Just like many college students, I enjoy finding budget-friendly recipes and saving money in anyway that I can!
Listed below is the link to a site that I find very helpful for great recipes that are low-cost to make!
Enjoy! :)
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_ziti/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Know your score when considering credit
By Sam McIntosh
A lot of little things add up to big things. And when it comes to financial education, one must take care of little things. Otherwise, what consumers face will be out-of-control spending and growing personal debt.
Dr. Kimberlee Davis, an assistant professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Texas State University, talked to San Marcos business leaders and students Tuesday about credit, budgeting and mental accounting.
She primarily focused her presentation on the function of credit scores and credit reports. She also discussed credit cards versus debit cards, identity theft and other issues that are musts in boosting financial literacy. A credit score is one of those little statistics that must be monitored over the long-term. Even the slightest event can affect one’s credit.
“It’s the little things that prevent us from making progress,” Dr. Davis said during a two-hour workshop organized by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. Keeping one’s credit in mind can be vital when planning to make large purchases or borrowing money. Mistakes can be made and neglecting to monitor your credit will result in disappointing losses.
“If there is a mistake with poor credit scores, it will be addressed in ‘x’ number of hours and dealt with within 60 days,” Davis said. “If you found your dream house and there was a mistake with your credit, by the time it was dealt with, you just lost your dream house.”
Personal finance can be like walking through a minefield. Financial responsibility is a habit that must be practiced over a lifetime. Having a positive record of paying bills is one small way to establish the reputation for earning credit. Dr. Davis said the psychology of spending is a big part of being a disciplined consumer. The public must guard against spending money that they just don’t have, she said. Responsible money management will lead to a positive credit score.
The leading credit score in the industry is FICO and figures a score ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores also have an effect on the amount of insurance premiums for a car or a home. A higher credit score, something approaching 700, may mean receiving a lower mortgage rate, which will mean a savings of tens- or hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.
Credit reports, which detail your financial history, lead to credit scores. The credit reports can have a cost, even though they don’t have to. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year, Dr. Davis said, but not all free services are actually free. “Freecreditreport.com isn’t really free,” Dr. Davis said. “After your free trial expires, they start charging $14.95 a month. You get one free credit report a year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion LLC.”
Dr. Davis emphasized the idea of understanding and monitoring ones credit. She was specific in saying that even the slightest thing can affect credit scores.
“It’s the little things that prevent us from making progress,” Davis said. “I didn’t realize how important this was until I became a financial planner.”
If you find yourself in the hole with credit, it is often necessary to seek professional help. If it is a persistent and serious issue, it could cause further harm if dealt with improperly.
“Don’t do it yourself,” Davis said. “You wouldn’t give your dog surgery, you would take it to the vet; the same applies here.”
Although there are plenty of tips and facts associated with financial literacy, Dr. Davis acknowledged there decisions about personal finance follow one throughout life. The road, like life itself, is complicated. Our spending habits are a science, she said.
“Remember, credit is a tool” for financial success, she said
A lot of little things add up to big things. And when it comes to financial education, one must take care of little things. Otherwise, what consumers face will be out-of-control spending and growing personal debt.
Dr. Kimberlee Davis, an assistant professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Texas State University, talked to San Marcos business leaders and students Tuesday about credit, budgeting and mental accounting.
She primarily focused her presentation on the function of credit scores and credit reports. She also discussed credit cards versus debit cards, identity theft and other issues that are musts in boosting financial literacy. A credit score is one of those little statistics that must be monitored over the long-term. Even the slightest event can affect one’s credit.
“It’s the little things that prevent us from making progress,” Dr. Davis said during a two-hour workshop organized by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. Keeping one’s credit in mind can be vital when planning to make large purchases or borrowing money. Mistakes can be made and neglecting to monitor your credit will result in disappointing losses.
“If there is a mistake with poor credit scores, it will be addressed in ‘x’ number of hours and dealt with within 60 days,” Davis said. “If you found your dream house and there was a mistake with your credit, by the time it was dealt with, you just lost your dream house.”
Personal finance can be like walking through a minefield. Financial responsibility is a habit that must be practiced over a lifetime. Having a positive record of paying bills is one small way to establish the reputation for earning credit. Dr. Davis said the psychology of spending is a big part of being a disciplined consumer. The public must guard against spending money that they just don’t have, she said. Responsible money management will lead to a positive credit score.
The leading credit score in the industry is FICO and figures a score ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores also have an effect on the amount of insurance premiums for a car or a home. A higher credit score, something approaching 700, may mean receiving a lower mortgage rate, which will mean a savings of tens- or hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.
Credit reports, which detail your financial history, lead to credit scores. The credit reports can have a cost, even though they don’t have to. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year, Dr. Davis said, but not all free services are actually free. “Freecreditreport.com isn’t really free,” Dr. Davis said. “After your free trial expires, they start charging $14.95 a month. You get one free credit report a year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion LLC.”
Dr. Davis emphasized the idea of understanding and monitoring ones credit. She was specific in saying that even the slightest thing can affect credit scores.
