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Save Money on Your Car Insurance

If you are like most people, you're constantly on the prowl for ways to save money and eliminate the worries that come from living paycheck to paycheck.� One of the easiest ways to save can be to seek out new car insurance.� Edmunds, a popular resource for car buyers, says you're probably paying too much!

Although you can certainly call your current insurance provider and ask for a lower rate, you're likely to have better luck with a new company.� Though it can be time consuming to get numerous car insurance quotes, savings can be as much as several hundred dollars per year.

You can also save money by calling on discounts from organizations like AAA, AARP, and professional or trade associations.� Additionally, forgoing a fancy and expensive car in favor of a modestly priced, low-profile car with safety features like antilock brakes or automatic seatbelts can help you save.

Car insurance is a necessity, but it doesn't have to cost you what it currently is!�

At risk of foreclosure?

Is your family at risk of foreclosure?� These days, it seems like no one is immune.� If a $19.5 million home in the posh Hamptons is under foreclosure, chances are, your own property isn't any safer.

Not only can foreclosure leave you homeless, it can also impact your credit report for years to come.� Naturally, the best way to prevent foreclosure is to be very, very careful about the sort of mortgage you take on.� Think realistically about what you can afford, and be cautious about variable rate mortgages that can start out low and quickly escalate into the danger zone.�

Foreclosure prevention isn't impossible, and finally, state attorney generals are taking action to help individuals secure stable housing in an unstable market.� Read about their efforts here.�

While home ownership still beats renting as a better option for those concerned with having a secure financial future, people with inconsistent incomes and small budgets may benefit from continuing to rent rather than taking on a mortgage.� There will always be time to buy in the future, but once you end up with a foreclosure on your record, you're sunk.
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Who doesn't love financial guru Suze Orman?

My partner and I get sucked in by her television show.� It's educational, sure, but it's also entertaining and relevent.� Don't make me sit through the history channel or most of the news, but turn on Suze, and I'm transfixed.�

Recently, Money Magazine interviewed the fabulous Ms. Orman, shedding insight into personal finance as usual but including some topics she doesn't address as frequently on her show.� Some of the most interesting advice from the interview includes Suze's top tip for finding a trustworthy financial advisor.� She suggests starting your meeting with a potential financial planner by telling him that you have $25k in credit card debt.� How s/he proceeds -- whether s/he sets you up with a plan to get out of your financial hole or instead asks immediately how much you can invest -- will help you judge his or her credibility and character.�

Another key bit of information from the interview -- be involved in your financial life!� Because of our flucuating, somewhat floundering market, now it is more important than ever for individuals to maintain control and influence over their financial decisions. � �

Finances for Two

I've noticed recently that among my married or co-habitating friends and family. one person typically handles all the financial stuff.� Usually, they claim that it's because one person is just better at money management, or that one partner is too lazy to get involved, or that a big money mistake was made in the past and the offending partner is too scared of repeating it to touch anything.� Unfortunately, by leaving financial matters in one person's hands alone, these couples are making a critical error in their financial lives.

Aside from the importance of equity and openness in a healthy relationship, couples should also consider what would happen if the relationship's financial guru were to perish, or if the relationship were to end.� It's always best for both people to be aware off credit card bills, mortgage payments, and other shared expenses so that they can plan their spending together.� Even if one person is going to be in charge of the check book, he or she should always check in with his or her partner so that no one is in the dark about financial matters. � � �

Get Paid for Advertising . . . On Your Car?

I'm sure you've seen them -- cars fully covered in advertising for businesses like realtors, banking services, sports teams, and corporate ventures.� If you think like I do, you assume that these vehicles are being driven by employees or franchise owners in the hopes of promoting their products and services.� Think again!

A relatively new marketing scheme that businesses have taken to with a vengeance is auto advertising.�� Advertisers pay for a vehicle "wrap" containing a colorful, eye-catching advertisement for their company, and then they pay you to have it installed on your car or truck.� Sometimes, they even offer drivers free cars and free merchandise, so all you have to do is drive.

Of course, not everyone is eligible.� A clean driving record is a must, and since this phenomenon is growing in popularity, not every driver who signs up is going to be chosen.�� Motorists must also watch out for the numerous websites that charge for access to a database of pay-you-to-drive sites.� However, getting paid to drive is a real possibility in this, the age of advertising.�

Can you improve your financial health while making your daily commute?� It certainly can't hurt to try!

Are you prepared for a crisis?

Once you start making big purchases -- buying vehicles, homes, or expensive luxury items -- insurance is of the utmost importance.� In order to protect your purchases from damage,yourself from liability, and your loved ones from financial ruin, adequate car insurance, home owner's insurance, and life insurance are must-haves.�

Did you know that millions of American lives are uninsured and underinsured?� The number of uninsured motorists is on the rise, too, despite state laws requiring drivers to carry minimal amounts of auto insurance.� Though there's little we can do to make up for other people's carelessness, here is a primer on the types of insurance needed by the average American.

Don't be left out in the cold -- a good insurance policy is not a luxury! � � �

Looking forward to retirement

Don't we all dream about retiring from work and making the last years of our lives the most adventurous and relaxing?� Retirement -- maybe even early retirement -- is something the average worker awaits with great anticipation.� However, increased worries about the state of social security and medicare, a faltering economy and shaky investments can make retirement seem like nothing more than an impossible dream.

