It’s a good idea to consider starting an allowance for your child by the time they start first grade. By that time, your child will be able to learn more about money. They’ll need to start some time. The sooner the better. Here are some tips and suggestions on what you may want to consider when thinking about giving your child an allowance:
Tip One:
How much allowance should I give my child? Well, make sure the amount you give your child is affordable to you and fits within your budget. Consider giving your child a certain amount of money per week based on their grade level or age. Make sure the amount of the allowance that you give your child each week is realistic for your budget. Be comfortable with the allowance you’re giving your child.
Tip Two:
Set-up chores for your child which is age appropriate and chores that your child will be able to handle with ease.
Tip Three:
Consider giving your child a weekly allowance on the same day of the week. It this is not realistic for your budget, consider giving the allowance to your child every two weeks or on a monthly basis. Make sure the time frame that you give the allowance is around the same period of time on a weekly, monthly or bi-weekly basis.
Tip Four:
You may want to consider giving your child a bonus amount on top of the allowance they receive for doing extra chores. Again, make sure that if you are considering doing this it fits within your budget.
Tip Five:
Make sure the allowance you give to your child does not include their school lunch or supplies they need for school. These expenditures should be separate from your child’s allowance.
Giving your child an allowance is important when you’re trying to teach your child about responsibility and budgeting for their personal finances. The earlier your child is able to learn how to manage their finances the better. By giving your child an allowance, this helps them as they grow older and assist them in knowing how to manage their own money for the future.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
What Happens If I Have an Accident and The Other Person Does Not Have Insurance?
Hopefully when you obtained your vehicle insurance policy, you opted for Collision coverage and Uninsured Motorist Coverage protection. In most instances when you apply for your vehicle insurance you are given the option to select Uninsured Motorist Coverage protection. If you elect not to carry this coverage your insurance company may request that you sign a waiver indicating that you are denying this particular coverage as part of your vehicle insurance policy contract.
If your insurance carrier determines that the other driver caused the accident and has no insurance coverage of their own this person would be considered as uninsured. In most instances your collision coverage or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage may take care of the damages sustained to your vehicle. In addition, if you or passengers in your vehicle sustained injuries and you opted for Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, you and your passengers will be able to have your injury claims handled by your insurance carrier as well.
The Uninsured Motorist protection for your policy, replaces the liability coverage the other party did not carry with a vehicle insurance carrier as required by their state’s liability insurance responsibility laws. After your Uninsured Motorist claim is resolved, your insurance company will usually go after the responsible uninsured party for the damages paid out via your policy for the accident.
If your insurance carrier determines that the other driver caused the accident and has no insurance coverage of their own this person would be considered as uninsured. In most instances your collision coverage or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage may take care of the damages sustained to your vehicle. In addition, if you or passengers in your vehicle sustained injuries and you opted for Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, you and your passengers will be able to have your injury claims handled by your insurance carrier as well.
The Uninsured Motorist protection for your policy, replaces the liability coverage the other party did not carry with a vehicle insurance carrier as required by their state’s liability insurance responsibility laws. After your Uninsured Motorist claim is resolved, your insurance company will usually go after the responsible uninsured party for the damages paid out via your policy for the accident.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Are You Spending Too Much Money?
Are you getting overdue due notices on bills you thought you paid from your creditor? Did you try to take money from your bank account and it's overdrawn? Or, did you try to pay for your groceries and found out that your debit card was rejected and you can't pay for groceries for your family? Perhaps you went to your favorite retail store to purchase an item you thought you could not live without and attempted to charge it to your credit card and you were told your purchase is declined? You may have a problem with overspending.
You're trying to figure out what you can do to manage your spending so you don't end up in the poor house. You may want to consider using some of the following tips to assist you in controlling your spending:
Tip One:
Secure a copy of your bank statement to find out about the items which have gone through your account which include; checks, debits, deposits and withdrawals. This may help you to find out where you are at in your spending. You want to start somewhere, so this is a good place to begin.
Tip Two:
Consider reducing your entertainment expenses by going out less. You see by reducing your entertainment expenses in such areas as movies, restaurants, coffee houses, concerts, etc..., you will save money. It may be tough at first, but you will like it in the end, because your money should grow.
Tip Three:
Write down what you spend in order to keep track of the money you're spending. This will enable you to determine where you are spending your money. You will be able to make adjustments along the way if you need to.
