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	<title>Dollar Matters</title>
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	<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com</link>
	<description>because every single cent matters!</description>
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		<title>Tax Debt with a Spouse or Ex-Spouse</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/tax-debt-with-a-spouse-or-ex-spouse/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/tax-debt-with-a-spouse-or-ex-spouse/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 04:42:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=63</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>When filing taxes, those that are married usually include their spouse with their tax return, and many times this is where their problems start. Sometimes these mistakes are not caught until the couple is no longer married which puts more stress onto an already stressed out relationship due to the couple being exes. So what <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/tax-debt-with-a-spouse-or-ex-spouse/">Tax Debt with a Spouse or Ex-Spouse</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When filing taxes, those that are married usually include their spouse with their tax return, and many times this is where their problems start. Sometimes these mistakes are not caught until the couple is no longer married which puts more stress onto an already stressed out relationship due to the couple being exes. So what happens when you are in your eyeballs up to debt because of what your spouse or former spouse did?</p>
<p>There are two main routes in which a person can go. They can plead innocence. However, they should know that when they sign the income tax return and they have filed jointly that they are considered to be a responsible party on the income taxes. Therefore, proving your innocence can be a hard way to go. In order to do this, you must prove that the tax debt that the combination of you and your spouse have earned is entirely the spouses fault. This will have to be proved through banking documents and the like in order to ensure that the spouse is the one that is found guilty. You will have to go under oath stating that you are not to blame for this and if you lie, you could be put into jail for this.</p>
<p>The other option is to file for equitable relief. There are not set guidelines on just who will receive this relief. However, if the person does receive it then they are going to find that they are not going to be held responsible for the tax debt that has accumulated. For example, a spouse that was beaten by her or his spouse will be found not to be in charge of repaying this tax debt due to the situation in which he or she was in. Other situations that have qualified for equitable relief are those in which the tax debt would make it impossible for the person to pay for basic needs that they have to have met.</p>
<p>Overall, when you find that you and your spouse are responsible for the tax debt that you have accumulated, look at all your options to ensure that you are doing the best that you can to lay blame where the blame is deserved.</p>
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		<title>Buying Homes in the UK for Non-Residents</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/buying-homes-in-the-uk-for-non-residents/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/buying-homes-in-the-uk-for-non-residents/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:33:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=60</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>For those that are looking to buy a home in the UK that are not UK residents they are going to be pleasantly surprised to find that they are not going to have to have a credit history with the UK in order to quality for home credit with UK lenders. This is something that <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/buying-homes-in-the-uk-for-non-residents/">Buying Homes in the UK for Non-Residents</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For those that are looking to buy a home in the UK that are not UK residents they are going to be pleasantly surprised to find that they are not going to have to have a credit history with the UK in order to quality for home credit with UK lenders. This is something that has been misunderstood for years, and due to this misunderstanding, there has been many investors that have forgone any type of investment in the UK or they have paid much more in interest since they decided to get a loan from a world wide lender. For those that are wanting to invest in UK home market, they are going to find that there are several things that they need to know before they jump into this in order to fully understand what they are getting themselves into.</p>
<p>Though there is no requirement that the person have UK credit history, the person that does is going to find that the process of getting <a href="http://www.homescredit.co.uk">home credit</a> is much easier in the long run since they are more than likely considered a UK resident on a full or part time basis. However, for those that may have been living in the UK for the past three years are going to find it even easier to get a home loan for the area, even if they are not considered residents of the area.</p>
<p>Secondly, the person needs to realize that when they apply for these home credits and they are not a resident or have a UK credit history that they are going to be able to buy residential property or build their own home on a piece of land. There are no restrictions for most people that do this, unless there is something that is not right in their history or so forth. Those that are interested in this type of transaction then they should start checking around now in order to allow themselves plenty of time to find the home credit that is going to work for them and giving them the best deal. This also allows for them to get all the paper work in order to make the transaction run smoothly.</p>
