Despite the claims made by financial advisors and planners, in reality there is no real possibility of having the perfect portfolio that performs to your expectations. Most portfolio planning today uses some variation of the mean-variance optimization process invented by Harry Markowitz, and though this system does make sense, in reality it leaves a lot to be desired. This is because mean-variance based systems are based on one very specific circumstance that is based on the exact volatility, correlation, and returns you stipulate when setting up the calculation.

Since no one can effectively guess at future volatility and performance, these calculations are invariably wrong. The subsequent performance can be well below expectations, or even worse than just taking random guesses at the proper asset allocation.

Stocks versus bonds

Historically speaking, stocks always out perform bonds over a long period of time, but stocks are also more volatile, meaning that there is a greater risk involved. Young investors, people with more fifteen years to go before they intend to retire, need active capital growth in their 401(k) plans and also have enough time that they have the time to recoup any losses from dramatic downturns or crashes.

Although it looked very bad at the time, the stock market crash of September 2008 did not amount to a permanent blow to most young investors because they still have a long time to go before they access their 401(k) funds and much of the value lost has already been regained as of November 2009. Older investors who are planning on retiring within the next fifteen years have much less time to compensate for major losses, so they should probably invest more in bonds than stocks.

What stocks should you invest in?

There are many different types of stocks to choose from, though many 401(k) plans limit their participants to investing in mutual funds holding a basket of stocks. More often than not, these mutual funds are a better idea for people lacking an intimate knowledge of the market because they are managed and operated by professionals who have an intimate understanding of the markets.

Not only do most 401(k) plans limit your stock options to mutual funds, they also tend to limit the number of mutual funds available as well. Assuming this is the case, the best idea is to research those funds that are available and trace their performance over set period of time. Do not just look at individual performance, but look at compared performance. If two or more funds tend to balance each other out – one going up when the other goes down – consider invested in both in equal amounts. Examine your options closely and look for slow, even growth as opposed to the returns made by individual funds by themselves.

What bonds should you purchase?

As is the case with stocks, most 401(k) plans also limit bond holding to funds as opposed to separate issues. Further, many 401(k) plans are tilted in favor of stocks and provide fewer bond options to choose from. By its very nature, the bond market is trickier for non-professionals to understand, so going through a bond fund is probably a better option for most 401(k) holders anyway. That being said, the core of your bond holdings should probably be a total bond market index fund as opposed to many of the more specific bond funds that might be available. One thing that should be taken into consideration in the current climate is the continuing decline of the dollar, which will likely result in increased inflation. Using a mix of foreign and high-yield bonds as well as Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), can offset inflation related losses, but should only account for ten to twenty percent of your bond allocation.

How many funds should you hold?

Many people, especially those with a lot of funds to choose from in their 401(k) plans tend to equate holding more funds with better diversification. However, this is not really the case at all; the issue is not how many funds you hold but what those funds invest in and whether or not your funds balance each other. As a general rule of thumb it is better for most people to hold as few funds as possible because the more you hold the more complicated your planning and tracking becomes. While savvy investors with a good understanding of the markets may make more money by using many different funds, for most people using their 401(k) to save for their retirement, holding more funds just complicates the process.

Stop playing tug-of-war with your credit card company.

You are overwhelmed with debt. You have eight credit cards that are all maxed out. Making the minimum payments is causing much financial stress, and you are not making any headway on getting out of debt. What can you do? Get help, get debt counseling, find someone who can help you with the necessary information to manage your debt.

Today, many people feel that securing a debt consolidation loan is the best option. A debt consolidation loan is a single loan, which pays off other loans and specific lines of credit. It’s likely that you have seen advertisements, and the claims that are made by these firms seem to have a measure of validity. Are debt consolidation loans a good idea for you? Let’s take a look and see if a debt consolidation loan is right for you.

Debt consolidation can decrease stress

A major benefit of a debt consolidation loan is that you are obligated to make one payment instead of many. For people who mismanage their bills, this can be a great stress reliever. Obviously, managing your bills with one payment makes managing your finances much easier.

Save money with lower interest

Secondly, most debt consolidation loans will provide the borrower with reduced interest rates. The most common type of debt consolidation loan is generally a home equity loan or second mortgage. Because a mortgage or home equity loan is a secured debt, the interest rates will be significantly lower.