Tip Four:
Consider keeping a weekly or monthly savings log which will give you an idea of the amount of money you are actually saving when you have reduced your expenditures. You will be able to create this log based on you keeping track of the money you are spending. This will reinforce the effort you have made to reduce your spending my giving you information on the amount of money you are actually keeping in your bank account. This will be positive feedback for you to keep striving to keep your expenses down.
You really can work on your spending habits to keep you from spending too much money and keeping your expenses in check. Go ahead give it a try today.
You're trying to figure out what you can do to manage your spending so you don't end up in the poor house. You may want to consider using some of the following tips to assist you in controlling your spending:
Tip One:
Secure a copy of your bank statement to find out about the items which have gone through your account which include; checks, debits, deposits and withdrawals. This may help you to find out where you are at in your spending. You want to start somewhere, so this is a good place to begin.
Tip Two:
Consider reducing your entertainment expenses by going out less. You see by reducing your entertainment expenses in such areas as movies, restaurants, coffee houses, concerts, etc..., you will save money. It may be tough at first, but you will like it in the end, because your money should grow.
Tip Three:
Write down what you spend in order to keep track of the money you're spending. This will enable you to determine where you are spending your money. You will be able to make adjustments along the way if you need to.
Tip Four:
Consider keeping a weekly or monthly savings log which will give you an idea of the amount of money you are actually saving when you have reduced your expenditures. You will be able to create this log based on you keeping track of the money you are spending. This will reinforce the effort you have made to reduce your spending my giving you information on the amount of money you are actually keeping in your bank account. This will be positive feedback for you to keep striving to keep your expenses down.
You really can work on your spending habits to keep you from spending too much money and keeping your expenses in check. Go ahead give it a try today.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
How Can I Prepare For My Upcoming Job Interview?
So, you have an upcoming interview and you’re getting a little nervous, possibly you’re feeling some anxiety. You’re looking forward to your job interview but, you are possibly worried about some of the questions you may be asked during your interview. You know the dreaded interview questions that sometimes seem to leave you tongue tied which are the following:
1) Why did you leave your last job?
2) Why do you want to work for us?
3) What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
4) Do you work well with others?
These questions may seem difficult to answer if you’re not fully prepared for your job interview. That’s right you want to be well prepared for your interview. You don’t want to leave any stones unturned. Practicing for your interview makes you well prepared for the questions your prospective employer may want to toss at you. So, in order for you to prepare for your big day you may want to consider some of these tips:
Tip One:
Make sure you have your resume updated. It is real important that you have a professional looking resume with no errors. You may want to have someone look over your resume and give you an unbiased opinion on how your resume looks to them.
Tip Two:
Reassess your job skills as it relates to the job you are interviewing for. Make sure you have maintained information concerning your accomplishments such as; certificates, additional training, schooling, etc… You’ve worked hard for your accomplishments so it does not hurt to leverage this as part of your interview where this information would be applicable.
Tip Three:
Research the company that you will be interviewing with. It’s so important to secure as much background information on your prospective employer so you will have this knowledge during your job interview. In most instances, the interviewer will be impressed that you actually know something about their company and went the extra mile to find out more about the employer you’re looking to work for.
Tip Four:
Practice makes perfect! Try practicing for your interview with a family member or friend. You may want to have your friend or family member be the interviewer and you of course will play the role of the applicant being interviewed. However, you can also consider mixing it up a bit so you can play the role of the interviewer to see what type of questions you would ask the applicant applying for a job.
Tip Five:
Ensure that you wear the appropriate clothing for the prospective employer you will be interviewing with. See, that’s where some of the research that you do on the employer prior to your interview may come in handy to assist you in selecting possibly the appropriate clothing to wear to your interview. As you may know, first impressions are usually the last impression of someone. So, you want to make sure that the person interviewing you will have a great impression about you.
Tip Six:
On the day of your job interview, leave early from your home to allow enough time for you to arrive to your interview at least twenty minutes before your scheduled interview is to start. You’ll be glad you did this in the long run. Arriving at your interview early gives you a chance to relax and reduce your stress level prior to your interview.
Tip Seven:
After your job interview send a follow-up thank-you letter or note to the person that interviewed you within 24-48 hours after your interview. You can also consider emailing your interviewer a thank-you note as an alternative method.
