IQ

July 2009

Used wisely, credit cards enable consumers to manage cash flow and leverage their overall buying power. Today’s tough economic times, however, have put pressures on financial institutions, businesses, and individual consumers. These pressures have given rise to ongoing changes in credit card account terms and rates being made by a number of card issuers. Such changes may in turn increase financial pressures on many card holders. Cash-strapped consumers squeezed by higher costs or employment woes may be tempted to bridge cash shortfalls by charging expenditures, even for necessities such as food and gasoline. The resulting cycle of increased debt can be down right dangerous to personal financial stability. This report provides some strategies for using credit cards wisely in today’s tough economic circumstances.

June 2009

Saving money is a top priority for most people these days. Yet, most of us also want to do our best for the environment. Taking steps that help you go greener at home and also save money is a win – win goal. So in this report, my team and I have pulled together a variety of easy, practical tips. Add at least one new green, money-saving practice each week, and over time your wallet and the planet will say thank you!

Lighting. Incandescent light bulbs lose about 90% of the electricity they use as heat. Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LED bulbs, can reduce your electricity bill. Even though CFL and LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they are more efficient and last longer. To avoid problems, however, you must choose the correct bulb for an application because CFLs and LED lights can burn out quickly when used in the wrong place. For example, a regular CFL “coil” light placed in a can light or an enclosed fixture typically will burn out rather quickly—a waste of your money. Excessive heat can also cause LED lights to burn out. Learn more about CFL and LED lighting at the energystar.gov site.

May 2009

Are you tempted to refinance with interest rates at historic lows? Or are your loan payments stretching your budget? How do you know if refinancing is right for you? This month's report looks at reasons why now may be a good time to refinance your mortgage or other loans.

Is refinancing right for your circumstances?

Is your loan’s interest rate higher than current loan rates? Do you have equity in your house or property (that means, do you owe less than the current value of your property)? Are you current on your loan payments? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you may wish to consider refinancing.

April 2009

The news headlines have been telling the bad news for months: financial crisis, job losses, recession, record foreclosures. Millions of people have been affected financially by the current economic conditions. If you are facing debt or credit difficulties, how you handle matters to resolve the issues can make a big difference. This month's report provides some tips to help.

If you are facing difficulties, take prompt action.

At the first sign of financial difficulties, you should take immediate steps to get on the path to financial recovery. The earlier you start, the more options you have.

March 2009

Debit cards, also known as check cards, offer convenience in managing personal cash flow. In just a few days, I’ve observed people using debit cards to pay for purchases ranging from a pack of gum, bottle of water or cup of coffee to larger purchases such as weekly groceries, a tank of gasoline, or a set of new tires. According to surveys, many people are embracing debit cards because they felt that they can better track where their money goes and that they have less risk of incurring debt because purchases are deducted directly from their checking accounts. Used wisely, debit cards can offer these benefits and more. Like any tool, however, debit cards may present some pitfalls to users who aren’t careful or adequately alert. In this review, we’ll look at ways to ensure wise use for the best benefits from debit cards.