Personal Finance Blog « Quizzle Wire

Archive for August, 2011

Home Inspection: Don’t Buy a House without One

August 31, 2011

The cost of homeownership certainly doesn’t start and end with the monthly mortgage payment. When it comes to buying a home, the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” applies.

A home inspection is a small expense to pay upfront for a thorough inspection of your new home. It will identify any existing problems with plumbing, electrical, roofing and other home improvement matters, or what issues may arise in the near future. Learn more about home inspections and how to ensure you’re buying the home of your dreams and not a money pit.

5 Reasons to Invest in Home Improvement Now

August 30, 2011

With the end of the recession nowhere in sight, you may have pushed those home improvements and renovations you’ve been wanting to make to the bottom of your priority list.However, now might actually be the best time to invest money in your home. Here are five reasons why you should start tackling your home improvements today, way before you even think about selling.

How to Save Money at Whole Foods

August 29, 2011

We’re up to #8 in our series about how to save money at the nation’s largest retailers and grocery store chains. Today, we’re covering Whole Foods Market – a store that you may not normally associate with savings. But wait! If you love fresh, organic produce and other green products sold at Whole Foods, you’ll want to check out these money-saving tips.

Buy a New Home or Remodel Your Existing One?

August 26, 2011

In a housing market that has gone haywire, many homeowners are debating within their own heads or even aloud with spouses or roommates: should we move or make improvements to the home we already own? The truth of the matter is that more homeowners are choosing to stay and fix up their own home rather than move – even though the price of buying a new home is relatively inexpensive right now.

Find out the pros and cons of both moving and remodeling so you can make the decision that is right for you and your family.

What Not to Buy at a Garage Sale

August 25, 2011

Yard sales can be great. Cruising the community, taking note of all the many lawn sales sporting massive amounts of bargained merchandise is mighty enticing. And in these trying economic times, shopping for bargains and buying used is one of the easiest ways to save money without completely cutting off your spending valve.

Yet, certain things should never be bought used. Bad deals happen, but bad deals that threaten you or your child’s life shouldn’t. Avoid buying these items at your neighborhood garage sale.

Personal Finance Lessons from the World Wealth Report

August 24, 2011

Capgemini and Merrill Lynch recently released the latest version of their annual World Wealth Report (as discussed in this New York Times article), an analysis of the latest trends affecting the world’s wealthiest people, giving an overview of the state of high net worth individuals worldwide, discussing how they are investing their money, and how they feel about the economy.

We might not all be as wealthy as the participants of the World Wealth Report survey, but perhaps there are some lessons here to see how the world’s wealthiest people are managing their money.

Credit Score Battle of the Sexes

August 23, 2011

In the credit score battle of the sexes, who wins? Do women have greater credit score potential or are men better at managing their credit wisely? Make your guesses and find out for sure in our exclusive survey of credit scores, demographics and more.

How to Save Money at Albertsons

August 22, 2011

We’re up to #8 in our series on how to save money at the nation’s largest retailers. So far, we’ve covered CVS, Kroger, Walgreens, Target, Safeway, Rite Aid and Walmart. Next up is Albertsons, a North American grocery chain with more than 240 stores located in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Florida. Find out the best money saving strategies for Albertsons before you shop.

How to Buy a Foreclosure Home at Auction

August 19, 2011

A foreclosed home can offer you a bargain basement price as a homebuyer, but what about the pitfalls that comes along with buying these types of homes? There are risks associated with buying a home in foreclosure and when you buy the home at an auction, the risks tend to increase. Learn what you are getting into before you to take the leap and how to recognize red flags, so you can avoid common mistakes.

How to Find Cheap or Free Legal Advice

August 18, 2011

The best way to get legal advice is through your own personal contacts, but not all of us are best friends with a lawyer or have the family attorney on speed dial. Luckily, there are people out there who know how tough it is, and a number of different options are available to those who just have basic questions or need a little advice.

Secrets of the 800+ Credit Score Club

August 17, 2011

As your average 30-something, I’ve been in debt, I’ve struggled to pay my bills and I’ve never had a substantial income to bail me out. But, the one thing I do have (now, anyway), is a credit score of 808. And I’m here to tell you my secrets.