Tag Archive | "loans"

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Five Hints to Save Money on Vacations

Posted on 05 April 2011 by jackie.lane

We all need vacations because it helps us reduce our stress level. However, a vacation can also put more worry on our finances. If you truly want to enjoy your vacation consider some of the following tips.

To make sure you do not spend too much on vacation change your monthly budget. In other words, spend three-quarters of your monthly budget rather than the whole amount. The concept for this is that you will probably be on vacation for a week, thus each month if you spend only three-quarters of your income you are saving one quarter for your vacation. It also helps you rein in your spending while on vacation.

You will need to set up a vacation budget. Most of us love to spend money on vacation in order to make the best of our time away. The most important feature of this is to spend intentionally rather than spending as you please. Create your budget, plan for your vacation six months in advance and work towards the amount you are willing to spend and where you are willing to spend.

Controlling the amount you spend on vacation is easier with cash. By bringing cash with you, you know the exact amount you have to spend. Leave your credit cards in a deep pocket that is unreachable unless in an extreme emergency. A debit card can be like cash, but you might find you overspend using it.

Limit how much you spend on food, especially if you intend on eating out. It’s great to try a few restaurants, but they do not have to be all fine dining. Also consider shopping at local markets for snacks. This could help you avoid payday loans upon your return home.

The last tip we can leave you with is to ask the question “do I need this?” It is nice to bring home souvenirs, but do you need everything you see or can you find something that is really going to remind you of a great time? You may find one souvenir is better than three or four.

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Debts: Use it and Control it

Posted on 29 March 2009 by jackie.lane

A car, a home, or even college education are sometimes impossible to afford these days without taking loans. No wonder, a typical household today have thousands of dollars in debt before they know it.

But before you grab your phone to call a debt consolidation company, it will be a good idea to find out if you really need to consolidate your loans. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • · Are you consistent in making late payments?
  • · Do you pay only the minimum amount on your credit card bills?
  • · Do you find yourself borrowing more money to pay for gas and food?
  • · Are you left with less than 80% of your income after paying your debts (excluding mortgage)?

If you answered yes to most or all of the questions above, then you need to admit that you’re struggling. Why don’t you create a budget in order to compare how much you spend and make each month? Get a good idea on the kind of impact that loan payments make in your life by doing the following:

  • · List all your sources of income (including salary, investments, etc.)
  • · Write down all your expenses (food, gas, rent, loans, etc.)

Armed with this knowledge, you will know if you’re ready to consolidate. The most important thing is to make your financial situation more manageable and set realistic limits to stop unnecessary spending.

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