Even though the economy is showing signs of improvement, they aren’t large signs, and unemployment remains stubbornly high. Additionally, some companies are still planning layoffs, and you never know when you might lose your job.

Unemployment benefits have been extended a few times in an effort to help those who are unable to find work. If you lose our job, unemployment benefits can help you through the tough times, but you do need to be aware of the requirements that might be placed upon you to qualify.

(click here to continue reading…)

For many families, the recession still hasn’t ended. While “technically” the Great Recession has been over for years, practically speaking many families are still feeling the pinch. As a result, some are getting creative about the side businesses they are ready to start, as well as how they bring money into the family.

In some cases, this might include encouraging children to get summer jobs and help contribute to the family finances. Indeed, there are some families that ask kids to contribute to family finances in some way.

(click here to continue reading…)

In recent months, there has been a lot of discussion about prepaid debit cards. From the introduction of Suze Orman’s prepaid debit card, to suggestions that you don’t need a bank account if you have a prepaid card, to a general push by issuers to encourage parents to use prepaid debit cards as learning tools, it seems like prepaid debit is everywhere.

But what is prepaid debit? And is it really a good idea?

(click here to continue reading…)

Credit cards are the prevalent form of payment in our country. However, in spite of their convenience, there are some drawbacks to credit cards. While some contend that credit cards are pure evil, the truth is that they are tools. Whether or not they are tools that are likely to work for you depends on your financial goals and you situation.

Before you make a decision about whether or not to get a credit card, it helps to consider your own financial situation, and decide which card is mostly likely to help you meet your goals (if any card can do that). Here are some of the pros and cons of credit cards:

(click here to continue reading…)

One of the most well-known personal finance gurus is Dave Ramsey. He often talks about how he pulled himself out of debt, and now lives debt-free. He also develops products and sells books designed to help his followers lead debt-free lives.

Among the ideas that Ramsey has developed is The Seven Baby Steps. These are steps that, if used in order, can help you get your financial house in order, and start down the path to financial freedom. The idea is to follow the steps in order so that the steps build on each other.
Here are Ramsey’s 7 baby steps:

(click here to continue reading…)

There’s been a lot written about how coupons can be used as tools to save money. Indeed, the show Extreme Couponing highlighted how some of the most vigilant of couponers could save hundreds of dollars — or more — on shopping trips.

Even if you aren’t going to extremes with your couponing, it can seem like a good idea to many to clip a few coupons a week. I, however, am not one to use coupons. I’ve tried at various times to get into coupon clipping, including printing out coupons online, but it’s just never caught on with me. Coupons have never been worth the time for me — and here’s why:

(click here to continue reading…)

One of the difficulties that many face when self-employed is finding health insurance that works for them. The rising cost of health care and health insurance means that many would-be entrepreneurs end up staying in their jobs, just for the benefits. When I began my freelancing business, my husband was still in school, and we were shocked at how much family health coverage cost through the school.

So, we began looking around for individual health insurance. We were able to find an affordable group plan, which lumps us into a “group” with other individuals and families who need separate coverage. Being part of the “group” acts in much the way that buying insurance as part of a company works. This helps keep the cost down; in fact, I pay less for my family’s insurance premiums than some people I know with health benefits at work.

(click here to continue reading…)

Each summer parents everywhere hear the familiar refrain: “I’m bored!”

While you can send your children to summer camp, or sign them up for various programs, it can start to get expensive over time — especially if you have more than one child. If you are looking for more frugal options, here are some ideas for the summer:

(click here to continue reading…)