http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gif http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/ A Personal Finance blog that's filled with fun ways to save money and make money. Topics include: budgeting, saving, credit cards, fico scores, debt relief, kids & money, personal retirement savings, investments, and all types of insurance -- life insurance, health insurance, and auto insurance. Plus lots of money-saving frugal tips! en Copyright 2009 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:59:03 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxeshttp://feedburner.google.com <p>Homeowner's insurance is definitely something that <em>every </em>household needs to take seriously!</p> <p>How many times have you read about some poor family who let their insurance lapse -- only to have their home burn to the ground? Experiencing a home tragedy of <em>any </em>sort can be a guaranteed trip to financial ruin... if you don't have a good homeowners insurance policy in place.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div align="center" id="pic-center"><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/house-going-up-in-flames-by-111%20Emergency.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery51]" title="House on fire. photo by 111 Emergency on Flickr"><img width="140" height="105" align="" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/house-going-up-in-flames-by-111%20Emergency-thumb-140x105-9439.jpg" alt="house-going-up-in-flames-by-111 Emergency.jpg" title="House on fire. photo by 111 Emergency on Flickr" /></a> <a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/bad-weather-downed-tree-on-house-by-smile4camera.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery51]" title="Tree fell on the house and caused serious damage. photo by smile4camera on Flickr"><img width="255" height="105" align="" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/bad-weather-downed-tree-on-house-by-smile4camera-thumb-255x105-9441.jpg" alt="bad-weather-downed-tree-on-house-by-smile4camera.jpg" title="Tree fell on the house and caused serious damage. photo by smile4camera on Flickr" /></a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With construction costs continually rising and prices for home furnishings climbing just as fast, do you have enough <strong>replacement coverage </strong>on your home to replace what might be lost in a fire, flood, or home break-in?</p> <p>How about <strong>personal injury</strong>? With medical costs skyrocketing, an old policy with a low coverage ceiling could leave you holding the bag when the neighbor kid gets injured on your property.</p> <p>And don't forget, <strong>flood Insurance</strong> is not a normal part of your typical homeowners policy. This video shows how scary rising waters can be after days of heavy rain:</p> <center><object width="399" height="323"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c1DCeW908U&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="399" height="323" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c1DCeW908U&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"></embed></object></center> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thankfully, the process of getting an up-to-date home insurance online quote these days is easy... and quick.</p> <p>Yep, the Internet can lead you to the best deal around without ever leaving your house!</p> <p><em>Here are tips for finding home insurance quotes online...</em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/home_insurance_quote.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=_maKuWTwWRs:xJMNGx_Wiv0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=_maKuWTwWRs:xJMNGx_Wiv0:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=_maKuWTwWRs:xJMNGx_Wiv0:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/_maKuWTwWRs/home_insurance_quote.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/home_insurance_quote.php Home & Mortgage Insurance homeowners insurance Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:59:03 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/home_insurance_quote.php <p><a title="Housing Tax Refund." rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/irs-housing-tax-refun.jpg"><img height="189" align="right" width="270" title="Housing Tax Refund." alt="irs-housing-tax-refun.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/irs-housing-tax-refun-thumb-270x189-9062.jpg" /></a> Did you know?... First time homebuyers can get up to $8,000 in the form of a tax credit from the U.S. government. And you don't have to pay it back!</p><p>Hopefully this will provide an added incentive to get people house hunting again.</p><p>So... who exactly qualifies?&nbsp;How does it work? How do you take advantage of this incredible tax credit?</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/housing_tax_credit.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=w2Ob9obnZAU:IbLCgv31SPk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=w2Ob9obnZAU:IbLCgv31SPk:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=w2Ob9obnZAU:IbLCgv31SPk:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/w2Ob9obnZAU/housing_tax_credit.