Getting ready for a job interview can be both exciting and a little stressful at the same time. However, if you prepare yourself for your interview you’ll do just fine. After all, if you put your best foot forward you’ve done the very best that you can do.
1) Why did you leave your last job?
2) Why do you want to work for us?
3) What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
4) Do you work well with others?
These questions may seem difficult to answer if you’re not fully prepared for your job interview. That’s right you want to be well prepared for your interview. You don’t want to leave any stones unturned. Practicing for your interview makes you well prepared for the questions your prospective employer may want to toss at you. So, in order for you to prepare for your big day you may want to consider some of these tips:
Tip One:
Make sure you have your resume updated. It is real important that you have a professional looking resume with no errors. You may want to have someone look over your resume and give you an unbiased opinion on how your resume looks to them.
Tip Two:
Reassess your job skills as it relates to the job you are interviewing for. Make sure you have maintained information concerning your accomplishments such as; certificates, additional training, schooling, etc… You’ve worked hard for your accomplishments so it does not hurt to leverage this as part of your interview where this information would be applicable.
Tip Three:
Research the company that you will be interviewing with. It’s so important to secure as much background information on your prospective employer so you will have this knowledge during your job interview. In most instances, the interviewer will be impressed that you actually know something about their company and went the extra mile to find out more about the employer you’re looking to work for.
Tip Four:
Practice makes perfect! Try practicing for your interview with a family member or friend. You may want to have your friend or family member be the interviewer and you of course will play the role of the applicant being interviewed. However, you can also consider mixing it up a bit so you can play the role of the interviewer to see what type of questions you would ask the applicant applying for a job.
Tip Five:
Ensure that you wear the appropriate clothing for the prospective employer you will be interviewing with. See, that’s where some of the research that you do on the employer prior to your interview may come in handy to assist you in selecting possibly the appropriate clothing to wear to your interview. As you may know, first impressions are usually the last impression of someone. So, you want to make sure that the person interviewing you will have a great impression about you.
Tip Six:
On the day of your job interview, leave early from your home to allow enough time for you to arrive to your interview at least twenty minutes before your scheduled interview is to start. You’ll be glad you did this in the long run. Arriving at your interview early gives you a chance to relax and reduce your stress level prior to your interview.
Tip Seven:
After your job interview send a follow-up thank-you letter or note to the person that interviewed you within 24-48 hours after your interview. You can also consider emailing your interviewer a thank-you note as an alternative method.
Getting ready for a job interview can be both exciting and a little stressful at the same time. However, if you prepare yourself for your interview you’ll do just fine. After all, if you put your best foot forward you’ve done the very best that you can do.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Has Your Credit Card Been Blocked By Your Credit Card Company?
If your answer to this question is yes then you may be wondering why this has happened to you. The answer to this question in many instances is that your credit card was blocked for your own protection by your credit card company to prevent the unauthorized use of your credit card by potential criminals committing identity theft against you.
You’re probably saying to yourself, well that’s great but, I am the one being inconvenienced because you are the person actually trying to use your own credit card and unfortunately the purchase you want to make has been declined because your credit card has been blocked by your credit card company. Unfortunately due to the billions of dollars lost annually to fraud, credit card companies have increased security to safeguard their customers credit cards.
So, you may be wondering is there any way to know when my credit card may be blocked? There is no specific way to make this determination however, the following tips may assist you in knowing what may activate a block of your credit card by your credit card company:
Tip One:
Charging small amounts to your credit card may prompt a block of your credit card. Unfortunately criminals test the waters by charging small amounts to credit cards initially prior to making a larger purchase.
Tip Two:
A change takes place in your shopping behavior. Normally you may only spend a minimal amount of money on your credit card and then you change your spending habit and begin to spend large amounts of money on your credit card. You already have a preexisting spending history with your credit card company so changing your spending behavior may trigger a block to your credit card.
Tip Three:
The use of your credit card while you’re traveling on business or while you’re on vacation in another city, state or country. This may be unusual credit card activity for you and may cause your credit card to be blocked by your credit card company.
Tip Four:
In some instances making numerous purchases within a short period of time may trigger a block to your credit card.
If your credit card has been blocked or declined by your credit card company you may want to consider following:
1) Contact your credit card company as soon as possible. You may have already received a telephone call, email or text message from your credit card company advising you of their concern for the prospective unusual activity on your credit card.
2) Try to have another credit card or debit card available for your use until you have the problem resolved with your other credit card.
