Traveling Abroad – Don’t forget this!
Summer’s the perfect time to travel. Everyone wants to have fun in the sun. It doesn’t matter when you decide to travel abroad—this little mistake could cost you big time. Whether you’re heading to European destinations, safaris in Africa or my dream vacation in New...
Credit Problems? Get the Credit You Deserve
It’s time for you to get the credit you deserve. After all, your credit really does matter. It could open the door to unbelievable deals like a 60-month interest-free loan on a brand new car. On the flip side, the door could be slammed shut when you’re denied a...
Save More Money at the Outlet Mall
Everybody loves a great deal! That’s why so many people go to outlet malls. If you don’t believe me, try going to the Chicago Premium Outlets on a holiday weekend. It’s ridiculous! People come from near and far looking for bargains. They pack the parking lots, side...
Women Breadwinners – Are We Still Afraid of Becoming a Bag Lady?
Everyone has been buzzing about a new Pew survey that finds a record number of women are the breadwinners. The survey results show a shift in the amount of money women are bringing home. In fact, some married women (5.1 million) are earning more than their husbands....
5 Ways to Make Tax Season Easier Next Year
It’s May 7th, so tax season is officially over. But it’ll be back again. That’s for sure! As Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Whether we like it or not – Tax Day is here to stay. I think the only people...
MoneySmartWeek: The Hunt is On
Today is April 10th. And that means you have a little more than two weeks left (17 days) to get your hunt on. The 2013 Money Smart Scavenger Hunt gives you a shot at some cool prizes (like $600 Apple gift cards, $100 Visa gift cards and more). So get your smile ready...
This Could Save You 50% or More on Parking…
Tired of paying too much to park? Keep reading this and you'll find out how I saved over 50% parking in Chicago. And Chicago has the nation’s highest parking metered rates. Metered parking downtown can cost as much as $6.50 an hour. Ouch. It’s ridiculous! With rates...
Watch Out for Credit Card Swipe Fees
Have you heard about the new credit card swipe fees? They went into effect on Sunday, January 27th. Now retailers have the option of passing on credit card swipe fees to consumers. A swipe fee is the cost retailers pay every time you use your credit card. This means...
How to Get Your Free Credit Report – For Real!
A friend of mine asked if she could really get a free credit report. I sensed the embarrassment in her voice. But it’s a great question. Yes, you can get a free credit report! And I mean completely free without any strings attached. I don’t blame her for doubting it....
Chicagoland: 2013 Money Smart Kid Contest – Enter Now….
Calling all Chicagoland money savvy kids in grades 5th – 8th. Now is your chance to be crowned the Money Smart Kid 2013 (Chicago’s very own financial literacy ambassador). And that’s not it. The Money Smart Kid will win a $5,000 scholarship from BMO Harris Bank. The...
