February 2011
Be Prepared: Have a Graduation Emergency Fund
21. February 2011
This article is by guest blogger Ashley Jacobs, the author of the College Cents column on Wise Bread. Wise Bread is a community of bloggers that aims to help you live large on a small budget.
The transition from college to the real world is a big adjustment. Gone are the days of studying for tests, writing papers, and registering for classes. After graduation, it’s about getting a job and keeping yourself financially afloat. The problem is that for many graduates, the job market isn’t looking so hot. Many college grads can go for months without getting a job offer, and most of them don’t have a backup plan to pay their bills while they are waiting to land jobs. So how can soon-to-be college graduates make sure they are financially prepared for life after graduation? If you are in your junior or senior year of college, here are three key steps to follow to ensure your post-graduation financial survival:
Savings Mistakes You’ll Make in Your 20’s – and How to Avoid Them
23. February 2011
By Dave Clarke
Dave Clarke is the Communications Strategist at Churnless, a company that helps entrepreneurs. He originally wrote this article for EndangeredSavers.com. Follow Dave on Twitter: @thedaveclarke.
Let's face it - 20-somethings are pretty lousy when it comes to saving money. They simply don't do it all that much. According to the Pew Research Center, less than 3 out of 10 people age 18-29 call themselves "savers." The reasons are obvious: debt (student loan, credit card, or otherwise), rents, car payments, food, internet, cable, cell, insurance, fun ... the list goes on. The typical, in-the-now 20-something lifestyle just doesn't seem conducive to saving.
Read more: Savings Mistakes You’ll Make in Your 20’s – and How to Avoid Them
7 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
24. February 2011
This post is by Silicon Valley Blogger, who writes for The Digerati Life, a personal finance site that covers a wide range of topics in the areas of money management, finance and business.
From getting a mortgage to securing a good job, your credit score matters. You want to boost your credit score to qualify for low interest loans and topnotch jobs, so consider these tips to help you raise your credit score.
How to Save at Tax Time – with Savings Bonds
25. February 2011
ALL taxpayers receiving refunds can make an impulsive decision to save by splitting their refund in U.S. Savings Bonds using their tax form. With as little as $50, tax filers can save for themselves or in the name of a loved one in a safe, guaranteed, accessible, and competitive savings instrument. Moreover, taxpayers can receive the remainder of their refund (the part not saved in a Savings Bond) through a paper check or direct deposit. This means unbanked filers can also save!
How to Choose the Right Contribution Percentage to Your 401k Retirement Plan
26. February 2011
By David Bakke
David Bakke writes about money topics like saving money, planning for retirement, smart shopping, and building wealth on the Money Crashers personal finance blog.
Read more: How to Choose the Right Contribution Percentage to Your 401k Retirement Plan