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/housing_tax_credit.php Home & Mortgage tax credits and deductions Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:06:04 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/housing_tax_credit.php <p><a title="At the computer - writing a reference letter. photo by Extra Ketchup on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/writing-letter-of-recomendataino-by-Extra-Ketchup.jpg"><img height="210" width="280" align="right" title="At the computer - writing a reference letter. photo by Extra Ketchup on Flickr" alt="writing-letter-of-recomendataino-by-Extra-Ketchup.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/writing-letter-of-recomendataino-by-Extra-Ketchup-thumb-280x210-8902.jpg" /></a> Most of us will be asked to write a letter of recommendation at one time or another. However, it's not always easy to find the right words. Sometimes, it's difficult to just get started!</p> <p>Whether the reference letter is for a job, a scholarship, a grant, or some other opportunity, there are some key points you will want to make when writing your letter of recommendation.</p> <p>Why?&nbsp;Because the better your letter is, the more likely your friend or relative will get what it is they are seeking.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Here are the most important things you will want to include when writing a letter of recommendation or reference letter for a friend or colleague...</span><em><br /> </em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/reference_letter_writing.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=bigZDEaWVzA:JZ0BJCyFXVo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=bigZDEaWVzA:JZ0BJCyFXVo:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=bigZDEaWVzA:JZ0BJCyFXVo:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/bigZDEaWVzA/reference_letter_writing.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/reference_letter_writing.php Work & Retirement jobs Sun, 24 May 2009 14:39:53 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/reference_letter_writing.php <p><a title="Handshake - we have a deal! photo by gabivali" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/handshake-by-gabivali.jpg"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" title="Handshake - we have a deal! photo by gabivali" alt="handshake-by-gabivali.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/handshake-by-gabivali-thumb-280x186-8822.jpg" /></a> When cash is low, barter is better.&nbsp;</p> <p>More people are turning to online barter exchange these days in lieu of purchasing items with cash.&nbsp;</p> <p>When you barter, if you have something laying around you can get rid of (or perhaps a service you can perform), you simply do that in exchange for items you need.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Here are the best bartering sites and a little about the basics of bartering for newbies... <br /></em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/online_barter_exchange.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Od_EhS6bB94:KirE7ku7gl0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Od_EhS6bB94:KirE7ku7gl0:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Od_EhS6bB94:KirE7ku7gl0:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/Od_EhS6bB94/online_barter_exchange.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/online_barter_exchange.php Shopping & Buying Tips frugal tips online shopping today's economy Sun, 17 May 2009 17:26:53 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/online_barter_exchange.php <p><a title="Lots of minimum wage workers are not earning enough to make a decent living. Minimum wage jobs aren't cutting it any more. photo by duduhp" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/not-making-enough-money-by-duduhp.jpg"><img width="158" height="230" align="right" title="Lots of minimum wage workers are not earning enough to make a decent living. Minimum wage jobs aren't cutting it any more. photo by duduhp" alt="not-making-enough-money-by-duduhp.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/not-making-enough-money-by-duduhp-thumb-158x230-8726.jpg" /></a> What types of jobs are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage" target="_blank">minimum wage</a> jobs?&nbsp;</p> <p>...You might be surprised!<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Below you will find:</p> <blockquote> <ul> <li>some minimum wage jobs that most people wouldn't think of<br />&nbsp;</li> <li>some high-paying jobs that most people wouldn't realize<br />&nbsp;</li> <li>some tips for moving beyond minimum wage jobs</li> </ul></blockquote><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/minimum_wage_jobs.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=hPpUDHQ_owY:gWtmRtW4boM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=hPpUDHQ_owY:gWtmRtW4boM:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=hPpUDHQ_owY:gWtmRtW4boM:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/hPpUDHQ_owY/minimum_wage_jobs.