Tips to Get Out of Debt

Getting into debt with credit cards is easy, but getting out of debt is diferent story.  For anyone who has been making minimum monthly payments and taking on more and more debt just to pay the bills, you need to follow these 3 steps:

• Determine how bad it is.  You need to add up the total balances to find out how much debt that is still outstanding.  Take into account the interest rate and how much it cost paying it back over various time periods.
• Put away the plastic.  Leave your credit cards at home and assign a percentage of the monthly income to pay down the balance over the period of time.
• Choose advisers wisely.  Consumers can check credentials at The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies and The National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

If you need for more information, you can visit Consumer Report Money Adviser for more information.

Valentine's Day Gift-Buying Tips

This is the time of the year when lovers is gearing up for another expensive Valentine's Day gift. Valentine's Day often produce money arguments the rest of the year."  Here are three smart and practical ways of expressing your love this year:

• Build a future together.  Save money off the top by funding your 401(k)s and investment accounts through monthly payroll or bank account automatic withdrawals.
• Pay off credit card debt.  Surprise her with a zero balance every month from now on
• Build a cash reserve.  Maintain at least three months living expenses in cash so that when an unexpected expense hits you, it can be an opportunity for overcoming the situation as a loving team, and not fighting about where you will get the money to deal with the issue.