3) If you are traveling on business or for pleasure let your credit card company know this information.
Keep in mind that since we are now in the holiday season your credit card company may be reviewing prospective unusual purchase activity with your credit card at an even higher level of security due to increased fraudulent activity that occurs during the holiday season. If your credit card becomes blocked by your credit card company, just stay calm and understand that your credit card company is trying to protect you from being a prospective victim of unwanted fraudulent activity that may result in identity theft against you.
You’re probably saying to yourself, well that’s great but, I am the one being inconvenienced because you are the person actually trying to use your own credit card and unfortunately the purchase you want to make has been declined because your credit card has been blocked by your credit card company. Unfortunately due to the billions of dollars lost annually to fraud, credit card companies have increased security to safeguard their customers credit cards.
So, you may be wondering is there any way to know when my credit card may be blocked? There is no specific way to make this determination however, the following tips may assist you in knowing what may activate a block of your credit card by your credit card company:
Tip One:
Charging small amounts to your credit card may prompt a block of your credit card. Unfortunately criminals test the waters by charging small amounts to credit cards initially prior to making a larger purchase.
Tip Two:
A change takes place in your shopping behavior. Normally you may only spend a minimal amount of money on your credit card and then you change your spending habit and begin to spend large amounts of money on your credit card. You already have a preexisting spending history with your credit card company so changing your spending behavior may trigger a block to your credit card.
Tip Three:
The use of your credit card while you’re traveling on business or while you’re on vacation in another city, state or country. This may be unusual credit card activity for you and may cause your credit card to be blocked by your credit card company.
Tip Four:
In some instances making numerous purchases within a short period of time may trigger a block to your credit card.
If your credit card has been blocked or declined by your credit card company you may want to consider following:
1) Contact your credit card company as soon as possible. You may have already received a telephone call, email or text message from your credit card company advising you of their concern for the prospective unusual activity on your credit card.
2) Try to have another credit card or debit card available for your use until you have the problem resolved with your other credit card.
3) If you are traveling on business or for pleasure let your credit card company know this information.
Keep in mind that since we are now in the holiday season your credit card company may be reviewing prospective unusual purchase activity with your credit card at an even higher level of security due to increased fraudulent activity that occurs during the holiday season. If your credit card becomes blocked by your credit card company, just stay calm and understand that your credit card company is trying to protect you from being a prospective victim of unwanted fraudulent activity that may result in identity theft against you.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What Is A Credit Score and Why Is This Important?
A credit score is a three digit number that reflects a person’s credit standing on their overall credit over time. The credit score is based on your credit report information that the three credit reporting bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion maintain.
Why is the credit score so important? Because, it seems that almost everything we do these days is based on our credit which includes: vehicle loans, home mortgages, bank loans, rental applications, utilities, insurance applications, cell phone accounts, employment applications and existing jobs and the list continues to go on and on.
Credit scores are used to determine whether or not you will be able to secure credit for something you may be applying for and this even includes employment these days. The potential creditor or employer is seeking to find out the potential risk you may pose to them if they grant you credit or employment. In some instances, some employers are running credit scores on their existing employees to determine whether or not their employee may be able to keep their job.
If the potential creditor decides to grant you credit, your credit score will determine the interest rate that you will receive. The higher your credit score the lower your interest rate may be. FICO credit scores range from 300-850. The FICO score appears to be the scoring system used by most creditors.
So, you see your credit score is very important. You may want to consider ordering a copy of your credit score to see where you stand with your overall credit to avoid any unexpected surprises when you apply for credit in the future.
Why is the credit score so important? Because, it seems that almost everything we do these days is based on our credit which includes: vehicle loans, home mortgages, bank loans, rental applications, utilities, insurance applications, cell phone accounts, employment applications and existing jobs and the list continues to go on and on.
Credit scores are used to determine whether or not you will be able to secure credit for something you may be applying for and this even includes employment these days. The potential creditor or employer is seeking to find out the potential risk you may pose to them if they grant you credit or employment. In some instances, some employers are running credit scores on their existing employees to determine whether or not their employee may be able to keep their job.
If the potential creditor decides to grant you credit, your credit score will determine the interest rate that you will receive. The higher your credit score the lower your interest rate may be. FICO credit scores range from 300-850. The FICO score appears to be the scoring system used by most creditors.