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/minimum_wage_jobs.php Work & Retirement jobs today's economy Wed, 13 May 2009 12:53:36 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/minimum_wage_jobs.php <p><a title="Extended stay hotels look more like apartments these days. photo by Scorpions and Centaurs on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/extended-stay-hotel-by-Scorpions-and-Centaurs.jpg"><img width="280" height="187" align="right" title="Extended stay hotels look more like apartments these days. photo by Scorpions and Centaurs on Flickr" alt="extended-stay-hotel-by-Scorpions-and-Centaurs.jpg" src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/extended-stay-hotel-by-Scorpions-and-Centaurs-thumb-280x187-8557.jpg" /></a> There are times when making use of a hotel for periods longer than, say, a week would make sense.</p> <p>Whether it be because of employment circumstances, moving, or even an extended vacation, an extended stay at a hotel or motel may be just the answer you're looking for when it comes to finding a cost-effective solution to your housing needs.</p> <p>The big question becomes: are extended stay hotels a practical option?</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/hotels_extended_stay.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=VyV6blOeN-s:H6FmL5DQDb8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=VyV6blOeN-s:H6FmL5DQDb8:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=VyV6blOeN-s:H6FmL5DQDb8:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/VyV6blOeN-s/hotels_extended_stay.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/hotels_extended_stay.php Home & Mortgage Recreation and Travel Work & Retirement divorce jobs Spousal issues Sun, 03 May 2009 14:56:43 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/hotels_extended_stay.php <p><a title="FREE spelled during a game of Scrabble. photo by Spiders" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/free-word-scrabble-board-by-Spiders.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="FREE spelled during a game of Scrabble. photo by Spiders" alt="free-word-scrabble-board-by-Spiders.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/free-word-scrabble-board-by-Spiders-thumb-280x210-8491.jpg" /></a> Have you ever taken advantage of free resources only to discover that you are stuck with a bill or a major inconvenience?&nbsp;</p> <p>Now, I am not one to knock getting free stuff.&nbsp; I love free stuff... to a certain degree.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I also think you should be aware of what those free things will <em>really </em>cost you.</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/free_scam.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zvo516XfRC0:svH_aq15Iqg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zvo516XfRC0:svH_aq15Iqg:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zvo516XfRC0:svH_aq15Iqg:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/Zvo516XfRC0/free_scam.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/free_scam.php Credit Reports & Credit Scores Fun Money Stuff Scams, Ripoffs & Warnings Small Business & Home Office books frugal tips office items and housewares Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:01:46 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/free_scam.php <p><a title="Tips for finding affordable health care. photo by lusi" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/doctor-health-care-by-lusi.jpg"><img width="280" height="373" align="right" title="Tips for finding affordable health care. photo by lusi" alt="doctor-health-care-by-lusi.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/doctor-health-care-by-lusi-thumb-280x373-8326.jpg" /></a> Over the last few years in the health industry, it has become increasingly common for annual increases in premiums.</p> <p>If you are unfortunate enough to move up &quot;age brackets&quot; that same year, it is possible to get a special birthday gift of 2 premium increases!</p> <p>This actually happened to myself earlier in the year and I realized it was a good time to evaluate my coverage and determine what could be done to help reduce the monthly premium.</p> <p>Even with the constant increases in premiums it is still possible to get <a href="http://www.247quoteus.com/insurance/health" target="_blank">affordable health coverage</a>, you just have to know what to do and where to look!</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/affordable_health_insurance.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zg7b-FEoY_8:D2UN9LpCJzY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zg7b-FEoY_8:D2UN9LpCJzY:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=Zg7b-FEoY_8:D2UN9LpCJzY:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/Zg7b-FEoY_8/affordable_health_insurance.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/affordable_health_insurance.php Insurance health insurance Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:15:11 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/affordable_health_insurance.php <p><a title="Gold jewelry by cmflynn77 on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/gold-jewelry-by-cmflynn77.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="Gold jewelry by cmflynn77 on Flickr" alt="gold-jewelry-by-cmflynn77.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/gold-jewelry-by-cmflynn77-thumb-280x210-8138.jpg" /></a> Times are tough these days. Many people are jumping at the chance to bring in a few extra bucks.