“It’s the little things that prevent us from making progress,” Davis said. “I didn’t realize how important this was until I became a financial planner.”
If you find yourself in the hole with credit, it is often necessary to seek professional help. If it is a persistent and serious issue, it could cause further harm if dealt with improperly.
“Don’t do it yourself,” Davis said. “You wouldn’t give your dog surgery, you would take it to the vet; the same applies here.”
Although there are plenty of tips and facts associated with financial literacy, Dr. Davis acknowledged there decisions about personal finance follow one throughout life. The road, like life itself, is complicated. Our spending habits are a science, she said.
“Remember, credit is a tool” for financial success, she said
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Audrey Allure: Lulu's Gift Card Giveaway!
Audrey Allure: Lulu's Gift Card Giveaway!: "I am partnering with Runway Rundown for a giveaway! Here is your chance to win a $100 gift card to Lulu's! I am so jealous of the lucky win..."
ENTER TO WIN :)
ENTER TO WIN :)
What's in a credit score?
You're first question might be...what is a credit score?
A credit score is a number based on a statistical analysis of a person's credit files. Your credit score represents your "creditworthiness" or your likelihood of paying your bills on time. Your score is based on what banks, stores, utility companies and other creditors tell the three major credit bureaus about how much you owe and how often you pay your bills on time.
Where does your credit score come from you might ask?
If you have every had a credit card, auto loan, mortgage or even electric bill in your name, you have a credit history and a credit score attached to your name. Your credit score is based on credit report information from one of three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
What do you need a credit score for?
Credit scores are used by lenders such as banks and credit card companies, to determine who is eligible to receive loans at what interest rate and credit limit.
Your credit score can range from 300 to 850 with a credit score around 720 being considered "good enough" to qualify for the best rates on just about any loan. The higher your score, the better your credit and the more likely you are to get approved for a loan and a receive lower interest rate.
What are some important factors of your credit score?
- Payment history accounts for 35 percent. You want a long record of paying your bills on time with no missed payments.
- How much of your available credit you've used accounts for 30 percent. Having accounts open for a long time increases your credit score, although inactive accounts don't help as much as active ones.
- New credit accounts for 10 percent. Opening a bunch of new accounts in a short period of time decreases your credit score and makes lenders nervous.
- Types of credits used accounts for the last 10 percent. Your score will be a little higher if you have a record of repaying a range of debts such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.
How often can you check your credit report?
You are entitled to one FREE credit report within a 12-month period from EACH of the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. That means you can technically check your credit report, for free, three times in one year. However, you are not entitled to receive a free credit score from the report. You will need to pay extra to receive your credit score.
To check your credit report for free go to:
annualcreditreport.com
A credit score is a number based on a statistical analysis of a person's credit files. Your credit score represents your "creditworthiness" or your likelihood of paying your bills on time. Your score is based on what banks, stores, utility companies and other creditors tell the three major credit bureaus about how much you owe and how often you pay your bills on time.
Where does your credit score come from you might ask?
If you have every had a credit card, auto loan, mortgage or even electric bill in your name, you have a credit history and a credit score attached to your name. Your credit score is based on credit report information from one of three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
What do you need a credit score for?
Credit scores are used by lenders such as banks and credit card companies, to determine who is eligible to receive loans at what interest rate and credit limit.
Your credit score can range from 300 to 850 with a credit score around 720 being considered "good enough" to qualify for the best rates on just about any loan. The higher your score, the better your credit and the more likely you are to get approved for a loan and a receive lower interest rate.
What are some important factors of your credit score?
- Payment history accounts for 35 percent. You want a long record of paying your bills on time with no missed payments.
- How much of your available credit you've used accounts for 30 percent. Having accounts open for a long time increases your credit score, although inactive accounts don't help as much as active ones.
- New credit accounts for 10 percent. Opening a bunch of new accounts in a short period of time decreases your credit score and makes lenders nervous.
- Types of credits used accounts for the last 10 percent. Your score will be a little higher if you have a record of repaying a range of debts such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.
How often can you check your credit report?
You are entitled to one FREE credit report within a 12-month period from EACH of the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. That means you can technically check your credit report, for free, three times in one year. However, you are not entitled to receive a free credit score from the report. You will need to pay extra to receive your credit score.
To check your credit report for free go to:
annualcreditreport.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Unconventional Ways To Save Money
Two weeks ago I entered into a contest to win a trip to New Zealand. The contest was simple. The company would tweet a question daily and choose a winner based on the best answer. The question I answered was "You're a chef preparing a dinner for Valentine's Day. What are you preparing?" I tweeted back with my answer thinking I would never win.
A few days later while grocery shopping I got the word that my answer was the winning tweet. Now, I originally wasn't planning on going to New Zealand so in theory I won't really be saving any money. However, there are sweepstakes that offer cold-hard cash as the prize. I encourage you to pursue this option when trying to live large on a small budget.
A few options for finding these great sweepstakes:
If you do win but you don't particular like your prize or have no use for it, sell it for some extra cash. Online markets, like Ebay or Amazon, make it easy to unload your prizes.
