizer. http://tinyurl.com/q6x

You can also use it for birthday and anniversary cards, so you don´t forget those either. This is a tiny investment in money and space to help you save money by avoiding late fees.

Business Travel

On business trips, keep records and receipts for all deductible expenses.

Eliminating Debt

If you have credit card debts, loans, etc., select the one debt with the highest interest rate as your target for elimination. On the other debts, pay the minimum due and pay as much as you possibly can on the high-interest debt. You will pay off your debts quicker and pay less in finance charges.

Can You Afford to Retire?

Here is an article about financial planning for your retirement. You´d be surprised at the number of people that think they have enough money to retire, but really don´t. Read this article to find out more.
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/retirement.html

Don´t Share Your Credit Card Numbers

Don´t give your credit card number over the phone to unfamiliar companies or to people who say they need it to "verify" your identity in order to give you a prize.

Billing Errors Do Happen

Credit card companies do make billing errors. I keep all of my receipts together and check them against my credit card statements. If there are any missing receipts, I investigate and then report billing errors immediately. Also check to make sure they aren´t charging you fees for things that you don´t want/need (i.e. credit card insurance, etc.).

Free Debt Consolidation

Register for a Free Debt Consultation & save 50 cents on the dollar or more on your debt. http://tinyurl.com/q6u

Fill in the Blanks

Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips. Do not sign a blank charge slip.

Experian

Experian is one of the three biggest credit agencies. You can call them once a year at 1-888-397-3742, or visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/64sp to request a free copy of your credit report. You are also allowed a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for credit, and have it in writing.

Equifax

Equifax is one of the three biggest credit agencies. You can call them once a year at 1-800-525-6285, or visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/129l to request a free copy of your credit report. You are also allowed a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for credit, and have it in writing.

Dining out for Business

If you own a business, dining out for business purposes is a legitimate expense you can write off. Make sure that you check with your local tax laws for the percentage allowed.

Protect Your Debit Card

Ask for a debit card that must be used with a PIN to make it harder for thieves to use your lost or stolen cards or account numbers. Keep your PIN a secret. Don´t write your PIN on the card or on a slip of paper kept with your card. A good idea is to add a phony name and phone number in your purse phone book and refer to that "phone number" when you need it.