With a secured loan comes the added benefit of a lower monthly payment. This perhaps is the best benefit to securing a consolidation loan. If you are like most families, you have a certain amount of money every month. That money is distributed to various creditors and expenses. If the total sum of that money is lower, obviously you will realize the benefit.

Simplify your financial situation

The benefit of having one creditor means that if you do suffer financial difficulties you will deal with one creditor instead of numerous phone calls from a number of different creditors. If you have ever experienced creditor phone calls you most certainly will count this as a benefit.

If your debt consolidation loan is a home-equity loan, you will also get a tax break each year. While credit card interest rates are not typically deductible, the full interest amount is deductible on home-equity loans. Subsequently this is an added benefit for you.

Don’t be too hasty

The negatives to consolidation loans are that it is easier for you to get back into debt. With more money left over at the end of the month the your credit cards all freed up, you may end up in the same spot you were when you took out your debt consolidation loan.

The most obvious negative to a consolidation loan that is secured with a home is you run the risk of losing that home. Because your consolidation loan is backed by your house, failure to make payments in a timely fashion could result in foreclosure.

Times should be a-changin’

Consolidation loans serve as a remedy for many people to relieve financial difficulty. For others, it may lead them to more financial difficulty. Consolidation loans are not for everyone, and everyone should evaluate their situation and know their level of fiscal responsibility.

The bottom line is, if you have mismanaged your finances in the past, you are at risk to do so again unless you make some significant changes. Weigh your options carefully, and plan accordingly.

Simpler, golden times for Michael Jackson. Will he and Shmuley Boteach find debt relief soon? (Photo: flickr.com)

Over the years, we witnessed the eccentricity of Michael Jackson. From his constant changing appearance and repeated debt relief missions to his legal issues, we ask ourselves the question: Why did he do it? What lead MJ to go that far? For instance, we remember him dangling his son over a balcony, the constant wearing of surgical masks, his Caucasian/Hispanic children, and him wearing pajamas to his court date. Now that Jackson is dead, it’s morbidly fascinating to see how many of his secrets float to the surface, and which person provides the fishing pole and bait, so to speak.

Shmuley Boteach Documents Time with Jackson

In light of celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s “The Michael Jackson Tapes” and new book on the market, Jackson isn’t made to appear realistic, or even human. He’s made to seem even stranger. During 2000 and 2001, Jackson kept in contact with Boteach on a daily basis while he explored Judaism. The two hit it off, considering Boteach complimented Jackson by calling him very handsome and even compared him to another great pop star, Britney Spears (if you can call that a compliment). Jackson then assisted the rabbi by speaking at his forum at Oxford University and revealing the clandestine information that would later form Boteach’s book.

At first read, you’d assume the book should shed light on lots of Michael Jackson’s awkward moments, but it never delivers on that hopeful expectation. In fact, the tapes raise certain questions that could never be answered. Here are four items things left me baffled after reading this book:

MJ’s Shrine to Shirley Temple (True or False?)

In the book, it is said that Michael Jackson had an unusual obsession with Shirley Temple. Jackson said an unidentified guy would travel with him, and the man’s sole responsibility was to set up a room-sized shrine to Shirley Temple before Jackson arrived. This leads a person to ask, “What was up with Michael Jackson’s fixation with children in general?” Remember the days of Jackson hanging out with Emmanuel Lewis and Macaulay Culkin? What made their relationship so cryptic and mysterious was that neither one divulged personal details of their friendship.

Michael and Janet

Boteach’s book never really discusses the true relationship between Michael and his sister, Janet. Some people have been questioning if they really did or didn’t get along. Numerous rumors, as well as Michael Jackson’s confessions, state that he did unfortunately pester Janet. Perhaps this is understandable in light of the treatment Michael received from his father and brothers.

One subject that wasn’t addressed was Janet’s vocals being turned down in the mix on their duet, “Scream.” As usual, rumors were spreading about Michael seeking debt relief right before the recording of the song. People began questioning if Michael tried to sabotage his sister’s solo for him to shine brighter for more album sales. It’s evident that Janet looked up to big brother Michael and wanted to follow in his footsteps. However, Michael Jackson didn’t seem interested in helping her. We could chock this up to his talent simply being greater than hers, or we could leave the subject unanswered as “The Michael Jackson Tapes” does.

