Suspension of Disbelief » Personal Finance http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com An audience's willingness to accept the world of theatre as reality during the course of a play . . . Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:48:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Works for Me: Get Your Credit Report – Free! http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/10/24/works-for-me-get-your-credit-report-free/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/10/24/works-for-me-get-your-credit-report-free/#comments Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:11:27 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/10/24/works-for-me-get-your-credit-report-free/ Works For Me Wednesday!

In an effort to get a better handle on my finances, I’ve started to learn about credit . . . specifically, the magical credit score that determines all of your financial future. It influences your ability to obtain a credit card (and the card’s interest rate and credit limit), mortgage, loan, or any other number of things that I may or may not need to do in the future. Poor financial decisions will create bad credit which limits what you can and cannot do in the future.

One of the best things you can do for your personal financial health is to regularly check your credit report. It is now FREE to obtain a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. Because of this, many financial advisers are now recommending that every four months you check your credit report.

What exactly is this credit report, and why do you need to check it so often? It is a listing of all the accounts that you have on record. Remember that credit card that you opened at the mall one day three years ago and only used once? It’s on your credit report, and every time an employer/lender/bank/etc. checks your credit, they see this card. You forgot to pay your cable bill when you moved to a new state? You’ve got a missed payment on your credit report that shows up and detracts from your credit! Or perhaps you thought you paid off that outstanding rent payment, but for some reason it’s still there . . . four years later, giving you bad credit. It’s important to keep tabs on your credit report so that you know what is happening in your life. This can also be VERY useful if you think you may have been a victim of identity theft, because if someone else has been doing things in your name that you don’t know of, this is where you can catch it.

However, there are scams out there trying to GET all your credit information by posing as “free credit report” websites. Don’t be fooled! THE website to go to is AnnualCreditReport.com. This one is not a scam and is safe to use. You can go to this site to get your report from Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian (the three reporting bureaus). They also make it available to get your actual credit score, but this costs a little money (I got mine from TransUnion for $7.95). From what I’ve researched, it’s recommended that you get your credit REPORT every four months (since it’s free) and your credit SCORE once a year, just so you know where you stand.

I was quite pleasantly surprised when I checked mine. I figured since I’ve only been building my credit for about 18 months that it would not be very good, and there wouldn’t be much information, but there was quite a bit on there, including an account that I had forgotten about. The report also gave me some thoughts as to why my score isn’t higher (accounts haven’t been open really long and I don’t have any involvement with real estate).

You can find way more information on credit by reading any good personal finance blog (check out the links in my sidebar). For more specific information about this topic, read How to Obtain Your Free Credit Report @ Get Rich Slowly.

Taking control of your financial situation by keeping tabs on your credit? Works for me!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/10/24/works-for-me-get-your-credit-report-free/feed/ 4 Thursday Thirteen #39 http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/02/22/thursday-thirteen-39/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/02/22/thursday-thirteen-39/#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:33:38 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=430 Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Things I Have Gained from Blogging

1. In honor of the retirement of the Thursday Thirteen, I figured this was an appropriate theme. And number one on my list is the confidence I have gained from the Thursday Thirteen! My blog wasn’t read by many before the T13, and when the first set of management changes happened, Leanne trusted me enough to be one of the new co-hostesses of the T13! This brought me new readers, thus boosting my confidence. My posts are VERY different now than they were pre-13, and so most of the things I have gained from blogging came out of the T13!!

2. Friendships! I have met so many amazing people through blogging, and that is soooo the stereotypical answer, but it is very true.

3. A new outlet for writing! I used to write creatively alllllll the time, but once I got into college I was writing so much for my classes that I didn’t want to write anymore. Blogging brought me a way to write and enjoy it again, and it’s even renewed my desire to write creatively!

4. My 101 in 1001 has given me a visible platform to write down goals that I’ve been wanting to achieve, and an audience to keep me accountable.

5. The Works-for-Me Wednesday meme has given me so many fantastic tips that I have used in my everyday life!

6. Through blogging I found FlyLady, which is a life altering event! ‘Nuff said!

7. Also through blogging I found Bookcrossing.com, which has revolutionized my thoughts on books and has jumpstarted my pleasure reading, which also stagnated with all my college reading!

