Happy Birthday Social (In)Security

Last week marked the 75th birthday of legislation creating Social Security.  While politicians traded barbs back and forth on how the other political party has ruined it, Social Security remains in dire straits.  The reality of a program designed to provide a supplement to retirement income has morphed into a belief that social security in itself will fund [...]

13 Tips for Savvy Consumers (aka How Not to Get Scammed)

The Federal Government’s Consumer Action Handbook outlines 13 ways to keep from getting scammed: A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is! Be wary of promises to fix your credit problems, low-interest credit cards, deals that let you skip credit card payments, business/job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel. Extended warranties and [...]

Save Some Money

Perhaps you missed the press release, but February 21-28, 2010 is America Saves Week.  As did I, you may ask yourself, what’s this and why should I care?  For me, it only took one glance at my not-so-much savings account for me to want more information.  I work best saving money when I don’t know [...]

Last Minute Shopping? Don’t Lose Your Financial Head

Last minute Christmas shopping is usually when all financial sense goes out of the window. If you’re still shopping for that perfect gift, keep the following advice and tips in mind: When in doubt, don’t buy it. Just get a gift card. Afrobella has some great gift ideas for natural sistas (t-shirts, hair products, etc.). [...]

Get Your Black Friday Deals On

I’ve never been much for Black Friday deals. My mother is into it and would drag me to Kohl’s or Wal-Mart at 7 am to get a $20 DVD player. It has to be about the excitement of the deal, and not the actual purchase. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve gotten some great deals but [...]

Do You Really Need A Landline Telephone?

I must admit I haven’t answered my home phone in months it seems.  The only people who call me at home are people I don’t know.  These include telemarketers, rogue bill collectors looking for some strange man that doesn’t live in my house, and wrong number callers. I typically check my home voicemail once it [...]

Bulking Up May Not Save You Money

I’ve never been a fan of buying in bulk. As a matter of fact, I’ve got friends and family members that take the notion a little too seriously. I’m all for saving money, but not at the expense of towering rolls of paper towel I have nowhere to put. Now it appears that it may [...]