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		<title>Can I Stick to My Financial Plans and Goals?</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/can-i-stick-to-my-financial-plans-and-goals/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/can-i-stick-to-my-financial-plans-and-goals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 06:53:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=56</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Having a financial plan and setting goals for yourself can be one of the best ways to take control of your spending, but it is important to realize that sticking to your plans will take much more effort than drawing them up. There are many reasons why you may decide to come up with a <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/can-i-stick-to-my-financial-plans-and-goals/">Can I Stick to My Financial Plans and Goals?</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Having a financial plan and setting goals for yourself can be one of the best ways to take control of your spending, but it is important to realize that sticking to your plans will take much more effort than drawing them up. There are many reasons why you may decide to come up with a financial plan. You may want to save towards a specific goal, such as a deposit for a new house. You may need to find a way to cut back on your spending in order to avoid exceeding your income, or you may need to find a way to keep up with your debt repayments. Another possibility is that you simply want to create a plan in order to stay in control of your finances. </p>
<p>Whatever your reasons for making a financial plan or setting goals for yourself, it is important to be as realistic as possible. There are two reasons why a plan may fail. First, it could be because you are not working hard enough to stick to it, but secondly, it may be because you have set yourself an impossible task. </p>
<p>You will need to be strict with yourself in order to stick to your budget, but you will find it easier if you create a plan that allows some flexibility and which allows you to spend money on a few little luxuries. It can also help if you have an exciting goal to motivate you, such as saving for some dream item. As long as you keep this goal in mind, you will find it easier to stick to your plan. </p>
<p>Your financial plan should allow you some leeway, if possible. Try to set aside a certain amount in your budget that can be spent on unexpected items, or saved if you find nothing to spend it on. It can also help to take out a certain amount of cash each month for miscellaneous spending. You can then use this money to buy the occasional small item without having to worry about recording the costs of every little thing. You should also remember that if you overspend a little this month, you can always make up for it next month, although this is not a good pattern to get into. If you make a mistake, however, you shouldn&#8217;t just give up. </p>
<p>In order to stick to your financial plan, you will need to keep track of what you are spending. You should make sure you know what you are spending each month and you should make every effort to avoid overspending. If you find this difficult, then you could try leaving your credit cards at home when you go out, finding a new, low cost hobby or occupation to distract you, or making sure that you pause to think before you make a purchase. </p>
<p>You should regularly reevaluate your financial plans and goals in order to check how well you are sticking to them. You may find that your income or your expenses have changed, so this will be a chance to incorporate the changes into your plan. You may also find that you have not been able to stick to your plans. There are two reasons why this may be so. You could simply have been unable to control your own spending. Alternatively, your plan may not have been realistic and you may need to make changes to the plan.</p>
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		<title>Are Debts Insurmountable?</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/are-debts-insurmountable/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/are-debts-insurmountable/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 06:52:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=54</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Debts can accumulate so quickly that stopping their growth can seem impossible, particularly because the speed at which they are growing will increase as they become larger and the interest charges grow. However, large your debts have grown, it is important to realize that there are ways in which you can deal with them, even <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/are-debts-insurmountable/">Are Debts Insurmountable?</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Debts can accumulate so quickly that stopping their growth can seem impossible, particularly because the speed at which they are growing will increase as they become larger and the interest charges grow. However, large your debts have grown, it is important to realize that there are ways in which you can deal with them, even if it means filing for bankruptcy. Eventually, you will be forced to face up to your debts, usually by your creditors. It will be best if you can find a way to manage your debts before this happens, but if you have already experienced difficulties making your repayments then it is still possible to find a means of debt elimination. </p>
<p>If find that the most important thing you can do for your finances is to pay close attention to them. As long as you are living in denial, your debts will continue to grow and you will be unable to find a way to clear them. Only when you know where you stand can you seek a solution to your debt problems, and there will always be a way to cope, even if it means bankruptcy. </p>
<p>The easiest means of debt elimination is to find a way to continue making your debt repayments, or even to increase the amount that you pay off each month. You may be able to increase your income or reduce your other outgoings in order to find a way to repay your debts. The key to coping with your debts is to find a way to balance your debt repayments, your outgoings and your income. </p>