8. As I have discussed before, I was very environmentally-conscious when I was younger. Blogging brought that back!

9. As someone who is committed to breast health awareness, blogging has been a great platform for sharing what I know and connecting with women on something that may save their lives!

10. An outlet, of course! When I get excited or worked up about something, online is on of the first places that I go!

11. Blogging has also led me into the world of personal finance management. It’s made me aware as I am leaving college on the importance of saving, budgeting, and investing, something that I will be thankful for for the rest of my life!

12. Blogging on my personal blog has led me to create another blog, Reading Red Letters, my faith blog. This has been a great way to connect with other Christians online, and has led me to many great online blogs and resources that have aided me in my walk.

13. And, in case there was any doubt . . . BLOGGING IS FUN!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for a great couple of years with the T13!!! I have so much enjoyed getting to know people, and I hope to stay in touch with you as we continue blogging!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Leave me a comment and I’ll give you a shout out!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/02/22/thursday-thirteen-39/feed/ 8 Thursday Thirteen #37 http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/01/18/thursday-thirteen-37/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/01/18/thursday-thirteen-37/#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:17:22 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=490 Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen posts on my blog that I like in particular!

Only one person responded to my quiz from last week, so I haven’t posted the answers yet – please check it out and let me know your thoughts!

And yes, this is a slightly self-centered T13 . . . but I really couldn’t think of anything else! Note – many of these are T13 posts ;-)

1. My post on inflammatory breast cancer – not many people know about this, and it is a HUGE silent killer! I particularly like this one because the mom you see in the video sent me an email after I posted this! (Updated with video)

2. One lesson learned the hard way – backup everything on your computer! (Updated)

3. The Closet Caper – this was such an intense project, and I was very proud of my documentary style on the blog ;-) ! And you’ll all by happy to know that the closet still looks like that – woo hoo!

4. Pictures from our cruise to Europe – this was probably my favorite T13!

5. When I initially posted about my 101 in 1001, I had no idea that I was still going to be going strong a year later – wow, this has been great!

6. My post of 13 Firefox extensions I can’t live without – also the post I have with the most comments. 47!

7. Some great personal finance resources that I’ve found online!

8. I only posted about this recently, but I found the best light bulbs EVER, and it seems like my post may have sparked (pun intended) a bunch of bloggers to go buy these great bulbs!

9. This video made by Dove never ceases to amaze me. What kind of world do we live in?

10. Cheesy, yes, but very much from the heart. I love my parents.

11. Another great environmental tip – get rid of the junk mail WITH NO EFFORT!

12. We all know I love the quizzes . . .

13. And, how could I forget, when I became a T13 hostess!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Leave me a comment and I’ll give you a shout out!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2007/01/18/thursday-thirteen-37/feed/ 6 Works for Me: Financial Preparation for Emergencies http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/11/works-for-me-financial-preparation-for-emergencies/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/11/works-for-me-financial-preparation-for-emergencies/#comments Wed, 11 Oct 2006 05:57:27 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=428 Works For Me Wednesday!

When we consider emergency preparation, most of us think to make sure we have bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries for our flashlights . . . but how many of us think to prepare our finances for a disaster?

I found this great guide that outlines in detail what you should do to prepare for an emergency from a financial standpoint. Biggies include:

Keep some cash in a safe, accessible place. In a major disaster, if electrical service is not available, your ATM/Debit card may not work.
It’s important to keep a “buffer” on credit cards and in your bank account.
Don’t wait until your gas tank is on empty to gas up your car.

I highly recommend checking this out – you never know what might happen. Being ready in EVERY way for an emergency? Works for me!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/11/works-for-me-financial-preparation-for-emergencies/feed/ 7 Personal Finance Goodies! http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/02/personal-finance-goodies/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/02/personal-finance-goodies/#comments Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:13:06 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=420 I’ve got a couple of sites for you to check out! First, this week’s Carnival of Personal Finance is HILARIOUS! Punny Money takes us on an adventure on the Oregon Trail – old school style. You’ve GOT to check it out.

