Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
Many of us pay too much for these everyday essentials.
Snacks. A daily protein bar can set you back $2 a day. Choose fruit instead for a healthier – and cheaper – alternative.
Bottled water.
Fruits and veggies. If you enjoy precut vegetables and salad mixes, consider the cost of that convenience: about $5.98 a pound. Wash your own lettuce and you’ll pay just a third of that.
Movies. An evening for two at the theatre costs about $30 in major cities. For about $5 a month you can watch two movies from an online rental source or. Plus, DVD kiosks located at certain neighborhood grocery and discount stores rent current-release flicks for about $1 a day. Or … surf your local library’s Web site for free rentals!
Television. Cut the cable or satellite service and get a digital conversion box, which gives you a clear connection to all the basics. With a broadband Internet connection you can watch more than 300 shows on certain internet sites. Many networks now post full episodes on their Web sites so you can watch them for free, or rent DVDs of your favorite shows.
Tags: Primerica, savings, spending
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
The holidays are upon us and many families are digging deep to find the cash for gifts and travel costs. According to a recent survey, the average U.S. household plans to spend an average of $683 on holiday related shopping, a slight drop from last year.1 With unemployment close to 10%, and many more families unsure about their financial future for 2010, finding ways of enjoying the season without busting the budget are more important than ever.2
Primerica presents three easy ways to make your money go farther this Christmas.
- Shop Smart. Both traditional retailers and online merchants often run sales or offer incentives like free shipping to encourage consumers to buy. Just shopping around a bit could help you save big.
- Stick to Your Budget. Decide ahead of time how much you want to spend on each person or gift and stick to it.
- Try a “Stay” Cation. Airfare for a family can really stress a budget – especially when the economy is slow. Even gas and other travel expenses could be a big strain on a family’s finances. Consider staying close to home this year. Start a new family tradition like watching a special holiday movie together, going caroling in your neighborhood or taking cookies and homemade crafts to a local senior center.
A few small changes can make a big difference and if you’re smart about your spending, you can still satisfy those wish lists – without breaking the bank!
Tags: budget, holiday spending, staycation, unemployment
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
It’s been a tough year financially for many families due to a sluggish economy. In times like these, many people look for ways to cut costs and stash more cash to tide them over until the recession eases.
To get you started, here are three tips for boosting finances in a tough economy.
1. Make Positive Changes Last. Many surveys show that Americans are shifting their priorities in profound ways. For example, 63% say they are less materialistic, and 70% say they consider spending time with family more important than ever. Sixty three percent vow to no longer carry a credit card balance, and many are saving more – the personal savings rate has soared to 5.7%, the highest since 1995.1 Once you adopt these changes, it’s a good idea to continue them even when the economy gets better.
2. Pay With Cash or Checks. People who pay with credit or debit cards tend to: buy more things, pay a higher price for them (sometimes twice as much) and become less aware of how much they’ve spent than those who pay with cash or checks.2 You can avoid these pitfalls by putting plastic away for good. One way to get into the habit of using cash for everyday purchases is to set up a cash envelope system with one envelope for groceries, one for entertainment, etc.
3. Earn Extra Money. Start a part-time business or work a few hours a week at a second job to beef up a college savings or retirement savings account. Business opportunities, such as Primerica’s part- or full-time opportunity, are great ways to do something enjoyable while earning extra money each month.3 More information is available here: www.PrimericaBusinessOpportunity.com.
Tags: business opportunity, economy, finances, part-time, personal finance, Primerica
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
The tough economic climate is impacting people from across the spectrum. So, teens looking for summer work may be feeling the pinch just like everyone else. In fact, only 30% of teens currently have a summer job and the unemployment rate has risen to 22.7%.1
Times are tough for job seekers – both young and old – but here are four tips to help your kids find seasonal employment.
1. Network for success. Besides checking the classifieds and online job boards, contact family friends and let them know your son or daughter is looking for work.
2. Visit government sites. The stimulus plan set aside money for one million summer jobs for youths.2
3. Check discount stores and fast food chains. These outlets are thriving during the recession.
4. Don’t ignore volunteerism. It’s a great résumé and character builder.
Working a summer job is a great way to help your teen learn to become financially responsible. For more ideas on helping kids develop good money skills, visit www.primerica.com to locate a local representative.