</p> <p>You've seen the cash for gold commercials on TV, right? They say that you can mail in your old damaged and out-of-date gold jewelry, and they'll send you cash. It looks like quick easy cash, that's for sure.</p><p>With promises of big checks and no risk on your part, they even go so far as to say if the offer isn't what you expected, they'll gladly return your jewelry!&nbsp;</p> <center><object width="399" height="323"><param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pUYh-ytmXls&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" name="movie" /><param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="399" height="323" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pUYh-ytmXls&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"></embed></object></center> <p>&nbsp;</p><p>With gold prices escalating toward the $1,000 per ounce mark (see <a href="http://www.kitco.com/market/" target="_blank">Live Market Prices</a>), it doesn't take a very large pile of scrap jewelry to amount to enough cash to mean something -- <em>especially</em> when you're having a hard time meeting your day-to-day living expenses.</p> <p>The big question is:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Is it worth it to send away your gold in exchange for cash?&nbsp;Are the cash for gold companies you see online and in TV commercials likely to pay you what your gold is really worth?&nbsp;</em></p></blockquote><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/cash_for_gold.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=EYDdKdbohHk:WBCOFn5E-Ws:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=EYDdKdbohHk:WBCOFn5E-Ws:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=EYDdKdbohHk:WBCOFn5E-Ws:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/EYDdKdbohHk/cash_for_gold.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/cash_for_gold.php Scams, Ripoffs & Warnings frugal tips online shopping Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:41:21 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/cash_for_gold.php <p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/pulling-your-hair-out-over-taxes-by-Cayusa.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="Feel like pulling your hair out after you've started working on your taxes?! photo by Cayusa on Flickr"><img width="280" height="280" align="right" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/pulling-your-hair-out-over-taxes-by-Cayusa-thumb-280x280-8062.jpg" alt="pulling-your-hair-out-over-taxes-by-Cayusa.jpg" title="Feel like pulling your hair out after you've started working on your taxes?! photo by Cayusa on Flickr" /></a> While it may be too late for <em>some </em><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MellodyHobson/story?id=2750169&amp;page=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">y</span>ear-end tax tips</a>, there are still some things you can do to reduce what Uncle Sam will be looking to collect from your hard earned income this year.</p> <p>As you know, April 15th is the dreaded deadline to file your taxes. It shouldn't be a surprise; it comes the same time every year.</p> <p>Despite the knowledge that preparing my tax return is inevitable, I too am among those who procrastinate until the last week. I usually wait until just before penalties are assessed to finally prepare my tax return.</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/income_tax_tips.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ceLqbekXL5c:auwcltShomU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ceLqbekXL5c:auwcltShomU:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ceLqbekXL5c:auwcltShomU:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/ceLqbekXL5c/income_tax_tips.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/income_tax_tips.php Taxes Taxes 101 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:55:58 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/income_tax_tips.php <p><a title="The three major credit card companies - American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. photo by petr kratochvil" rel="lightbox" href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/three-main-credit-cards-by-petr-kratochvil.jpg"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" title="The three major credit card companies - American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. photo by petr kratochvil" alt="three-main-credit-cards-by-petr-kratochvil.jpg" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/three-main-credit-cards-by-petr-kratochvil-thumb-280x186-7810.jpg" /></a> There is a lot of talk in the news lately about <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/CreditCardSmarts/CrackdownOnUnfairCreditCardPractices.aspx">credit card companies having unfair business practices</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p><img align="left" alt="" src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/red-arrow-right.gif" />Here's how to tell if your <a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/CreditCardSmarts/is-your-credit-card-issuer-unfair.aspx" target="_blank">credit card company is unfair</a>&nbsp;or not.</p> </blockquote> <p><br /> Now, consider this...</p> <p>Can you imagine your children being overlooked for admission into a good college because other students who went to their high school did poorly at the school, even when your child's scores are superior to those other students?