Entries Categorized as 'Tips'

“Move Your Money”…to a Credit Union!

Date January 11, 2010

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the “Move Your Money” campaign first started by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post. Basically, they’re saying that “Too-big-to-fail banks are profiting from bailout dollars and government guarantees, and growing bigger.” And, much like It’s a Wonderful Life, they are urging consumers to move their money from the [...]

Breaking the “Hands-Free” and “No-Text” Laws Not Worth It

Date December 15, 2009

For all you California drivers – the following article from the Department of Motor Vehicles is a good one. Enjoy and please pass on to loved ones. It is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions in California, increasing one’s risk of a crash by 23 times. It causes an estimated six percent of traffic [...]

Home Buyers Tax Credit FAQs

Date November 10, 2009

The passage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit Extension with the addition of existing home owners being able to participate too has many people asking questions. Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit? Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit. What is the [...]

Check your Financial Institution’s Rating

Date October 8, 2009

        In the past year or so, we’ve all seen several banks and credit unions failing and either closing their doors completely, or being swept up by a larger financial institution. A good way to check on your financial institution’s well-being, besides looking at annual reports, is to check their rating on [...]

Attention First-Time Homebuyers – Get Moving!

Date August 5, 2009

It has recently been reported that home sales, construction and prices increased in June. What does that mean for first-time homebuyers? Now is the time to do your homework, take advantage of savings and offers, and get into a home! Government Tax Credit If you purchase your first home before December 1, 2009, you may be [...]

Chrysler Jumps on Cash for Clunkers Bandwagon

Date July 22, 2009

In an effort to boost sales of its 2009 fleet, Chrysler has announced it will offer up to $4,500 cash on most 2009 model vehicles. This incentive is valid through Aug. 31, 2009. This is double what is offered by the Cash for Clunkers program, which starts Friday July 24th. Here’s how it works: When you trade [...]

Teach Your Kids to be Smart Shoppers!

Date July 13, 2009

Like it or not, your kids are part of a huge consumer group. They influence billions of dollars in purchasing power each year, and advertisers spend billions of dollars marketing directly to them. If your toddler is already singing, “I’m lovin’ it”, that’s no coincidence. How can you teach your children to be smart shoppers?

Budgeting Tips from CNN Money

Date June 10, 2009

Budgeting. We all know what it means, but do we do it? Maybe we think we are, or maybe we intend to, but never get around to implementing it. Or, maybe, we don’t know how to budget at all. Budgeting is especially important in this economy. Making each dollar count and ensuring all of our [...]

Money and Credit Management for Teens

Date May 22, 2009

On Thursday I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak to a group of graduating Seniors from Champs Charter High School in Van Nuys about money management and how to maintain good credit once you get into college and life after High School. I am a huge advocate of financial literacy in the classroom, [...]

Protect Yourself:Choose a hacker-proof password

Date May 18, 2009

Think about your passwords for a minute. How many do you have? Are they all pretty similar? And how hard would it be for someone to guess what they are? You may have passwords for your debit card, your credit card, your online banking, and your favorite web sites. It probably only took you a [...]