<p>You should try to work out a repayment schedule that will allow you to clear your debts as quickly as possible. Your schedule should determine how much you need to pay each month and the order in which you will pay off your creditors. You will need to continue making all of your minimum monthly repayments, but you should try to repay more than this if possible. You should repay your most expensive debts first, as these are the ones that are costing you the most to keep. Debts that have high running costs or high interest rates should be your priority for repayment. </p>
<p>If you are unsure how to manage your debts by yourself then you may want to seek professional financial advice. Sometimes taking to a qualified debt counselor can help you to find a way out of debt that you were unable to see for yourself. Debt counselors may also be able to suggest debt relief plans that can help you to cope with debts that are particularly large or difficult to handle. </p>
<p>The two main types of debt relief programs are debt consolidation and debt negotiation. Debt consolidation will replace your current, high interest unsecured debts with a single low interest loan that will be easier to repay. Debt negotiation will attempt to get your creditors to agree to a change in the terms of your debt or the amount that you owe. </p>
<p>If you are unable to find a way to cope with your debts through debt relief plans then you may still be able to find a way to free yourself from debt. Bankruptcy is an extreme option, but in some cases, it may be the best way to cope with debts.</p>
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		<title>Ways To Improve Chances Of Getting A Higher Credit Limit</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/ways-to-improve-chances-of-getting-a-higher-credit-limit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/ways-to-improve-chances-of-getting-a-higher-credit-limit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:46:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=50</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Your credit limit determines how much you will be allowed to borrow. It is important to have a credit limit that is large enough to provide you with enough money for your needs. If you try to borrow more than your approved credit limit, you will be penalized.</p> <p>The initial credit limit that you will <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/ways-to-improve-chances-of-getting-a-higher-credit-limit/">Ways To Improve Chances Of Getting A Higher Credit Limit</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your credit limit determines how much you will be allowed to borrow. It is important to have a credit limit that is large enough to provide you with enough money for your needs. If you try to borrow more than your approved credit limit, you will be penalized.</p>
<p>The initial credit limit that you will be offered when you apply for credit will be determined by how much of a risk the lender considers you to be. It will determine this based on your earnings and your credit history. In order to ensure that you are <a href="http://creditcardtal.co.uk/how-to-improve-your-chances-of-getting-a-higher-credit-limit/">offered a high credit limit</a>, it is important to check that you have a good credit history or credit score before you apply for credit. You can check your own credit rating and ask for any inaccurate information to be removed from it. You can also work to improve your credit rating by being a good borrower. A good credit history will show that you can be relied upon to make your debt repayments on time. It is a good idea to keep your credit history looking as good as possible at all times, but it is particularly important when you are applying for more credit.</p>
<p>You can improve your credit rating by keeping up-to-date with all debt repayments and avoiding taking out debts that are too large for you to repay. You can also increase the chances that you will be offered a higher credit limit by clearing or reducing some or all of your existing debts. You can also improve your credit score by closing unused accounts and old credit cards.</p>
<p>Once your application has been accepted and you have been using your credit card for some time, your credit limit may be increased. Your creditor may offer to increase it for you, and they are likely to do so if you have held the card for some time, but it is also possible to write to your creditor and ask them to increase your credit limit.</p>
<p>In order to increase the chances of your credit card provider or bank raising your credit limit, you should make sure that you use your credit card wisely. This will prove that you are a reliable and trustworthy borrower who will be able to handle a larger credit limit. You should make sure that you make all the required repayments on time and that you avoid incurring any penalty fees. Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions that apply to your credit card and that you stick to them carefully.</p>
<p>Some people believe that you should use your credit card as little as possible and repay everything that you owe every month when you are hoping to be offered a higher credit limit. Other people believe that the best way to ensure you will be offered a higher credit limit is to keep spending up to your credit limit and to avoid paying the entire debt off each month, as the bank will be happy to profit from the interest you are required to pay. Neither method is a sure way of getting your creditor to raise your credit limit, however. As long as you use your credit card regularly and make the necessary repayments, your creditor will be willing to offer you a higher credit limit.</p>
