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New Restrictions for TANF

FinancialGuru — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:31:30 +0000

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.

Unemployment Rates

FinancialGuru — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:26:07 +0000

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.

Saving Money While Traveling

FinancialGuru — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:23:31 +0000

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Making Your Grocery Budget Go Further

FinancialGuru — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:54:15 +0000

As the prices of food items continue to rise, it will be very important that you learn how to save money when you are providing meals to your family. There are many ways that you can do this:

Eat old leftovers before they go bad instead of throwing them out
Select generic brands rather than name brands
Only purchase prepackaged foods sparingly
Buy in bulk as it generally costs less per ounce
Plant a garden and get fresh produce from your backyard

Doing these things can save you quite a bit of money per month on your budget. This will allow you to save it or spend it on other things.

Reviewing the Advantages of Credit Unions

FinancialGuru — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:50:54 +0000

There are many advantages to putting your money in a credit union rather than in a bank. These institutions are owned and operated by those who put their money in them. Because of this, they often have fewer fees than a bank and they offer better opportunities to their members. Most Americans can join them. Usually they also offer better interest rates and they are often affected less by a poor economy that a typical bank. Credit Unions are also backed by the government so that you will get your money back, even if the credit union fails. While a credit union can fail, instead of closing it will usually merge with a fully operating credit union in order to protect the members.

Swapping for Free Clothes

FinancialGuru — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:56:39 +0000

One great way to save money on clothes is to throw a party. Invite all of your friends and tell them to bring items they do not want anymore. At the party, you will be able to enjoy each other’s company, eat food, and pick up some new clothes for free! You can even offer to take the items nobody wants to a second hand store for them. In addition, you can fun dressing up in wacky outfits and taking pictures. This will be an event that creates memories that will last a long time. Best of all, you do not have spend anything on new clothes!

Saving at the Library

FinancialGuru — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:01:36 +0000

There are many great ways to save money so that you can cover your bills, without sacrificing entertainment. If you are a voracious reader, you may want to consider going to the library to pick up new books instead of going to the book store. In addition, you may want to check out a movie instead of attending the theatre. Libraries are great resources that most people can use for free. While you may have to wait for a while to get it, if the book you want is not in the library you can submit a request and they will order it for you. You can save a lot of money by attending the library.

Paying Bills to Save

FinancialGuru — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:17:06 +0000

One of the many ways that you can save money and cut your costs is to plan ahead. By planning ahead you will be able to make sure that you can pay your bills on time. When you pay your bills on time, you will be able to avoid late fees. Late fees can be quite large sometimes and they definitely add up over time. Make sure that you can pay your bills on time, and you could have 20 more dollars to use on groceries or on taking a significant other on a date. While this is going to take a little effort, it is important to make sure that you pay your bills on time.

Saving on Groceries

FinancialGuru — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:46:46 +0000

Even though groceries are a necessary expense, there are many ways you can cut your grocery bill and save money in this area. Here are a few tips you may want to consider implementing:

1. Shop at different stores: Different stores will have different sales and different savings

2. Plan ahead: Stopping to get dinner at the last minute can cause dinner to be very expensive

3. Purchase in season: Produce is very health and quite cheap when it is in season

4. Look down or up: The most expensive things are generally placed at eye level

5. Do not take your children with you: Children will often make requests for things that were not originally on your grocery list By finding new ways to cut your grocery bill, without cutting the amount of food you purchase, you will be able to save a lot of money.

Saving on Your Phone Bill

FinancialGuru — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:35:45 +0000

Phone bills can be quite expensive when you are not carefully keeping track of your minutes and using them wisely. Sometimes there is nothing you can do to lower the number of minutes you use, but there are several ways that you can lower the cost of your phone bill. Here are a few ideas:

1. Choose Your Plan Carefully: Do not get a plan with more than you need and shop around for the best deal

2. Use the Internet or VoIP: It is often free to talk to family and friends through the internet

3. Schedule Long Conversations: By scheduling long conversations for times when you get unlimited minutes you can save a lot of money

4. Lower Text Messaging: Texts are expensive per minute in comparison to how much could be conveyed in an actual conversation