Many of my articles on personal finance have appeared in glossy and on-line magazines. Here are a couple examples;
We Are All Financial Stewards at Seattle Woman Magazine
Article in the Self Growth Magazine titled 12 Critical Things You Should Do NOW To Protect Your Finances
These 12 topics are things we all know, but don’t all do. I suggest you make a calendar and double check these items annually. You know, like on your birthday when you make that appointment with your doctor for a physical. You do, do that, don’t you? Okay, then add it to the list.
1] Order your credit report (make certain the information reported about you is accurate. If not, write to the repositories that provided the erroneous information and have them correct it.) Make sure to order your FICO score as well. Remember if you are newly wed, your credit reports most likely are as well. FREE Annual Credit Report: www.annualcreditreport.com
2] Restructure all debt while rates are low. In addition to the mortgage and credit cards, refinance auto loans. Take a look at all debt, and reduce the interest you pay. Call your creditors and request lower rates. If they won’t lower it, shop around (check your Sunday paper for low rate cards). Then ask them if that’s the best rate available for you. Check out other companies with 0 percent on loan balance transfers. BUT be aware of what other charges may be involved, and when that rate will adjust to something higher. Weigh the pro’s and cons of a balance transfer carefully. Do your research; check out sites like CNN’s Money/Personal Finance. And stay current by reading articles like the ‘Least Evil’ banks.
3] Check insurance policies; amounts, coverage, names, beneficiaries, etc.
4] Perform the same check up on all legal documents and identity (passports, wills, bank statements, real estate deeds, etc.) Sadly, no matter what your age, tragedy happens. Don’t leave your loved one’s name off your insurance or bank accounts. When that happens, tragedy strikes twice.
5] If your future plans rely on your ability to budget today, revise that budget. Make certain both of you are on track with your commitment to the future so you will arrive safely. If Christmas shopping will upset your budget, now is a good time to set some limits and get prepared.
6] Put away your debit card. It’s too easy to use. Carry only the amount of cash you need to spend. You will know this amount by creating a livable budget.
7] Record your daily and weekly spending habits in a notebook that you carry with you at all times. This includes; gasoline, coffee, gum, and pantyhose. Everything!
8] Then put your credit cards in a safe deposit box, or the equivalent, and use them ONLY when absolutely necessary.
9] Consolidate bank accounts. If you have several, spread over one or more banks, then you’re likely throwing away money in the amount of $6-13 a month per account in bank fees.
10] Pay yourself first! Take advantage of the 401k at work or set up an automatic savings program where monthly, the bank takes whatever amount you choose from your checking account and deposits it into your savings account. Do this with as a low as $25.00 a month. Start your own IRA or whatever vehicle you choose. And then forget about it. Let it grow.
11.] Utilize today’s amazing tools. Check out the Android, iPhone, Blackberry friendly apps that help you figure restaurant tips, splitting checks, taxes, and more everyday financial issues Tip Calculator or the Redlaser for bargain hunters to check out if what you are shopping for is available for less, elsewhere. Download Redlaser for free! App’s are real money savers.
Buying a home? Download the free ZILLOW app. There are mortgage apps, shopping apps, coupon apps and more. Google them and download many for free.
12.] Finally, don’t let tragedy strike twice: if you own property jointly or have joint debt, be sure you have a life insurance policy that names you as beneficiary, and visa-versa.
Romance and Money 