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		<title>Creating A Budget</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/creating-a-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/creating-a-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:04:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=48</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Spending an afternoon creating a budget may seem like a tedious waste of time, but it can actually be one of the most practical ways to take control of your own finances. Until you know exactly how much you are spending it is very difficult to avoid getting into unmanageable debt.</p> <p>You can create your <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/creating-a-budget/">Creating A Budget</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Spending an afternoon creating a budget may seem like a tedious waste of time, but it can actually be one of the most practical ways to take control of your own finances. Until you know exactly how much you are spending it is very difficult to avoid getting into unmanageable debt.</p>
<p>You can create your budget on paper, or use a spreadsheet or specially designed budgeting software. Either way, your budget will simply be a list of your planned monthly income and expenditure.</p>
<p>The first step in creating a budget is to gather all of your financial records and information together. You will use these to identify your current spending patterns and income and work out how much you can afford to spend in the future.</p>
<p>You will find that some of your expenses are fixed and cost you the same amount every month, while others are variable. As you create your budget, you should estimate how much you spend on variable expenses and include them as a range rather than a single figure.</p>
<p>Make sure that you include all of your sources of income and all of your expenses in the budget, including any debts that need to be repaid. If you are unsure how much you usually spend on a particular item then you should estimate it or spend a month or two keeping closer track of your spending.</p>
<p>Once you know how much money you have available and how much you are spending, you will be able to make any adjustments and come up with a plan for the future. Look for any savings that you can make in order to reduce your expenditure. You should try to live within your income. Ideally, you should aim to save a proportion of what you earn, although if you have debts to pay off as well as your other expenses, this may not be possible.</p>
<p>If you want your budget to work well then it is essential to continue working hard even after you have created your budget. You will need to keep track of what you are spending in order to ensure that you stick to your budget. You will also need to adjust your budget if you experience any changes in income or in the amount you need to spend, for example if you get a promotion or you move house.</p>
<p>You should carefully record how much you spend, making sure to note down any money that you withdraw from an ATM or charges that you place on your credit card. You should also take the time to regularly balance your checkbook.</p>
<p>You will need to be very strict with yourself in order to ensure that you stick to your budget, but as long as you do so, you will be able to pay off your debts and avoid incurring any new ones.</p>
<p>If you find it too difficult to organize your own finances, then you may want to seek help and advice from a qualified debt counselor. Many companies that provide debt relief plans can also help you to come up with a budget as part of their services.</p>
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		<title>Wise Ways To Borrow Money</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/wise-ways-to-borrow-money/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/wise-ways-to-borrow-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 03:46:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[borrowings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=45</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It would be wonderful never to need to borrow money, but borrowing is usually necessary when you want to make a big purchase such as a house or a new car. Borrowing can also be a useful way to pay bills that come in just before your monthly paycheck. It is easy for debts to <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/wise-ways-to-borrow-money/">Wise Ways To Borrow Money</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It would be wonderful never to need to borrow money, but borrowing is usually necessary when you want to make a big purchase such as a house or a new car. Borrowing can also be a useful way to pay bills that come in just before your monthly paycheck. It is easy for debts to grow out of control, unless you are very careful about how much you borrow and from whom you borrow it, but wisely borrowed money can be useful and convenient, and it is possible to use borrowed money without ending up in financial difficulties. </p>
<p>There are many different ways to borrow money. Credit cards and agreed overdrafts can be very convenient, particularly for short-term borrowing, but the interest rates are usually high. Loans can be a better option for longer term borrowing as the interest rate will usually be lower, particularly if you take out a secured loan. If you do use any of your assets as security, however, you should be aware that you may lose it if you have difficulty repaying what you owe. </p>
<p>It is important to consider carefully all of the terms and conditions and the costs involved in borrowing before you get into debt and to shop around to make sure you get the best deal. </p>
<p>You should find out about the fees and the interest rates, and work out how you will repay the debt. You should come up with a budget that will allow you to repay the debt before you borrow any money. This will help you to ensure that you do not struggle with the debt repayments. It is easy to rely on the lender to decide whether or not you should be allowed to borrow from them, but it is much better to make the decision from yourself. You are the only one who really knows whether you will be able to manage the debt repayments. </p>
