Financial Guidance

From savings accounts to credit cards, finances can get complicated. Simplify your life and your money with expert financial guidance for all your banking needs.

Get your finances in order and feel secure in your savings with these finance tips.

Financial Guidance-Promocodes.com

<p>Are you earning credit card rewards? If not, now may be the perfect time to sign up for a rewards credit card.</p>
<p>Not all credit cards are created equal, and today, many credit cards are available that make it easy to earn rewards based on everyday purchases. Now, let's take a look at five of the best credit cards for rewards:</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/26550343966_28fd879fb1_n.jpg" alt="" width="405" height="227" /></p>
<h2><strong>1.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Chase Freedom</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://creditcards.chase.com/cash-back-credit-cards/freedom" target="_blank">Chase Freedom</a> is a top choice for credit card holders who prioritize rewards, and perhaps it is easy to understand why. This credit card enables you to score a $150 bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months after you open your account. Plus, Chase Freedom provides 5% cash back up to $1,500 in combined purchases in various bonus categories that you select. For all other purchases, Chase Freedom allows you to earn unlimited 1% cash back too.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/8499096568_ef4c269cfb_n.jpg" alt="" width="371" height="371" /></p>
<h2><strong>2. Discover it</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.discovercard.com/application/displayLanding?pageFileId=double-listingsite&amp;sc=KXH8&amp;cmpgnid=ls-dca-cj-consumer-it-KXH8-dtop-980&amp;aid=13216092&amp;pid=3842381&amp;sid=7a01a3ceab764ca898734377afe33da6">Discover it</a> offers 5% cash back on purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and anywhere else. Additionally, Discover it automatically matches all the cash back you earn dollar for dollar at the end of your first year. Discover it cash back rewards never expire, either. This means you'll never have to worry about missing out on opportunities to earn cash back any time you use your Discover it card.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/16292865031_d359cb2ff0_b.jpg" alt="" width="469" height="321" /></p>
<h2><strong>3. Citi Double Cash</strong></h2>
<p>Want a credit card that enables you to double your cash back rewards? <a href="https://citicards.citi.com/usc/doublecash/2018/Feb/cashback/External/default.htm?BTData=FRH.B.gAB6f.J.BtN.MX4m.OUg.kZg.BJ.wDh.Bj.Cd.Gy.E&amp;app=UNSOL&amp;sc=4T5ZVDS8&amp;m=1CJ4111111W&amp;B=M&amp;ID=3000&amp;uc=GXF&amp;t=t&amp;cmp=AFA~01~120201~CARDSACQ~NerdWallet&amp;aff_placement" target="_blank">Citi Double Cash</a> may be the perfect choice for you. With Citi Double Cash, you'll earn 1% cash back on purchases and 1% cash back as you pay for those purchases. Citi Double Cash also has no cap on the total amount of cash back that you earn. Therefore, the more Citi Double Cash purchases you make, the more you'll earn in cash back rewards. And as you pay off these purchases, you'll earn cash back rewards as well.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/blue-cash-preferred.png" alt="" width="443" height="281" /></p>
<h2><strong>4. Blue Cash Preferred</strong></h2>
<p>If you want to save money on groceries and gas, you may want to sign up for <a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/blue-cash-preferred/?eep=26129&amp;extlink=af-us-ccsg-BCPLM&amp;irgwc=1&amp;veid=wm5yBU34YTOd1-K0iL1X:X1nUkjwIXRUETw8Ug0&amp;affid=1193684&amp;pid=IR&amp;affname=NerdWallet,%20Inc&amp;sid=14011830016&amp;pmc=796&amp;BUID=CCG&amp;CRTV=" target="_blank">Blue Cash Preferred</a>. This credit card delivers 6% cash back on all purchases at U.S. supermarkets, as well as 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations. Blue Cash Preferred even provides cardholders with a $200 statement credit if they purchase $1,000 on their card within the first three months of enrollment.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/capitalone.jpg" alt="" width="525" height="307" /></p>
<h2><strong>5. Capital One Venture</strong></h2>
<p>In terms of credit cards for travel rewards, there may be no better choice than <a href="https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/?irgwc=1&amp;external_id=IRAFF_ZZce293c61587c41c29a64c5685cb78e40_USCIR_K170911_A344893L_C18b13885Nb9c2750876c9bb35feae318_S" target="_blank">Capital One Venture</a>. This credit card allows you to earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Meanwhile, you can use Capital One Venture points toward hotels, rental cars, flights and other travel costs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The aforementioned credit cards represent the best of the best for those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. Take a look at each of these credit cards, and you're sure to find one that matches your expectations.</p>

5 Best Credit Cards for Rewards

Not all credit cards are created equally, some are better for rewards and benefit your shopping habits like our top 5 credit cards with the best rewards to sign up for now

