Americans Make Their Cars Last

February 2, 2012

Americans aren’t springing for new cars these days, according to the automobile industry. The average age of vehicles on the road today is nearly 11 years old.


Can you make a great wage?

November 12, 2011

Your college major can make all the difference in how high your salary–and your career–can soar.

Take a look at this list at the career prospects for some college majors–and the salaries to go with it. It’s based on the 2010 U.S. Census data. Did you choose a great major?


Hard to Imagine U.S. Debt? Here’s a Picture

August 2, 2011

When we talk about trillions of dollars, it’s hard to imagine exactly how that stacks up. Well, check out a visual rendition at
http://usdebt.kleptocracy.us/


Check This Article by Ric Edelman

March 26, 2011

Did you make any changes in your money habits because of the Great Recession? Many of us made improvements. Check out this article by financial advisor Ric Edelman to compare your changes with those in a survey by KRC Research.

Article | Ric Edelman.


We Haven’t Stopped Spending

February 25, 2011

The National Retail Federation released a study this week showing that 13.2% of Americans will spend their tax refund on big ticket items such as televisions and furniture, up 12.5% from last year.

And, more Americans-42%-will also save part of their refunds this year, compared to 40% in 2010.


Debt consolidators working overtime

July 31, 2010

As more Americans suffer from overstretched budgets, job losses, and being underwater on mortgages, ads for debt consolidation abounds.  It seems like a good deal, but should you take advantage of it if you’re having trouble paying bills?

You have some option that don’t require hefty fees.
First, check with a nonprofit consumer credit counseling service. Or, if it’s the mortgage payment that’s bogging you down, contact your lender. You can also try a local housing counselor from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development–http://nhl.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm


See How Rich You Are

June 8, 2010

According to the World Bank Development Research Group, the average annual income is $5,000/person worldwide (based on the 2003 population of 6 billion).

But as you might guess, a few hold a lot of the wealth. In fact, the 225 richest people hold $1 trillion of the world’s wealth. That equals the yearly income of 2.5 billion of the poorest people.

So where would you be on the list? check it out at http://globalrichlist.com


Money Smart Week Begins

April 18, 2010

This week–April 17-24–about 100 events will take place for Money Smart Week 2010, the economic outreach program of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In Iowa, we have more than 100 partner organizations. These events are free and educational, free of sales pitches.

Find events you’d like to attend at www.moneysmartweek.org/iowa. Major events include Money Smart Conferences on investing, which you can find at www.womenandmoneyconference.com.


Become a Virtual Coupon User

April 5, 2010

Coupon-clipping shoppers are trading scissors and newspaper ads in favor of high-tech tools. There are deals to be found for those willing to search.

To find coupons for your favorite products, services and restaurants, Print or search for coupons on these websites, or google your favorite retailer:

www.befrugal.com

www.couponmom.com

www.retailmenot.com

www.coupons.com

www.couponcabin.com

www.smartsource.com

www.fatwallet.com

www.coolsavings.com

www.wow-coupons.com

www.valpak.com


Welcome to the Money Godmother blog

July 29, 2009

Managing your money is harder than it appears. There are times we all wish  someone–perhaps a Godmother–would whisper common-sense advice, a few tips, or encouragement.

This blog is for all of us looking for those ideas to handle money better, including insights to teach kids to be good money managers too.

It’s a lifetime skill…Think prosperity!
J.M. Seymour


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