Archive for the ‘Your money and your world’ Category

Paying Attention to the Small Guys at Wall Street

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

It should be noted that before a crisis, the large businesses are stable. But in the world of the economic meltdown, the large businesses are in a lot of trouble, but the small ones are fighting back. With lower production costs and lower prices, small companies are fighting back diligently in the stock market.

This behavior can be seen in the way the small to medium enterprises are rising almost more than ten percent in short rallies. Though the increase in their market values is temporary, you could really earn a bunch by focusing on these small businesses and predicting when they’re going up or down.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Credit

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

While people are no strangers to tight-nosed loan officers, just what is it that makes these individuals so hesitant to give you your much-need loan? For one, loan officers often look at your history as borrower. If you weren’t able to pay for a year and six months, then that’s considered a very bad sign.

So make sure that you’re in top form when you engage your friendly loan officer for a ‘friendly’ dialog. Make sure you know everything about your own credit history. Also, make sure that what your loan officer is holding is current. Bring your own report (this can be ordered for free, or for a very, very small fee).

Being Responsible for Your Credit Score

Friday, April 17th, 2009

People’s credit scores are often only brought up when there’s trouble brewing. Is this a good practice? Definitely not. Your credit score tells you whether you can take out a loan for just about anything. Your credit score also tells you whether you would be able to survive another near-bankruptcy.

While people take note of so many things, why is it that they normally don’t take note of their credit scores? According to experts like Suze Orman, this has become a harmful, self-deluding practice that has to cease. So next time you’re online, why don’t you type “FICO score” on any search engine and find out whether you’re still in the green or not?

Strategizing Your Family’s Finances

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

Controlling the inflow and outflow of your family’s budget is based on two factors: the economy and your strategies. Sure, the economy might be suffering from tremendous losses lately. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to take things lying down.

One way to earn a bit of money is to start investing. Aside from the stock market, why don’t you explore other avenues? The World Wide Web, for one, is now one of the strongest non-physical economies. If you can find your place in it, then the income would be a great help to your own budget.

Remember, every bit helps. What are you doing to survive the times? Any special tips you can give to strangers on how they can improve their monthly budgets.

The Changing Terrains of Credit Card Use

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

Because of the unsavory changes in the global economies, credit card companies are becoming more and more erratic in their policies; in the effort to stop the hemorrhaging of funds and to make their business as profitable as they used to be. This is where your vigilance as a credit card user comes in. Be very observant of any notices that come in the form of ‘bills’.

Don’t throw those bills away. Look for small, special announcements. Even small adjustments have terrible consequences for credit card users. Interest rates are just one problem. Imagine being penalized for not using your cards. Or being penalized for using just the minimum amount.

Is Money Your Responsibility or Your Partner’s?

Monday, April 6th, 2009

It would appear that for many couples, money should be handled by the most competent half of the relationship. In many cases, the biggest earner would also be the deciding component in the family/relationship.

However, many individual cases point to a singular truth: that without cooperation between two individuals in a relationship, finances would go awry. You cannot prosper if only one person is constantly reviewing and budgeting limited finances.

So before you make another solo move regarding your finances, ask yourself this: what could my partner add to my decision to do this? Remember, two clear heads are always better than one. If you’re the deciding power in a relationship, maybe it’s time to relinquish control for a happier relationship and a more stable financial life.