MJ: Straight or Asexual?

There have always been questions centered on whether Michael Jackson was actually attracted to women or not. Some people assume that he was merely pretending, but with so little facts to back up his claim of heterosexuality, what is true and what is false? Boteach, however, doesn’t believe that Michael was gay at all, and provides multiple instances where Jackson showed interest in the opposite sex. Katie Couric, Princess Diana, Brooke Shields and Tatum O’Neal have all spent quality time with Michael, though he tells Boteach that he was never intimate with these women because of his bashfulness. Jackson admitted that he’s never had to ask a woman out, because they’ve all asked him first. Alas, the question of Michael Jackson’s true sexual nature will go unanswered in this lifetime.

Michael vs. Madonna. Why the “Beef?”

No one knows or has yet admitted what events transpired between Michael and Madonna to make the King of Pop say that she is “just not a nice person.” He left his comments at that, but the unanswered question is why. What happened between the two to make Jackson, someone who claimed to not dislike anyone in the world, find something objectionable about Madonna? And what made Michael vehemently claim that she was in love with him? The world may never know.

Boteach Provides Interesting Entertainment

There might be some individuals who are bent on glorifying the material Boteach has put together, simply because it has the names Michael Jackson and King of Pop attached. But information that is worth sharing and paying attention gives something to the reader or audience. I’m not 100 percent sure what “The Michael Jackson Tapes” uncover, but maybe all they’re meant for is what Michael Jackson himself gave to us: pure entertainment. And with the entertainment being distributed through Michael Jackson’s branded name, debt relief might forever be a thing of Jackson and Boteach’s financial past.

Since the stock market crash of September 2008, most investors with significant portfolios have repeatedly reshuffled and redistributed their holdings in an effort to minimize losses. The chaos that has followed has resulted in many portfolios being significantly imbalanced and weighted in ways meant to deemphasize the stock markets. However, since March 2009 the market is up some 60% and it looks like this trend is likely to continue despite the lingering effects of recession on the nation as a whole.

The international nature of the recovery

The current market recovery is being driven primarily by international factors: the increase in U.S. exports as well as the successful stabilization of many foreign markets, which present better investment opportunities for domestic institutional investors. Even if the general economy remains sluggish or lapses back into recession in 2010, the markets seem poised to perform reasonably well since many leading companies are taking advantage of international opportunities to maintain their profitability.

Slower rates of return

Although the stock and bond markets both seem likely to continue gaining ground, most analysts agree that the growth will be much slower than it was before the crisis. For stocks, few are predicting a return to double-digit returns, with most estimates being placed in the five to six percent range throughout 2010. Similarly, it is predicted that the return rates for bonds will be in the range of three to five percent. U.S. Treasuries will probably do worse, along the lines of two to three percent.

Don’t forget the bonds

With stock markets doing so well in recent months, your portfolio may be somewhat tilted in favor of stocks. However, the slower growth projected for 2010 as well as the likelihood of more stock market volatility means that you should probably be giving bonds more weight in your portfolio. The emphasis should be on highly rated short- to mid-term bonds, ones that will mature within five years or sooner. Also, you should seriously consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) to minimize the potential effects of inflation on your holdings.

International alternatives to TIPS

For American investors, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are most accessible through TIPS bonds, but for some investors another method is to buy securities that are denominated in other currencies. All indicators suggest that the dollar will continue to decline in 2010. Losses resulting from the decline can be offset by investing in assets denominated in other major world currencies, especially the Euro. The European Central Bank appears to be committed to keeping the Euro strong and stable, so the Euro is a good hedge.

Keeping your portfolio properly balanced

A number of factors, including a decrease in U.S. exports and declining foreign investment, could lead to market losses in 2010. The savvy investor must be willing to reshuffle his or her portfolio as needed to maintain a profitable asset allocation structure. However, for the time being, it seems that the U.S. markets are likely to continue their overall positive performance, albeit at a slower pace than many would prefer. Therefore, it is prudent to ensure that your portfolio is arranged to take advantage of this.

Payday loans mean that surprise expenses will never leave your budget in a bind. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

Payday loans are quick short term loans that can be used for urgent situations such as paying off medical bills, car repair and more. The loan amount has to be returned on the day you receive your pay, and the interest rate is fixed by the lender. Payday loans may sound advantageous for meeting unexpected or urgent financial needs, but there are also some disadvantages that cannot be ignored.