<p>Once you have been lent money, you should make sure that you stick to your planned repayment schedule. You will incur penalties if you do not make your repayments on time, so make sure that you repay at least the minimum monthly requirement. If possible, you should try to repay more than this, however, as it will eliminate your debts quicker and reduce the amount of interest that you are charged. </p>
<p>If you already owe money, and you are unable to find a way of reducing debts by yourself, then you should take advantage of the many debt relief programs that are available. Options include debt consolidation, which can replace your unsecured debts with a single loan with a lower interest rate, and debt negotiation that may be able to reduce the size of your debt or convince your creditors to agree to new terms. </p>
<p>You may also want to seek debt counseling in order to learn how to create a budget and find a way of coping with debt. Debt counseling can help you to find the best ways of reducing debts and it can also teach you useful skills such as budgeting in order to ensure that you do not end up in the same position again.</p>
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		<title>What Should I Do With My Savings?</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-savings/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-savings/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:57:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[saving money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>One of my most important financial goals is my aim to save approximately 10 percent of my income. This is not always possible, and sometimes I end up saving much less than this, or even borrowing money rather than saving, but I always try to make up for this by saving a little, but extra <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-savings/">What Should I Do With My Savings?</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of my most important financial goals is my aim to save approximately 10 percent of my income. This is not always possible, and sometimes I end up saving much less than this, or even borrowing money rather than saving, but I always try to make up for this by saving a little, but extra once I can. Your savings are an important safety net. In an emergency, they could make a huge difference to your life and your finances. If you suddenly have to pay medical bills, for example, or cope with the loss of your job or an unexpected new addition to the family, then some extra money will be a lifesaver. </p>
<p>Paying off your debts should be your priority. In most cases, your debts will be growing faster than your savings will be able to, so you will actually be losing out if you try to save while you are still paying off your debts. There are some exceptions to this, however. If you can make more money from your savings and investments than you are paying as interest on your debts, then saving can be a good idea. It can also be sensible to start saving money in a pension or retirement plan, even if you have debts. </p>
<p>If you are ready to start saving, then you have many different options from which to choose. A savings account is one of the most convenient ways to save. It can be linked to your checking account, and the money in your savings account is safe. The interest rates are usually low, however, so they will not generate a high return. If you can take out a tax free savings account, then you should take advantage of opportunity to save your money without paying taxes on it. </p>
<p>There are many other forms of retirement, which have various different risks and returns. A fixed rate bond, for example, will provide a set return over a specified period, at no risk to your investment. Stocks and shares, on the other hand, are very risky. They can produce high returns, but you could also lose your investment. </p>
<p>Retirement plans are another option. They are relatively safe, although it depends on the type of retirement plan that you choose. Putting your money into a retirement plan will provide you with financial security for the future, and if you are able to participate in a plan such as the 401k, you also save on tax. Your employer may also match your contributions into the plan, doubling your savings. </p>
<p>Another good option is to invest in property. The value of your property may fall, but it is still usually better to pay a mortgage than to pay rent, if you intend to live in the same area for the foreseeable future. You will end up owning the property in the end. </p>
<p>Other, more unusual savings options are also available. You might choose to invest in gold, for example. This is a stable form of investment. If you want to take a bigger risk, you could try buying art or antiques, although it is difficult to predict their future value accurately. </p>
<p>Saving money is always a good idea. You should try to save regularly if you can, although eliminating your debts may be more important. When choosing where to place your savings, you should avoid options that have high running costs. You should also spread your savings out between a number of different savings options with different levels of risk and return. Low risk savings will provide you with security, while higher risk ones may generate some higher returns.</p>
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		<title>Effectively Managing Your Budget At Home</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/effectively-managing-your-budget-at-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/effectively-managing-your-budget-at-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deficit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[income]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spending]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=40</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>To be able to budget your finances at home effectively, you must know exactly how much income and spending you have month after month. First, you have to get your net income, in other words your gross income less tax and other deductions. This is also known as your take home pay or pay check. <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/effectively-managing-your-budget-at-home/">Effectively Managing Your Budget At Home</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To be able to <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com">budget your finances at home effectively</a>, you must know exactly how much income and spending you have month after month.  First, you have to get your net income, in other words your gross income less tax and other deductions.  This is also known as your take home pay or pay check.  If you do not have a fixed salary or if your do not have a regular income, you simply have to get your average income for at least one quarter.</p>
