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Help cut costs, tackle home improvement projects |
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 (ARA) - Once spring arrives and the daffodils begin to bloom, your old front door may look pretty drab. Still, many consumers may avoid home improvement projects because of a reluctance to spend money in a questionable economy.
As many as one-third to one-half of consumers expect to stick with money-saving strategies even after the recession ends, according to Retail Forward, a retail-consulting firm. However, this could be the season when homeowners can have it all.
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High quality food doesn't necessarily come with a high price tag |
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 (ARA) - In the current economic climate, budgets are tight and families are trying to make every penny count. A recent survey by the Midwest Dairy Council revealed that "more than half of consumers say price, not nutrition, is the most important factor when grocery shopping in this economic climate."
It's important for your family's health - and your pocketbook - to know that it is possible to buy nutritious foods and still keep costs low. While some cheaper foods have a low price tag in the short-term, their low nutrition levels can cost your family in the long run.
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Changes to watch for on your 2009 tax return |
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 (ARA) - More people are looking forward to tax time this year. More than 25 tax cuts for 2009 federal returns have been passed to help those struggling in the downturned economy. Many states are also offering tax breaks this year.
"Virtually everyone is eligible for new tax credits, deductions and other changes on their federal tax returns," says Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, Inc., makers of TaxACT. Dolmage summarizes seven changes that could impact your bottom line.
The Making Work Pay credit replaced the 2008 federal stimulus checks for 2009 and 2010. The refundable credit is worth 6.2 percent of your earned income, up to $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. The credit phases out for married couples filing jointly with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) between $150,000 and $190,000, and for single taxpayers whose MAGI is between $75,000 and $95,000.
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'A penny saved is a penny earned' and other financial lessons from the past |
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 (ARA) - If the recent financial turmoil has taught us anything, it's that maybe we should pay attention to the age-old sayings that our parents and grandparents passed on to us.
* Take it one day at a time ... the new reality for most Americans when it comes to financial recovery.
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Starting over: insurance needs and budgeting as a newly single person |
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 (ARA) - If you are facing 2010 as a newly single person, you will likely need to make some major budget revisions. Although you may no longer have to consider another person in your financial decisions, you now need to save for emergencies and retirement on just one salary. If you have children, their care is at least partially your responsibility and that must be factored in, as well as saving for their college expenses.
Budgeting for the single life
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Six ideas for getting your family budget in shape |
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 (ARA) - Even though the American economy is showing some initial signs of improvement, unemployment is still high and many families are struggling. When your household cash flow slows and dwindles, it can feel overwhelming simply to keep up with necessary bills and payments. However, it's essential for your family's financial health - now and in the future - that you keep making all your payments. The best way to keep your finances in good shape and identify any shortcomings in advance is to develop a new, clearly laid out family budget.
The better you plan your budget, the better you'll be able to save, recover from unexpected expenses and plan for the future. Don't be intimidated by laying your finances out on the table - it'll help you look for new ways to approach the bills you have to pay every month. Once you get going on your new budget plan, it'll feel natural, and the rewards will benefit your whole family. Here are some ideas on how to get started:
1. Review your current financial situation. There are many things you should consider in this step, including your short and long-term savings goals; your monthly income and expenses; and don't forget your health, auto and homeowner's insurance limits and deductibles. If you don't already have one, make a list of what comes in and what goes out each month and then review the numbers. Some very helpful worksheets to get you started can be found in the guide "Improving Your Finances and Credit."
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Save money while loving and caring for your pet |
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 (ARA) - Pets are members of our families. They are our best friends and love us devotedly.
Pet care can be a major line item in the family budget, as food, medicine, grooming tools and toys aren't cheap. But there are ways to save money on pet supplies while keeping your pet healthy, happy and looking good.
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How to know if your insurer can keep its promise to your family |
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 (ARA) - When you buy life insurance, you aren't just making a simple purchase like a cell phone or other retail item. Instead, you are buying into a promise. You are paying premiums to an insurance company in return for the promise by that insurance company that it will pay a death benefit to your beneficiary in the event something were to happen to you. Sometimes the coverage you purchase can last 30 years or longer.
Life insurance is confusing, and there are so many different options available, it may be difficult to narrow down the best plan for your family. For a helpful guide to understanding the basics of life insurance, visit www.sbli.com/jpond_guides.
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