It's amazing to me how many of us go through our working years without too much thought of how we'll live when we retire. Thing is- we want to be able to stop working at some point and enjoy our retirement years, but the only way to do that is to be financially prepared. [ READ MORE ] While debt consolidation almost always helps people get control over excessive, high interest debts, there are actually instances when it doesn't offer much relief. The general idea of debt consolidation is terrific: smash all of your debts into a single account, and somehow pay less per month and pay it off quicker. When you put it that way, it seems a little too good to be true – similar to a “get rich quick” scheme! [ READ MORE ] If you don't have an actual “budget” in place for your household, you may be completely scared whenever you hear someone say they're “making a budget”. Typically, the people who would most benefit from having a budget are the ones who are most afraid of the idea. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, and feel like you never get caught up financially, a budget is probably the perfect solution. [ READ MORE ]  Many people experience the “tax season rush” that occurs every April. They've waited until the last minute to look for essential paperwork, and then the actual filling out of the required tax paperwork takes much longer than expected. The best way to remedy this last minute chaos is to set up a year round organization system to prepare for taxes. It sounds like a lot of work, but it will absolutely be worth it the next time tax season rolls around. [ READ MORE ] There are some debt collectors who take their jobs very seriously, but completely ignore regulations designed to protect consumers. They will do or say just about anything to get their clients (debtors) to repay their debts. [ READ MORE ] It’s painful having to shell out $40 or more every time you go to the gas pump.  Gas prices have tripled in the past decade and don’t show signs of stopping anytime soon.  But gas isn’t the only expense you have to pay for the privilege to drive a car.  Once you factor in insurance, the purchase price for your car, maintenance and all other factors, how much does that round trip to work really cost you? [ READ MORE ] Some people will tell you there are three little words that can completely change their world. While “I love you” may be the most emotional phrase in the English language that will cause people to do things they wouldn't do otherwise; there is a three digit number that contains amazing power over our lives. [ READ MORE ] All I really needed to know about managing money, I learned from music. Personal finance knowledge didn't come from school or family – it came right from the song titles of some of the most popular songs of all time. Here are 29 things music teaches us about better money management: [ READ MORE ] If you find yourself checking the calendar to see when the kids return back to school and it’s only a week into their summer break, you may want to check out this list of 90 Low Cost or No Cost Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained All Summer Vacation. [ READ MORE ] Millions of American's want to become homeowners. If you're like most people, you don't have the cash available to go out and buy a home; so you'll need to obtain a mortgage in order to buy a house. Getting approved for a home loan can take a little effort, and there are a few things you should understand in order to become “mortgage-ready” [ READ MORE ] To some people, budget is a 4-letter word! When used correctly, a budget is a tool that helps you know where you're going and how you're getting there financially. As our economy struggles, there has never been a better time to get your finances under control and work with a budget. [ READ MORE ] Debt collectors do not have an indefinite period of time to continue trying to collect payments from old debts.  There is an “expiration date”, called the Statute of Limitations, that prevents debt collectors and/or the original lender, from pursuing you for the rest of your life on old debts. [ READ MORE ] Next to bankruptcy, having an account in collections is the worst entry you can have on your credit report. It will lower your score, and make it difficult- if not impossible- to obtain new credit. Creditors realize that if you have an account in collections that it went unpaid for a long period of time, and it makes them fear that if they lent you money they would not receive payments on time, either. [ READ MORE ] There is nothing worse than receiving a phone call from a collections department every twenty minutes throughout the day. You know the feeling when your phone rings, and you know before checking the caller ID who it will be! Many people just stop answering their phone completely, or will go to great lengths to make it difficult for the debt collectors to call them. [ READ MORE ] The much-talked about rebate checks, under the economic stimulus package, was signed into law on Wednesday, February 13th.  If you are entitled to the rebate check, you have to file a tax return for 2007 as your rebate will be determined based on your 2007 tax information. [ READ MORE ] We often recommend earning some extra income on the side as a method for paying off debt.  Many people reply that they don't really have a means of doing so or their situation doesn't allow them any time away from  the kids, etc to have a second job.  Here is a list of 101 ways you can earn some extra cash online to help you out. [ READ MORE ] The House and Senate are debating over what type of rebate bill to put in front of the President- either way most families could be looking at an extra $1000 in their pockets by summer. [ READ MORE ] Collectors only have a limited amount of time to collect on a debt.  That amount of time varies by state, and knowing your rights can greatly improve your negotiations with debt collectors.  Learn what the statutes of limitation are in your state. [ READ MORE ]   Most of the time, refinancing your mortgage will result in a lower interest rate and/or lower monthly payments. It may shorten the length of time you have to pay on your mortgage until it's completely paid off. Refinancing can also help you use some of the equity in your home to pay off other bills- and many people use it to get themselves out of credit card debt, pay off personal loans or even their vehicles. The benefits of refinancing are many- but there are instances when refinancing your mortgage can do more harm than good. [ READ MORE ]