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Entry bubble Incentives for Small Businesses

By: Colleen | December 09, 2009 | Category: Money

Newsflash! The economy is going about as well as the New Jersey Nets' season.

But there could be some light on the horizon for small business owners.

On Tuesday, President Obama announced potential plans to help out small businesses and in turn, improve the overall economy.

The proposal includes a tax cut for small businesses, hoping to encourage hiring. It also calls for eliminating capital gains on these businesses for one year. It is suggested that money leftover from the Troubled Asset Relief Fund (TARP) be redirected towards small businesses. Along with these things, the President wants to invest money in roads, bridges, and other infastructure and give rebates to people who make their homes more energy efficient. 

Of course, all of these ideas require approval from Congress.

Do you think these measures will be helpful?  Do you think they'll be implemented?

*Colleen would like to thank her very tolerant cube-mate, Jon, for helping her out with this topic.*


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Entry bubble Keep Your Free Credit Report Free

By: Jake | November 30, 2009 | Category: Money

I'm sure after your Black Friday shopping some of you are wondering if you hurt your credit. By law you are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the major credit bureaus---Experian, Equifax and TransUnion---and you can find out how to get it at annualcreditreport.com.

It's important to go to that website in particular because as Colleen showed us back in March some websites lure you in and charge you monthly fees. You may have seen TV advertisements from other companies which show people singing about their misfortune due to not checking their credit. When I wanted to check my credit, I signed up for a credit report from one of these websites. Suddenly, I found myself paying $15 a month to find out that nothing on my credit report had changed.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gets complaints about situations like mine and has aired advertisements like the one above to get people to the right website. In October, the FTC proposed new rules to curb consumer confusion and stop deceptive marketing regarding free credit report advertisements. The proposed rules include requirements for these companies to put disclaimers on their advertisements and websites so consumers are less confused. FTC's deadline to implement the new rules is February 22, 2010.

How often do you check your credit report?

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Entry bubble Get Ready For Black Friday

By: Ginger | November 20, 2009 | Category: Money

Ginger in her Black Friday commando gearMy Black Friday shopping expedition last year was a little intense. I can understand that my Black Friday commando-camouflage could seem a little odd and possibly raise some eyebrows, but really? Apparently, some folks find a woman shopping in a mall with branches taped to her head to be a little threatening, but being tackled by a mall security guard and forced into a straight-jacket seemed a little extreme! Well, I have learned my lesson and I won’t be doing that anymore!

From now on, I will stick to more acceptable methods for preparing for Black Friday. Because of the economic downturn, a lot of stores and other businesses are really offering significant savings to draw in shoppers the day after Thanksgiving. A lot of experts recommend that you do your homework when shopping this holiday to get the most for your money. Know your budget and do research ahead of time to find the best prices. You may even want to plan to get to some stores early. Some stores offer early bird specials and extra discounts to folks that get there first.

Here are some resources that I found that have some useful shopping tips and offer information on some great Black Friday deals:

Note: For those of you who are concerned that I am crazy… I didn’t actually go to the mall in that get up. Well, I did play out that scenario in my head and it was pretty funny, but I am, more or less, sane. Just ask my good friend Harvey. LOL!

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Entry bubble Donating to charity

By: Jess | November 19, 2009 | Category: Money

checkbookIf you have a little extra change in your pockets after you've finished all your holiday shopping, you might want to consider donating it to your favorite charity. Last year, charities made $307.65 billion from contributions, according to the Giving USA Foundation.

But before you write that check, do a little research to make sure the charity is legitimate.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance pulled together five important questions you should ask before donating.

1. Is the charity trustworthy?
2. How will your donation be used?
3. Is the donation tax deductible?
4. Is your donation useful to the charity?
5. Are you feeling pressured to donate?

These questions should help you determine if your money is going to a legitimate charity that will put it to good use to fund programs that you believe in.

If you're curious about how to list different donations for tax purposes, check out these tips. 

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Entry bubble Hang On to your Old Cell Phones...(At least for a little bit!)

By: Colleen | November 18, 2009 | Category: Money

Colleen's Words to the Wise:

Unless it's broken, keep your old cell phone - at least until you are eligible for a new one.

I learned this the hard way last week. My cell phone stopped recognizing the charger. (After talking to many people who have had the same problem, I think they actually design phones with this flaw on purpose as a money-making scheme...cynical, me?) I took it to the store for them to have a look and my fear was confirmed, "Yup. It's broken."

After asking what I could do from this point, they told me I'd need a new phone and began looking up my contract history. Turns out my contract isn't due for renewal until July, and therefore I'd have to pay full retail price for a new phone. This did not sit well with me, especially since my broken phone wasn't even a year old, and hadn't been dropped in a toilet or anything that I'd done to my past fully functional phones.

After getting into a bit of a tizz, they told me if I had an old phone that was operational, they could reactivate it for me for a small fee. I moved recently, and while cleaning things out I distinctly remember getting rid of a few old cell phones. I couldn't remember if I had kept one or not, but crossed my fingers and went home to check.

I dug through some still yet to be unpacked boxes (don't judge) and miracle of miracles...I still had an old phone! I went back to the store, had it activated, and am once again in communication with the rest of the world. I do miss my Harry Kalas calling the final out of the 2008 World Series ringtone, but I'll live.

So, save yourself two trips to the cell phone store and your money. Keep an old phone around just in case.

For the really old phones that are ready to get the heave-ho, I know there are charities that collect them for reuse. Do you know of any?

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