That's why Bloomberg.com has put together a Retirement Calculator which is designed to put your future plans in perspective.�� Not only will this calculator let you know where you stand using your current age, savings, and income, but it will also give you advice for maximizing your profits and minimizing your debts.� Ideally, you can tinker with the numbers to figure out the perfect formula for retiring at age 65, 60, or maybe even sooner (you lucky duck)!�

Even if your savings plan isn't perfect, thinking of ways to pay off credit cards, pay down the principle on your mortgage, and sneak money out of your paycheck and into some good investments, you will have a better grasp on your financial future than the average American.�

Check today and find out if you're on the right path to retirement!�

Have you received your erconomic stimulus check yet?

The United States government intends to finish paying out "economic stimulus" funds before mid-summer.� Have you been stimulated by the government yet?

While many are eagerly anticipated the extra money that will be direct-deposited into their bank accounts, critics say the economic stimulus package is "akin to throwing rocks at an oncoming tank."� Rather than urging� Americans to spend wisely by paying off high-interest credit card debt or paying down other loans, the lump sum of funds is intended to stimulate the economy by encouraging unnecessary and frivolous spending.�

If you haven't yet spent your check on a shopping spree, consider paying off debts, reducing the amount owed on your loans, or simply setting the money aside for a rainy day.� Whatever you do, don't let the government convince you that the economic stimulus package is really going to improve the American economy in the long run.
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Forget Child-Proofing, Let's Get Recession-Proofed!

One of the newest sections on CNN Money is the timely "recession-proofing tips" area for Americans who are worried about the increasingly poor economy.�

These tips tackle everything from how to hold onto your job or maintain your career in the event of corporate downsizing, where to put your money to keep it safe and profitable, how to beat an impending foreclosure, and tips for critically examining the pros and cons of buying a home in the current "buyer's market."�

Whether you're getting ready to retire, planning to marry or start a family in the next few years, or just getting your career off the ground, these tips on how to avoid being hurt by the expected recession are incredibly helpful! � � �

Investing in Real Estate Still a Smart Move

Years ago, the real estate market was booming and there was constant talk of real estate investments being the safest, most surefire way to turn a future profit.� Today, the market is down, foreclosures are up, and homeowners are struggling to get a fair price when selling their homes in this buyer's market.� Is real estate still the smartest way to invest your money?

The answer is yes.� Real estate markets typically go through cycles including buyer's and seller's markets.� The buyer's market obviously favors people who are shopping for a new home or investment property, while the seller's market can sometimes lend itself to several potential buyers bidding a property up past its asking price.�

Though today's buyers will not be able to flip their properties in short order, they have the benefit of buying low with the option to sell high several years from now.� If you can afford to hang on to your purchase for a few years, you can expect a positive turn in the market and a good chance to make money on your investment in the future.�

Don't be discouraged by dire real estate predictions.� The market will improve, and when it does, properties will once again�be a great way to increase your wealth.� Buy low, sell high works for real estate as well as it works for the stock market!� �

Losing Money with a Financial Planner

Who hasn't been there?� You sign up for financial planning services, turn over your savings so that it can be invested by a professional, and then you start losing money.� After a few months in what feels like a downward spiral, even the most savvy investor would wonder if the time had come to pull out.� Money Magazine expert Walter Updegrave says no.

As long as your adviser is working with you and communicating with you about the goals you have set for your money, you need to have some faith in his or her abilities and training.� Brokers who are eager to move your money around and around and who are quick to "play yes-man" to your concerns are less likely to have your best interests at heart.�

Bottom line:� if you want to do your own investing, do it, and leave the financial planners to do their jobs for people who really want their services and expertise! �

Is the Revolution Coming?

After a few friends started signing up for RevolutionMoneyExchange.com, I decided to join in the fun. After all, at the time I signed up the fledgling company was giving away $25 to new members and $10 per referral.� I accumulated $90 in my account very easily, quite a good deal for the amount of time and effort it took to sign up.

As I understand it, this site has come under fire for selling members' information to credit agencies and others.� At the same time, it has received much praise for charging lower fees than Paypal and similar online�payment processing companies.� Really, it's too new to tell.� All I know for sure is that�free money is nice to have, and I don't regret signing up when I did!� �

Getting a loan with a past bankruptcy

It can be very difficult to obtain a loan when your credit record still reflects a past bankruptcy. While credit card offers will start filling up your mailbox within a year or two of your bankruptcy being discharged, it can take several more years to secure a loan.

Fortunately, mortgage agencies are more flexible than most financial institutions. Housing is viewed as a necessity, and so these lenders are often willing to work with previously bankrupt clients before other agencies are. Car loans are also slightly easier to obtain. However, certain lenders will not consider loaning you anything until your bankruptcy has cleared -- purchasing a recreational vehicle or other item viewed as a luxury or non-necessity by the lending agent is something you will not be able to do for at least seven years.

Though filing bankruptcy is sometimes the best option for individuals, it is a choice that can complicate your financial matters for years afterward. For more advice and words of caution about bankruptcy, click here.