Char Telkamp
Dollars & Sense
Want to save money? Here are nine suggestions to help you save on your auto insurance policies. 1.Comparison shop. Use consumer information provided by your state’s insurance department. These guides tell you what coverages you need and show you sample rates, usually from the biggest companies.
Auto insurance basics
Most states require a minimum amount of automobile insurance coverage. But if you’re interested in protecting yourself from a lawsuit or hefty repair bills, then it makes sense to buy more than what’s required. Liability insurance Liability coverage limits (that’s for the damage you do to others) are usually presented as a series of three numbers.
Halloween can be scary on the wallet
It’s the time of year for ghosts and goblins, chills and thrills, tricks and treats – which means it’s also time for spending some serious bucks on costumes and decorations. Decorating for Halloween has become as common as decorating for the Christmas holiday.
Sneaky tricks that credit card companies use
Credit card companies have all kinds of tricks to gouge your wallet and drive up your bill. While arguably unfair, all these tricks are legal, leaving you no alternative but to stay as informed as possible to protect yourself. The old bait and switch So you’ve got this ingenious plan.
Dollars & Sense
The dreaded D-word: debt. All of us have it at some time or another, and we would all like to get rid of it. Although it is probably not possible to live 100 percent debt free, you can manage the debt you have. Depending on your circumstances, you need to consider whether you should manage your debt yourself, seek professional help, or when – and whether – you need to consider bankruptcy.
Credit Report Basics
Part 2 of 2. This week we’ll look at how to remove negative incorrect information. Last week, we looked at the importance of knowing and understanding what’s in your credit report. Before you can demand your legal rights, you must thoroughly know your legal rights.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. In 1999, 13 percent of Americans had been victimized by identity theft. Victims can expect to spend upwards of $1,000 and 200 hours of work to clear their good name and credit rating. What is identity theft? When one person steals another’s personal information and uses it fraudulently.
Credit Report Basics
Part 1 of 2. This week we’ll look at the importance of knowing and understanding what’s in your credit report. Next week, we’ll look at how to remove negative incorrect information. Many people find it hard to read credit reports so they don’t bother checking the information that the reports contain.
Managing your credit debt
Editor’s Note: This is part 2 of a two part series on dealing with credit cards. Last week we looked at the pros and cons of having credit cards and how to compare the different card offers to pick the one right for you. A 2001 study conducted by Nellie Mae, the nation’s leading student finance firm, revealed that the average undergraduate carries a credit card balance of $2,327.
Myths about credit and debt
Myth 1: I’m a loser and a failure because I’m in financial trouble. Reality: You have to accept responsibility for your actions and remember that you did accept the credit with the promise of paying it back. But most families and our schools do a poor job of teaching financial responsibility.
Follow Us!