Financial Ramble

follow this blog subscribe by email

60 daily readers

rank of 340

Spotlight Posts

Money Tracking Resources

Bankruptcy

[ more ]

Who earns the most money? It seems that it depends where you live. Of course figures are often deceiving and paint a picture that excludes some facts.

A list came out of the 20 cities with the fastest and 20 cities with the slowest wage growth. I find it a bit ironic that nowhere in New York State is found on either list.

One has to wonder if this is some sort of a feel good list. If your wage was at the bare minimum, any increase will be an improvement. If you're the new Silicon Valley you can bet that wages are going up. If your state is outsourcing more jobs for lesser paying ones, then there might be a decrease.

The list is for educational purposes. It is up to the individual to do the research on the area.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Your Money

March 7th 2010 18:53

People are easily susceptible to rip-offs and scams. Most come from those we trust such as banks, salespeople, and a host of others,who have their own interests as the priority. Some find ways to tack on hidden fees while others will tell you whatever you want to hear. In today's world we must keep track of all our finances and if necessary, find alternatives.

Credit unions are a great alternative to banks and banking. They offer higher interest accounts and lower interest loans and credit cards. Fees, if any, are much cheaper than banks.

Whenever you deal with a salesperson, don't take their word for it, but do your research first. Take your time when making a major purchase such as a home, car, or appliance. When buying a used car, for example, it always helps to check its history most of us have no priorities. Those who live from paycheck-to-paycheck may find themselves in trouble if an unforeseen emergency comes up. Perhaps we need to be disciplined when it comes to money.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~
If you want to know what I consider the number 1 money draining vice it is definitely gambling. Most people I know gamble in one way or another on a regular basis. From scratch-offs to lottos to casinos, gambling is a big blow to one's wallet. Although people win and may win big, they don't know when to stop and give it all back and then some. Yes I do realize there are exceptions but what are the odds?!!! Money doesn't disappear quicker than gambling it away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Coupons are still a great way to save some money on products you use or need. If available in your city you can print local coupons here.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Talking Extra Income

March 6th 2010 14:15

We all see and hear them daily and they don't seem to be letting up. I'm talking about all the commercials and shop signs that advertise that they buy gold and other precious metals and jewelries. People are being tempted because these cash for gold shops are staying in business. But is it always wise to sell your precious metals and jewelry?

Over the past few years I've heard mixed reviews about the mail-order vs. the local buyers. The local buyers seem to pay more for your merchandise. If you must sell, do your homework first. My advice is to get an estimate of your precious metals from a reputable jeweler. They may charge a fee, but it may be worth it in the long run so that you have a real idea of the worth. Just be realistic and don't expect to get that amount, because after all the buyer is in it to make money. That's just the reality and you might make a small fraction of what it is worth.

I will give you my 2 cents on the topic. Sell jewelry and not precious metals. Especially gold that never seems to lose its worth for any long period of time. Platinum is also a high paying metal that may fluctuate but holds its own. Years ago, I sold copper pennies to a scrap metal shop. Why? Because a penny is worth 1 cent, but because of the price of copper at the time, I made about 4 cents per penny because of the weight.

Diamonds may be forever, but they will never be worth what you paid. Don't expect to get back as much as you paid MOST of the time. Diamonds, like cars, lose value as soon as you take them home. I'd suggest selling jewelry on eBay or something similar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring has almost sprung and it's time to earn extra income and get rid of clutter at the same time. Have a garage sale to sell items you either want to get rid of or are upgrading. If you lost weight, you may want to sell your clothes and replace them with new ones. Be selective of what you will sell at a garage sale and for how much and check around to see if you can get more money elsewhere. Try selling your electronics here and your books here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Services soon will be in demand as aging baby-boomers and busy people will be stressed for time. Cleaning homes, doing laundry, babysitting, petsitting, grocery shopping, running errands, caring for shut-ins, etc., and so many more. Certain ones may require certification, but may be profitable in the long run. Post your services on bulletin boards usually found at supermarkets and other institutions. If your in the care service, list your services here and here.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Free Online Tax Filing

February 20th 2010 13:37

It's that time of year again. Time to meet the April 15th deadline to file your taxes. Some people started early and others wait until the last minute. If you're like me, I paid tax-preparers to do and file my taxes electronically. This year due to the economy, I had to find a cheaper and effective way to file. I found it and it's free!

You can go directly to your nearest IRS office and if you made less than $49K, they will do it for you for free. They will even eFile it so you can get a rapid refund if you are due one. They do take walk-ins but I would see about making an appointment. The wait may be long if you don't get there early

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Money Drain

February 6th 2010 19:13

Nothing drains your finances more than addictions. If you are addicted to smoking, drugs, alcohol, shopping, and anything else done in access, you are spending money that can be used for other things. Sure we all have our little habits that may get us through life. Some people smoke occasionally, some drink, we all may do things just for our entertainment.

I gamble occasionally, meaning hardly ever. I work with people and am surrounded by people that are daily gamblers. They buy lottery tickets, scratch offs, play numbers, bet on horses, games, etc., and are constantly hoping to win the big one so that they can retire rich. Most go so far into debt that they can never retire, but still continue to gamble, hoping the dream comes true

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Obsolete and Extinction

January 31st 2010 19:29

I was one who would never have guessed that cassettes would become obsolete thanks to the CD or the death of VCR thanks to DVDs. it seems that technology and progress are advancing so fast that CDs and DVDs may soon become obsolete.

Here are ten consumer products predicted to become obsolete and not worth buying.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Habits of The Rich

January 2nd 2010 21:06

To become a millionaire, you have to think like a millionaire. Some people are lucky because they either inherit their millions or win them in a lottery and other gambling games. Usually the latter spends their millions within five years.

The number of people that are earning their millions is on the increase. It helps to learn the millionaires' 5 habits. This is sound advice to living prosperous and happy in general

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

2010 Financial Resolution

January 1st 2010 16:44

I don't make or believe in making resolutions at the beginning of the New Year. I quit smoking in the month of February. I started going to the gym in the month of November. I found that resolutions with a date don't work and people usually bite off more than they can chew. But if it works for you, because everyone is different, then use it.

If you need help managing debt, start here. It also doesn't hurt to know your priorities
[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Salaries That Are Expected to Rise

December 22nd 2009 16:00

The best jobs that are expected to see growth and rise in salaries in 2010 are in accounting and finance, information technology and administrative fields. Here are 10 jobs with the best prospects. Of course these jobs are at the professional level and a good education or knowledge in the field are a must.

Regardless of what I or anyone thinks about climate change, There is money to be made. That is probably where the high paying jobs will be in the future!

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Scams

December 11th 2009 19:23

Even in tough times, scammers are working full time. They prey on the rich and the poor alike. Sometimes they leave you holding the bag such as fake work-at-home jobs and fake check scams.

Having had my account compromised, you can never say enough about protecting your identity
[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: signals - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

3 Posts

2 Posts

3 Posts