Tag: personal finance

January 29, 2024 Off

Budget Makeover: Slash Your Bills and Live More

By The Admiral Staff

This article suggests ways to lower your cost of living, regardless of where you live, rather than just moving to a cheaper state like Mississippi. It highlights three main strategies: shopping around for car insurance using EverQuote (potentially saving $610/year), consolidating credit card debt with a lower-interest loan through AmOne, and using a free browser extension to ensure you’re getting the lowest prices when shopping online. These steps aim to save money and improve your budget.

November 28, 2023 Off

From 523 to 691: How One Man Transformed His Credit Score

By The Admiral Staff

The article highlights how improving your credit score can unlock financial goals like buying a home or car. It features Lorenzo Frias, who raised his score by nearly 170 points using the free website Credit Sesame. Credit Sesame provides personalized tips and tools to identify credit report errors and improve scores, recommending actions like credit-builder loans, secured credit cards, and disputing negative claims. Frias’s improved credit allowed him to secure an apartment lease and pre-approval for a mortgage, demonstrating the

November 22, 2023 Off

Money Secrets: What Americans Really Spend (and Why They Don’t Budget)

By The Admiral Staff

A recent survey by The Penny Hoarder reveals that over half of Americans (55%) don’t budget, and a similar percentage (56%) are unaware of their monthly spending. However, those who do budget are more likely to track expenses and avoid overspending that impacts bill payments. While many non-budgeters cite lack of necessity, time, or organization as reasons, experts emphasize that budgeting is about aligning values with spending. Popular budgeting methods include spreadsheets, zero-based budgeting, and

November 5, 2023 Off

Unlock Your Financial Future: The SMART Goal Guide

By The Admiral Staff

To achieve financial goals, set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. This involves detailing goals with specific numbers, tracking progress, ensuring goals are realistic given your circumstances, connecting goals to your broader life aspirations, and assigning deadlines. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, time-bound segments can further increase the likelihood of success.

August 21, 2023 Off

Craigslist Confidential: Staying Safe in the Digital Marketplace

By The Admiral Staff

To safely buy items on Craigslist, meet in a public, well-lit place like a coffee shop or even a police station’s SafeTrade location. Always bring a friend or let someone know your plans, and only use cash, avoiding online payments. Get a detailed receipt and inspect the item before purchase. Protect your personal information by using a proxy email or temporary phone number, and trust your instincts – if something feels off, walk away.