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<p>The United States House of Representatives and Senate approved the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1" target="_blank">Tax Cuts and Jobs Act</a> (TCJA) in December 2017. This legislation will affect both individuals and businesses in the foreseeable future. And for those who fail to plan accordingly, they risk costly, time-consuming tax errors. Perhaps even worse, those who fail to comply with TCJA risk penalties.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it is beneficial to learn about TCJA and what it means to you. To better understand TCJA, let's take a look at five of the law's key provisions.</p>
<h2><strong>1. Individual Income Tax Rates</strong></h2>
<p>Seven individual income tax brackets remain intact under TCJA. However, the act has changed tax rates and thresholds. The IRS now <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-16-55.pdf" target="_blank">provides updated tax brackets under TCJA</a>, and these brackets will take effect for the 2018 tax year and stay in place until 2025. At that time, the tax brackets will no longer apply unless Congress takes further action.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Standard Deduction</strong></h2>
<p>Many people are all too familiar with the standard deduction, i.e. an amount that can be deducted from a person's income before his or her tax liability is calculated. In the 2017 tax year, the standard deduction was $12,700 for married couples filing jointly, $6,350 for single taxpayers and $9,350 for heads of households. Going forward, the standard deduction increases to $24,000 for married couples filing jointly, $12,000 for single taxpayers and $18,000 for heads of households. The increased standard deduction will remain intact until 2025.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Personal Exemption</strong></h2>
<p>A personal exemption refers to the amount that you can deduct from your income based on each taxpayer and most dependents claimed on your return. Taxpayers previously were entitled to a personal exemption of $4,050 per person. Now, the personal exemption has been eliminated until 2025.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>4. Child Tax Credit</strong></h2>
<p>A child tax credit once enabled married couples filing jointly who earned less than $110,000 annually to receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each child under the age of 17. Under TCJA, the child tax credit increases to $2,000 per child. Additionally, the first $1,400 of this total is refundable; this means you can use the credit to lower your tax liability below zero and still be eligible to receive a tax refund. The child tax credit also has increased to $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. Meanwhile, the expanded child tax credit will remain in effect until 2025.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Mortgage Deduction</strong></h2>
<p>In the past, mortgage holders could deduct interest on mortgage debt up to $1.1 million. With TCJA, the mortgage deductible limit falls to $750,000 for new debt incurred after Dec. 31, 2017. Furthermore, homeowners cannot claim a deduction for any existing or new interest on home equity debt starting Jan. 1, 2018. The TCJA's mortgage deduction changes will expire after 2025.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Spend some time studying TCJA and learning about all aspects of the law &ndash; you'll be glad you did. If you understand how TCJA will affect your taxes, you can find ways to maximize your tax deductions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Everything You Need to Know About President Trump's Tax Changes

Getting your taxes together to file for 2018 but not quite sure how Trump's tax changes affect you? here is your guide to the 2018 tax changes 

Trumps Tax changes, 2018 tax season, Trumps tax changes 2018 

How Your Horoscope Will Effect Your Finances this April

Ever wonder what your Horoscope has to do with your finances? Well we have the answers. Plan your financial future in accordance with your Zodiac this April

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<p>Student debt is at an all-time high in America right now; more people than ever are applying for <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/student-loans" target="_blank">student loans</a> to further their <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/books-and-education" target="_blank">education.</a> Depending on your situation, student loans can be a great way to go to an otherwise unaffordable university, but the challenge of paying them off can be overwhelming as well. Here are a few things you should consider when contemplating how to <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/finance-tools" target="_blank">pay off your debt</a>.</p>
<h2>Check your grace periods</h2>
<p>In a lot of cases, you don&rsquo;t have to start repayment immediately after you graduate. For a lot of federal loans, <a href="https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand#grace-period" target="_blank">repayment doesn&rsquo;t start until six months </a>after you leave school. If you&rsquo;ve taken out personal loans with private institutions as well, like Wells Fargo or Discover, check with them to see if they also offer grace periods.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-289740 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2>Deferment or forbearance</h2>
<p>In an ideal world, people would be able to pay off their loans with ease, but of course, the world isn&rsquo;t always ideal. If you find yourself in a situation where that next monthly payment just isn&rsquo;t possible, you may qualify for <a href="https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance" target="_blank">deferment or forbearance</a>. During deferment, you aren&rsquo;t responsible for paying any interest that accrues; during forbearance, you are responsible for that interest. In both cases, you don&rsquo;t have to make the main monthly payment. Check with your loan provider to see if you qualify and what your next steps should be.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Consolidation</h2>
<p>If you have multiple loans, keeping track of the payment amounts, interest rates, and due dates can get overwhelming. In this case, the right path for you might be <a href="https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/consolidation" target="_blank">loan consolidation</a>, which is just what it sounds like. You can bundle all your loans into one, streamlining everything into one payment on one day. Plus, depending on who you consolidate with, sometimes you even get a better interest rate than what you had initially. Check out companies like <a href="https://www.sofi.com/student-loan-consolidation/?campaign=MRKT_SEM_SLR%7CGG%7CNonBrand%7CDesktop%7CAll%7CState-CA%7CStudent-Loan-Consolidation%7CCore%7CExact_e_g_c_251413454142_student%20loan%20consolidation&amp;utm_source=MRKT_ADWORDS&amp;utm_medium=SEM&amp;utm_campaign=MRKT_SEM_SLR%7CGG%7CNonBrand%7CDesktop%7CAll%7CState-CA%7CStudent-Loan-Consolidation%7CCore%7CExact_e_g_c_251413454142_student%20loan%20consolidation&amp;utm_content=a879cc3c-93d5-4c97-aa03-25252b48f61e&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkKPVBRDtARIsAA2CG6Edp1OoVhQBJrSz-q6qvmc0sfy9v_VVTjlJlAHUeoZsgugOwpMAvosaAtKVEALw_wcB">SoFi </a>to see if you qualify.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-256520 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="423" /></p>
<h2>Repayment Plans</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re able to make a payment each month but need to adjust the amount, it might make sense for you to look into <a href="https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand/plans" target="_blank">repayment plans</a>, which adjust your amount each month to fit your needs better. Keep in mind that if you lower your monthly payment, the overall time it will take to pay off the loan will increase, so do your homework to make sure this is the right path for you.</p>
<h2>Pay off more each month</h2>
<p>If you are in a position to do, paying off more than the required monthly payment can make a big difference in the long run. It may help with how much interest you accrue and how long it takes to repay the loan overall. You also might be able to change your monthly payment due date, so that it can fit better with your pay schedule. Check with your loan provider to see if that&rsquo;s a possibility for you.</p>

