Tag: money matters

Money Matters for June

Here is a calendar of events that will help you say on top of your finances this June.

1-30 National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. Celebrate the fresh fruits and vegetables you can get from your local farmers’ markets this month. Save more money and boost your local economy by purchasing produce from farmers’ markets.

1 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins. Avoid experiencing a storm in your financial life. Take a look at your monthly credit card debt. Reduce unnecessary monthly fees and expenses by paying off all those balances.
13 Update your Resume. Spend some time reflecting on your career. Are you accomplishing what you’ve hoped to accomplish? Do you love your work? It’s good to keep your resume updated, just in case you decide to make a career move.
14 Flag Day. Today in the USA we celebrate the creation of our flag, which stands for the unity and independence of our country. Honor your country and community with responsible management of your finances. It’s a great day to open a savings account or add to yours.

15 Estimated 2nd Quarter Taxes Due. For those who are self-employed or have other income to report, now’s the time.
17 Father’s Day. Father’s Day is the perfect day to spend time with your dad. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to ask him for nuggets of wisdom about personal finances today?
20 First Day of Summer. Take advantage of this day to plan a relaxing vacation or weekend getaway. Save up cash so that unnecessary after-vacation credit card bills aren’t part of the memories.
28 Insurance Awareness Day. Today’s the day to look over your insurance plans — auto, home, health, and life. Do you have enough insurance? Protect yourself with judicious insurance planning.
30 Evaluate Your College Savings Plans for Your Kids. Now that this school year’s done, take some time to examine how you’re doing in terms of college savings plans for your children.

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Best Bargains: June

Here are some ideas on how to save money in June.

Summer gets into full swing this month. Check out the June deals at your local grocery stores.

Go ahead and buy some extras while they’re on sale to save some money over the next few months as you partake in summer activities.

Here are some of the items that will be on sale in June:

• Bottled water
• Soda
• Tea bags
• Iced tea mixes
• Frozen treat novelties
• Ice cream

Looking for fresh produce? You’ll also find deals on these delectable fruits and veggies:

• Cantaloupe
• Corn
• Blueberries
• Lettuce
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

On nonfood items, you’ll get some great buys on dishes in June. Later, around Father’s Day, look for sales on tools for Dad.

As summer approaches, you might be thinking more and more about getting into shape. June is a great time to check out your local gyms because they’ll be reducing the cost of their summer memberships this month.

It’s time to get out and explore the local bargains as you celebrate the coming of warmer weather. Save on these food and non-food items to get your summer party started.

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How to Get the Raise You Deserve

Let’s face it, a lot of people are struggling in this economy, especially with gas prices and food prices going higher and no relief in sight. If you have been struggling to make ends meet for some time now, but have not dared bring up the subject of a raise because you are ‘afraid to rock the boat’, it all comes down to a matter of dollars and cents, as well as sense.

What have you done for the company that has SAVED them money, or earned them MORE money?

If you can come up with three specific examples, including a dollar figure for each one, you can certainly justify that you are worth an additional percentage of those savings and/or that extra profit.

If they say no to a raise, suggest that you be allowed to work on a commission basis. They might be reluctant to give a raise because this is a future commitment on their part every week, while a commission costs them nothing if you do not keep delivering the goods.

Don’t live paycheck to paycheck. There are ways to earn more if you do not make an emotional appeal, but one based on hard facts and figures. If they still say no, then start planning to go into business for yourself. After all, if your day job does not appreciate all you have to offer, then start using all of your talents and skills to make YOURSELF more successful.

FURTHER READING

Money Myths That Are Holding You Back From the Life of Your Dreams

Money-Saving Tips for New Moms

Simple Ways to Green Your Home

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Best Bargains: May

Here are some ideas on the best ways to save money in May:

Are you ready for picnics and barbecues? May is the time to eat outdoors. After all, the weather is beautiful and there are all kinds of outdoor activities to take part in.

You’ll find plenty of bargains at the grocery store this month for all those cookouts!

Look for sales on these foods:

• Bottled water
• Carbonated beverages
• Hamburger
• Hot dogs
• Buns for hamburgers and hotdogs
• Chips
• Condiments like mustard, ketchup and relish
• Frozen pies
• Ice cream
• Frozen novelty treats

If you’re after a new refrigerator or vacuum cleaner, May would be the month to replace those 2 items as the prices will be right.

Some summer-related items will also be on sale, like:

• Napkins
• Paper plates
• Disposable cups
• Charcoal
• Charcoal fluid
• Pots and pans for cooking
• Outdoor furniture

Plan to have the best summer you’ve ever had this year.

Stock up on all these foods and nonfood items to last you until fall arrives. You’ll make your dollars go further and have plenty to eat all summer long!

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Make the Most of your Money in May

Here is a calendar of things that can help you focus on your finances this month.

1-31 National Mental Health Month. This month-long observance encourages greater understanding of mental health. Reducing your stress levels helps your mental health, so keep your finances under control so they don’t cause you excess stress.

5 Cinco de Mayo. Although this celebration is a national holiday in Mexico, people in the US also celebrate the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Why not cook up your Mexican feast at home to save a few bucks?
8 National Teachers’ Day. This holiday commemorates the importance of teachers in all of our lives. Talk with your kids about how they want to celebrate their hard-working teachers. Then, assume the financial teacher role and talk with your kids about smartly managing their allowance. Useful money habits are best learned at home.
12 International Nurses Day. Give these wonderful workers the due they deserve. If you’ve got a nurse in your family, give her a savings bond to help her on the road to financial success.

13 Mothers’ Day. Have a special celebration for your mother today. While you’re visiting, talk with her about how her retirement planning is progressing. If she’s already retired, find out some tips about how to prepare for your own retirement.
19 Armed Forces Day. Honor the armed forces today. If you have family members in the armed forces, give a share of stock for their dedication to our country.
22 National Maritime Day. This day is designated to celebrate merchant mariners, who transport cargo and passengers safely in the waters of the US. Why not “transport” an extra $100 to the bank this month in their honor?
28 Memorial Day. This US holiday commemorates all the American women and men that have died serving their country. Why not spend time with those you love today? Enjoy a money-saving picnic in the park with friends and family.

31 World No Tobacco Day. This world holiday encourages people to educate themselves about the health consequences of tobacco use. If you smoke, take time today to figure out how much money you spend in a month for cigarettes. If you don’t smoke, good for you—you’re already saving money!

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