Payday Loans Help with Unplanned or Unpredicted Money Requirements

Payday loans are instant loans, as you do not have to wait long to get this loan approved. Thus, the convenience of this loan system is that you can instantly use the loan money to meet your unexpected emergencies. The process of applying for this loan is fast and simple. You just need to fill out a short form and provide documents that include your general information such as your name, address and banking details.

A Few Preventive Steps to Make the Most of Payday Loans

1. Since you are required to provide your bank details and credit details to the lender, it is important to always check the credibility and the reputation of the lender you are going to deal with.
2. It is better to research a bit to find out the interest rates and compare the rates with what your lender is charging. Try to search for around three or four lenders (or even more) and compare their services to get the best deal.
3. Make sure that there are no hidden charges or terms included while applying for a payday loan. Always read the terms and conditions of the lenders providing you the payday loan in order to avoid these charges.
4. It is advisable to plan your loan repayment while applying for payday loans. Since the entire loan amount is to be returned on your next payday, you will need to plan this before so that you will avoid any extension on repayment as this can further burden the upcoming month’s expenditure and also can add to your increasing interest rate.
5. Payday Loans can be an easy solution against unexpected expenditures or monthly needs but we cannot ignore the fact that these loans come with quite a high interest rate.

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Using Payday Loans Well

1. Payday loans are not the best solution for every problem. These loans should not be taken for just any reason, such as fulfilling your luxuries, shopping for fun and so on.
2. You must search properly and go through a list of lenders in order to get the best deal in interest rates. The more you search, the better your chances of finding a good lender providing you with suitable interest rate.
3. You can deal with money shortage due to unplanned monthly budget or unexpected financial burdens with a payday loan easily. However, to avoid any more financial burden from your payday loan, you must have complete knowledge of payday loans. You must know the pros and cons in order to utilize them properly and safely.

Apply for Payday Loans HERE

Consumers are using payday loans and their tax refunds to pay necessary bills. In the past, taxpayers saw their tax refunds as additional money to do something fun with. Whether it was a vacation, a new TV or a down payment on a vehicle, people used the money for unnecessary items. This year a new poll is showing that most Americans are looking forward to paying off bills and expenses with their tax money. In fact more than 54 percent of those receiving refund money intend to either pay credit card bills, utility bills or other housing-related expenses. This is up from the 35 percent who were in the same position just one year ago.

This news is no surprise to analysts who have spent months studying the economy and the recession. They predicted long ago that people’s attitudes toward spending would be conservative at best. Michael Fortman, economist for Smartmoney.com, stated, “Even with big sales and discounts, many Americans are going to be very cautious going into the future. … They have seen the recession and what it did to many families and they don’t want to get caught up in the issue later on down the road.”

Taxpayers are trying to stretch their budgets

The Obama administration wants this year’s refund money to be fueled back into the economy. Their hope is that the added money will spur the economy out of a recession quicker. However, with the loss of more than 5 million jobs since the end of 2007,this is a difficult task. Add that to research showing the people are focusing any increase in funds to necessary bills, and the result is less discretionary spending. As Fortman concluded, “It makes sense to be frugal when the economy is in such bad shape, but it hurts the economy when everyone does it.”

Taxpayers are trying to stretch their budgets, using payday loans, extreme budgeting, thrift-store shopping and bartering to meet their everyday needs. One mother from Sarasota, Florida stated, “For the past year and a half, I have been trading clothes with other mothers at my son’s school. Without that bartering, it would have been next to impossible to keep our five children clothed.” Creativity is the new way of 2009, as consumers are eager to find new ways of saving money.

Government interventions with the stimulus plan

The question remains whether the government’s intervention with the $787 billion stimulus truly served its purpose. It’s going to be difficult to say whether it did because of the unknown.

Critics maintain that the stimulus’s mixture of government spending and tax cuts benefited large businesses, but did little for immediate relief in the lives of American families. Harvey Leven, lawyer in New York, stated, “The little guy is always down. … Sure, the government extended huge packages to corporate America, but taxpayers — the ones who in the end will pay for the stimulus — are left in the cold. They have to fend for themselves suffering through unemployment, rising interest rates and lowered home values.”

