Donating this season? Get your give’s worth.
January 11, 2012 by Jackson Beirne · Leave a Comment
Call me a softy, but so many news stories this holiday season have had me in awe at Americans’ potential for kindness. Charitable donations are ticking back up despite the fact that many of the givers are still struggling themselves, and anonymous do-gooders are dropping by layaway counters to pay for the Christmas presents set aside by families worse-off than themselves. I’m absolutely loving the giving spirit! Here’s how to make sure any money you give really works for you.
Make sure the organization will use your money wisely. Check out free reports from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (look for organizations designated with the blue and white “BBB Accredited Charity Seal”) and Charity Navigator (check for organizations that have at least three stars). You want t
8 Tips to Reduce Your Debt This Holiday Season.
January 9, 2012 by Alexandra Kerr · Leave a Comment
The Holiday Season is the busiest time of year, full of family and friends, good food – and spending. Between the parties, travel to be with family, and gift-giving, it’s practically inevitable you’ll be dishing out a lot of dough. But you don’t have to go into debt during the Holidays that leaves you financially hungover in January and behind for the rest of next year. Plan ahead to minimize your debt, or better yet, not rack up any at all! Avoid the debt collectors by following these 8 simple tips to keep your Holiday spending on track:
- Get on a Budget – Start the season out right by planning how much you can reasonably afford to spend and limit yourself to that, no ifs, ands, or buts. This means you’re going to have to budget for those unexpected holiday expenses that tend to pop up.
- Treat All of Your Expenditures Like Cash – Don’t set yourself up for failure by walking into the glitzy shopping mall with three credit cards and no idea of what you plan to buy. Preferably pay