Tips to Enhance Your Plans to Save More

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October 2009

Overall in 2009, we Americans are saving more money. That’s one positive thing, at least, that the current recession has prompted us to do. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the savings rate is over 4% (as a percentage of disposable income). A few years ago our relative savings rate was essentially zero. So this is a great trend—a positive for personal finances that I hope everyone will continue to do even after the economy recovers.

Getting in the habit of saving regularly, however, is not easy for most people. There are so many temptations to spend. It’s a little like resolving to eat in more healthful ways—you do great for a couple of days until a co-worker brings in delicious sweet treats for the break room. Nevertheless, you are determined to start saving and build up at least the recommended emergency fund equivalent to six months’ living expenses. A worthy goal.

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Protecting Your Credit and Credit Score in Today’s Economy

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September 2009

The economic fallout from the national credit crisis and recession has been hitting personal finances hard in recent months. Many consumers are facing tightened credit availability as they seek a mortgage or car loan. Credit card companies have been lowering credit limits and closing accounts at record levels, even for customers with good credit, in an effort to recover from past losses and reduce future risk exposure. Meanwhile, layoffs continue and our collective sense of job security is lower. Even though some recent economic indicators have been positive, economic recovery is still a way off. Smart consumers know that protecting their credit and credit score in this uncertain climate is very important. In this report, we’ll look at some expert recommendations for achieving that goal.

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Job Hunting? Tips to Avoid Job Search Scams

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August 2009

Today’s recession has made for a tight job market. In addition, high unemployment rates add more pressure. This stressed climate in the job market attracts scams and fraudsters seeking to take advantage of people anxious to land a job. Because so many job search activities have moved online, many of the scams also come to you online. This month’s report describes some of the most popular frauds and offers tips to help you avoid these traps.

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Using Credit Cards Wisely During Today’s Tough Economy

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July 2009

Used wisely, credit cards enable consumers to manage cash flow and leverage their overall buying power. Today’s tough economic times, however, have put pressures on financial institutions, businesses, and individual consumers. These pressures have given rise to ongoing changes in credit card account terms and rates being made by a number of card issuers. Such changes may in turn increase financial pressures on many card holders. Cash-strapped consumers squeezed by higher costs or employment woes may be tempted to bridge cash shortfalls by charging expenditures, even for necessities such as food and gasoline. The resulting cycle of increased debt can be down right dangerous to personal financial stability. This report provides some strategies for using credit cards wisely in today’s tough economic circumstances.

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Go Green at Home – and Save

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June 2009

Saving money is a top priority for most people these days. Yet, most of us also want to do our best for the environment. Taking steps that help you go greener at home and also save money is a win–win goal. So in this report, my team and I have pulled together a variety of easy, practical tips. Add at least one new green, money-saving practice each week, and over time your wallet and the planet will say thank you!

Lighting. Incandescent light bulbs lose about 90% of the electricity they use as heat. Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LED bulbs can reduce your electricity bill. Even though CFL and LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they are more efficient and last longer. To avoid problems, however, you must choose the correct bulb for an application because CFLs and LED lights can burn out quickly when used in the wrong place. For example, a regular CFL “coil” light placed in a can light or an enclosed fixture typically will burn out rather quickly—a waste of your money. Excessive heat can also cause LED lights to burn out. Learn more about CFL and LED lighting at the energystar.gov site.

Read more: Go Green at Home – and Save