0% APR Credit Cards

Be careful with your credit cards... A lot of the time we make more than one kind of mistakes with using our cards- here is a BIG one- how to avoid it and make 0% work for you...

There are some things to consider before transferring your balance to a new card:

1.Always take into account the length of the 0% APR period.
2.Be sure you are able to pay off your balance within this introductory period, otherwise high interest rates often kick in when the period ends.
3.Make a payment schedule and set aside money each month to pay towards your balance.
4.Also, be aware of transfer fees that may be charged by the credit card companies. These can come as unexpected surprises and throw off the payment plan you have created.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the 0% APR offer applied to purchases as well as payments. If interest is charged for your purchases on the transfer card, this can leave you with lingering debt even after your principle is paid off. If interest is charged for your purchases try and limit use of the card to emergencies only to avoid this occurrence. Also, be sure and compare the rewards programs offered by a card, as these will be available to you once you have paid off your balance. Pick a card that rewards you the way you want in the future.

A 0% Balance Transfer can be a great way to get out from under a seemingly insurmountable pile of debt and greatly improve your credit score and spending power at the same time.

Save Grocery $$$ Now!

If you limit your spending to meat, produce, and dairy, and skip strolling up and down the aisles filled with expensive packaged products, you'll spend less.
Research shows that the average American spends 30% of their monthly budget on food, so even a small savings can make a difference week after week.
Americans spend 30% of their monthly budget on food on average. here are some good ideas on how to carve out some savings at the grocery store.
Cut out the following seven items and you'll see your bill go down immediately:

1. Bagged salad. These bags can be a time-saver, but they can cost three times as much as an ordinary head of lettuce. And "salad kits" -- including some greens, a small bag of dressing, and a small bag of croutons -- are even more expensive.

2. Energy or protein bars. They're often stacked at the checkout counter for impulse buyers who grab them for a quick health fix. But they are often high in sugar and fat and about as wholesome as a candy bar. They're also two to three times more expensive.

3. Spice mixes. Things like grill seasoning and rib rubs might seem like a good buy because they contain spices that you would have to buy individually. But once again, it pays to read labels. Usually the first ingredient you see is salt, followed by a few herbs and spices. Look in your own pantry; you'll be surprised to discover just how many herbs you already have on hand.

4. Bottled water. This is a bad investment for many reasons. It's expensive compared to what's coming out of the tap, its cost to the environment is high, and it's often no better for your health than what's running down your drain.

5. Boxed rice entree or side-dish mixes. These consist basically of rice, salt, and spices, yet they're priced way beyond the ingredients sold individually. Yes, there are a few flavorings included, but again, you probably have them in your pantry. Buy a bag of brown rice, measure out what you need, add your own herbs and other seasonings, and voila! You've just saved some money, and prepared something that probably tastes better than what you were going to buy.

6. Pre-formed meat patties. These are handy, but they're more expensive than buying the ground meat in bulk and making patties yourself. You can even freeze them if you must.

7. Tomato-based pasta sauces. These may run $2 to $6 a jar, while the equivalent amount of canned tomatoes is often under $1. Try making your own sauces from canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. Put the tomatoes into a skillet, stir in some wine or wine vinegar, your favorite herbs, and whatever chopped vegetables you like in your sauce -- garlic, peppers, onions, mushrooms, even carrots -- and let simmer for an hour. Easy!

While you change your own shopping habits, think about how changing consumer habits could affect your portfolio, too.

Get Paid To Shop (Really)

I have always been leary of make money companies,concepts and ideas. Earlier this year I was low on cash and and came across this program that sounded too good to be true... Wondering if I was wrong or should check this one out, I decided since it was a free program I would indulge my curiosity a bit. I was surprised to see not only was it free, but easy and a lot of fun- THEY ACTUALLY PAY YOU!! I am talking about what I believe some of you have heard about: Shopper's Hotline. This program pays you to scan all of the purchases you make each and every week ( you do this at home with a provided scanner, yes it comes with a holder to set it in, or you can do this via the internet). Every week that you particpate you earn points that add up really fast which then get redeemed and cash is then added to a Visa debit card they send you- It's that EASY. You also have chances to earn points through recording you prescription purchases and doing quick easy surveys once a month. They have monthly and quartely drawings for realy great prizes- hey, I just won a dvd player,this week as a matter of fact! I really do like working for them and you will to- If you can get picked to be a member. And yes you can use the provided Visa debit card anywhere just like any other. The whole point of Shopper's Hotline is to tell companies that make all the products you can buy- what is being sold, why and to whom, how often, and for what cost and what suppliers are selling their products the most. If you want to see if you qualify to become a Shopper's Hotline member just call: 1-877-999-2949 Ask for Operator 10 and when prompted give them this special code: 048126136
Good Luck - make that $$$ :)