The last 10 years in the United States have seen a significant increase in cell phone usage. I was unable to get a phone until I was 16 (my parent’s rule) and even then, the phone only had calling and minimal texting capabilities. Today, I can ask a random 6 year old what the weather is like and he or she can pull up the temperature, wind speed, and 10 day forecast on their new iPhone. Mobile phones have become a significant part of many people’s lives, as they are a great way to stay connected. But they can also come at a great cost. What is best for you?
Choosing the Right Provider
Choosing the right cell phone provider is important. Some companies offer the best phones, while others offer the cheapest prices. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping for a cell phone company:
- Do they offer a phone you want?
- Do they offer competitive prices for your situation?
- What is their contract like?
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The economy is looking better by the day. Yet most people are still trying to save every penny possible. Surprisingly few are searching for ways to make more.
What’s better? Making more and adding it to your income, or suffering through always having to spend less?
- Yes, you can try getting a better job.
- You can try selling all your stuff.
- You can try getting a second job.
Or you could make your money work for you.
Many people won’t even consider it; for them, investing is too risky.
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When it comes to health care, being a woman can be costly.
A recent study by the National Women’s Law Center found that “women pay $1 billion more each year in individual health insurance costs even though they tend to take better care of their health than men.”
This difference in costs is a common insurance policy known as gender rating, and until the Affordable Care Act goes into effect in 2014, it is completely legal in many states. Basically, gender rating means that an individual’s gender determines how much it will cost him or her to pay for health insurance.
Added to this insurance disparity is the troubling finding by the Kaiser Family Foundation that “over one-quarter of women say they delay or just don’t get medical care they think they need because they cannot afford it.”
Clearly the cost of health care can be an obstacle for women who feel they cannot afford to maintain their health. And it only takes a single health crisis to derail anyone’s finances.
However, there are ways for women to reduce the cost of health care. Here are some tips and strategies for keeping you and your family healthy without destroying your budget:
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The cost of childcare in the U.S. is a painful reality. In a recent CNN post, Emily Jane Fox reports the cost of childcare exceeds the cost of rent for families in most states. For some families, the cost of childcare is so high that one parent is forced to stay home in order to eliminate or reduce childcare expenses. Before you take the leap and quit your job, check out these ideas for reducing the cost of childcare.
Reduce Childcare Costs with Off-Shift Jobs
Switching to an off shift may not be the most favorable decision of your career, but if your profession works around the clock, you have the option to put in for a second or third shift transfer to allow one parent to be home with the children. Just be sure to have a back up plan for sick kid days and days when your shift runs over or car trouble delays you in getting home.
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Baseball is what makes me come alive. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play for the past 20 years without worrying about having the right gear or a field to play on, but this isn’t the case for everyone. I recently had the idea to start a fundraiser to make the baseball dream possible for more kids even though starting a fundraiser is a large undertaking. Where do I start?
Finding a Reputable Organization
Searching for a high quality organization is the first task I tackled. I found one that donates equipment and money to places throughout the United States and to other countries. They have recently brought baseball to some of the most remote places on the planet. This seemed really cool to me, as I can picture the smiles on the faces of children from all different areas of the world. A new game to play, a new dream in their hearts.
If you cannot find an existing organization to start a fundraiser, try going at it on your own. The process will require much more work, but you can put your own stamp on it.
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Back in 2008, Congress passed a law that included the requirement for brokerages to report the cost basis for the shares that you sell. This means that not only do you have to pick a cost basis before the transaction occurs, but your broker needs to know your choice as well. Stocks had to meet this requirement starting last year, and 2012 is the year that cost basis reporting kicks in for mutual funds.
You have to pick a method of cost basis so that you (and the IRS) know how to figure out your gains, losses and whether they are long or short term. Here are some of the choices you have when picking a cost basis:
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