Americans wonder about the future

In the end, many Americans are wondering where the post-recession life will leave them. They are being resourceful when paying bills, using payday loans and tax refund money to cover the costs. Everyone hopes, though, that their return to normalcy will be quick. Hopefully the economy will level itself out and allow people to return to normal spending.

Apply for Payday Loans HERE!

Blind faith in your money manager is not a viable option

In the wake of the Bernie Madoff scandal, debt relief has become a persistent theme. Madoff had a long running Ponzi scheme in which he bilked investors of over $13.2 billion.

Under the guise of a gifted money-manager, Madoff attracted high-profile clients like Steven Spielberg, Kevin Bacon, and Hall-of-Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax. Madoff claimed his client’s investments were earning them big returns, but in reality he was using the investment money provided by new customers to fund those returns. The remainder of the money was used to sustain his lavish lifestyle.

A new skepticism

In the wake of such a high-profile crime, a new skepticism has been introduced to the business relationship between investors and money. For example, Tony Guernsey, a wealth manager for over 40 years, said that his clients are beginning to ask him a new question: “How do I know that I own what you tell me I own?” Guernsey said that he understands the concern in the light of recent financial developments. “The bottom-line,” he added, “is that the foundation between wealth manager and client, has been called into question, if not destroyed.”

Tips for investors

In an effort to restore consumer confidence, the Securities and Exchange Commission offers the following advice to consumers.

Read statements

The law requires all money managers to provide written account statements. Studies have shown however, that most investors rarely read them. To assist their customers, some companies have created simpler ways to track wealth. HSBC Private Bank offers WealthTrack, a system that clearly shows investors what they own, where it comes from and what the projected return is. Advent software is a wealth management reporting system that is quickly gaining steam with money management firms who know they have to regain consumer trust. The reality, however, is that consumers need to be responsible for their own investments. Blindly sending money to a money manager is no longer a viable option.

Monitor money managers

Financial advisor Kelly Campbell of Fairfax, Virginia, said that investors should “call the firm that actually holds their money to check on the manager.” Most independent money managers use third-party custodial firms to hold investor funds. Bernie Madoff, on the other hand, held the funds himself, which should have triggered the immediate doubt of his investors.

According to Campbell, “every bit of information an advisor can get, a client can get too.” It takes research, but consumers can check up on their investments for added peace of mind. Knowing where the money is and what it’s invested in is integral to understanding how it will play into retirement funding, debt relief, and savings.

Ask questions

Consumers should consistently ask questions based on their monitoring and reading of documentation. Carl Loughton, financial advisor in Chicago, Illinois, stated, “Many people are too trusting…they hand money to their money managers and walk away hoping it will sustain them in the future. Good money managers will provide answers before [the questions are asked].”

Consumers rarely reach the level of understanding a money manager has, but they can gain a basic understanding of documentation provided. Loughton added, “If something looks funny, ask. The worst that can happen is your manager saying ‘I don’t know’ and then check[ing] on it for you.” In the end, money is the responsibility of the owner. Consumers need to be proactive about their finances to ensure that someday their money will sustain their retirement, help them find debt relief, or finance their children’s futures.

Money for nothing

In these difficult economic times, the average American family is forced to live paycheck to paycheck — if they are lucky enough to have jobs at all. When the U.S. government bailed out Wall Street, the major banks got huge cash infusions. Since then, major banks like Chase and Bank of America have been reporting record-breaking profits.

Is this because they are making profitable loans to consumers and businesses, earning money the way banks traditionally do? No. In fact, banks’ lending levels are the lowest they have been in more than a decade. What is the secret to their record profits? Fee revenue, or as we all call it: Overdraft Fees.

NSF fees are costing Americans billions

According to the Washington Post, consumers paid a stunning $23.7 Billion dollars in overdraft fees in 2008, and that number is expected to rise dramatically in 2009. An estimated 51 million Americans have been forced to pay at least one overdraft fee in the past year at an average of $35 each.

Ouch. These fees are making cash-strapped families hurt even more. What is worse, banks used to have more forgiving policies regarding overdrafts, but now some only allow one overdraft fee per year to be removed.

Congress is regulating overdraft fees

Congress is considering overhauling the laws that govern overdraft fees, but it could be years before those laws go into effect. Yet, many Americans have discovered a secret method for preventing overdraft fees and saving money, while being able to cover their daily expenses until their next paycheck. What is the secret? Online payday loans.

