Tired of wading through countless “free” credit score websites that turn out not to be free, but rather a clever scam trying to get into your wallet?
For your convenience we have provided this monthly budget financial worksheet in both a printable (pdf) format as well as in a downloadable (excel) spreadsheet format.
Have we really reach the point where having a giant, big-screen TV is considered a necessity?
Are you spending money on things that you know God wouldn’t approve of?
While it’s great that American consumers have been able to take advantage of the government’s cash-for-clunkers program, the heralded program may actually end up doing more harm to the economy than help.
Thousands of years ago there was a time of abundant prosperity in Egypt. The economic boom continued for seven consecutive years. Riches were made and the nation lived as though the prosperity would continue forever.
In 2005, there were over 2 million bankruptcies filed in the U.S., an increase of 30% over 2004. However, our materialistic society continues to rely more and more on credit to fund their lifestyle. The average credit card balance continues to climb each year. The latest statistics show the average household has over $9,000 in credit card debt. These trends aren’t likely to change any time soon since credit card companies are simply overwhelming most teenagers with credit card offers.
For better or for worse, 21st century consumers have become heavily dependent upon credit as their preferred means of making purchases. On the other side of the coin, your credit is also how you are evaluated in our credit culture. Most people recognize that their credit history is checked when they apply for a loan or a credit card, but may not realize that their credit may also be checked for such things as obtaining insurance or when they apply for a job. In this credit-driven society, it is very important that you build and maintain a good credit history. One very nice benefit for everyone living in the United States is that they are eligible to obtain a copy of their credit report for free. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) signed back in 2003 requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
If you listen to the TV and radio advertisements you would think you can and should borrow money for just about anything. Credit card companies and banks encourage this by constantly sending you credit card offers and increasing the limits on your existing credit cards. They use compelling arguments to try to convince you that you owe it to yourself to borrow money. You deserve to live a better, more fulfilling lifestyle. It’s the American way! As a result, many people are sucked deep into debt by borrowing money for things they should have never gone in debt for in the first place. So when is it a good idea to borrow money?
Your credit score is basically a snapshot of your credit use over the last seven years of your borrowing history. This number (called your FICO score) is based on a complex mathematical model that evaluates many types of information in your credit file. Most people probably have no idea what their credit score is, but it can have a significant impact on your life.