Month: May 2012

Great Wedding Invitations Even on a Budget

When you’re planning a wedding on a budget, you still want everything to be beautiful and chic. Wedding invitations can be pricey, which cuts into the cash you’ve set aside for other items on your bridal shopping list.

Fortunately, with a little creativity, it is possible to send chic wedding invitations to your friends and family, without spending a lot of money on them. Here are some cheap, but still very attractive, wedding invitation ideas you can use.

Make your own cards. Card-making is a very popular hobby and you can buy everything you need at a local craft shop or online. You can buy beautiful card stock and embellishments like ribbons and bows. Your invitations will do justice to your big day, while still keeping expenses low. You can handwrite your special message inside with a calligraphy pen, or silver or gold ink, or ask a friend with lovely handwriting to do that for you.

Free printable invitations. Some websites are even offering free printable wedding invitations. They aren’t that pretty on their own, but if you have a professional printer print them for you on quality paper, and add a pretty embellishment, these can be very chic as well.

Make your own printable invitations. If you have some design talent, or have a friend who does, and access to a design program, you can create your own printable invitations. All you will have is the printing cost when you take them to a professional printer and have them printed on quality card stock. And you will have a card that reflects your personality, and shares your special message. You can even purchase a kit to help you make your own printable wedding invitations.

Use a different printing technique. If you decide to purchase your wedding invitations from a stationery or wedding store instead of making your own, there are still some easy ways to cut down the cost without losing any of the appeal. Engraved wedding invitations are very beautiful but expensive. Instead of having yours engraved, have your invitations printed using a process called thermography. This will give your invitations the same raised look as engraving, but for less money.

The RSVP cards. It’s not only the wedding invitation you’ll be paying for, but the card used to RSVP to your wedding as well. One way to cut back on the expense of the RSVP cards is to use pretty postcards instead.

Shop online. Instead of just shopping in your local stationery shops, remember to shop online as well. You may find some great discounts on quality and chic wedding invitations. If you shop online, make sure you read all the store’s policies, so you aren’t caught off guard by something unexpected.

Shop at discount places. Don’t restrict yourself to shopping at the expensive stationery stores. You might be able to find a great deal on your wedding invitations at a store like Kinko’s or Staples.

Your wedding invitations don’t have to be expensive to be beautiful and chic. By following these suggestions, you will be able to send out the lovely invitations you dreamed of, while keeping your budget in tact.

FURTHER READING:

GREAT WEDDING ACTIVITIES AND GAMES: How to Entertain Your Guests at Your Wedding Reception and Other Wedding-Related Gatherings

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How to Repair Your Credit Without Paying Any Fees

Can you repair your credit without paying? There are actually many no cost things you can do. The truth is that you don’t have to hire an expensive credit counselling firm.

Technically you can do anything they do.

That’s not to say there aren’t certain instances that they are helpful. There are. But you can realistically raise your score and even completely fix your credit without paying a dime.

What are the best methods? Here are three you can implement immediately:

#1) Pay on time

Obviously there’s nothing new in this. Most people want there to be a faster way, but this is one of the quickset methods. Your bad credit is just a result of your past history, and the only way to change that is to build new history.

How do you pay on time?

Cut down on your expenses if you have to. And just pay a little at a time. The most important thing is that you are staying on top of your payments each month.

Some people make the mistake of missing a payment here or there to try and pay off the grand total off their debt. This might seem smart, but in reality it only hurts their credit score. Instead, don’t miss payments and when you can pay a little extra.

#2) File a dispute

To do this, you have to figure out if there are mistakes on your report. Most people don’t check their credit score nearly as much as they should.

Don’t make this mistake.

Missing an error on your report could cost you that loan or mortgage you’ve been wanting.

So how do you file?

Avoid using the forms provided by the bureaus. Instead, follow a sample letter online. They tend to be much more effective.

Just be sure to specify which specific parts of the report you have issue with. Being vague will just drag things out.

Should you have someone else file the dispute for you? No, because it will not be taken seriously. Some people pay others to do this for them, but it’s ineffective and a waste of time and money.

#3) Apply for a new credit card

If you don’t already have one, you need to get one to build up your score again. Many will advise you to just pay cash to avoid getting in debt again.

This is a mistake if you’re looking for long-term credit.

If you ever want to be able to get a reasonable interest rate again, the only way is to proactively raise your score.

But how do you avoid going back in debt?

One very important tip is to never go over half of the total credit you can use. For instance, if you have a two thousand dollar limit on your credit card, stay at or below one grand.

This is a simple way of staying on top of these things and not letting your debt get out of control. And attempt to always pay off your entire bill, not just the minimum.

Credit cards have very high interest rates that are compounded all the time. If you just make the minimum payments, your total debt will rise very quickly.

The most important thing is that you don’t make the same mistakes again. As long as you learn from your past failures, you will raise your score quickly and effectively.

