Author Archive for Erin

Author's Website: http://

Rent Your Luxuries, Don’t Buy

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Want more frequent updates follow me on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!


Creative Commons License credit: absolutwade

Pennies are pinched and budgets have been streamlined, and many Americans are cutting down on the luxuries. For this reason, upscale retailers’ business has been a bit shaky lately, causing prudent business owners to think outside the box. One such woman, Michele Krause, has taken her failing luxury jewelry market and created a unique idea: jewelry rental. (more…)

States More Strict on Online Sales Tax


Creative Commons License credit: timsamoff

The Internet has long been a haven of availability, variety, and tax-free shopping. When purchasing any big-ticket item, many residents across the country choose to shop online because, even after shipping, tax-free items are far less expensive than their local counterparts. However, states are slowly cracking down on tax-free Internet buys. (more…)

Airport Hassles for Travelers


Creative Commons License credit: greg westfall

With airlines going into bankruptcy, travelers knew that 2008 would be a hard year to fly. Overbooked flights, flight cancellations, and policy changes have decorated headlines, warning us about what to expect as we walked through airport doors. But if you’re planning on travel anytime soon, follow CNNMoney’s Airline Travel Guide: (more…)

Student Loans Unavailable to Many Community College Students


Creative Commons License credit: Shaylor

Unfortunately for many community college students in the U.S., student loans are completely unavailable to them. These students — a disproportionate number of them being minorities — cannot take advantage of low-interest federal student loans because their community colleges refuse to participate in the federal student loan program. (more…)

Late Tax Filers To Get Late Refunds


Creative Commons License credit: rick

As taxpayers scramble to get their tax returns together and forms filled out, it’s inevitable that some just won’t have time to file their taxes on time. It may be because they haven’t had time to get to the accountant or purchase tax software, or they may not have the funds to pay what they owe, but either way, if you for those that file late, late rebates are to be expected. (more…)

Best Credit Cards For Right Now


Creative Commons License credit: danesparza

Credit cards often have a bad reputation for charging high fees and writing far too many details between the lines. However, your credit score and a bit of knowledge on the best credit cards available now can score you a great deal. (more…)

Now May Be the Best Time to Buy a Vacation Home


Creative Commons License credit: Яick Harris 

Though you may have no intention of moving anytime soon, today may be the best time to start looking for a second home. It may sound counter-intuitive in today’s economy, but in fact, falling real estate prices and eager sellers are exactly why this may be your best chance to invest in your next vacation home.

(more…)

Preparing Your Financials for Marriage


Creative Commons License credit: Jeff Belmonte 

Preparing for it is one of the best and romantic times of your life, but marriage can also a big change to your financial future. When you get married, you not only join hearts and home, but your partner’s financial history becomes yours, and vice versa. So before you tie the knot, it’s important to secure your financial future and take the following steps with your future spouse:

(more…)

Rising Food Prices Affect Everyone


Creative Commons License credit: Bob Jagendorf 

World food prices are on the rise, and consumers are beginning to feel the pinch. The rising cost of flour has made the price of bread and cereals begin to climb, higher meat prices have caused many third world consumers to up their vegetable consumption, and now increased rice costs in Asia are cause for concern and, in some cases, riots.

(more…)

Saving Money On Your Gas and Oil Bill


Creative Commons License credit: johnwilson1969 

It doesn’t matter what the economy looks like, as Benjamin Franklin famously believed, a penny saved is a penny earned. And when it comes to our utility bills, there really is something we can do to save a bit every month.

(more…)