5 Things To Consider When Going Through Student Loan Repayment 

Going into student loan repayment and not quite sure what to do? Consider these 5 things when you are about to go into repayment so you can find the best options 

Things to Consider with student loans, student loan repayment, paying student loans

<p>Those who are financially savvy will understand the importance of having an excellent credit rating. Having a good credit rating shows potential lenders that you are likely to pay back loans on time, so you will have more options regarding the kind of loans you can access.</p>
<p>Many things can lower - or boost - <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/credit-reports-and-scores" target="_blank">your credit score</a>. Certain factors, such as frequently missing bill payments and being declared bankrupt, can reduce your credit score. Not sure what your score is? Well, it is time to find out! Check your current credit score and keep track with tools like&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2036218-12336146-1445281768000?sid=SMA-homepageurl" target="_blank">Credit Sesame</a> where you can get updates and alerts on your current score.</p>
<p>If you have a low&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/credit-sesame-coupons" target="_blank">credit score</a>, then that can be a massive hindrance in many ways. Here are some of the ways having a low credit score affects your finances.</p>
<h2><strong>High-interest rates</strong></h2>
<p>Some lenders may approve you for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/loans" target="_blank">loan</a> even if you have a bad credit score, but they&rsquo;ll charge you high-interest rates, in comparison to those who have better credit scores. This means that you&rsquo;ll pay more money back over time and the more you borrow, the more you&rsquo;ll pay in interest. This is quite frustrating, especially if you want to pay off your loan as soon as possible.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-862730.jpeg" alt="bank stamping" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Bank application rejection</strong></h2>
<p>As having a low credit score deems you a &lsquo;risk&rsquo; to <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/loans" target="_blank">lenders</a>, some lenders will outright refuse to lend to you so your application will be denied. This can be a setback for some who need to borrow money for important matters.</p>
<h2><strong>Security deposit on utilities</strong></h2>
<p>Utility companies - such as electricity, gas, water, etc - check your credit score and if your credit score is poor, then they will request that you pay a security deposit upfront.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/medical-appointment-doctor-healthcare-40568 (2).jpeg" alt="medical chart" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Higher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/insurance" target="_blank">insurance</a> premium</strong></h2>
<p>Insurance companies look at prospective applicants&rsquo; credit scores. The lower the credit score, the higher the insurance premium because insurance companies believe that a lower credit score correlates with higher claims filed.</p>
<h2><strong>Denied&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/career-services" target="_blank">employment</a></strong></h2>
<p>Some jobs - especially ones in the finance sector - check candidates&rsquo; credit scores before proceeding with the next stages of the application process. If your credit score is low, then you would be rejected from the job role.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-50614.jpeg" alt="smart phone in hand" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>You might struggle to get a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/cell-phones-and-accessories" target="_blank">cell phone contract</a></strong></h2>
<p>If you want to buy a phone on a contract instead of pay as you go, then you will have your credit score checked because phone companies need to be sure that you will be reliable and able to pay your monthly bills. A low credit score means that that you&rsquo;ll have to pay upfront or not have a contract at all.</p>
<h2><strong>Issues&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/small-business" target="_blank">starting your own business</a></strong></h2>
<p>Depending on the type of business you intend to run, you may require startup loans but if your credit score is low then it&rsquo;s highly unlikely that you will be approved for a loan, even if you have a stellar business plan and data projecting financial success.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-63705 (1).jpeg" alt="VW beetle car" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Difficulty <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/car-buying-comparisons" target="_blank">buying a car</a></strong></h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to purchase a car on finance, then you&rsquo;ll probably have difficulty doing this if you&rsquo;ve got low credit. Chances are, bad credit will mean that you&rsquo;ll be rejected for a car loan, or you&rsquo;ll be approved for a car loan with a very high-interest rate.</p>
<h2><strong>Property rejection</strong></h2>
<p>If you want to buy a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/home-and-garden" target="_blank">property</a> in future, then it&rsquo;s imperative that your credit score is excellent, otherwise, you could find yourself rejected for a mortgage. The same applies to renting a home or apartment. If you&rsquo;re looking for a place to rent and you want to sign for a place, it&rsquo;s not just enough to have a security deposit and first month's&rsquo; rent - you need to have a good credit score too. Landlords and estate agents check before renting out to a prospective tenant and if you have a low credit score then they will reject you. This is because they deem those with a low credit score as unlikely to pay on time - this is why it&rsquo;s important to always pay your bills on time.</p>
<p>All in all, having a low credit score has a detrimental impact on your finances. If you want to increase your credit score over time, then you&rsquo;ll need to be financially responsible.</p>
<ul>
<li>Remember the credit scores and what counts as good or bad. A score of 649 or lower is poor or very poor, a score of 700-749 is good and a score of 750/800+ is excellent.</li>
<li>Pay your bills on time.</li>
<li>If you have any debts, make it a priority to pay those off as soon as possible. If you are struggling to pay off debt, then you can seek help and support.</li>
<li>Register at on the electoral role at your current address.</li>
<li>If you have a credit card, make sure you that you pay it off in full.</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t make multiple applications for credit.</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t take financial risks that could be detrimental to your credit score in future, such as taking out payday loans.</li>
</ul>

