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David Russel's Articles

  • Retirement: A Lifelong Journey, Investing 101.
    The difference between saving and investing is that when you invest, you put money in hoping to get something better back out. Every contribution is a step towards the goal of having the kind of retirement you want. Here are some of the most common choices:
  • Retirement: Why you need to plan now.
    You may not want to, but people of all ages need to start thinking and planning for retirement. What do you want to do with your time and freedom? Travel? Spend more time with family? Volunteer? Being financially prepared can make all the difference in what kind of retirement you will have.
  • Money Matters: The Price of Your Vice.
    Nicotine, caffeine, & alcohol. These are the three big ticket items that can break your budget, but many people are willing to pay for them no matter the cost. Maybe your personal indulgence isn’t as costly, but whatever your weakness is, sit down and do the math to determine how much you’ve been spending.
  • Are You Fiscally Fit? Using Credit Wisely.
    More and more Americans are using credit on a daily basis without realizing the effect it can have on their future. According to Experian’s “National Score Index “, at least one in ten consumers have more than 10 credit cards.
  • High car payments can drive you over the edge.
    Many people in debt counseling can trace the beginning of their debt problems to a new car purchase—too much car, big monthly payment, and financed too long. Some households even have two vehicles with large payments in the $400 to $500 range.
  • Inexpensive does not have to be cheap.
    Some people assume that to have the best of things, one must spend a lot of money, no matter the cost. Also, others won’t look for sales or shop the clearance shelves because they think there is some kind of flaw with the product. In both cases, they don’t want to buy cheap stuff—they assume that less expensive products are inferior.
  • Keeping your children busy on little or no money.
    If you’re in credit counseling or have signed on to a debt management plan, you may be concerned about how it will all work with your children while being committed to paying down your debt. Paying for gymnastics, swim lessons, baseball, or karate can really add up and it may not be part of your budget any longer.
  • What you can do to avoid for closure.
    It’s good to know that more Americans than ever before are able to realize their dream of owning a home. Unfortunately, the number of people burdened by big debt and home foreclosure is also increasing.
  • How to Improving your Consumer Skills.
    Being a smart consumer these days is getting more and more difficult considering all the different scams that we hear about in the news, as well as all the slick advertising used by retailers all competing for our dollars. Take these tips into consideration so you won’t be taken for your money.
  • Give Yourself a Boost: Easy Debt Reduction Ideas.
    Easy and debt reduction in the same sentence? Is it even possible? Yes, if you’re determined. Try these ideas and see your debt begin to shrink.
  • Home Improvement: Ways to Save Money on New Appliances.
    No one likes spending money on new appliances, so most of us try to put it off as long as possible. Eventually, you get to the point where you can’t ignore it any longer. Your kids are finally out of the house or have graduated from college, and your budget has a little wiggle room in it, but you still don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.
  • Summertime Scammers: Home Improvement Scams.
    Many home owners rely on independent contractors for improvements in and around the house, or the handyman for smaller jobs. Now that summer is upon us, it’s time to start those home improvement projects and get some work done.
  • Bad Decisions that Typically Lead to Debt.
    A common thread running through many households in terms of debt is a lack of planning. Whether it is caused by ignorance or indulgence, it is crucial to recognize it and change it. The negative consequences caused by this lack of planning are many, but in particular, the three most common expenses are put at risk and lead to debt.
  • Some simple tips to follow to make sure your trip to the ATM
    Many consumers rely on the convenience of ATM machines for cash, but safety can be an issue. Here are some simple tips to follow to make sure your trip to the ATM is business as usual.
  • Money Matters: Keys to Financial Success.
    Learning how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. No one is born knowing how to save. Even if you’re drowning in debt right now, you can turn it around by learning some basic steps, make a plan, have patience, and stick to it.
  • Money Matters: Being Wise with Your Money.
    When you hear the word frugal, it automatically brings up negative connotations and is often mistaken for being cheap. In reality, frugalness is a traditional value where people are careful in the expenditure of money or the use of material resources. In American culture where consumers are constantly bombarded with advertising and pressured to spend, spend, spend, saving money has become a rarity.
  • Dealing With Debt Collectors Head-On.
    When you’re faced with the having to deal with debt collectors, it can be one of the most devastating times in your life. Constant mail, annoying phone calls, even embarrassing calls to your employer or family can really cause a lot of stress. Following these tips can help you alleviate some of the problems.
  • Extreme Debt Collectors: Know Your Rights.
    If you’ve ever been behind in paying your bills and they’ve been turned over to a debt collector, you can relate to how stressful it can be. There are certain things the debt collectors can and cannot do that you should know about.
  • On the Road to Debt: Signs and Symptoms
    Typically, debt doesn’t just happen overnight. In most cases, it’s the result of consistent bad spending practices. The sooner you recognize these practices, the better off you’ll be. Here are some practices that should raise the red flag:
  • First Step Towards Tackling the Problem Budgeting 101.
    Many Americans are caught in the cycle of overspending, using credit cards, and, simply put, living paycheck to paycheck without saving any money to secure their future. Reasons for it vary from the “I want it now” culture that we’ve grown up in, to not knowing how to make a budget. No matter what your income, making a realistic budget can help free you from financial worry.

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