I also found this great new site called Free the Drones! They’ve got an extensive forum full of free financial advice, and of course I’ve subscribed to their blog. I’ve been reading it for several days now, and I just had to post. They’ve got great tips on there, and the current series they’ve got going on about the various dysfunctional financial personalities is REALLY interesting. I’m learning things about the way that I spend money, and sometimes it’s a bit scary, LOL! I definitely recommend you go check it out!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/10/02/personal-finance-goodies/feed/ 0 Thursday Thirteen #27 http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/14/thursday-thirteen-27/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/14/thursday-thirteen-27/#comments Thu, 14 Sep 2006 04:16:04 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=401 Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Things about PERSONAL FINANCE

I’ve been working on my personal finance situation a lot lately! Here are several tools and tips that I’ve come to depend on!

1. PearBudget: I know I’ve talked about this before, but I just have to put one more plug in. Everyone needs a budget, at least when they’re first getting started with personal finance management, and PearBudget is a great program that is free, super easy, and will keep you using it! I’ve been on it for more than 2 months now, which is a HUGE achievement, LOL!

2. Next, you need a way to keep up with your accounts. There’s the old paper and pencil checkbook ledger, but we’re on our computers for everything else, why not managing our finances! I’ve used both Microsoft Money and Quicken Personal Finance, and they are both great tools!

3. Almost any personal finance site that you read tells you that you need to have an emergency savings fund, just in case something happens like you have to go to the hospital, or you get laid off. The amount that goes in this fund varies – a great place to start is $1000, and many sites recommend you keep 3-6 months worth of living expenses. The most common complaint: I can’t afford to put money into an emergency savings fund! The most common reply: You can’t afford NOT to do this. I’ve got 2 that I’m working on right now. My immediate emergency savings fund is through my bank, and I’m currently building a long-term (the 3-6 months one) emergency savings fund in a high-interest savings account. The immediate one is in case I need the money RIGHT NOW – I can get it from an ATM. The long-term one is accessible within a few days, and it will grow because of the interest! Free money!

4. High-interest savings account? How do I get one of those? I’m currently setting up accounts through ING Direct, and I’m LOVING it so far. The interest rate is 4.4% – how crazy is that?! Accounts like these are run through the internet – there is no physical bank, and you don’t get checks. They’re just savings accounts. There are many other financial institutions, but ING allows you to set up sub accounts, which is too cool! I have sub-accounts for my emergency fund, travel fund, medical expenses fund, etc. And all are gonna earn 4.4% interest!

5. I Will Teach You To Be Rich – I’ve blogged about it before, but again, I have to mention it. There are so many different concepts, ideas, and terms that I am so clueless on, and this site explains them in a simple, no nonsense way that will make things clear! Amazing.

6. Don’t want to wade through all the personal finance sites? Then just get the goodies through the Carnival of Personal Finance every week! You’ll find topics about EVERYTHING, and there are three or four sites that I’ve found through reading the carnival that I’ve stuck with.

7. Get an Entertainment Book. They only cost about $20, but there are hundreds (probably thousands) of great coupons and savings in the book. Well worth the money spent!

8. Invest. There are many different kinds of investments (see my #5, he explains them all), but make sure that you are investing. The type of fund that I keep seeing more and more recommendations for is a Roth IRA, which I am still learning about. It involves investing your money and paying the taxes now, and then when you withdraw it, it will be tax-free (no matter how much more taxes are at the time).

9. Another great way to invest – the stock market. Ahhh, don’t be scared. If you read up on what to do, and find a great place to invest with, then you’ll do fine. And the place I’ve seen mentioned over and over again is ShareBuilder. As soon as I start to receive a regular income (aka, when I get out of grad school), I will be investing with ShareBuilder – the fees aren’t bad, and they’re not gonna try to trip you up because you have no idea what you’re doing.

10. Shop at discount stores and buy in bulk! You’ll be amazed at how much you can save at places like Costco and Sam’s Club! However, be wary . . . pay attention to the costs, and divide by how many you’re getting. Are you really saving? Discount stores can be great as long as you play it smart!

