Stale Green Light

The benefit program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, allows low-income families with cash assistance. This cash is usually accessed through a transfer card that can be used as a debit card. The cash from the program is meant to be used on necessities, such as food and rent.

Unfortunately, a media report found that these cards are being used in liquor stores, clubs, casinos and even cruise ships.

A new bill passed legislation that requires states to ban the ability to access government benefits at strip clubs, liquor stores and casinos.

“This legislation stops waste, fraud, and abuse within the welfare program,” said Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr., a Louisiana Republican. “It protects the public interest by ensuring money meant to help Americans get back on their feet is used for that very purpose.”

Some are saying that it is not fair to leave those with these cards to search high and low for an ATM. If the closest ATM is in a liquor store, some people say that they should be able to use it.

It is hard to make wise financial decisions when you cannot find a job.  Millions of Americans are finding themselves in this position. Although unemployment rates are falling, it is important to remember that we still have a long ways to go.

The Labor Department reported that there was an increase this week in the number of people that filed for their first-time unemployment.  Although there was an increase this week of just around 20,000 people the downward trend continues.

When you are trying to be wise about the way that you are going to save your money and make wise financial decisions, take time to learn to budget well with what you have.  Budgeting can be difficult when your income is minimized drastically, but take time to rid yourself of any unnecessary costs.

If you are unemployed make sure that you file your unemployment papers as soon as possible. Keep up with your paperwork so that you can continue to get the unemployment benefits that you need.

When you are traveling there are tons of ways that you can get nickeled-and-dimed.  There are a lot of people that do not plan for these expenses and sometimes there is no way to avoid these nickled-and-dimed expenses.  You should be sure that you are aware of the many different fees that you may incur while you are traveling.

1. Airlines may charge for luggage-Although many people realize this now, it is important to be sure that you know exactly how much your luggage is going to cost with you to tote along on your vacation.
2. Hotels may charge for…everything-From getting WiFi to being charged for parking there are many small charges that hotels may slam you with.  Some hotels charge their guests with a “resort” fee that covers the many different fees that they would otherwise charge you with separately.
3. When you rent a car you should be sure that you fill the gas up before you return to the car rental facility.  Often times gas stations right around the facility will jack up their prices to ensure that they can take advantage of the drivers returning their cars.
4. If you are traveling internationally be sure that you have a good credit card that you can take with you.  This way, you can be sure that you are getting the best exchange rate that you can get.
5. when you know that you are going to have to use cash on your trip try to take it out beforehand and travel safely with it.  This way, you do not have to pay the ridiculous ATM fees that many banks will charge to take out cash.