What Having A Low Credit Score Does To Your Finances

Think a bad credit score doesn't mean anything? Guess again. Bad credit can affect many areas of your life, check this guide to see how bad credit can effect you.

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<p>Living paycheck to paycheck is far from ideal. Fortunately, there are many quick, easy ways to start <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/tax-and-finance" target="_blank">saving money</a>, and these include:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/money-card-business-credit-card-50987 (4).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>1. Prioritize Your Savings</strong></h2>
<p>Although you've always wanted to establish a savings account, you never actually took the time to set one up. Well, there's no time like the present to prioritize your savings and finally get your very own savings account.</p>
<p>It won't take long to set up a savings account at a local bank or credit union. Once your savings account is in place, you can add money to your account each month. And as a result, you can create a financial safety net that helps reduce the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo (44).jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>2. Monitor Your Expenses</strong></h2>
<p>One of the best ways to stop living paycheck to paycheck is to determine how you're spending your money month after month. With a list of monthly expenses in hand, you can differentiate essential and non-essential costs.</p>
<p>For example, you need food, shelter, and electricity and should plan to pay for these monthly expenses. On the other hand, you probably don't need to dine out every other night and may be able to cut back on this non-essential expense.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-230544 (2).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>3. Create a Budget</strong></h2>
<p>Let's face it &ndash; few people enjoy creating a budget. Yet the benefits of doing so can be significant, particularly if you're focused on finding ways to stop living paycheck to paycheck.</p>
<p>A budget allows you to review your current financial situation and plan for the future. That way, you can reduce the risk of coming up short on your monthly bills.</p>
<p>Perhaps most importantly, a budget requires you to think about your short- and long-term financial well-being and plan accordingly. If you have an effective budget in place, you should have no trouble keeping your finances in order for years to come.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-259200 (6).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>4. Reduce Your Credit</strong></h2>
<p>Using credit cards may seem like a good idea at first, but relying on credit cards too much may cause long-lasting damage to your credit score. Perhaps even worse, credit card interest rates may escalate over time. And if you fail to pay off your credit card bills each month, you could suffer severe financial consequences.</p>
<p>When it comes to cutting back on expenses, it may be beneficial to reduce your reliance on credit cards. If you focus on using only the money you have to pay what you owe, you can lower your outstanding debt.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/business-money-pink-coins (5).jpg" alt="" width="640" height="418" /></p>
<h2><strong>5. Take Advantage of Savings Opportunities</strong></h2>
<p>Savings opportunities are easy to find &ndash; you just need to know where to look for them. For instance, online coupons are available that can help you save money on groceries and much more.</p>
<p>Or, if you need a payday loan, you may want to consider a cost-effective alternative from <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/blue-trust-loans-coupons" target="_blank">Blue Trust Loans</a>. Thanks to Blue Trust's installment loans, you can receive up to $2,000 deposited into your bank account as soon as the next business day.<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2036218-12403418-1458151891000?sid=SMA-cid" target="_blank"> Blue Trust</a> even offers a rewards program that provides lower fees and longer terms for loyal members.</p>
<p>Ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can get your finances in order in no time at all.</p>

How Can You Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck?

