You know you're supposed to strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, but healthy choices aren't always cheap. If you cut corners to save money, you'll end up with less nutritious foods.Don't waste your money on watered-down, sugary alternatives to healthy foods, and don't get stuck with a kitchen stocked with expired produce either.Follow these steps to stretch your food budget and keep a nutritious diet without spending too much on fresh food. Where to Buy Produce 1. Start a Home Garden Growing you own food is challenging and rewarding, but it is not easy. … [Read more...]
Matt Breed
Yodlee MoneyCenter Review – Online Banking & Budgeting Software
Most Americans don't use the same banking institution for all of their financial accounts.For that reason, it's not always easy to keep tabs on all of your loans, credit cards, retirement accounts, pension plans, brokerage accounts, and other financial tools that may be housed in many different places.If you find that you need help managing your accounts, Yodlee MoneyCenter might have the solution. What is Yodlee MoneyCenter? Simply put, Yodlee is an online money management software that can help you keep track of your finances and all of your accounts - no matter where they are. … [Read more...]
Credit Karma Review – Get Free Credit Score Improvement Tools
If you've made any big purchases in your life - including a car or a house - you know all too well the importance of having a good credit score. Or perhaps you've even experienced the negative effects of a bad credit score.Unfortunately, there are far too many companies that want to charge you money to find out what your credit score is and help you improve it. While I remain steadfast in the fact that I absolutely refuse to pay for what I believe I have a right to know, these companies continue to prey on those who are unaware of the channels available to them to obtain this … [Read more...]
5 Unique Online Business Ideas, Small But Successful
Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me. I'm amazed by the pride and sense of accomplishment that comes with building your own business, and I respect the risks that come with working for yourself. Even if your venture fails, as a business leader you still learn valuable lessons that you can use to make your next attempt more successful.Taking a successful business model from someone else and building on it is no crime. In fact, it is how most leaders build businesses. It doesn't always take a "stroke of genius" to get to the top. But when those once-in-a-lifetime ideas strike, your … [Read more...]
5 Unreimbursed Work-Related Employee Expenses and What to Do About Them
When you freelance or own a business, the responsibility for managing and reducing expenses is yours alone. Therefore, you often have a plan for even the most unlikely ones.If you are employed by someone else, however, you might assume that they have any unexpected expenses covered. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. There will be times when you have to use your own money to pay surprise, job-related costs.As with everything, a little preparation goes a long way. Take a look at this list of five unexpected expenses and avoid being caught unaware. Surprise Work-Related … [Read more...]
10 Best Stock Market Investment News, Analysis & Research Sites
Ah, investing - a word that can strike fear into the hearts of even the most burly and masculine of men. A subject with such a broad and potentially confusing scope of choices, it can bewilder even the most savvy of businessmen.Even though I consider myself well-versed in general investment information, there is a world of knowledge, terminology, and strategy that is just beyond my comprehension, and will likely always be.So where should I, the layman, turn to when I seek competent and comprehensive stock market investment research and analysis? Top 10 Stock Market Investment Research … [Read more...]
Setting Your Long Term Personal Financial Goals – Examples & Planning
January 1st has come and gone, and those New Year's resolutions you made are now a fading memory (admit it, the number on your scale probably hasn't budged).But the year's not over yet, and it's not too late to set new goals - and actually stick to them.Here are 5 financial goals that everyone can achieve, as long as you have a plan. If you haven't already, check out the money moves you should make at the beginning of each year. Those will all apply here as you get started on your renewed goals. Top 5 Financial Goals 1. Get Out of Debt Wouldn't it be nice to not have to give your … [Read more...]
Beware of the Real Cost of Rent-to-Own Stores for Furniture, Appliances & Electronics
A few weeks ago, I sat in the parking lot at a local plaza watching people file in and out of one of those rent-to-own stores.Without naming names, let's just say that this particular store is a big one with locations throughout the country. I was astounded by how much business this place was getting.It's no secret that buyers end up paying far more than the sticker price at these stores. But are patrons even aware of this, and do they even care? What is it that keeps rent-to-own stores in business? What Is a Rent-to-Own Store? In a rent-to-own transaction, customers rent an item - … [Read more...]
The Many Benefits of an Employer Tuition Reimbursement Program & Policy
Having spent far too much time away from school, last year I finally decided to return to improve my skills and make myself more marketable in the job market. My first attempt, fresh out of high school was less than impressive. I spent way too many hours playing with my friends and not nearly enough time hitting the books. It happens to lots of us, but not everyone gets the opportunity to return and has the courage to take it. That's why I could not be happier that my employer is kind enough to offer tuition reimbursement. Without it, I'm not sure I would even be back in school at all. What … [Read more...]
Maximum 401k & Roth IRA Contribution Limits 2011
As you probably already know, saving for retirement is extremely important, and there are many different types of retirement accounts that you can use including the individual 401k, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, and Roth 401k. Which one you go with depends on your own unique needs and preferences, so be sure to do some research on Roth IRA vs 401k and Roth 401k.Most of these are very easy to fund and maintain. But are you actually doing it? If not, what's keeping you from getting the most out of these accounts?Every year, the IRS reviews and adjusts the maximum contribution limits for … [Read more...]
How to Buy & Sell Collectibles – Become a Successful Collector with Your Collecting Hobby
I love strange objects. The weirder the better as far as I'm concerned. Which is why I was almost giddy when I stumbled upon a Discovery Channel show called Oddities. If you've never seen it, Oddities profiles a couple who own a store in New York called Obscura which specializes in strange, rare, and downright crazy collectibles. The search for new inventory takes the shop's owners and employees into the homes of other like-minded collectors, which is always fascinating.The show made me think about collectors and how hard many of them work at their hobby. Quality collections of any kind … [Read more...]