Tags: economy, employment, government, Primerica, stimulus, summer jobs, teen jobs, volunteer, volunteerism
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
Economic woes and an increase in consumer prices have made sticking to a budget even more difficult for families across North America. People who were already struggling financially under the burden of debt and poor savings may be feeling the pressure even more intensely now.
Primerica presents six tips to help you have more and spend less.
1. Cut energy use.
Simply sealing a home properly can help you eliminate 25% of your heating and cooling costs.1 Many utility service providers provide free or discounted energy audits. If this option isn’t available, you can always go the professional route, or do a self‑check using the steps found at Energy Stat.
Another way to prevent leaks is to add insulation, use caulk, spray foam and weather stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors, and in attics and basements. Plug devices with standby power, like TVs and stereos, into a power strip so they can be turned off all at once.
2. Spend less on groceries.
With the cost of virtually everything at the grocery store going up, this is one budget area you can’t afford to ignore. Coupon clipping can help you keep more money in your pocket (a household of four that uses them strategically can save 25% a year), but this is only effective if you use them for items you already use or need.2
Warehouse clubs can be a good source of cost effective purchases, but you have to weigh the benefits against potential negatives: the tendency to eat more because the food is going bad, and the potential for impulse shopping (many stores put electronics and other goodies out front). Did you know that you can save up to $1,200 annually just by cutting half of your unplanned purchases?3 It’s all about making a list – and sticking to it!
3. Trim entertainment costs.
When eating out, skip the drinks, and instead of ordering two entrees, order one appetizer and split a meal. Or dine out during breakfast or lunch, when the entrees are typically cheaper. Movie tickets now top $10, so hit the matinees instead for discounted admission. Join the local theater’s loyalty club for freebies, get discount tickets in the local Entertainment Book, or head to the drive‑in, where tickets are usually cheaper.
4. Improve gas mileage.
The easiest way to spend less on gas is to simply use less of it. Consolidate errands into one trip, or walk to the grocery store instead of driving. Speeding or braking sharply and frequent lane changes cuts fuel economy by 35%.4
5. Shave car insurance.
Most insurers will shave prices for anti‑lock brakes, having an accident‑free record, taking a defensive driving course, or using the same insurer for both auto and home coverage – adding up to as much as 25% off a your premium.5 Shopping around for competitive quotes is a great way to potentially save.
6. Boost your income.
Costs are rising across the board and a few extra dollars each month can go a long way to relieving the financial pressure of a weak economy and higher expenses.
Business opportunities, such as Primerica’s part‑ or full‑time opportunity, are great ways to do something enjoyable while padding the bank account.*
While you can’t control rising costs, changing a few habits can help you hold onto more of your cash!
Tags: budget, car insurance, gas mileage, Primerica, recession, save energy, save money, spend less, Tips
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
The current economic downturn has many families worried about losing their job, struggling to keep up with bills and worried about the future. The outlook seems bleak – 11.6 million Americans are unemployed1 and third quarter 2008 foreclosures jumped 71% over the same time period the previous year.2
Primerica presents four tips to help your finances weather a recession.
- Slash and burn bills wherever possible. An easy place to start: auto and homeowner’s insurance. “Some insurers give long‑time customers up to a 10% discount, but that can pale in comparison with the savings from switching insurers. At least once every two years, get a quote from another insurer.”3
- Keep good credit. To keep that all‑important credit score attractive, make sure you pay your bills on time, limit the number of credit cards you have and avoid financing more than one big‑ticket item at once.
- Boost income. Start a part‑time business or work a few hours a week at a second job to get through a crunch. The Primerica Business Opportunity is a great way to do something enjoyable while earning extra cash each month. You can do the business part time or full time and work at your pace, on your schedule!4
Times are tough, but following these simple tips can go a long way to helping you and your family come out on the other side of the recession with your long‑term financial goals still intact.
Tags: auto insurance, credit, credit score, finance, good credit, homeowner's insurance, insurance, personal finance, Primerica, recession, Tips
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
In today’s uncertain economic climate, the last thing you and your family need is to be financially vulnerable. Homeowner’s insurance and life insurance are two key areas that many people overlook or undervalue. In fact, 66% of homeowners are underinsured by an average of 18%1 and an estimated 68 million Americans have no life insurance.2
Primerica encourages you to review your coverage to make sure your home and income are adequately protected.
