My credit card company somehow got my mom’s phone number and keeps calling my mom. When the representative called again to speak with me, I took the phone call. I knew they were calling to sell me something because I pay my statement on time. I told her that she was calling my mom’s phone number and not mind. She apologized and gave me a 1-888 number to call. I called and had my mom’s phone number put on the Do Not Call list. Hopefully, this clears up the phone number snafu.

If you have credit card debt it could be an advantage. When financial representatives call you they’re calling to sell you something like identity protection or some other product. All you have to do is tell them that you have $5,000 or more in credit card debt and you’re not interested. They may try to press you but all you have to do is reiterate that you owe your credit card company money and you don’t think it’s a good idea to take on more credit card debt. Tell them your main priority is paying off your debt as soon as possible and signing up for a product that costs $30 or more per month is not feasible at this moment.

The next time a representative calls you, nip it in the bud! Tell them you can’t sign up for products right now but to contact you in a year or two. If you’re temporarily living with your parents and credit card companies call their phone number, make sure you call to have their phone number removed. There’s no reason for credit card companies to contact your parents, unless, of course, they co-signed a loan for you!

Rebecca

Many people are not amused by the Comedy Central cartoon South Park. They find it offensive for one reason or another. However, if you watch this hit cartoon, you may learn something. Somehow, some way the writers “weave” a “moral” into the story lines. Maybe the creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone wouldn’t agree with this or maybe they would.

For example, the episode titled Margaritaville involved Randy (Stan’s dad) teaching him about saving his money by taking him to a bank and making him deposit his $100 check that he received from his grandma. Unfortunately, Stan loses his money he deposited at the bank. Randy then steps forward with a plan to save the desperate economy. He informs everyone that it’s their fault because they got greedy and bought things that they couldn’t afford. “No more needless spending!”

Kyle (Stan’s friend) says that, “…people were being stupid and lost their faith in the economy. The economy was made up by people thousands of years ago. It’s not real, yet it is real.” It’s us to us to FIX IT now in order to secure our future. We need to have FAITH in it and treat it with respect.

Kyle EXPLAINS what credit cards and money really are. They’re meaningless. It has NO VALUE whatsoever. Stan explains that credit cards are nothing but “pieces of plastic.” We are the ones putting a value on plastic cards. Money is nothing but paper. We are the ones putting a value on colored, paper money! Until we put our faith in it, the economy is meaningless.

This may be farfetched, but it made sense to me. Many people believe that money is nothing but energy. Read Napoleon Hill or Bob Proctor and you’ll find this out. If you have a “poor mentality,” you’ll attract poverty into your life. Cultivate a “wealth mentality,” and you’ll see the fruits of your labor pay off. Which one do you have?

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Many people do not use coupons; they think it’s a waste of time. Yet, their savings account and 401(K) are becoming lighter by the hour. The time is now to use coupons. Did you know that Fry’s grocery store is giving consumers double and triple coupons? Like most grocery stores, they have a V.I.P. card that will save consumers money. The bonus is that they are accepting competitor’s coupons.

True, many people will not give up such items such as health and beauty items no matter their financial circumstance. If you’re a woman who uses Oil of Olay products, visit their website for money saving coupons. That’s right, you can get coupons for Oil of Olay’s Definity and Regenerist product lines. The coupons take 6-8 weeks to arrive by mail, but it will be worth it in the end. Visit Oil of Olay for more information.

How many people are familiar with General Mills? If you visit their website, check out all of their brands. Furthermore, if you click on Coupons and Promotions, it will take you to pages upon pages of money saving coupons. All you have to do is sign up and become a member of the Pillsbury Community. It’s that simple and easy. Sign up today and start saving tomorrow!

For those that receive the Sunday paper, it’s usually jammed pack with coupons. Instead of throwing the coupons out or using them to the line bird cage, grab the scissors and start saving at the grocery store.

