Budgeting

Advantages of Having a Roommate

Usually, having a roommate is associated with college students and young adults. However, it is becoming more common living situation for people of all ages. Though roommates may come with many challenges, if you choose wisely, it will bring in many benefits as well. It is recommended that you choose someone you know well, and to talk to them beforehand about likes and dislikes so you know if you’re on the same page or not. Continue reading

The Consumer Psychology Behind Marketing and Selling Approaches

In this economy many companies struggle to find their competitive advantage to stay ahead of their competitors. In order to not only stay profitable companies must have some aspect of their product offering that makes them stand out, and keeps customers coming back. Continue reading

Cost-Effective Approaches for Summer Ready Yards

With barbecuing season right around the corner many families are getting their homes and yards ready for the long summer ahead. This season not only means cookouts and family get-togethers, but also usually means more eyes than usual gazing over the landscapes that surround these events. Although American households on average spend only about 1% of their annual household income on their yards, that can still be a hefty amount of money that is usually concentrated during this time of year. Continue reading

Children and Money

There are many things that parents are responsible for teaching their children in life. One aspect of life that my parents excelled at showing me the ropes to was money. It’s a good thing they did too because the current education system in the United States is abysmal when it comes to teach young people about money, the importance of saving, and overall financial health. Continue reading

Reality Check: $5 For Gas?

I remember a story I heard a few years ago about gas prices. My youth leader told me about how only a decade before whenever he and his friends were bored on the weekend they would all pitch in a dollar, fill up a tank of gas, and simply cruise around town. Personally, the notion of four or five dollars to fill up a tank of gas for a weekend is hard to believe after dropping $55 to fill up my Toyota Camry the other day. Continue reading

Certificate Deposits Can Lock in Savings

Saving is something that the majority of Americans are not very good at these days. A lot of people talk the talk but do not seem to be able to walk the walk. This is very understandable in many cases because temptation can be found everywhere in society. The temptations out there such as, “deals” and dollar menus everywhere coupled with the fact that money is easier to access than ever before make saving money hard for many. Previously people had to carry cash and checks around; consequently, today someone can check out for a small purchase by just swiping a flex keychain over a magnetic strip. People are even banking on their phones now. One way to combat this excessive spending is to purchase a certificate deposit, or CD. Continue reading

Get Rich, But Not Quick

So you want to be the next Bill Gates, but don’t necessarily want to revolutionize the computer industry in the process? It is absolutely possible to accumulate wealth, and it is absolutely possible to become financially stable and then some. The only problem is that you have to work in order to achieve this kind of financial awesomeness. You may not have to change the computing lives of everyone in the world, but you will absolutely have to work hard to get there. At the backbone of accumulating wealth is being responsible with your money. Continue reading

Getting a Cheap Car Loan that Fits your Budget

A car is one of the most important things you own, so it is important to be sure that you are satisfied with everything about it. Along with this comes being satisfied with your payment for it. If you are not careful, you may get stuck with a car you like, but have no way to pay for it! There are several different aspects to car loans, but with a little preparation, it is easy to get a cheap car loan that will fit your budget. Continue reading

Don’t Sleigh Your Wallet This Christmas

It’s been two years since our economy went “round the bend”. The economic indicators show we’re technically out of recession and even growing… if at a snail’s pace. Still, the Solvency Shark can’t help but feel like he’s still stuck in a recession. My wife and I are very conscious of our funds and discuss them constantly. We save money by spending as little as possible and taking advantage of great deals or coupons when we do. Continue reading

Cutting Holiday Costs by Planning Ahead

The Winter holidays stress out everyone— even if you hardly observe them. There are crazily packed stores, even crazier traffic, parties, dinners, services, school exams… and the resultant January financial drain.

Here are ways to get some bank account and credit card relief during December: Continue reading