3 Tips for Helping the Family Through University

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The students have just gone back to University, but for many it’s their first time in the big cities, having to fend for themselves and make sure that they're up in time to make the first lectures of the day! While the early birds will have no problem with that task, others might find it a little more difficult, so anything we can do to help make their time at Uni simpler can only be a good thing right? 


Whether it’s our own children or the Grandchildren who've gone off in search of the foundations they need to build their future careers, they’re likely to realise how important it is to budget between student loan payments. 


But before they get bogged down and depressed by their poor financial situation – a factor every student, unfortunately, has to deal with – there are a number of things you can do to help them. 

Budgeting Lessons 

If they haven't gone already, or if you get the chance to sit down with them sometime soon, work out exactly how much they have in their account, how much their rent is each month, and when the next payments are due both in and out of their banks. This way you can chat clearly and easily, showing them exactly how much money they have to “play” with, and how much they're able to spend each week, helping them to stay out of the red, and in the black for as long as possible.

Shopping Tips 

Shopping is a key part of student life, popping down to the supermarket and buying trolleys full of baked beans, pizzas and drinks, but many students don’t know how to get as much as possible for as little as possible. You don't need to be one of the top accountants based in Dublin, London, Manchester or Edinburgh to know how to make savings. Own-brand products can be significantly cheaper than the brand named products, but with little or no difference in taste, something you've worked out with your experience of doing the family food shop that they might not have realized. Let’s be honest, students won't notice the difference once it’s out of the packet anyway, they'll eat anything!

Regular Communication 

Possibly the most important thing is to stay in touch while they're away. The last thing you want to find is that the reason you haven't heard from them in a few days or weeks is because they're worried about telling you they've run out of money. By staying in regular contact, you can gauge how they are. This isn't to say you should ring them every day, (they’ll soon stop answering), but maybe once a week at least if you haven't heard from them beforehand.

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5 Beginner Tips On Making Wise Financial Decisions

Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

How often do you hear young people in their 20's say that they are too young for financial planning and it’s too early to think of retirement. When you are young and haven't made any mistakes yet you have a chance to build your financial well being.  

Most people in their 20's already have some financial experience; they're paying bills and building credit. It’s important to remember that our success depends on us only, that’s why it’s important to take care of your future and always work on it. 

Here are some useful tips that will help young individuals become financially stable and successful. 

Set the Right Goals 

If you do not have any goals you won't get anywhere. Goals make us who we are and life without goals isn't so bright. Dream and imagine yourself where you want to be financially. Remember, one big goal consists of a lot of smaller ones – so make a plan which will help you to reach you goal, step by step. 

Make A Budget 

Control your income and your expenses. If you want to save money, your expenses should not exceed your income. Know the difference between your wants and needs – sometimes it’s worth it to wait and put off a purchase. Make your budget, put everything in writing and do not allow something to distract you from your goals. 

Build Your Credit 

Your credit score is an important financial tool, but to build credit it’s necessary to borrow money and repay it on time. In other words, a credit score shows how good you are at managing your finances and paying off debts. So it’s extremely important to pay off loans and payday advance on time. Responsible borrowing is key to a successful financial life. 

Live Within Your Means 

Most of us always want more, but it’s important to have a sober outlook on life. Live within your means and avoid unnecessary expenses. Do not use credit cards to buy expensive clothes or pay for expensive entertainment. Drive an inexpensive car. Spend less and save money. Remember that if you do not overspend and have unnecessary debts you will have more money to save. 

Start An Emergency Fund 

You never know what may happen tomorrow, that’s why an emergency fund is a necessity. It protects you from having to borrow money. If an unexpected financial problem happens, you can always help yourself. Also an emergency fund can help you make money, saving a few hundred dollars per month plus compound interest on your money can help you increase your savings and start saving for your business or other great goal.

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Home Insurance Covers More Than Fires

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First-time home buyers will find they need to insure their purchase with a homeowner’s insurance policy. Banks and mortgage companies require this protection, and homeowners that do not finance should still recognize the necessity of buying insurance coverage for what may be the biggest investment they will ever make.

Should the worst happen, a blaze destroys their investment, insurance will save the homeowner from financial devastation. But fire isn’t the only loss a homeowner may suffer, and a good homeowner’s policy will protect against a wide range of mishaps.

Primary structure
A standard policy, in addition to fire, covers damage to the house caused by windstorms, hailstones, lightning strikes, theft and vandalism. Most policies will cover damage from burst plumbing and leaking roofs. Earthquake damage and flood damages are not covered in a standard policy; a homeowner must buy insurance against these perils separately.

Detached structures
Detached garages, garden sheds, and other structures on the property are covered for damages by the same perils for which the main residence is insured.