Borrow money through your computer

Most Americans loathe the idea of getting a payday loan from a cash advance store in a strip mall. People are embarrassed to admit they are having financial difficulties, and frankly being seen at a payday loan store could be a huge social stigma.

Thankfully, the internet has revolutionized the way people can borrow money when they need it. You can receive up to $1,500 in two hours or less, and have the money deposited directly into your checking account. You don’t need good credit to qualify for these loans, and you don’t even need a fax machine!

The true cost of overdraft fees

Look at the math. Say you were getting paid on Friday, but your bank account came up just $3 short on Thursday. One single overdraft fee would cost you $35, creating an effective annual interest rate of 260,245 percent! As most people know, having just one overdraft fee is rare when your account balance is low. If you just buy gas, go to the grocery store, pay for child care, and pay your electric bill the day before payday, you could owe $140 in overdraft fees and in reality be paying more than 1 million percent interest!

Payday Loans help you save

Online payday loans just make financial sense. If it cost you $15 to borrow $100, and it saved you $140 in overdraft fees, its like putting $125 in your pocket. The key to saving money on payday loans is to make sure to pay them back quickly, as the fees can get expensive over time. If you don’t have the money to pay the loan back within then next two weeks, consider an installment loan, which offers a more affordable payment plan.

Your secret to beating the banks

Your banker will tell you that payday loans are dangerous and expensive. What they don’t want you to know is that they are making a killing on overdraft fees, and wouldn’t want that money to go away. Do your own homework, and you’ll find out that banks are profiting billions while America suffers. Take matters into your own hands and get an instant cash advance today.

If you need an instant cash advance, APPLY HERE

(Photo via Bensonkua, Flickr.com)

Black Friday has been the top trend for the past several weeks. Everyone is itching to find great deals offering for Black Friday 2009. Black Friday, which lands on the day after Thanksgiving Day, unofficially kicks off the holiday shopping season. And boy, things are looking hot, hot, hot.

Dirt Cheap Target Appliances

Who needs payday loans when you can get $3 Target appliances? Apparently, according to rumors, Target’s $3 appliances will include toasters, coffee makers, sandwich makers and slow cookers to name a few. And we’re not talking low-quality products. $3 Target appliances are made by Chefmate. Target will also give away a $10 gift certificate for every Benjamin you spend between 5 a.m. and noon. My question is what the heck is Target thinking? Don’t they know this could possibly start a war?

More Black Friday Deals at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Black Friday ads is particularly causing excitement because of their hot Black Friday special on Blackberry phones. Wal-Mart is offering a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase with a 2-year contract. Fortunately, buyers will not have to deal with just one cell phone carrier. Wal-Mart has teamed up with all four major cell phone carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Even better, you don’t have to wait till Black Friday to take advantage of Wal-Mart’s Black Friday offerings. Items from Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 will hit store shelves on Saturday November 14.

Best Buy: Making the Best of Black Friday 2009

Best Buy, one of America’s favorite retailers for consumer electronics, is also catching headlines with their extensive Black Friday ads this year. From what it looks like, you probably won’t need payday loans to make the best buys. They have cell phones, kitchen stuff, household appliances, television, computers, digital cameras, video games, movies, and more – all with incredible markdown prices!

For instance, you can get an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than 100 bucks. What about a Magellan SE4 GPS? With this GPS device you can easily locate interesting destinations in all the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The Magellan SE4 GPS is going for only $119.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $60 saving on just one item! Check out Best Buy’s Black Friday ads for more offerings.

Don’t Forget To Plan and Budget!

With all these offerings available during this time of the year, more people are feeling the urge to spend. Of course, Black Friday is the best time to spend and save money along the way. Your urge to spend, however, can still leave you in need of financial help if you’re not careful. So don’t forget to plan and budget for all your holiday needs.

Debt relief is possible, even if you have to plan a Thanksgiving meal. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

If you find yourself inhaling the last of the crouton dust after a fruitless search for the elusive meal, you are likely in need of debt relief. I’ve been there before, so I feel your fruitlessness. Now that Thanksgiving has flickered into view like flames from a toaster slot, you’re going to have to do a little bit better, particularly if you’re going to be having people over.