Sick of waiting for that paycheck to hit your account and the stress that comes along with it? Stop living paycheck to paycheck and get ahead of the financial curve with these tips 

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<p>You know you want a <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/car-buying-comparisons" target="_blank">new car</a>, but you still have no idea how you'll pay for it. Lucky for you, there are many <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/loans" target="_blank">financing options</a> available, including leasing or buying.</p>
<p>Leasing allows you to acquire a car without a significant loan or down payment. In most instances, a lease agreement requires a down payment that equals about 20% of a car's purchase price. Then, you'll be required to make monthly payments for the duration of your lease.</p>
<p>There are many advantages associated with leasing a car, and these include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You won't have to make a substantial down payment. </strong>Whereas buying a car requires you to pay the total cost of a car upfront or obtain a loan, leasing a car involves a minimal down payment.</li>
<li><strong>You can upgrade to a new car every few years. </strong>If you buy a new car, you own this car until you decide to get rid of it. Comparatively, once your lease agreement expires, you can return your car to the dealer and get a new one. Or, you can negotiate terms with a dealer to purchase your leased vehicle.</li>
<li><strong>Car depreciation is not an issue. </strong>If your car depreciates in value during the life of your lease agreement, it will have no effect on your lease.</li>
</ul>
<p>On the other hand, leasing is not for everyone. Some of the disadvantages of leasing include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You don't "own" your car. </strong>Under a lease agreement, you don't "own" your car. Instead, you essentially "rent" a car for the duration of a lease, and you can return the car or purchase it at the end of the lease.</li>
<li><strong>You face a mileage cap.</strong> Most lease agreements allow you to travel between 10,000 and 15,000 miles annually. If you exceed this cap, you could face steep penalties.</li>
<li><strong>You will need to <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/auto-repair-and-services" target="_blank">take care of your car</a>.</strong> A lease agreement requires you to maintain your car's interior and exterior, and failure to do so could lead to penalties.</li>
</ul>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-70912.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="399" /></p>
<p>Of course, if leasing is not right for you, buying a car is always an option. The advantages of buying a car include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>You own your car. </strong>Once you purchase a car, you own it. As such, you can perform any car upgrades or sell your car at your convenience.</li>
<li><strong>You can drive your car without limitations. </strong>As a car owner, there is no mileage cap, and you can drive your car as much or as little as you choose.</li>
<li><strong>You could save money in the long run.</strong> For those who buy and maintain a car, the investment could prove to be more cost-effective than leasing a car.</li>
</ul>
<p>So which option is better: leasing or buying a car? Ultimately, the answer depends on the individual. If you have limited finances at your disposal and are comfortable keeping a car for only a few years, you may benefit from a lease. Conversely, if you want to own a car, buying is the best option.</p>
<p>Consider the pros and cons of leasing and buying a car closely, and you'll be better equipped than ever before to make the best possible decision based on your individual needs.</p>

Should You Lease or Buy a New Car?

Looking into getting a new car but can't decide if you should lease or buy? Check the pros and cons to see what works for you and your lifestyle when making a big car purchase. 

Lease or buy? leasing a car vs. buying a car? Should you lease or buy a car?

