Terms of Use: Chex Systems, Inc. is a consumer-reporting agency governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the FCRA. When you apply for a checking account at a financial institution, there's a good chance that your name will be run through ChexSystems to see whether you are a check bouncer (writing checks on your account when there is not enough money in it to cover the amount of those checks) or have cheated the financial institution i  More...

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Terms of Use: BREADS AND GRAINS Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products. Buy regular rice, oatmeal, and grits instead of the instant and flavored types. Try whole-grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety to family meals. VEGETABLES AND SALADS Look for large bags of frozen vegetables. They may be bargains and you can cook just the amount you need, close the bag tightly, and put the rest back in the freezer. Foods at salad bars can be costly. Some food items—   More...

Terms of Use Whether moving across town or across the country, moving is often more expensive than most people realize. Here are some money-saving tips: Map out a budget before you pack a single box. Decide whether you'll haul things yourself or to hire a moving company. Depending on when and where you'll be moving (in addition to how much you'll be moving), hiring a moving company can cost anywhere between $800 to $4000. If you decide to hire a moving company, be sure t  More...

Terms of Use: Many people put off balancing their account, but it's a good idea to ensure that you know how much you have available and that you are in agreement with the amount reported to you by your financial institution. There are several ways to balance your checking account. You don't have to invest in financial software, but some find using software such as MS Money or Excel helps them to track their budgeting and spending habits, too. You can reconcile your account by going online or u  More...

Terms of Use For quick cost cutting on your cell phone bills, try this: Check your minutes. If you're paying for more minutes than you typically use, you're paying too much. Of course, going over your allotted minutes can cost a lot. Monitor your minutes for a couple of months, then make sure you pay for what you need. You can always check your minutes online or with your phone between during the month, too. Forget about the extras. Is it really necessary to pay for special r  More...

Terms of Use Credit counseling can be helpful for some people, but it’s important to be cautious. Promises to “wipe away your debt problems painlessly” are often too good to be true. While reputable nonprofit agencies can help people who have fallen behind on their debts, others may not operate in your best interest. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) originally developed the concept of negotiating lower interest rates and structured repayment plans. As co  More...

Terms of Use: How to Choose a Repair Shop What should I look for when choosing a repair shop? Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust. Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. Shop around by telephone for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs. Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to be licensed or registered. Also, your state Attorney General's offi  More...

Terms of Use Car travel tips: Use a map and highlight the routes you want to take before you start. Judge distances and driving times beforehand so you can avoid cities during high traffic peaks. Ask tourist offices for specific maps, scenic route suggestions, and current traffic delay information. Use small grocery bags with handles to hang in your car for your garbage. Freeze your small containers of juice or water to serve as additional freezer packs in your cooler. Helps to keep these d  More...

Terms of Use: For quick cost cutting on your property taxes, try this : Contact your local assessor's office and find out what property taxes your neighbors are paying. If your house is comparable but your tax bill is higher, you may want to challenge it. Act quickly after you receive your assessment if you decide to challenge it. On your property tax statement, be sure to read the description of your home. An overstatement of your square footage or the number of bathrooms, for example,  More...