<p>The second step is to jot down all your fixed expenses each month like your utility bills, rental expense, mortgage loan, car loan and so on.  The bills that are paid quarterly, semi-annually and annually should also be included on your list.</p>
<p>After identifying your income and fixed expenses, set aside the amount that you were able to compute; the remaining money will then be used for your other household and personal expenses, or also known as variable expenses.  List down again everything you need together with their respective prices.</p>
<p>When making a list, it is recommended that you break your categories into sub-categories for a more a more detailed and precise budget.  By categorizing, you will be able to pinpoint which category you are spending the most and where you should set a limit for your spending.</p>
<p>Once you are finished totalling your income and your fixed and variable expenses for the month, you shall now see how much you are going to save or how much your deficit will be.  When you find out that your income will not be sufficient for the month, you can make some adjustments on your variable expenses and tighten your spending a bit.  This is one benefit of budgeting.</p>
<p>By having a list of all your expenses, you are also teaching yourself and even the other members of your family of thriftiness.  Before I forget, you should also include in your fixed expenses a personal savings of at least five percent of your take home pay.  It is just right that you save something for yourself, isn’t it?</p>
<p>It is not easy to budget, and most moms will surely agree with me.  But this is the best thing to do if you want everything to be organized at home.  This is also one way of imploring on yourself self-control since you will only be spending for what your money can afford to buy.</p>
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		<title>How To Find The Best Bargain Deals</title>
		<link>http://www.dollarmatters.com/how-to-find-the-best-bargain-deals/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dollarmatters.com/how-to-find-the-best-bargain-deals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:45:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Craig Stephens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bargains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[frugal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spending]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dollarmatters.com/?p=38</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Do you like to find things that are worth your every penny? Or, do you like to save money for your future? Then, you should learn how to look for great bargain deals. </p> <p>You may be wondering how other people in your neighbourhood manage to purchase tons of food when in fact you almost <span style="color:#777"> . . . &#8594; Read More: <a href="http://www.dollarmatters.com/how-to-find-the-best-bargain-deals/">How To Find The Best Bargain Deals</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you like to find things that are worth your every penny?  Or, do you like to save money for your future?  Then, you should learn how to look for great bargain deals.  </p>
<p>You may be wondering how other people in your neighbourhood manage to purchase tons of food when in fact you almost have similar income.  You may also achieve this kind of lifestyle if you have an opportunistic behavior.   For instance, buy fruits that are in season because not only they are in best quality, but they are also cheaper.  This would mean that you have to ignore fruits that are not in season if you want the best value for your money.</p>
<p>This is not like you are depriving yourself from eating what you want, but it is waiting for the proper timing.  Month after month, cheaper foods will definitely be circulating in the market, and that’s what you have to take advantage of.  </p>
<p>If you have an opportunistic behavior, you will enjoy having enough stocks in your home and a good amount of savings in your pocket.  These are the main advantages of getting bargain products and this does not actually only apply on foods.<br />
You can also make use of your opportunistic behavior when having a vacation either locally or internationally.  Visit places during off peak seasons for the airfare tickets are at the lowest.  In addition, hotel accommodations are also offered at discounted rates.  When you are touring around the place, you can ride on a train or a bus rather than on a taxi.  </p>
<p>When buying clothes, it is always practical to find items that are on sale.  There are even those that you can get with a 70% price cut.  This is also true when you want a pair of shoes, blankets, furniture, bags, etc.         </p>
<p>You save more and buy more when you eye for bargain items.  Do you know that many millionaires also go for second hand cars?  They do not always buy brand new cars even if they have the resources.  Practicality is one of their secrets why they are so successful.  </p>
<p>Going for bargain items will make the most of the value of your money.  Money is not easy to earn that is why you need to maximize what you can get out of it.  If you have good options, choose the cheaper one.  If you adopt the opportunist behavior, you will surely have to live like the people in your neighborhood.</p>
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