<p>No one likes to throw away money. However, if you have funds remaining in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2017, you may just be doing that. The FSA is a &ldquo;use it or lose plan,&rdquo; meaning if you don&rsquo;t spend all the money by year-end, you could forfeit it all. The &ldquo;grace period&rdquo; deadline for submitting receipts and getting your money is March 15, so plan accordingly!</p>
<h2><strong>If you&rsquo;ve never fully understood what an FSA is all about, here&rsquo;s how it works:</strong></h2>
<p>Your employer sets aside money from your paycheck before taxes are taken out. You can then use these pre-tax FSA dollars to pay for eligible expenses such as medical or dependent care throughout the plan year that is <em>not</em> covered by your insurance.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-433267.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="574" /></p>
<h2><strong>What&rsquo;s the difference between an FSA and an HSA?</strong></h2>
<p>An <strong>FSA</strong> is typically funded by a pre-tax payroll deduction, but employees can also contribute. You can use this money in conjunction with any type of health insurance, although health insurance coverage is not required to open an account. If you use your full contributed amount and then quit or are terminated before year-end, FSA funds do not have to be paid back to the employer.</p>
<p>Depending on the extent of your health costs, an FSA can save you a lot of money (to the tune about 30%). However, if you deposit more than you&rsquo;ll need for medical care, it can backfire: The money gets absorbed back into your company&rsquo;s fund if not used. Employers are allowed to roll over up to $500 to the following year, but If there&rsquo;s more than that in your account, the money needs to be spent before that March 15 deadline. Employers can offer either option, but not both.</p>
<p>An <strong>HSA</strong> (Health Savings Account) requires you be enrolled in an HSA-qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) in order to sign up and to make contributions. HSA money does not expire and can be used without being taxed for qualified medical expenses at any time in the future, even if the person is no longer covered by an HDHP.</p>
<p>Both an FSA and HSA will pay off when it comes to your taxes. For example, If you make $2,000 a month and designate $100 a month to your account, you are taxed as if your income were $1,900 for the month.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-305565 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="347" /></p>
<h2><strong>What Can You Use Your FSA Dollars for?</strong></h2>
<p>While you can&rsquo;t use your FSA for insurance premiums, you can use it for doctor visit copays, coinsurance, deductibles, prescription medications, medical equipment, some OTC items, and medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. You can also use your money to pay for licensed dependent care. There&rsquo;s even a website called <a href="http://FSAstore.com" target="_blank">FSAstore.com</a>, and every item for sale is covered by FSA plans. For a complete list of covered expenses, be sure to ask your employer for documentation <em>before</em> you make costly assumptions, and be sure to save your receipts!</p>
<h2><strong>What&rsquo;s the Best Investment for your FSA Money?</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/vision-care-and-services" target="_blank">Optical</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/oral-and-dental-care" target="_blank">dental expenses</a> are two of the best investments to spend your FSA dollars on. Medical insurance rarely covers the whole cost of many optical and dental visits, procedures, or products. This can be very pricey out of pocket - which makes using your pre-tax money a smart way to cut those expenses.</p>
<p>For those of you who have been needing (or coveting) a new pair of RX eyeglasses or sunglasses but stumbled over the price tag, the good news is these funds can be used on optical purchases, <em>not</em> just exams! They can even be applied to LASIK surgery.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-413671 (2).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Stretch Your Optical Benefits Even More With ACLens.com</strong></h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re sight challenged but not a fan of surgery, take advantage of the thousands of options available at <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2036218-10303780?sid=(sma-cid)" target="_blank">ACLens</a>. ACLens has top brands and styles with an incredible selection of stunning frame colors, shapes, and lens gradients to fit your unique face and budget.</p>
<p>Got questions or concerns about ordering prescription glasses online? No worries. There is extensive customer service available as well as live chat so that you&rsquo;ll get the right fit for your prescription. The best part? They respect your hard-earned cash. Shipping is free on purchases over $99, and If your glasses don&rsquo;t suit you for <strong><em>any</em></strong> reason, you will be issued a full refund - no questions asked. There&rsquo;s no risk in trying a new look, especially when it&rsquo;s covered with that flex spending account pre-tax dollars!</p>
<p>Right now, <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/aclens-coupons">Promocodes.com</a>&nbsp;shoppers can also receive an additional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/aclens-coupons?c=311389" target="_blank">10% discount at ACLens</a> using code PC10. So, even if you run out of that FSA money, you can still afford to take a look online.</p>

The Wisest Ways To Spend Your FSA Dollars By The March 15 Deadline

Have a Flex Spending Account but not really sure what to do with it before the deadline? Understand your benefits and how best to use them on vision and healthcare. 

FSA account on vision, ACLens discounts, Flex Spending Account, How to use your flex spending account

<p>Differentiating one credit card from another can be difficult. And if you fail to review all of your <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3128679-12336148?sid=(sma-cid)" target="_blank">credit card options</a>, you risk missing out on low-interest rates, cash-back bonuses, and other perks.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, picking a credit card may be easier than you think. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you separate the best credit cards from all others.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-164571 (1).jpeg" alt="credit cards in back pocket " width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2>1.&nbsp;<strong>Shop Around for the right one</strong></h2>
<p>There is no shortage of credit cards available. Thus, if you shop around, you're sure to find a credit card that is right for you.</p>
<p>Think about why you want a credit card in the first place. Then, you can tailor your search for the perfect credit card accordingly.</p>
<p>For example, if you're a college student who needs a credit card to cover the costs of books, food and other expenses, you may want to focus on the best credit cards for students. These credit cards may offer incentives or savings tailored to students like a student rate or benefits.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if your goal is to find a credit card that scores you discounts on groceries, gas and other everyday purchases, you may want to search for the best credit cards for rewards. That way, you can sign up for a credit card that helps you save money day after day.</p>
<p>Use sites like <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/credit-sesame-coupons" target="_blank">Credit Sesame</a> to check different credit card options to find a card that works for you. Want travel points for your vacation? Looking for balance transfers? Want cash-back options? Search credit card options that fit your needs and check your credit while you&rsquo;re at it to make sure everything is running smoothly</p>
<h2>2.&nbsp;<strong>Establish a Checklist</strong></h2>
<p>With a checklist in hand, you can weigh the pros and cons of any credit card, at any time.</p>
<p>As you develop a credit card checklist, here are essential criteria to include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Annual Percentage Rate (APR): </strong>Price you pay for borrowing money. For instance, if a credit card has an APR of 5%, you'll pay 5% interest on any balance that remains on your card after you pay your monthly billing statement. However, you can avoid paying interest on credit card purchases if you pay your balance in full each month by the due date.</li>
<li><strong>Annual Fee: </strong>Yearly charge administered to credit card holders. Some credit cards require an annual fee; also, this fee may accrue interest over time if a cardholder fails to pay the full amount.</li>
<li><strong>Minimum Repayment:</strong> Total you are required to pay each month. A minimum repayment amount usually falls around 3% of the total balance due on a credit card.</li>
</ul>
<p>Develop a checklist of credit card criteria, and ultimately, you can find out exactly what separates one credit card from another. &nbsp;Use sites like Credit Sesame to check different credit card options to find a card that works for you. Want better rewards? Looking for balance transfers? Want cash-back options? Search credit card options that fit your needs and check your credit while you&rsquo;re at it to make sure everything is running smoothly</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/money-card-business-credit-card-50987 (5).jpeg" alt="credit card in hand " width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>3. Ask Questions</strong></h2>
<p>Credit cards can be complicated, particularly for those who do not understand the fees and conditions associated with them. Fortunately, credit card companies employ knowledgeable professionals who are happy to address your credit card concerns and queries.</p>
<p>If you have questions about a credit card, ask before you sign up. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to choosing a credit card. And if you are uncertain about a particular credit card, ask questions so you can get the information you need to make the best possible decision.</p>
<p>Ready to sign up for a credit card? Use these tips, and you can select a credit card that will serve you well both now and in the future.</p>