</p> <p>Can you fathom a dentist drilling and filling teeth that don't need cavities just because your neighbors generally get cavities in the teeth they have targeted?</p> <p>What if you were denied car insurance because you once visited a car wash that has a customer base of people who get into accidents.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well, if these scenarios sound a bit odd and unfair, imagine how <a target="_blank" href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/GetsAnswers/story?id=6747461&amp;page=1#">Kevin Johnson of Atlanta</a> (who has a near excellent credit score) felt when his credit card limit was dropped nearly $7,000 based on nothing more than a store he shopped at!</p> <p>Never mind that his credit score was impeccable.&nbsp; Never mind that he never carried a balance.&nbsp; Never mind that he owned his own home and was a successful business man.&nbsp;</p> <p>One innocent stop at one store led to his account being flagged as a potential credit threat.&nbsp;</p> <center><object width="399" height="323"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2XPNjmJhQs&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="399" height="323" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2XPNjmJhQs&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"></embed></object></center> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/credit_card_profiling.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=LBSxG6JnPfw:m2IdciT0MTM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=LBSxG6JnPfw:m2IdciT0MTM:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=LBSxG6JnPfw:m2IdciT0MTM:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/LBSxG6JnPfw/credit_card_profiling.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/credit_card_profiling.php Scams, Ripoffs & Warnings Shopping & Buying Tips banks credit cards and gift cards Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:53:43 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/credit_card_profiling.php <p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/mystery-shopper-by-whoohoo120.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="A mystery shopper. photo by whoohoo120 on Flickr"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/mystery-shopper-by-whoohoo120-thumb-280x186-7654.jpg" alt="mystery-shopper-by-whoohoo120.jpg" title="A mystery shopper. photo by whoohoo120 on Flickr" /></a> I had a friend who did mystery shopping for a living.&nbsp;</p><p>It seems every week she was visiting and &quot;grading&quot; a different place.&nbsp; She got to check out hotel rooms.&nbsp; She had free restaurant meals.&nbsp; She also got to purchase a few cool things and she was reimbursed for them. <br /> <br /> Over the years, I have tried mystery shopping a few times. My hope was that I would have the kind of success with mystery shopping as it seemed my friend enjoyed.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Here's how mystery shopping went for me, plus some tips for making money as a mystery shopper... </em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/mystery_shopping.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ggxalruWluY:ejJC95uKV1I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ggxalruWluY:ejJC95uKV1I:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ggxalruWluY:ejJC95uKV1I:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/ggxalruWluY/mystery_shopping.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/mystery_shopping.php Scams, Ripoffs & Warnings Shopping & Buying Tips Work & Retirement jobs Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:37:49 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/mystery_shopping.php <p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/job-search-online-by-MMMMM.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="Online job search - looking for a job online. photo by MMMMM on Stock.xchng"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/job-search-online-by-MMMMM-thumb-280x210-7556.jpg" alt="job-search-online-by-MMMMM.jpg" title="Online job search - looking for a job online. photo by MMMMM on Stock.xchng" /></a> The first place that many people go when looking for a job is online, and rightly so. &nbsp;</p> <p>Old job hunting rules tell you to pound the pavement as if your job search is a full-time job.&nbsp; But with the convenience of the Internet, you can cover a lot more ground online. &nbsp;</p> <p>Still, finding a job online is a fulltime job in itself. &nbsp;<em><strong><br /> </strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Here are the best tips gathered from career experts regarding how to find a job online...</strong></em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/online_job_search.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=s98sxICaD9U:lZHfgJ4NF6Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=s98sxICaD9U:lZHfgJ4NF6Y:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=s98sxICaD9U:lZHfgJ4NF6Y:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/s98sxICaD9U/online_job_search.