Stale Green Light

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.

Saving on the Purchase of Airline Tickets

FinancialGuru — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:26:39 +0000

When you are traveling there are many ways that you can save money. One of the ways that you can save money is on your airplane tickets. If you have traveler’s miles, be sure to use them. In addition, you can often get lower prices by purchasing the tickets as far ahead as you can. You will pay much higher prices if you purchase these tickets at the last minute. At the very least, you should purchase airline tickets at least two months in advance, or you are probably paying too much. This is particularly important if you are going to be traveling during the holiday season.

Choosing a Used Car

FinancialGuru — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:07:27 +0000

One of the best ways to save a couple thousand dollars is to purchase a used car instead of a new one. A new car loses most of its value as soon as it is driven off the lot. As a result, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a car that is already used, but in nice condition. There are some really great deals on used cars out there if you look for one. Take some time to look over Creigs List before you consider purchasing a brand new car. The couple of thousand that you save could be a nice addition to your retirement fund.

Making Do With Less

FinancialGuru — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:41:59 +0000

As you strive to avoid debt and to stick to a budget, you may find yourself trying to make do with less. If you take a look at your spending habits and budget, there are probably many areas where you can make do with less. Many Americans feel like they have to have this or that product because their neighbor has it. However, you do not necessarily need this or that product. Often, it is much wiser to make a small sacrifice now instead of a large sacrifice later that will result from a lot of debt.

Developing a Plan

FinancialGuru — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:48:48 +0000

One of the most important things you can do financially is make a plan. Without a plan, you will not be able to make goals that will help you get anywhere. You probably have many dreams for the future. Perhaps these dreams include an early retirement, a huge house, or a boat. No matter what your financial goals are, you will want to make sure that you have developed a plan that will allow you to reach them. If you do not plan ahead, you will never save enough money to enjoy the dreams you entertain.

Cutting Bad Habits to Save

FinancialGuru — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:48:50 +0000

One of the best ways to cut your expenses is to cut your bad habits. Many bad habits are very expensive. Alcohol, tobacco and other substances are very addictive and very expensive. As a result, you will spend thousands and thousands of dollars on these things every year if you are using them. Think of everything that you could use this money for if you were not spending it on these expendable items. In addition, many of your bills will come down. For example, your health insurance rate will be lower. This can also help you have more money to spend on other, more worthwhile things.

Purchasing What You Need

FinancialGuru — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:45:07 +0000

One of the key factors to personal finance success is only purchasing what you need. If you only purchase what you need and if it is less than your income, you will be able to avoid debt. You may also have some leftover money to put into savings. There are probably many things that you purchase that you do not need, even though you think that you need them. You will realize what these things are as you try to cut your budget.

Becoming Financially Free

FinancialGuru — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:56:37 +0000

There are many things that you should do that will help you work towards paying off your debt. Here are several things that you should consider doing:

Stop using credit cards to pay for things you need, use your paycheck instead
Do not over pay your debts and then have to take out more debt to pay for necessities
Do not eat out
Be creative and find cheap things to do for fun
Do not pay off your credit card balance using your emergency fund, or you will have more debt when an emergency hits
Plan ahead for expenses that are coming up
Make a budget and stick to it
Pay the minimums on all of your debt, and focus the rest on the smallest debt
Talk with your spouse to make sure that you both understand what needs to happen and that your interests are the same