Personal property
Personal property is anything that is not attached to the real estate. It includes a homeowner’s possessions such as furniture, clothing and housewares  Standard policies cover damage and loss to personal property, with limits. Insurers generally place a cap on reimbursements for loss by damage or theft on the following items:

• Cash, bank notes and precious metals. 
•  Securities and stamps.
•  Jewelry, gems, furs and watches.
•  Cutlery plated with silver or gold.
•  Firearms, boats and trailers.

Homeowners will need to purchase additional home insurance on these items to ensure they are covered up to their full value.

Many policies will cover, up to a set amount, the cost of replacing spoiled food caused by interruption of power to a freezer or refrigerator. Damage to the homeowner’s vehicles is generally not covered; this coverage must be purchased as part of an automobile insurance policy, although damage to the vehicle of a visitor may be covered.

Loss of use
Loss of use coverage pays for any increase in living costs a homeowner incurs if part of the insured property is rendered unfit for use by a covered peril. This can include reimbursements for the cost of a motel room while repairs are being made to the home, or include a meal allowance should a covered damage make the kitchen unusable.

Liability
With home ownership, the homeowner becomes personally liable for injury to others, or damage to another’s property, that occurs on his or her land. Personal liability coverage will pay, up to the insured amount, judgments against the homeowner in a personal liability suit. This includes slip-and-fall type injuries, physical injuries caused by the homeowner’s children or pets, and other injuries for which the homeowner is legally liable.

Medical expenses
This coverage pays the costs of medical treatment for injuries caused on the homeowner’s property, or injuries caused away from the insured property if the injury is caused by an action of the insured. It is limited to a set amount per person and covers persons other than the insured, including those that were on the property with permission.

A comprehensive homeowner’s policy will protect the insured’s investment and safeguard against financial losses that can arise in the course of home ownership.

Author’s Bio:

Jeff Hall is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Homeinsurance.org focuses on home insurance. You can follow him on Google+

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5 Tips to Choosing a Car With Low Cost Insurance

(Photo credit: West Midlands Police)

When shopping for that new car we take a lot of time researching the cost and features. We visit more than a few car dealers narrowing down are choice by model, color and interior. We haggle with the car dealer and then eventually strike a deal for the final purchase price. In today's economy everyone is trying to get a good deal. 

After all that, we call our insurance agent and write a check for the car insurance. We don't give our insurance any more thought than that. We put so much energy into the car purchase but not the cost of car insurance.

Why not reverse the process and research the car insurance first. We should be looking at the cost of the insurance for a particular size, cost and type of car. We should be picking the car to purchase by how much the insurance is. If you could save yourself $50 per month on your car insurance for the life of the car would it be worth it?

Here's a list of things you should consider before making that car purchase.

1. Research average repair costs

Cars that are more expensive to insure are generally more expensive to fix and sometimes require hard-to-find parts. Research the typical repair and maintenance costs for vehicles in your area. On many sites, you’ll find average ownership costs broken down into various categories. You can also research which cars cost the least (and most) to repair, which are worthy considerations (and ones that your insurance company will also take into account).

2. Know the stolen vehicle statistics

As you might imagine, cars that are more likely to be stolen are more expensive to insure. You can find stolen-car statistics through the National Insurance Crime Bureau. If you're shopping for a new car, the good news is that shiny new cars are not the most commonly stolen.

3. Go with a less expensive model

Add-ons that come standard on high-end models, such as sunroofs and built-in navigation systems, are nice to have but expensive to repair. Yes, this too means higher insurance premiums. You’ll be spending enough on your new car as it is, so if you’re willing to forget some of these luxuries, you can save on the sale price and on your insurance premium.

4. Research premiums

Before you buy your new car, go online to get a quote for that year, make, and model. The results may be enlightening. Though there are moves you can make to minimize your costs, such as increasing your deductibles or dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, it’s important not to sacrifice solid protection for a shiny new car. Check out auto insurance quotes online.

5. Avoid high-performance vehicles

Sports cars, large SUVs, luxury cars, and anything, well, souped-up all come with boosted insurance premiums because they generally cost more to repair or replace. Safety is also a factor — a small, zippy sports car generally offers fewer safety features and attracts more lead-footed drivers than a modest midsized sedan. Plus, these cars are typically gas guzzlers, which will also add to your expenses.

So unless you’re prepared to shoulder the many surrounding costs for your dream car, your best bet is to simply stay away from these high-end rides. Sensible choices reap their own rewards.

Don't buy that car until you check out how the purchase will affect you car insurance premium. You could save quite a bit every month for the life of the car.

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Planning Family Fun Activities without Breaking the Bank

budget (Photo credit: 401(K) 2012)

Under the present economic scenario, planning a fun weekend can be a little difficult. No matter how tight the financial situation is, spending quality time with the kids and the rest of the family is a must. Besides, the children need some recreation - a fun filled weekend is what they look forward to the entire week. 

