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Financial freedom is the goal that everyone strives for. Whether it’s paying the bills on time or banking an emergency savings fund, we all would like to move beyond the weekly grind. We all want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, of being trapped in a continual cycle of financial frustration and discontent. To be clear: the road to financial freedom is a long and winding one. It is, however, a road, and with the right directions, you can map a course that can get you to your destination.

You may have heard or read of many ways to work toward financial freedom. Setting goals are high on everyone’s list, but the key is actually taking those first steps, no matter how small, to move along the road in the direction of your destination. Though not comprehensive, here are 5 practical steps that you can take toward financial freedom. (more…)

Learning how to prevent identity theft can save you time, money, and serious aggravation. Identity theft can happen anytime. Your personal information can be pulled from a trash can. Your credit card number can be copied by waiters at a restaurant or clerks in a department store. Most people inadvertently give away too much of their personal information on social media, allowing any thief to ‘fill in the blanks’ once they have made an ‘in’ on who you are. As vulnerable as you are, there are still ways to prevent your identity from being stolen this holiday season. It begins with you! It is up to you to monitor your financial related accounts and personal data to protect yourself and your credit.

Below are 10 useful tips to aid and protect your personal information, which can help to safeguard your identity and your credit. (more…)

The joy and excitement of the holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the season of gift giving. With so many on your Christmas list, it’s easy to spend more than you have budgeted. If you are short of cash, holiday loans are a good option to avoid encountering financial troubles or regret come January, but they can also help your save this Christmas. Don’t let the holiday season become an emotional tug of war between your purse or wallet and the lure of online and local retailers. It’s important to have a spending strategy in place to ensure every stocking is stuffed and you make it through the holiday season in financial peace. (more…)

Learning to grocery shop on a budget is important, but it is especially essential around the holidays. Doing so is one of the best and easiest ways to pinch pennies, and help to ease you through the months ahead. It can be difficult. Rising food costs, combined with smart marketing can leave the most seasoned shoppers scratching their heads. However, it is possible to save, and you can take the upper hand. As you grocery shop this holiday season be proactive by having a shopping strategy in place. You will be pleasantly surprised how much money you can save. Here are 7 tips to get the most ‘bang for your buck’ this holiday season. (more…)

With the holiday season approaching, how to avoid fraud should be at the top of every consumer’s shopping list. Today’s world of online banking has simplified borrowing money. Yet, the new technology has been combined with old tricks to make it easier for scam artists. Financial scammers prey the most on people who have the most to lose. They do not discriminate by age or class, ethnicity or religion, only on the uninformed. Individuals seeking loans around Christmastime are particularly vulnerable. (more…)

College students and fiscal responsibility. Historically, these two categories are not the best combination. College typically marks the first time the majority of students are on their own, socially, scholastically and financially. Students will face difficult financial decisions when it comes to money management, as they have to balance tuition, books, supplies, food and spending money. This financial balancing act can be problematic for anyone, let alone college students. Below we point out some common financial traps for college students to avoid and some tips for staying on budget.
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Summer is not quite over, and September is still a favorite time of year for people to venture out for a vacation or road trip. While vacationing and exploring is no doubt fun, it can also be expensive. Today we explore some personal finance tips on how to travel like a minimalist and save money while out on the road vacationing. (more…)

Where do you turn to when you are in a financial pinch? What do you do when a bill or financial situation pops up that calls for immediate attention and action? Sometimes, we just can’t wait for payday. Many employers only disperse payment twice a week or even once a month. This does not help when you need money today. Below we discuss alternatives on how to make a little extra cash before payday. (more…)

Adults lead busy and hectic lives. Personal time is a premium and it’s challenging enough to manage your own finances. But it can be stressful to joint manage you and your partner’s finances. Just as it took time for you and your partner to develop a loving relationship, it will also take a little time to learn how to effectively manage your new joint budget. Below we discuss some tips on the best ways to manage your finances with your partner and where an Arizona title loan may help. (more…)

Spring is here and it signals a giant reset button for all of us. No matter where we live in the country, spring cleaning is a time for a refresh. This can and should ring true for our personal finances. Spring represents a great time to tidy up your budget. Below we look at some creative ways to clean up your finances to help you save some money this year.
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Congratulations! You are expecting! Having a baby is indeed one of the most exciting life events, period. Having a baby can also be one of the most frightening life experiences! How does one begin to budget for a new family member who will be completely dependent on Mom and Dad? Maintain regular breathing patterns. Below we discuss some basic tips to help you budget for your new bundle of joy to be. (more…)