11. Take advantage of websites that offer promotions. For example: you need to buy a book for your Bible study in two weeks, and there was a CD you were wanting to get. You could go to Barnes and Noble or Borders that is right by your house . . . or you could go online and get them from Amazon.com for cheaper. And if you spend $25, it’s free shipping, so it’s like you bought it in person. You just have to wait a few days. So why not go for the discount? Or, even better! Do you buy books/DVDs/CDs/software/toys/groceries a lot? Do you shop on Amazon.com A LOT?! Then become a prime member. For a reasonable fee you get free 2 day shipping and significantly discounted overnight shipping. I was offered a free 3 month trial, and I loved it so much that I paid the fee. Now I NEVER buy these things from expensive stores in person! Click here for details!!!

12. Cook at home – don’t eat out, don’t go to fast food restaurants. I’ve been experimenting with my spending lately, and it’s AMAZING how much I’ve saved in food costs!

13. Want a great new opportunity to save HUGE on virtually anything you can buy online? I’m an IBO member, and we sell everything – we have our own product lines as well as partnerships for huge discounts on stores like Barnes and Noble, Office Depot, Dell, Things Remembered, Shop.com, Joann’s Fabrics, and SOOOOO many more! We run the business through Quixtar. The discounts alone are worth it, but if you’re a member, you get a check back based on your purchases and the purchases of your customers. Take a look, and if you’re interested in buying something, let me know! I can set you up as a client with ZERO obligation. Or, if you want to take a great opportunity and are interested in making some money, let me know, and we’ll discuss!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Leave me a comment and I’ll give you a shout out!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/14/thursday-thirteen-27/feed/ 23 Works for Me: PearBudget Revisited http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/06/works-for-me-pearbudget-revisited/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/06/works-for-me-pearbudget-revisited/#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 11:15:28 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=390 Works For Me Wednesday!

During the Blogathon 2006 I posted about a new budgeting tool that I had started using called PearBudget.

Now that it’s been another month into my using this AMAZING tool, I just wanted to post again about PearBudget. You download a simple Excel document, and you assess your current spending patterns. The spreadsheet walks you through (baby steps people) setting up a budget, and how to maintain it EASILY! You put in your categories and estimated expenditures at the beginning, and then you start on whatever month you want to – since we’re still early in the month, how easy is that? You can update it at your leisure (the website has recommendations on this, but I update everyday – it’s just too easy not to).

Currently they’re working on a new version that I can’t WAIT to see. This current one is so easy, I can’t imagine what they may come up with next!! I’ve never had a budget and the thought of creating one TERRIFIED me. But this took me about half an hour to set up, less that 2 minutes to maintain every day, and I’ve been using it religiously for 2 months.

Budgeting made easy? Works For Me!



]]> http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/09/06/works-for-me-pearbudget-revisited/feed/ 6 Works for Me: Personal Finance Savvy http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/08/22/works-for-me-personal-finance-savvy/ http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/2006/08/22/works-for-me-personal-finance-savvy/#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:54:39 +0000 Lindsey http://www.mysuspensionofdisbelief.com/?p=377 Works For Me Wednesday!

Well, I thought I’d join in with the Works for Me Wednesday this week, just to see what all the fuss is about ;-) !

I just discovered a great new financial resource. I’m clueless about financials – why I’m doing business school is BEYOND ME. I get soooo lost in class. But that’s another story.

This is a great resource for PERSONAL finances, and it’s specifically geared towards college students, grad students, recent grads, people just getting out on their own, etc. It also can apply to people in their thirties, and there are some bits that apply to everyone. The site is I Will Teach You To Be Rich – catchy, huh?

It’s not a get rich quick thing. It’s about how to properly manage your money so that you’ll have more of it, LOL! There is a lot of focus on budgeting and investing, especially starting out on all these things.

Seeing as how I am so clueless, and this site is sooo clueless-friendly, I have learrned a TON just reading the articles today, and I’ve barely scratched the surface! Making the most of my money? Works for me!



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