Social Security is a social insurance program, designed to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to those who are eligible. The benefits are paid for by the withheld tax on current workers’ earnings.
"In times past, your social security number was the most influential number known to man… However, there is a three-digit number that is giving the social security number a run for its money…"
- Cornelius J., The Credit Repair Book: The Credit Repair Company's "Secret Weapon"
Have you ever thought about improving your credit score? Do you know how many benefits you may get if you finally manage to do it?
In fact, boosting your score may result in having lower interest rates for various loans and better lending options.
Robert M. Church, M.Ed, BS, the Executive Director of the DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation kindly agreed to answer a few questions about the project. Here is what he told us.
Annual income – twenty pounds, annual expenditure – nineteen six, result – happiness. Annual income – twenty pounds, annual expenditure – twenty pounds, result - misery.
- Wilkins Micawber, a clerk in Charles Dickens's 1850 novel David Copperfield
Americans know they need to create a household budget and stick to it. But do you know how many Americans follow it? Well, the answer may surprise you.
It’s only Monday morning but you already find yourself counting down to Friday each week? Well, you are not alone. Just because we are all in different colors, shapes, and sizes, it doesn’t mean we don’t have common wishes. And one of those is about early retirement.
In times where many earn generous incomes, some choose to earn less. Thing is, some can’t wait to retire ASAP, and others hope to attain financial independence and never stop working.
Dreaming of retiring early? Well, it’s a struggle for many. Unless you live on a desert island somewhere, it’s likely you’ve heard of the FIRE Movement.
A credit score and credit report are essential when it comes to financing. It affects your overall creditworthiness and ability to obtain mortgages, personal loans, and auto loans or get a credit card.
However, many people still aren’t aware of their credit or have experienced identity theft in the past. Credit monitoring is a perfect way to keep track of your credit history and know if there are any errors.
What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
- Adam Smith
It’s hard to argue, life is not much fun when you’ve got lost in financial jungles and struggle to clear credit card debt. Whether it’s about buying things you enjoy or going out for dinner, financial obligations make life feel pretty miserable.
Are you fed up being dread receiving another bill? Good for you. It’s time for some motivation to kick your finances into shape ASAP. Paying off credit card debt is a tough gig, yet, who said you can’t win this battle?
What were your favorite three gifts you received last holiday season?
Can’t remember? What about just one gift?
If you had a hard time doing this, you aren’t alone. So many of us succumb to the pressure to give, give, give during the holidays that we forget the meaning behind them. Religion aside, most of us can agree that this time of year conjures up images of friends and family spending time together at long dinner tables or huddled around cozy fireplaces. It’s not about the gifts.
It’s hard enough paying down student loan debt. But when you’re making all of your payments on time and your balance keeps going UP, it feels impossible.
Worse, when you see your debt growing while you’re making on-time payments, it can make you wonder if there’s any point in making those payments at all.
If that’s your situation, you can turn things around with a little information and a few action steps. And that starts with knowing everything about your student loans.
Saving money.
Everyone wants to do it but very few manage to execute it perfectly. You probably understand that in order to be successful in life you need to master the art of saving money. However, how are you supposed to save money on a low or zero income?
This sounds like an impossible task!
While it would be nice to be able to wave a magic wand and make your money problems disappear, the truth is that saving money is not as hard as you think it is. In fact, a lot of it has to do with the mindset with which you approach money. Combine this with a few simple practices and you’ll be on your way in no time.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best ways for you to save money starting today.