Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, Tumblr — no matter which outlet you prefer, chances are that your social media habits are affecting your bank account.
Studies show that Chinese workers actually increase productivity by an outstanding 84% when allowed access to social media tools. Buy unless you live in China, that same study shows social media interferes with productivity. [ continue reading… ]
If you’re in the market for a new car, but low on credit and cash, “buy here, pay here” financing could be your only option.
There are both pros and cons to purchasing a vehicle through these types of car lots.
It’s possible to find honest, reputable dealerships if you do your homework before taking out the loan. But, there’s also the possibility that you’ll get talked into a contract loaded with hidden fees and a super high interest rate.
It’s important to educate yourself before making any big financial decisions. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of financing through a buy here pay here dealership. [ continue reading… ]
One of the most popular investments right now is the ETF. An exchange-traded fund is kind of like a hybrid between a mutual fund and a stock. You get the diversity of a fund, as well as easy trading — since, unlike mutual funds, ETFs are traded on an exchange like a stock.
You pay a transaction cost, such as the $4.95 you would normally pay to trade a stock, but you also have to pay the annual expense ratio. Even so, ETFs are often considered a good deal since the expense ratio is usually quite low (sometimes as low as 0.07%). And, if you choose the right broker, you can find an array of commission-free ETFs.
ETFs are often considered a good investment choice for many, but there are those who are wary of these relatively new investment products. I often receive the question, “Can I create a diverse portfolio with ETFs?”
The answer (and good news) is yes, you can. Here’s how. [ continue reading… ]
High school grads hitting the road to college may need a little financial education before they go. They’ll no longer have Mom or Dad to rely on for dollars and sense.
Without proper education, they might end up like many new college students: broke and on the path to a lifetime of debt.
A lunch here.
Music there.
Parties, parties everywhere.
Debt becomes a way of life.
Many students are clueless about what interest does to a person’s debt. If they go nuts running up credit card debt for things like eating out with friends and shopping, they’ll likely dig a hole they’ll have a hard time getting out of later in life.
This sort of behavior also establishes their patterns for adult spending habits — long after they’ve left college behind them.
Teach your children well. By instilling responsible financial behaviors in them, you’ll enhance all aspects of their lives.
Here are some key factors in prepping your college bound student for financial success: [ continue reading… ]
The world of banking has come a long way since the original days of brick-and-mortar establishments. It’s now possible to do your banking from the comfort of your home, potentially without ever stepping foot into a bank.
Although it seems as if banking technology couldn’t evolve any farther than ATMs, online banking, and mobile banking apps, it has and will probably continue to. Soon, the entire banking world will be rocked with the introduction of the newest in ATM technology: teller-assisted ATMs.
The Interactive Teller, recently introduced by NCR, allows bank customers the ideal combination of ATM convenience with the personal service and wider capabilities of a human teller. [ continue reading… ]
The end of July signals the end of an era: you’ll no longer be a kid living at home with Mom and Dad. As August peeks through amber sunsets, you and your best friend lay out, poolside, wincing at the onslaught of college preparations.
College excitement often means furnishing a new place to live for the first time. As amazing as that feeling is, it’s equally overwhelming knowing that you have to buy bedding, decorations, and everything else that you’ll need to live a life on your own.
Starting a new school is nerve-racking enough. With classes to attend, a new environment to adjust to, and often no friends to go with you, shopping to start your first living space on your own can blow your mind. And trying to stay in your budget makes it almost impossible, since the only things you can afford right now are towels and socks. [ continue reading… ]
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