Homeowner’s Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance should cover 100% of the cost to rebuild, not the home’s value (including the land). That amount of coverage protects you regardless of real estate market fluctuations. Concerned about the increased cost of correct coverage?
Consider changing your annual deductible from $500 to $1,000 and you can save about 20% on premium costs. Shopping around is another great way to potentially save money for the same coverage. It’s a good idea to get new quotes from multiple insurers every two years. Contact your local Primerica Representative to learn about Primerica Secure™, Primerica’s auto & homeowner’s insurance referral program.
Life Insurance: If you have children and are still relying on just your employer for life insurance, you are most likely under protected. If any significant life changes have occurred throughout the year – such as the birth of a child – you will need to review your policy to make sure it still meets your needs. Experts recommend that a family with young children have coverage that’s 10 times the parents’ annual income.3
Even if you think you already have the right homeowner’s or life insurance, it’s not a bad idea to get a second look. For more than 30 years, Primerica has offered financial solutions tailor‑made to each individual client’s needs. Visit Primerica Financial Needs Analysis to find out what Primerica can do for you.
Tags: economic, FNA, homeowner's insurance, life insurance, Primerica, Primerica FNA, Primerica Secure, protection, term, term life insurance
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
In today’s economy, many families are worried about layoffs, foreclosures and mounting debt. They’re looking for ways to cut costs, save more and make smarter money choices for their future.
Primerica, a financial services industry leader, believes one of the first steps toward getting on track for a bright financial future is to create better spending and saving habits. To help clients get into the mindset of making better money choices, Primerica presents three easy ways to curb spending.
- Track purchases.
Little purchases made every day can add up to big money at the end of the month. Clients are encouraged to keep track of expenditures by either writing them down in a notebook or purchasing budgeting software. Families might be surprised at just how much they didn’t realize they were spending.
- Minimize ATM visits.
ATM withdrawals can add up quickly if the client isn’t tracking them. It’s easy to keep pressing that withdrawal button and even taking out the minimum $20 at a time can add up quickly. The best plan is to set a limit on withdrawals per week and stick to it.
- Cut spending by small amounts first.
Breaking the over spending habit isn’t likely to happen overnight. Primerica urges clients to start small, say reducing spending by 10%. Once a family gets used to that adjustment, they can work their way up to a more aggressive cost cutting strategy.
Discretionary spending (e.g. eating out, entertainment, movie rentals, etc.) isn’t a bad thing, but over spending – particularly in times of economic upheaval – can put families into a precarious position if debt becomes too high or if the breadwinner is laid off.
As families learn to budget better and spend less, the next step is to start socking away all that extra un spent cash. Primerica’s free Financial Needs Analysis offers a comprehensive snapshot of a family’s finances and presents clear strategies for getting out of debt, becoming properly protected, saving more and getting on track for a great future.
Tags: family finance, home finance, Primerica, spend less, tips to curb spending
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
With today’s volatile economy, creating an emergency fund isn’t just a good idea, it’s almost a necessity. Currently, 41% of Americans have no emergency savings1, and almost half of workers live paycheck to paycheck just to make ends meet.2
Financial experts recommend having an emergency fund of at least three to six months’ savings. Primerica offers four key tips you can follow to start building a financial safety net.
1. Separate savings. One of the easiest ways families can start an emergency fund is to open a separate savings account or money market fund. Money in this account should not be withdrawn unless a true emergency – such as a major home or car repair, hospital or other large medical bill, etc. – arises.
2. Keep the change. Loose change left over from daily purchases can add up quickly. Make it a habit to save single bills and change and deposit that money into your savings account at the end of each month.
3. Keep paying yourself. As you pay off big debt or credit cards, it’s a good idea to continue to make those same monthly payments – into your savings account!
4. Earn extra cash. Start a part‑time business or work a few hours a week at a second job to beef up an emergency fund. Primerica’s Business Opportunity is a great way to do something enjoyable while padding the bank account. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule, part-time or full-time!*
Starting an emergency savings account doesn’t have to be complicated. Save what you can and put extra away when you have it. Even starting small can make a big difference in the long run!
Tags: business, business opportunity, emergency fund, family finance, finance, money, Primerica, savings, Tips
Posted in Primerica, Tips |