How to Pick a Credit Card: 3 Tips You Need to Know

3 tips to follow when shopping for and picking a credit card that works for you 

picking a credit card, credit cards, credit check, best credit card, rewards cards, credit sesame 

<p>It&rsquo;s one thing to make money, but it&rsquo;s another thing to learn effective financial management. It&rsquo;s great if you know how to save and manage your money, but it&rsquo;s even better if you can invest well.</p>
<p>In contrast to saving - which involves putting money aside, bit by bit over a period of time - investing is all about using a particular sum of money and trying to make it grow by putting it towards things that typically increase in value. Contrary to popular belief, you don&rsquo;t need to earn a huge income or a large amount of money to start investing. Also, you don&rsquo;t need to be an expert: investments are for everyone, regardless of whether you&rsquo;re a beginner or a professional.</p>
<p>There are so many clever ways to invest, so here are some investment ideas you can make with your money.</p>
<p>Think of this as your guide to investments 101!</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-323780.jpeg" alt="luxury home" width="502" height="323" /></p>
<h2><strong>Invest in real estate</strong></h2>
<p>One of the best investments you can make is in a property. Real estate investments are really common because properties tend to increase in asset value and it&rsquo;s one of the best ways to get a return it the property is sold. Plus, you can make additional money via rental income by buying property and renting it out, plus you can establish a property portfolio. Another thing to bear in mind is this: if you can invest in prime or luxury real estate, then do it. You can be sure to get a huge return on your money. All in all, real estate is great for a long-term investment.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-534216.jpeg" alt="stock market" width="519" height="284" /></p>
<h2><strong>Buy stocks</strong></h2>
<p>For those who like to invest, many like to put their money into buying stocks. Buying stocks means that you are buying ownership into a business. Investing your money in stocks is a savvy choice for many investors because they are likely to provide the highest returns over a long period of time.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/download (9).jpg" alt="savings bond" width="305" height="165" /></p>
<h2><strong>Put your money into bonds</strong></h2>
<p>A bond is like a loan to a corporation or the government, which is paid back to the &lsquo;lender&rsquo; over a period of time and returns the bond once it matures. This means that investing in bonds can be beneficial because they provide a predictable stream of earnings and they are a great method for preserving capital.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/hands-walking-stick-elderly-old-person (1).jpg" alt="old man with cane" width="515" height="343" /></p>
<h2><strong>Pay into a retirement plan</strong></h2>
<p>If you are employed then you should definitely start thinking about pensions and retirement, even if you are early on in your career. Remember, it&rsquo;s never too late to start planning. Even if you are on a small income, you can plan to invest 1% of your monthly salary into your pension pot. It&rsquo;s a small contribution, but every little helps. Increase your pension contributions every time your salary rises.</p>
<p>By following this guide, you can be sure to put your dollars towards money-making investments and watch your cash grow.</p>

Smart Investments To Make With Your Money Now

Making money is great but knowing where to invest the money you have is even better. Here is your guide to investing your money now

