One-Step Actions that Yield Big Savings

While all of the little things that we do on a daily basis can add up to great savings, sometimes we just need to find a way to make a big impact on our finances. For example, we may be experiencing a pay cut or loss of income, or facing a large expense, such a new furnace for the home or braces for a child. In these moments, we need a quick one-step action that will yield big savings. My husband and I are pushing to build up our emergency fund, just as prices for everything seem to be going … Continue reading

Should You Buy or Lease a Car?

When it comes to buying or leasing a car, there are advantages and disadvantages to each choice, but which option will save you the most money? Let us compare the two and explore the options. When you lease a car, you will usually have a lower down payment that when you purchase your car. If you don’t have a lot of cash flow, this can help you get into a car. Dealers will often limit the amount of a down payment that you need, in order to get the car off of the lot. That said, the lower your down … Continue reading

5 Steps to Getting Your Car Paid Off Early

Paying off your car loan early will save you hundreds of dollars in interest charges, eliminate a monthly expense, and increase your credit score as your rate of debt to income goes down. Plus, you’ll get a real sense of accomplishment knowing that your car is completely yours, free and clear. 1. First do your homework Review your loan paperwork before you start. Most car loans are simple interest loans. That is, the interest accrues during the life of the loan, so paying it off early will save you a lot of money. In a precomputed interest loan, on the … Continue reading

Your Guide to Insurance Savings

Everyone has to carry some form of insurance, whether it is homeowners insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance or private medical insurance. Being able to find ways to reduce the amount that you have to pay on your premiums is important. With less money leaving your family budget for insurance, you’ll have more money for savings and other needed expenses. 1. Raise your deductible If your insurance deductible is less than $500, consider raising it to at least that amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rate. The deductible is the amount that you will pay first before the … Continue reading

The Affordable Care Act is Here to Stay

President Obama has been elected to a second term, and the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. This is wonderful news for all Americans! The ACA has already provided benefits that many families have experienced. Those will continue, and more are coming up between now and 2014. The Affordable Care Act was signed in 2010. The Supreme Court ruled, in June of 2012, that the Affordable Care Act will stand and will continue. As you are probably aware, the Republican party platform for the 2012 election emphasized their interest in repealing the Affordable Care Act. President Obama won the … Continue reading

Information About Medicaid in West Virginia

Every state has its own Medicaid program. The West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services administers the Medicaid program. It is fairly easy to find out about what Medicaid covers, how to apply, and the eligibility program from its website. Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It provides coverage for individuals and families who are low income and who cannot afford to purchase health insurance coverage from a private insurer. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded by the government of an individual state. In West Virginia, the Medicaid program … Continue reading

Affording Life Insurance

While no one really wants to think about life insurance, if you have a family it is an important to have it in place. Life insurance can pay for final expenses, as well as leave your loved ones in solid financial shape. Even non-working parents should carry life insurance, since the death of a stay-at-home parent means that the remaining spouse may have to incur new expenses related to child care. Should both parents become deceased, life insurance money can ensure their children’s future. The bottom line, is that your family cannot afford to be without life insurance. So how … Continue reading

Have You Considered Shared-Care Insurance?

It is reasonable to expect that you, and your spouse, will need long-term care insurance. That type of insurance can be more expensive than what many couples can afford. Instead, you might consider shared-care insurance. It provides expanded coverage and is more affordable. Long-term care insurance is designed to cover the cost of the type of care someone will need after her or she can no longer preform everyday tasks. It is to help pay for the medical care, and day to day care, a person needs when he or she has a chronic illness, debilitating injury, unrecoverable disability, or … Continue reading

Long-Term Savings

Giving up your Starbucks fix for a couple of days at a time or cutting coupons every once in a while can help you save a few bucks, but if you are looking to save cash long-term, you need to modify your lifestyle. The following are changes that can be made over time to significantly reduce the amount of money that is extracted from your household budget each year: Energy efficiency: You can save significant amount money by being energy efficient at home. Switch to energy-efficient appliances and lighting. In addition, make sure your home is properly insulated and that … Continue reading