5 Ways to Trim Your Health Care Bills
Co-pays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses have crept up, leading folks to shoulder a larger portion of their health care. Here are a few ways—beyond simply staying healthy—to keep your savings intact. 1 Maintain a good relationship with your primary care physician. This is a doctor who knows you and your health history. Her advice could be beneficial in keeping you... Read More
10 Things Every Married Woman Should Know About Divorce
The couple you and your husband hang with is deep in the throes of a bitter divorce battle, and you’re thinking, “This could never happen to me.” Think again. “Even good marriages, the ones that seem to be humming along, break up,” says Gayle Rosenwald Smith, a Philadelphia family law attorney who has written several books about divorce. “For one partner, it can take... Read More
Fly (Nearly) Free
Two of America’s largest low-cost airlines, Air Tran Airways and Southwest Airlines, have “put the U.S.A. on sale,” according to Tom Parsons, CEO and founder of Besfares.com, a discount travel Web site that monitors air travel. Parsons says Air Tran Airways has given consumers some super-low airfares for travel through November 4, 2009. –Michael H.... Read More
Power Player
Sonja Ebron’s got the power–and she’s got it for a cheaper price. Ebron is chief executive officer of blackEnergy LLC, a=2 0unique business that helps African Americans lower their heating bills and purchase more energy-efficient green products at discounted rates.Guided by the motto “the power to empower,” customers enroll for the free... Read More
Simple Steps to Zero Debt
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach www.themoneycoach.net Are you ready to get rid of those dreadful credit card bills? Then follow these simple steps to having zero debt. 1) Put your debts in writing The first step in becoming debt-free is knowing exactly how much credit card debt you owe. Don’t “guesstimate” about your bills. Get honest about... Read More
Protect Your Identity
She didn’t see it coming. In March of 1993, Gwendolyn Lewis anxiously prepared to start a new chapter of her life in Florida, where she was relocating with a new job and home. The furniture had been shipped, her Virginia home placed on the market. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, that is, until she received an alarming phone call the evening before her departure. It... Read More
It's Inexpensive Living Green
The buzz word these days is “green.” And while you may want to do your part to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, advertisers only serve to confuse you. But experts say there are quick, easy tricks to living a more cost-effective green lifestyle. “Green living is more important when considering health care costs and the impact to our planet,”... Read More
Continuous Care
If a layoff is imminent and the time left on your health insurance is short, be selective about what medical care you have performed. Follow these tips:Do schedule screenings, like teeth and eyes, but don’t have every test under the sun performed. Some tests (i.e., mammograms) might turn up something that will make it difficult for you to get reasonably priced insurance... Read More
Tax Tips
Q. I’ve been paying off old income taxes through an installment plan, but with penalty and interest, it seems the amount I owe never decreases. I keep seeing commercials about ways to get past tax debt slashed. Is there a legal way to do this? A: Uncle Sam is not your relative, but he will always be in your life. I understand your frustration... Read More
Tips for Tight Financial Times
Q: I’ve been paying my mortgage every two weeks, but times are tight financially. Does this help me or the mortgage company in the long run? A: By paying your mortgage every two weeks, you have made a great investment in your home and credit score. This strategy adds one payment more per year, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but the savings are substantial over the long... Read More