Another way to save is via direct mail. The ValPak and direct mail magazines you throw away each week, is like opening a window and tossing out money! You never know what’s in that direct mail magazine — are you overlooking a “Buy One Gelato, Get One Free” coupon? Now, that’s a sin!

Quit throwing away money saving coupons. The money that you save on coupons can be put into a savings accounts. Before you know it, you’ll have enough money in the bank and rest easy at night.

Many people are their own worst enemies. When it comes to money, they continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. People fall victim to their own money mistakes. For those who desire financial independence, recognize and eliminate money mistakes today. This way you can start to live a more peaceful life tomorrow!

The majority of people are impulse buyers. They spend more than what is in the bank because of the need to keep up with their neighbors. Some people buy things because they hold a belief that they will feel better. If you’re an impulsive buyer, make a list of the necessities you need to purchase and then go shopping.

Another money mistake people make is not having a savings account. Putting $10 or $20 a week into a savings account will eventually add up!

Many employees do not take advantage of the 401(K) that their employer offers. Most companies will match their employees contributions. Put the maximum amount into a 401(K) account and watch the dollar amount grow over time. Those who save now will benefit in the long run.

Some people rely on family and friends to bail them out. This is a big mistake! It’s one thing to accept help when the situation is dire, but avoid making a habit of it. Family and friends have their own lives and must take care of themselves as well.

A budget is a great tool that will help many people avoid making money mistakes. Budgeting is not that difficult to do. List monthly expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, car, cell or mobile, clothing, eating out, and other expenses that appear each month. Start by curbing or cutting out expenses such as clothing, food, and entertainment. Cook at home because it’s cheaper and will keep you trimmer!

Finally, do not let your emotions or past experiences get in the way of making money mistakes. Remember, most people make purchases based on their emotions. Logic seems to go out the window, although not entirely. Take a step back, deep breathe, and put the IPod back on the shelf. Besides, Apple will probably come out will a new and improved IPod next year. The one you buy will be obsolete!

Are you caught in the “eye” of a financial storm? If you watched Suze Orman on Oprah’s September 23rd show then you know she is fired up. She gave no sympathy to a couple who is $90,000 in credit card debt. The wife did not want to hear that the right move to make was to sell the house. God forbid the couple move into an apartment. They must enjoy yard work, routine and not so routine maintenance, and the typical house work. Then again, maybe they hire people to do this for them which is why they are $90,000 in debt. For “5 priceless money saving tips by Suze Orman, please visit MSNBC.com.

Clipping coupons is a great way to save money on groceries and personal items. The dollars you save will add up over time. Take the extra cash and put it into a savings account. When you are ready, take some of the money and put it into Treasury Bills and Bonds and Treasury Money Market accounts.

Give up the Starbucks Coffee for awhile. It may seem cruel and unusual, but it will be worth it in the long run. Think of all of the extra money to be deposited into the savings account. Not only will you save money, but reduce time and gas consumption. Plus, cutting down on your drive time will decrease the amount of emissions being released into the air.

Money Saving Links

1. The Dollar Stretcher. Find out how to live better for less.
2. Bank Rate. “Original and objective personal finance stories to help consumers make informed financial decisions.”
3. Money.CNN. Gerri Willis gives you personal finance and savings tips.
4. Woman’s Day. Has money savings tips from finding a cheap flight to how to do-it-yourself household cleaners.

Most Americans are in credit card debt beyond what their eyes can see. Too much indulgence and not enough self-discipline equals a financial disaster. Unfortunately, this can all be avoided with a little frugality.

Now is the time to face the truth of the situation. It will not be easy at first, but once you stop lying to yourself and others it will get better. Do what you have to do for a brighter future. If you have children then you better sit down and face the facts. Is it fair to make your children suffer for your mistakes? This is something to think about now and going forward on your financial quest. A little honesty goes a long way. Get real, get out of debt, and start saving for those rainy days and not so rainy days.