Wondering how to keep your kids busy on the weekends when the budget concern is bothering you? Not to worry, there are ways out. Let’s list out the possible enjoyable activities that don't cause a dent in the pocket.

• Retail stores, libraries, and zoo - What would the kids want to do for fun? Games would top their list. But gaming parlors are expensive and out of the budget at this stage. But there are ways out. Check out the nearest retail store, they tend to come up with something or the other on the weekends. Various games and other activities like building a birdhouse, storage box and other things are organized in the morning. They even teach art and crafts. These are mostly free and at times there is free coffee for the parents. Even the library has loads of fun options to offer to the kids. The museum and the zoo offer free or low-cost days at least once every month, watch out for them. 
• Beaches or parks -There is nothing exciting than packing your lunch and leaving for the beach on the weekend. For those who don't have the luxury of spending the entire day at the nearby beach, a park is as good an option. You can stop on the way to pick up some exciting games and/or beach toys, these toys are usually lasting., 
• Movies - Many movie theaters screen free shows for the kids once or twice a month. Otherwise, the movie shows are pretty expensive, a family of four ends up spending a good 50 dollars at the least. Just to enter the movie hall a family will have to spend a good forty dollars. That is not all; then you need to buy the munchies, the popcorn, the nachos, the cold drinks and other snacks. You can rent movies instead of going to the theater; this is an economic option indeed. You can use online service for this purpose, a meager subscription and you can always download a new picture every weekend. You can opt for renting pictures through Redbox, they charge a very minimal amount, like a dollar a day for each movie. 
• Some community works - Park clean up days and other community service activities can be fun too. Now this is what is called learning while having fun. 

Where to get information from

Have a look at the local Sunday newspaper, there has to be a local calendar section. Now this is the drawer chest of all information for the for cheap or no-cost weekend family activities. Here you get all the information on the activities happening all around the town.

Make a pick

Now that you’re aware of the options, it’s time to make the pick. Ask children for their opinion. In fact you can ask the children to make the plan, allot them a spending budget and let them do the planning. This would be fun and a learning lesson at the same time.

Author’s Bio – Jonny Pean is an expert blogger who writes informative and high-quality articles on a range of topics such as payday loans, same day payout, instant cash loans and quick cash loans.

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Ways Your House Can Earn You Money

Housing (Photo credit: james.thompson)

When financial times are tough, we have to make our assets work for us. A house is a large investment and it is important to ensure that the money that has been invested in it is working as hard as it can. Of course, we invest a lot emotionally into our homes as well, but sometimes it helps to view the house from a different perspective, and think of the fiscal benefits our homes could provide. 
By viewing a house as a moneymaking machine as well as a home, ideas for generating extra cash will soon come flooding in. Here are a few to start off with: 

Almost everything is rentable 

Perhaps the most familiar moneymaking scenario is renting out the spare room to a lodger. There are many types of lodgers out there looking for a room. Whether it is a student during the current college term, out-of-town workers looking for Monday to Friday accommodations, or tourists seeking somewhere to spend a few days or even a single night, there is plenty of flexibility in the room rental model. 
It may seem hard to believe, but the rental concept can be extended to cover many other things related to the home. There are people out there willing to pay good money to rent the driveway (for parking), the garage space, and even the back yard of a house (to pitch a tent for a party). Websites exist that can help hook up homeowners with people looking to rent various parts of the house or property. There are even people who will be looking to rent the lawnmower or gardening equipment for a couple of hours. If you are looking to generate some income, take another look at your home and its contents with fresh eyes - instead of being a money pit, it could be making money. 

Buy another house 

We have established that houses can often be efficient moneymaking vehicles, so if there is room in the budget, why not buy another? Admittedly, not many people have spare cash around these days, but those who do are certainly not getting great returns from savings accounts or CDs. It will usually be a far better idea to put any extra money into investments that pay good returns. With property prices at historic lows in many areas and rentals in high demand, becoming a landlord is increasingly popular for those with money to invest. Choose property in attractive areas where rental demand outstrips supply. There are many US houses for sale in premium locations that would make prime vacation rentals and yield a healthy return on investment. 

Film star homes 

Spectacular, unique, well located, or just plain quirky homes are always in demand as film locations. TV and film companies are willing to pay good money in return for the use of a home as a film set. Registering with a locations agency can be a relatively simple process and if your home has that ‘star quality’, the house could be earning hundreds of dollars a day just for looking good.
 

Remodel for great returns 

Another sure-fire way of making money from a home is by increasing its value through remodeling. Home improvements such as unique designer kitchens, luxury bathrooms, extra bedrooms, new flooring, garden rooms and conservatories, landscaped gardens and driveways will all help to boost resale profits. This long-term route may take time to reap rewards, but can be very financially beneficial. 
So remember, home is where the heart is, but when money is tight, home can also be where the cash is. 

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