Unfortunately, not every contest is honest and there are scams out there so always read the fine print. This article offers tips from sweepstakes veterans and ways to avoid scams.
Have fun and good luck!!
A few days later while grocery shopping I got the word that my answer was the winning tweet. Now, I originally wasn't planning on going to New Zealand so in theory I won't really be saving any money. However, there are sweepstakes that offer cold-hard cash as the prize. I encourage you to pursue this option when trying to live large on a small budget.
A few options for finding these great sweepstakes:
- Twitter is a great way to find easy contest. Search #win or #giveaway
- This blog (best for women) details daily giveaways
- Sweeps Advantage has a variety of sweepstakes separated by category
- Search Google for even more sweepstakes and sweepstakes websites
If you do win but you don't particular like your prize or have no use for it, sell it for some extra cash. Online markets, like Ebay or Amazon, make it easy to unload your prizes.
Unfortunately, not every contest is honest and there are scams out there so always read the fine print. This article offers tips from sweepstakes veterans and ways to avoid scams.
Have fun and good luck!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Deals & Steals
As a college student I have developed many habits. Some haven't been great (i.e. going out for margaritas instead of studying) but others have helped me out along the way.
I have gotten into the habit of using coupons--no clipping required--to live large on a college-student budget. Here are a few of my favorite money-saving sites.
For more money-saving tips check out Bobcat Net Worth Network on twitter -- @bobcatnetworth
I have gotten into the habit of using coupons--no clipping required--to live large on a college-student budget. Here are a few of my favorite money-saving sites.
- Listen to any song for FREE as many times as you want at GrooveShark
- Sign up for with an .edu address here to get an Amazon Prime account for one year.
- This includes free two day shipping, $3.99 one day shipping for each item (think textbooks!)
- Find a coupon for almost any online retailer at Retail Me Not
- Pizza lovers: Domino's offers coupons (and sometimes free cinnastix!)
- Nu Coupons was created in San Marcos, for San Marcos.
- This iPhone app has coupons for restaurants, retailers and other goods in the area
- Check out the discount page before you go to the outlets: Tanger and Prime
- The Texas State Student Discount Handbook also offers a variety of local coupons
For more money-saving tips check out Bobcat Net Worth Network on twitter -- @bobcatnetworth
Friday, February 18, 2011
Plan and Save
One of the key factors to saving money is planning. One must plan for retirement, plan a budget, plan for the future and so on. This idea of planning doesn't have to be long-term, as very simple organization can prove dividends on financial well-being. Try to organize your funds in order to, not only keep track, but be more productive with money and avoid unnecessary waste.
Grocery shopping can be an easy way to save and waste money. You save money by avoiding high-price meals at restaurants but waste money buying too much of the wrong things or just the wrong thing all together. Instead of going to the grocery store with a completely open mind, walking aisle to aisle scanning, try to plan your meals for that week. For instance, you could plan for pasta on Monday and burgers on Tuesday. That way, you know exactly what you need to prepare those two meals. Buying a bunch of random groceries will lead to wasting as you throw away unused produce, dairy and meat.
Here is an example of a weekly meal plan:
Monday - Pasta w/ tomato sauce: pasta, sauce, salad ingredients, bread
Tuesday - Burgers: patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. and a side (fries, baked potato, etc.)
Wednesday - Tacos: taco meat, taco shells/tortillas, cheese, lettuce, pico, guac, etc.
You get the point. Buying items specifically for meals will result in less waste, more conservative spending and, frankly, better meals. College students are known for creating makeshift meals out of unsavory ingredients.
Plan before shopping and you may discover you are finally stimulating that palate. Oh, and of course, keeping your bank account in check!
Below is an example of a very organized shopping list.
http://www.relishrelish.com/default.aspx?p=sample-list
Grocery shopping can be an easy way to save and waste money. You save money by avoiding high-price meals at restaurants but waste money buying too much of the wrong things or just the wrong thing all together. Instead of going to the grocery store with a completely open mind, walking aisle to aisle scanning, try to plan your meals for that week. For instance, you could plan for pasta on Monday and burgers on Tuesday. That way, you know exactly what you need to prepare those two meals. Buying a bunch of random groceries will lead to wasting as you throw away unused produce, dairy and meat.
Here is an example of a weekly meal plan:
Monday - Pasta w/ tomato sauce: pasta, sauce, salad ingredients, bread
Tuesday - Burgers: patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. and a side (fries, baked potato, etc.)
Wednesday - Tacos: taco meat, taco shells/tortillas, cheese, lettuce, pico, guac, etc.
You get the point. Buying items specifically for meals will result in less waste, more conservative spending and, frankly, better meals. College students are known for creating makeshift meals out of unsavory ingredients.
Plan before shopping and you may discover you are finally stimulating that palate. Oh, and of course, keeping your bank account in check!
Below is an example of a very organized shopping list.
http://www.relishrelish.com/default.aspx?p=sample-list
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