So, you see your credit score is very important. You may want to consider ordering a copy of your credit score to see where you stand with your overall credit to avoid any unexpected surprises when you apply for credit in the future.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Can I Rent A Vehicle Using My Insurance Coverage After An Accident?
This would depend on if you selected rental coverage for your policy. Of course, you must purchase this coverage prior to the accident occurring for it to be effective. Most insurance companies offer this coverage for their Insureds. In most instances there is a basic rental rate per day for this type of coverage up to a maximum number of days specified by your insurance policy. For example, you may have rental coverage that pays a rate of twenty five dollars a day with a maximum of thirty days allowed for your rental vehicle coverage. You may want to find out from your insurance carrier if the rental rate is inclusive of the sales tax charged as a component of your rental billing.
It is noted that if you rent a vehicle that exceeds the rental coverage amount you are allowed per day by your insurance carrier, you will be responsible for the difference. In addition, keep in mind that most insurance companies will not pay for the CDW(collision deductible waiver) and fuel charge that rental companies may charge as additional items on the rental invoice.
If you are involved in an accident with a rental vehicle, you are responsible for paying your deductible for the repair of this vehicle as though it were your own vehicle if you have collision coverage and meet other conditions specified in your policy with your insurance carrier. However, there may be some exceptions to this if you have violated the rental agreement by allowing a driver that is not listed on the rental contract to drive the rental vehicle. This is the same as not having insurance, unless that particular driver has their own insurance policy to cover the rental vehicle if it is involved in an accident. Don’t take that risk! Make sure that when you sign the rental contract that you list all individuals that you plan to drive the rental vehicle. In addition, make sure that the drivers that use your rental vehicle are licensed so you can avoid any potential problems if the driver of your rental vehicle is involved in an accident. The consequences of not ensuring that the drivers listed on the rental contract can be very costly to you if an accident occurs.
It is also important to understand that if you are renting a large truck for moving purposes it may not be covered via your insurance policy. In many instances trucks used for moving do not meet the weight specifications indicated in your policy to make your collision coverage applicable to an accident you may become involved in with this vehicle. Review your policy regarding this information and consider discussing this with your insurance agent or carrier prior to renting a large truck for moving to find out whether or not there is coverage under your policy. If it is determined that the moving truck is not covered, most facilities where you rent moving trucks have a special insurance policy that provides coverage if you were involved in a vehicle accident. You would be required to pay for the cost of this special insurance policy for the time you are renting the moving truck.
Keep yourself informed and apprised of important information concerning your rental vehicle coverage with your insurance carrier, you will be glad you did in the long run.
It is noted that if you rent a vehicle that exceeds the rental coverage amount you are allowed per day by your insurance carrier, you will be responsible for the difference. In addition, keep in mind that most insurance companies will not pay for the CDW(collision deductible waiver) and fuel charge that rental companies may charge as additional items on the rental invoice.
If you are involved in an accident with a rental vehicle, you are responsible for paying your deductible for the repair of this vehicle as though it were your own vehicle if you have collision coverage and meet other conditions specified in your policy with your insurance carrier. However, there may be some exceptions to this if you have violated the rental agreement by allowing a driver that is not listed on the rental contract to drive the rental vehicle. This is the same as not having insurance, unless that particular driver has their own insurance policy to cover the rental vehicle if it is involved in an accident. Don’t take that risk! Make sure that when you sign the rental contract that you list all individuals that you plan to drive the rental vehicle. In addition, make sure that the drivers that use your rental vehicle are licensed so you can avoid any potential problems if the driver of your rental vehicle is involved in an accident. The consequences of not ensuring that the drivers listed on the rental contract can be very costly to you if an accident occurs.
It is also important to understand that if you are renting a large truck for moving purposes it may not be covered via your insurance policy. In many instances trucks used for moving do not meet the weight specifications indicated in your policy to make your collision coverage applicable to an accident you may become involved in with this vehicle. Review your policy regarding this information and consider discussing this with your insurance agent or carrier prior to renting a large truck for moving to find out whether or not there is coverage under your policy. If it is determined that the moving truck is not covered, most facilities where you rent moving trucks have a special insurance policy that provides coverage if you were involved in a vehicle accident. You would be required to pay for the cost of this special insurance policy for the time you are renting the moving truck.
Keep yourself informed and apprised of important information concerning your rental vehicle coverage with your insurance carrier, you will be glad you did in the long run.
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