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/online_job_search.php Work & Retirement jobs Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:01:56 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/online_job_search.php <p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/watching-tv-shows-on-computer-by-The-Doctr.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="Watching television shows from a desktop computer. photo by The Doctr on Flickr"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/watching-tv-shows-on-computer-by-The-Doctr-thumb-280x210-7393.jpg" alt="watching-tv-shows-on-computer-by-The-Doctr.jpg" title="Watching television shows from a desktop computer. photo by The Doctr on Flickr" /></a> Did you know that you can get some of the exact same channels that you watch on cable and satellite television right on your computer?</p><p>Well...you can!</p><p>If you're paying $90 or more a month to have cable or satellite television then you're paying too much.</p><p>There is a wealth of television available online that is easy to access and watch if you know where to look.</p><p>That is the biggest thing: knowing where to find what you're looking for. Because believe me, as much good stuff as there is available online, there is just as much junk.</p><p>Whatever you do, do <em>not </em>buy one of those software packages that &quot;gives you satellite TV on your computer.&quot; Nearly all of them are a scam, and you can actually get the same software for free! Yup, that's right for FREE, and I'll tell you how to do that.</p><p><em><strong>Here are 7 free programs that enable you to watch TV&nbsp;and movies on your computer...</strong></em></p><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/watch_tv_shows_free.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ugT5HsJUn60:r3CGFCvOTaI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ugT5HsJUn60:r3CGFCvOTaI:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=ugT5HsJUn60:r3CGFCvOTaI:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/ugT5HsJUn60/watch_tv_shows_free.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/watch_tv_shows_free.php Bills & Utilities Fun Money Stuff Recreation and Travel TV Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:25:05 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/watch_tv_shows_free.php <p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/hot-dog-from-street-vendor-by-rustytanton.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery39]" title="A tasty hot dog purchased from a hot dog vendor. photo by rustytanton on Flickr"><img width="210" height="280" align="right" src="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/hot-dog-from-street-vendor-by-rustytanton-thumb-210x280-7363.jpg" alt="hot-dog-from-street-vendor-by-rustytanton.jpg" title="A tasty hot dog purchased from a hot dog vendor. photo by rustytanton on Flickr" /></a> Hot dogs are a simple food that requires very little in the way of preparation, is modest in cost, and is as American as apple pie.</p> <p>Every ball park, county fair, and football stadium sells them. With a large captive customer base, serious money changes hands during these and many similar events.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <blockquote> <p><img width="20" height="16" align="left" alt="" src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/red-checkbox-small.gif" />Fun facts about <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hotdogchicagostyle.com/funfacts.php">hot dogs sold at baseball stadiums</a>.</p> </blockquote> <p><br /> Here in Duluth Minnesota, there is a long-established hot dog vendor business selling under the name &quot;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g43018-d409483-Reviews-Coney_Island_The_Original-Duluth_Minnesota.html">The Original Coney Island</a>.&quot; The largest portion of their business is generated from the sale of coney dogs, dressed with coney sauce, mustard and onions.</p> <p>Many years back, I often picked up &quot;5 coney dogs with everything&quot; for lunch at a cost of about $2.50 it was an economical meal that came guaranteed with heartburn to carry me through the rest of the day.</p> <p>Today, I'm more likely to order just two, but the tab will come to $3.50, indicating a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thehotdogcart.com/hd_income.html">healthy profit on a very small investment</a> for the modern hot dog vendor.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <blockquote> <p><img align="left" src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/red-arrow-right.gif" alt="" />Read one man's story about <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networkforgrowth.co.uk/Hot%20Dog.htm">selling hot dogs through the recession</a>.</p> </blockquote><p><a href="http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/hot_dog_vendor.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=liUl_Awuvaw:O_qVxc4Be84:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=liUl_Awuvaw:O_qVxc4Be84:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?a=liUl_Awuvaw:O_qVxc4Be84:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToTaxes/~3/liUl_Awuvaw/hot_dog_vendor.php http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/hot_dog_vendor.php Work & Retirement jobs Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:35:06 -0500 http://personal-finance.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/hot_dog_vendor.php