FURTHER READING:

How to Raise Cash Quickly

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Bankruptcy Basics-What You Need to Know

Bankruptcy – Things You Need to Know

Are you considering filing for bankruptcy? Before you do, here are some very important things you must know.

Don’t make the decision rashly.

Make sure you take time to educate yourself about the proceedings. Bankruptcy will impact your credit for ten years down the road, so it’s by no means the “clean beginning” many view it as. And in some instances you still have to pay off your obligations.

Before you decide, you need to figure out what possessions you will be allowed to retain, which ones will be liquidated, etc. In some instances you might even lose your job. You need to factor all this in.

What chapter will you file for?

This is the first thing to think about, and it makes a big difference. Should you be earning higher than the average income of a comparable family in your state, you won’t be allowed to go for chapter seven.

This is where your debts are completely wiped out, and is obviously the one most people would prefer. Your only choice would be to go for chapter thirteen, which is a repayment plan. This is mostly because you have the income to make it work.

In this case you are given a trustee who determines which of your things must be liquidated in order to cover your obligations. In most instances you can retain your residence, but some areas will take this as well.

But you might not have to file.

First you need to think over your money situation long and hard. In many instances there are options. Think about whether you have sufficient cash flow.
If you are only able to make the lowest payment possible, and are constantly using your credit card because you don’t have money available, bankruptcy may be something to consider since sooner or later you are going to run out of credit line.

If things are still relatively manageable, here are three effective alternatives to bankruptcy:

#1) Track your spending

Take a long and hard look at your spending habits. This shows you the primary places where your money is disappearing. This will help you figure out where you need to get it under control.

#2) Get credit counselling.

This sometimes helps you lower your obligations. But these companies will only work with you if you have a certain level of income.

#3) Get a debt consolidation loan

In many instances getting a secured loan against your home is smart, because this will give you the cash flow you need to pay down your credit cards. The risk, of course, is that your home will be repossessed if you can’t make your payments. But if you’re sure you can make the repayments and are committed to it, this may be a smart option to consider.

The bottom line is that bankruptcy should be your last resort if you have no other options. Therefore, leave no stone unturned in your effort to avoid filing for bankruptcy, in order to take control of your financial future.

FURTHER READING:

How to Raise Cash Quickly

How to Earn Extra Income Online

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How to Rebuild Your Credit Quickly

If you are not happy with your credit score, do not just sit there feeling powerless about your financial situation. There are several key steps that you can take to begin restoring your credit.

Many people think they they are stuck with a bad credit score for life, but a few strategic moves on your part could soon have you raising your credit score systematically in order to get that loan you want, the home of your dreams, and more.

1-Pay down debt.

Plan to pay down any debt you have now.

2-Pay on time.
Be sure you always pay on time to avoid penalties, fees and further damage to your credit report.

3-Pay as soon as the bill comes.
Don’t leave it sitting around til the last minute. The sooner you pay, the less interest accruing on the balance.

4-Make an extra payment.
Even $10 extra can help you start to pay down your debt strategically and boost your credit score.

5-Obtain new credit

This is simple but very powerful. In many instances, people who don’t have good credit also do not have a credit card because they lost their privileges of owning one. Some never reapply for one because want to use cash to avoid going back into debt. But the reality is that if you ever want to apply for a loan or necessary credit, it’s important to start rebuilding your credit strategically. Just be sure not to apply too often, as the inquiry on your credit report could actually cause it to go lower.

FURTHER READING:
Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt

How to Save Over $100 on Your Food Bill Every Month

Money Matters Questions: Credit Cards

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How to Apply for New Credit to Help Improve Your Credit Score

What if you’ve applied to card companies in the past but have gotten rejected? There are still things you can do.

One option is to get a secured card. Get one at a bank around you, and preferably the one you do business with. You have the best chance of getting accepted there. Also, focus on cards that are designed only for those with poor credit.

But don’t apply for too many at once.

If you get too many credit inquiries, financial companies will assume you are taking on more debt and will be less likely to work with you. It can also negatively impact your score.

And be cautious.

Just because you get accepted for a card doesn’t mean you should use it. Some of them will do more harm than good.

For instance, many have hidden rates such as very expensive late fees. This is particularly true of the bad credit cards. If you aren’t able to make all your payments, you will soon find yourself up deeply in debt again.

What about prepaid cards?

Don’t use them. They have no impact on your credit score. This is because you are just paying them off upfront, so there is no chance of default.

But remember to pay your bills on time.

There’s no point in getting a new card if you are just going to continue making late payments.

What if you can’t make your payments on time?

Then just spend what you have and no more. And you might have more money than you think. Do you really need that new tool set? What about all those magazine subscriptions? Try to cut back and budget where you can so that you can prioritize reducing your debts.

How long does it take to rebuild your credit?

