Stimulus Check

Am I the only one who feels that I was cheated slightly? I received $900 but was lead to believe based on all the information provided that I would receive $1200.

Thankfully I did recieve that direct deposit earlier than anticipated unlike some of the many thousands of people whose checks were misdirected.

I did however, save the entire amount because I need the check to stimulate my Roth IRA. Hopefully, so many of you can do the same or at least save 1/2.

Check into your retirement or pension plan and max up to the contribution, oopen a Roth IRA, 529's, UGMA accounts, & MMA accounts.

The best way to improve your finicial outlook by facing the problem & starting small & be consistent. GOOD LUCK

Disney on a BUDGET

Disney World Anyone???

WOW!! So much to see and a week simply won't do. I was able to travel with myself & my mother and three children ages 11-9-& 6 stay at the Port Orleans Riverside resort on Disney , Have the hopper passes, & the dining plan for $2500. I thought it was a a great deal. It was really nice.

If someone has a cheaper version please share. As a single parent it was a huge sacrifice to take the trip but it was worth it. My girls will never forget it!!

Money$$$$$$

Got your money together?? The economic stimulus check is coming based on your social. What do you plan to do with it?
Spend it?
Save it?
Invest it?
How about a little of all three! With the economy approaching a recession we need to be mindful and frugal. Did you know that investing in a 529 plan is so easy??? Most plans will allow you to contribute minimally $25 a month as long as it is a direct deposit. But lets stay in order give the max to your 401-k or 403-b plan, then either a Roth or Traditional IRA, and then your 3-6 month living expense fund and lastly your childrens college education. I'd actually work on the 3-6 month living expense along with the first suggestions.

Decrease your spending & live within your means. Know the difference between a want & a need there is a difference!!

Savings

Today was an eventful day! I realize so many people don't save because their parents didn't save money. The biggest feat is changing their mindset from spending to saving.

I had a young lady come by today who has no savings but dresses to the 9's not bad but not smart either. Why wear depreciating assests opposed to being thrifty and saving that extra money? It's quite simple she has an image to uphold. Stop trying to impress people who really don't care about you.

I was able to convince her to save a minimum of $50 a pay period which would give her $1050 in December. She receives bonuses and she just blows the money on clothes. She is my challenge but I'm not ready to give up on her yet. I believe education can cure ignorance especially when it comes to money & often times if you are accountable to someone other than yourself you can achieve your goals. So I put it back in her court, not only is she accountable to me but her children. How can you say you are a good parent and you have nothing set aside for your kids college? DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!! No Excuses ACCEPTED!!

Income Tax Refunds

With the hold that has been placed on the disbursement of income tax refunds it gives us a moment to ponder what we should do with this money. Start with a plan we need our rainy day fund, we need our emergency fund, we need our immediate cash on hand fund, and savings.

Some things to ponder the limit has increased to $5,000 for Roth IRA contributions and you can still contribute prior to April 15. Also consider purchasing some long-term CD's sometimes you can acquire a better rate if you buy long-term just make sure you can afford to live without the money. Otherwise, the penalty to withdraw is very harsh. Money-markets are good try diversifying your portfolio. Read, Read, Read and ask questions don't just jump out on a limb.

It's funny how the government is considering the tax rebates as a stimulus to the economy because most people won't save or invest that money but will use it unwisely. Don't be a part of that crowd do something that will reap rewards and residual income.

Make every dollar count.

Magazines to read

Plese check out Kliplingers & Money Magazine there is a wealth on knowledge in those magazines and their websites. The very basics can be found on the sites. Check back for more updates.

Budget-Budget-Budget

Have you found yourself in a crunch when you have an emergency?
Has something come up out of the blue?
If you answered yes to either one of these questions a budget as well as an emergency savings plan is in order. The $5 you spend on latte, or $10 eating out on lunch could be add up to a significant amount of money provided you save it opposed to spending. Change your mindset. SAVE--Budget-Plan & Prepare!!

Have you ever noticed that if you pack your cabinet at work with snacks you tend to munch less? It's the idea of spending money and getting something in return. Why not bulk shop and pack your cabinet, perhaps be a little thrifty and sell some of your snacks to other unprepared co-workers.

Find anyway you can to cut back and stash your money for a rainy day! bank of America has the Keep the Change which I am finding is a good idea and it provides a cushion if you need it.