Written by Jai Borchgrevink on April 12, 2012.
The failure of wage increases to keep pace with the rates of inflation is often cited as one of the main reasons families struggle with their living expenses. However, a study conducted by XpertHR has found many private sector employees could be set to receive increases of two per cent on average later this year. It was noted that this is still behind the current rates of inflation, so anyone expecting to have a hard time keeping on top of bill payments is advised to draw up a budget plan. Ensuring all bill deadlines are met is an essential consideration, as failing to do so can lead to the development of a bad credit rating. People already facing this issue can take out a credit card to ease the strain and use it to make day-to-day purchases. While this may seem counterintuitive, regular spending on plastic is the easiest way to prove to a lender the individual is able to take control and turn their money situation around. Full Post…
Written by Hugo Pethebridge on April 10, 2012.
Should you sign on with a real estate agent when you sell your home? Lots of people jump into this debate when it comes time to sell their home, and why not? Listing with a real estate agent costs money!
Or does it? Sure, by selling the house yourself you’ll save the whopping 6-7% commission real estate agents commonly charge, but will you really come out ahead in the end?
Not always. And probably not most times.
I’ve sold two homes in my life, and in both cases I started out for-sale-by-owner (a.k.a., FSBO), then listed with a real estate agent who finally made the sale. I think there are several reasons why I couldn’t sell my own homes but a real estate agent could, as well as a few more that make the sales process easier.
Selling a house is hard!
Most of us underestimate how difficult it is to sell a house, and over-estimate our own abilities to do it. Selling a home only looks easy, and the fact that many people do it successfully during strong housing markets only reinforces the myth. In re
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Written by Jai Borchgrevink on April 8, 2012.
Since its merger with Continental, United Airlines has become one of the largest carriers in the world. In addition to the services it operates under its own brand, customers can easily connect to flights on one of the 27 other airline partners within the Star Alliance. The result is an airline alliance with a truly global reach.
The United/Continental merger has created a circumstance where miles in United’s MileagePlus program have become increasingly valuable. Fortunately, there are many different credit cards that allow customers to earn these miles. The challenge is to find the credit card that provides the best rewards earning potential.
The obvious choice for earning MileagePlus Miles would be the United Explorer credit card from Chase. C
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Written by Benjamin Woods on April 4, 2012.
Oh my! The IRS budget request for FY 2013 is a paltry $12.8 billion. What’s a poor revenuer to do? Don’t the folks realize that the IRS collects more than $2.4 trillion in taxes? Couple billion more for the IRS and tax receipts will soar!
According to the IRS, the FY 2013 budget includes $403 million for new enforcement activities . The IRS expects those new activities to raise $1.48 billion in annual revenue after a couple of years for new personnel to be trained and gain experience. In typical government bureaucratic fashion, the IRS proudly proclaims that “This is a 4.3-to-1 return on investment.”
Return on Investment ? Am I missing something here? Using funds forcibly extracted from citizens to increase the amount of funds forcibly extracted is an investment? And the increase in forcibly extracted funds is a return?
In the first place, investment usually implies risk. Seems t
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Written by Hugo Pethebridge on April 1, 2012.
The Canadian Real Estate Association’s most recent MLS Home Price Index indicates the country’s residential real estate market, which has been become well-known in recent years for its robust growth despite financial crises, may have finally found its peak. Year-on-year comparisons continue to grow smaller, with February’s increase marking the smallest since June 2011. Experts agree any gain is preferable to a drop in value, but the slowdown has many wondering how long it will be before price falls enter the picture. For more on this continue reading the following article from Property Wire. Price growth in the residential property market in Canada is slowing with the latest MLS Home Price Index from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) showing its smallest increase since June 2011. Year on comparisons continued shrinking, providing further evidence that Canadian home price growth may be topping out, said CREA. The i Full Post…
Written by Benjamin Woods on March 30, 2012.
People love coupons. As you know, if you read my recent grocery challenge update, I am not one of those people. Not only are coupons not necessary for a thrifty lifestyle, but they can even be detrimental to your wallet and your budget. According to Nielson Clearing House (NCH), 78% of consumers report using coupons on a regular basis. This stat alone implies that my stand on coupons is not parallel with the majority. Although plenty of you won’t agree with me, the following are a few reasons why I dont clip coupons.
You’re getting a discount on the higher priced items. More often than not the coupons out there provide a discount on the items that are the priciest. Therefore, you are not getting the best deal on a specific item (i.e. cereal) you are just getting a discounted price on the already higher priced, premium item (i.e. brand name cereal). I’v
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Written by Jai Borchgrevink on March 30, 2012.
Using a credit card as an aid to budgeting is one of the most effective means of taking advantage of the financial products. It is essential that people do not access more credit than they can reasonably afford, as this could lead to difficulties with repayments. This is best avoided, as missing a bill deadline can lead to the development of a bad credit rating. If the individual is concerned they may struggle to meet a payment, they are advised to contact the relevant provider as soon as possible in order to make alternative arrangements.However, individuals who have already failed to do so can rest assured the situation can be resolved. Taking out a bad credit credit card can help to repair the persons financial standing slowly but surely, as it can be used to prove to lenders that they can be disciplined and take control of a difficult situation. Posted by Gemma Walker