Debt Management Blog

Five Simple Ways to Save Big

Here’s some good news for folks who want to trim their budgets this spring:  You don’t need a complete financial overhaul to start saving some serious cash.  In fact, by making a few (very) small changes in your lifestyle, you can save hundreds of dollars a year.  Small things...

Contemplating a Purchase? This Flowchart Will Help.

Financial success and stability isn’t all about budgeting and saving – it’s also about knowing how (and when!) to spend wisely.  The thing that gets people in trouble is that we make purchases based on our emotions.  Instead of weighing the facts, considering the alternatives, and making a careful...

Choosing a Roth IRA That’s Right for You – in 3.5 Easy Steps

If you’ve been looking for a good way to save for retirement, you can’t get much better than a Roth IRA.  A Roth IRA allows you to invest a portion of your annual income (up to $5,000 per year) in a variety of different things like stocks, bonds, CDs,...

The Benefits (and Risks) of “Swipe and Go” Cards

They’re the latest innovation in credit- and debit-card technology:  “Swipe and go” cards make it easier than ever to get in and out of the grocery store, the gas station, or anywhere else.  These new cards look like traditional cards – except that in addition to the traditional magnetic...

Five Common Tax Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

It’s that time again. Income tax time, that is.  And whether you’re planning to file online or by mail; whether you’re going to a tax professional or taking the DIY approach, it’s important to be on the lookout for errors.  I’m not talking about big mistakes, either.  Even a...

Five Unnecessary Credit Card Services

. . . and Why You Don’t Need Them  If you’ve got a credit card, chances are good that your credit card company has tried to sell you some other credit-related service.  At first glance, some of these offers sound kind of good – especially if you’re struggling with...

Valentine’s Day for Under $100

I’m not a romance guru, and I’m not the first guy anybody would go to for dating advice.  But I am good at helping people save money and live within their means.  So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without getting yourself into debt or...

The Six Deadly Sins of Credit Card Use

How a Few Bad Habits Can Add Up to a Cycle of Eternal Debt We all know that credit cards are hazardous to our financial health, but Americans are still using plastic just as much as ever.  Just how bad is our addiction to plastic?  According to a recent...

How To Keep Your New Years Resolution To Get Out Of Debt

Simple tips that will help you get out of debt this year. 1) Track your spending for 30 days. 2) Evaluate your expenses and identify wants and needs. 3) Identify wants that you could do without. 4) Commit to saving the money from the wants and apply it to...

Need a Resolution You can Stick to? Pay Your Down Credit Card Debt. Five Steps to a Debt-Free 2012

Maybe you overdid the holiday spending this year.  Maybe you’re planning on buying a house or a new car soon and you want to get your finances on track.  Or maybe you’re just tired of dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with your monthly credit card statement....