It depends on your situation. But you didn’t get a bad credit score overnight, and you aren’t going to wipe it out that fast either.

Just make sure your payments are on time every month, and eventually your small efforts will add up. By faithfully paying your bills on time you will see a big difference.

FURTHER READING:

Schedule an Appointment with Yourself for a Financial Checkup

7 Ways to Protect Yourself from a Recession

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Save Money Every Month With Streaming

How Much Can You Save?

$32+ monthly on Your Cable Bills When You Use Online Streaming to Watch Television

Making It Work:

Because of the rapid growth of technology and the growing cable and satellite television costs, it’s wise to take a new look once in a while at how much you’re paying to watch television.

The advent of various internet online streaming companies means more savings for you when it comes to watching TV.

Hulu

One way to watch recent television shows for free currently is accessing the Hulu website. Hulu makes available many recent television episodes for a wide variety of shows in high definition (HD).

It won’t cost you anything to stream Hulu to your computer for viewing. All you have to do is visit the Hulu website and set up an account. It literally takes less than a minute to be watching your favorite television shows for free.

If you prefer to watch Hulu’s many television shows and movies in HD from your Smart TV, smartphone, electronic tablet, or gaming console, for only $7.99 monthly you can order Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus includes “limited advertising,” which is Hulu Plus’s way of keeping down fees.

Netflix

In the event you don’t mind waiting to watch your favorite television shows until the entire season is available, Netflix’s ad-free streaming option also costs $7.99 per month and allows you to stream to internet-ready televisions, some smartphones and some electronic tablets. Netflix also offers many films for streaming, which are also included in the $7.99 monthly fee.

Wouldn’t you rather pay about $8.00 a month to Hulu Plus or Netflix to watch television rather than paying your cable company $40.00 or more monthly for their basic fees?

Use the Station’s Websites

Another way to save money on your cable bill is to watch your favorite television shows on their broadcasting company’s websites for free.

For example, ABC’s website offers several episodes of their most popular shows, which can be viewed right on your computer. The same goes for many networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, and others.

Crackle & TV.com

If you’re not all that choosy about what shows or movies are available to you and whether you watch ads, check out Crackle and TV.com for viewing on your computers, internet-ready televisions, smartphones and electronic tablets. These lesser-known video streaming companies offer limited choices in television shows and movies for free.

Regardless of which online streaming sites you use, you can enjoy big savings every month. Switch from cable or satellite television to these television viewing options to keep more money in your bank account.

FURTHER READING:

7 Ways to Protect Yourself from a Recession

Top Ways to Save An Extra $100 Each Month

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How to Save Money on Your Wedding Photography

Choosing your wedding photographer for your big day is an important decision. These are the photos that will tell the story of your wedding day for years to come. At the same time, you don’t want to pay for these photos for years to come.

The costs of your wedding photos can add up quickly. You will need to pay the photographer a fee for covering your wedding. Then there will be additional charges for your wedding prints and any albums you order. However, quality wedding photos don’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some ideas for saving money on your wedding photography.

Don’t shop for a wedding package. Many photography studios will offer bridal packages that include various prints and albums, and perhaps a CD of digital photos. This may not be the most affordable option for you though. Instead of signing up for a regular wedding package, pick and choose the options you want. You might be able to put together a smaller package that is within your means. You can also tell the photographer your budget and ask what he or she can do for that price. If they understand that cost is a concern, they will probably be willing to work with you instead of losing the sale.

Hold your wedding off-season. Certain seasons and months are always more popular for weddings. By holding your wedding in an off-season, you might be able to score a discount on your photography. Your other wedding purchases might be less expensive then too.

Use digital photography. Look for a photographer who offers digital photography, instead of just traditional photography. This can save you money because you can order a CD of digital photos along with your regular prints. Just order the regular prints you need right now, and order more later when you are able to. You might also decide not to print more and just keep them in a digital format.

Hire the photographer for a shorter session. The more time your photographer spends at your wedding, the more you will be charged. Instead of hiring the photographer for the entire wedding, just have professional coverage of the ceremony. Then ask friends and family to cover the reception for you. That can help decrease your costs significantly.

Hire a student. College students learning photography are eager to cover weddings. Their work may not be professional grade, but it could still be of very good quality. Their prices will be a lot lower as well. For students, weddings are good opportunities to build up their photography portfolio. Another option is to hire someone who moonlights as a photographer.

Your wedding photographs will be displayed and enjoyed for years to come. It is worth your time to choose a photographer you’ll be comfortable with, but it doesn’t need to cost all your savings either. By following these suggestions, you’ll be able to have the wedding photographs you want without going over your budget.

FURTHER READING:

GREAT WEDDING ACTIVITIES AND GAMES: How to Entertain Your Guests at Your Wedding Reception and Other Wedding-Related Gatherings

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