<p>In life, two things are certain and inevitable: we will all die one day (which is bleak) and we all have to pay taxes, whether we like it or not.</p>
<p>If you are one of the lucky individuals who&rsquo;s received a tax refund, then that&rsquo;s fantastic! But it&rsquo;s important to be mindful of how you will use your tax money, and it&rsquo;s imperative that you use the money effectively. While a tax refund is a bonus, it&rsquo;s also a useful tool for getting ahead and achieving your financial goals. In fact, you can save your tax refund and use it to pay off taxes in the next tax year.</p>
<p>Here are some of the smart, useful and helpful ways you can budget your tax refund for necessary uses.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/business-money-pink-coins (5).jpg" alt="" width="640" height="418" /></p>
<h2><strong>1. Save</strong></h2>
<p>Put the tax refund away for a rainy day. It could be your emergency fund for later on down the line. Put your tax refund into high-interest savings about - preferably one that doesn&rsquo;t allow for unlimited withdrawals.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Invest</strong></h2>
<p>You can use your tax refund to invest in something important in your life or as expenses towards things like business equipment and work travel. You can also use your tax money to invest in huge financial decisions like a retirement plan, a business or real estate.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/money-card-business-credit-card-50987 (3).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>3. Pay down your debts</strong></h2>
<p>If you have any outstanding debts, pay those off. Paying off your debt should be your first priority because it can affect your credit score if not paid off.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Keep for the next tax year</strong></h2>
<p>As previously explained, you can keep the tax refund for the next tax year and use it to pay off any taxes you owe in future.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Use it as a &lsquo;fix&rsquo;</strong></h2>
<p>No, we&rsquo;re not saying you should use it as a way to fund an addiction or obsession! But if you have anything that needs fixing or repairing - such as your car or home - then you can put your tax refund towards those instead.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://us-common.s3.amazonaws.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-210990.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="480" /></p>
<h2><strong>6. Prepay</strong></h2>
<p>Get ahead of yourself and prepare important finances, such as bills, loans, and mortgages. By doing this, you can take the stress off your finances for a while and give yourself some breathing space.</p>
<p>By taking these tips on board, you can budget your tax refund and use it wisely.</p>

6 Ways You Can Put Your Tax Refund to Good Use 

Just because you are getting a tax refund doesn't mean you have to go off and spend it. here are ways you can put your refund to good use 

How to use your tax refund wisely

<p><em>&nbsp;</em>Done filing taxes? Congratulations! There are many ways to maximize the value of your tax refund, and these include:</p>
<h2><strong>1. Set Up an Emergency Fund</strong></h2>
<p>There is no telling when your car will break down, your home's heating system will stop working or other problems will arise. Fortunately, if you use your tax refund to set up an emergency fund, you will have money available to help you handle major and minor emergencies.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Pay Off Outstanding Debt</strong></h2>
<p>Don't let outstanding debt get the best of you. Instead, use your tax refund to pay off your credit cards, late bills and other outstanding debt, and you can instantly improve your credit score.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Establish a Savings Account</strong></h2>
<p>A savings account makes it easy to accumulate extra money over time. Use your tax refund to establish a savings account, and you can watch your savings grow.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Complete Home Improvements</strong></h2>
<p>If your house's roof is in need of repair or other home improvement projects fill your to-do list, there may be no time like the present to perform these property upgrades. Thanks to your tax refund, you can purchase the supplies you need to improve your residence. Or, you can hire expert contractors to complete home improvements.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Make a Charitable Donation</strong></h2>
<p>If you want to do something good with your tax refund, you can make a charitable donation. This enables you to provide money to the charity of your choice. Also, the donation may qualify for a tax deduction, which means it could help you get money back on next year's tax return.</p>
<h2><strong>6. Start a Small Business</strong></h2>
<p>For those who want the freedom to be their own boss, owning and operating a small business is ideal. Thankfully, you can use your tax refund to lay the foundation for a small business. You also can use your tax refund in conjunction with a small business loan to further accelerate the growth and development of your business.</p>
<h2><strong>7. Invest in Your Retirement</strong></h2>
<p>A Roth IRA enables you to put aside thousands of dollars for your retirement annually. Use your tax refund toward a Roth IRA, and you can have extra money at your disposal when you're ready to retire.</p>
<h2><strong>8. Fill in Insurance Gaps</strong></h2>
<p>Insurance is a safety blanket that most people ignore, yet it could prove to be a difference-maker for individuals of all ages. You might already have health or homeowners insurance, but you can use your tax refund to add coverage to your existing insurance policies. You can always set up a life insurance policy to guarantee financial protection for your loved ones too.</p>
<h2><strong>9. Save for College</strong></h2>
<p>A 529 account is a viable option for parents who want to use their tax refunds to help their kids save for college. With a 529 account, contributions are not subject to federal taxes. Therefore, when your child needs money while attending college, he or she can withdraw 529 account funds tax-free.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>10.&nbsp;Make Necessary Purchases</strong></h2>
<p>Your tax refund provides money so you can purchase things you need. Once your tax refund arrives, don't hesitate to use it for something you need. Don't think you have to spend it on something extravagant or special, use it towards those everyday expenses that add up.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, don't putt off getting contact lens refills or those new prescription glasses you need. Use your refund to buy what you already need and use&nbsp;<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/2036218/type/dlg/sid/SMA-homepage/https:/www.aclens.com/" target="_blank">AC Lens</a>. They offer contact lenses and prescription glasses in a variety of styles and colors and guarantee you won't have to break your budget. Save even more when you use code PC10 and get 10% off. Make those necessary purchases and save that money for things you need down the road.</p>
<p>Avoid the temptation to use your tax refund on things you can live without. Spend your tax refund wisely, and you can get the most out of your refund.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

10 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely

Done filing taxes? Congratulations! There are many ways to maximize the value of your tax refund, here ate 10 ideas to put your refund to good use 