Plan and Save from Your Man Cave

Or feminine aerie, or whatever you call your esteemed hovel. You can plan how much food you’ll need and save some money in the process. That’s debt relief with wings that work, unlike the ex-bird that will grace your table.

Or Will You Even Give Them the Bird?

There are lots of other solutions, including ham, enchiladas or the gluten-free vegan feast of your choosing. But the main things you need to know are how long you’re going to entertain, how many people you’ll have and what time of day you’re doing this. If you’re doing an after-dinner party rather than an all day football gorge fest, you know you won’t need as much.

But Let’s Get to the Menu “Rules of Thumb”

Thanks to About.com, here are some general guidelines for you to follow. I’ve added my own comments, as I’m sure you’ll deduce. They’ll make Thanksgiving cheaper and contribute toward your debt relief journey.

1) Round Up When You Estimate

Better a little too much than too little.

2) Offer Ample Choices

Contrary to what you might think, more choices equals less of any one item. A little of this and a little of that instead of industrial-sized portions of an old stand-by make Thanksgiving parties spicy and (generally) cheaper for you.

3) Assume They’ll Try Everything

But they’ll likely go small, so that’s more leftovers for you! Trust me, it’s a psychological thing akin to nobody wanting to be “the one” who ate the last cookie.

4) Go Bulk for Sit-Down Dinners

Go with breads, nuts, olives, pretzels or anything cheap. This saves on prep time for those of you with no culinary skills. Besides, lots of bread will fill them up fast, make them feel like fat slobs and lower their resistance to your hypnotic suggestions. Tell them to stop eating and leave immediately… but wait until after dessert. The world’s all right with pie.

How Much SHOULD One Person Eat?

This varies, but you can do the math and figure out where the budgetary debris will fall.

Hors d’oeuvres and Salad?

Six bites before a meal. Remind them of Botswana if they object. If that’s the meal, think four to six bites per hour. With green salad, one ounce is right. Excess lettuce leads to emission problems (see the bean barb below).

Le Main Course?

Poultry, meat or fish are acceptable. About.com says six ounces per person if there’s one main dish, eight if there are two or more. To me, that seems counter intuitive to the myriad bulk plan offered above, but perhaps your guests are zombies and their lust for carne cannot be sated.

Rice and Grains? Yes Please! Pasta too!

One-and-one-half ounces as a side dish, two in a main dish like risotto. Can’t go wrong there, I think. And for pasta, think two ounces as a side, three for first course and four for main. Not all of those, however. Pick one. Repetition will cause your guest to plot your demise as you sleep. Change it up and you won’t have an “Ox Bow Incident” on your hands.

Get Starchy

Five ounces of potatoes should do it. The starches lull the mind into trance more readily, to which I’ve already alluded. It also weighs them down if you plan to use your guests as tackling dummies later.

Veggies and Beans within Your Means

Think four ounces of vegetables and two ounces of beans per person. I cannot stress enough that you adhere to think, particularly when it comes to the beans. You’re going to be locked in tight quarters with many people for a few hours, so think about it. If you have a gas stove, it’s a no-brainer.

You May Now Have Dessert

One thin slice of cakey substance is appropriate. In fact, it’s very cosmopolitan. If you’re going to get gushy, four ounces of pudding will do. For ice cream, think five ounces. If you mix the two, cut the portions in half. You’re out to perform debt relief surgery on yourself, so you don’t need pastry blobs giving you a hard time. Give those creampuffs the what-for if they question your stinginess.

But as always, do this in the most thankful manner possible. It is Thanksgiving, remember!

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(Photo imuttoo, Flickr.com)

Best Buy Black Friday ads can now be found online and it’s definitely causing hype. How would you like an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than a $100? What about a Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV for less than a $150? Save your drools, however, because things are about to heat up ever more.

Best Buy is tackling Black Friday with their hottest Black Friday deals from Kitchen & Housewares to automotive and home theater appliances. With Best Buy’s great Black Friday offerings, you probably won’t need payday loans after all to make ends meet during the busy holiday season.

Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009

According to BlackFriday.info, you can find great Best Buy Black Friday deals throughout the whole store. For instance, if you happen to need a new phone, check out these Black Friday cell phone deals at Best Buy.

AT&T Sony Ericsson W518a – Free w/2 Year Contract *

BoostMobile Motorola Clutch i465 – $59.99 eBay

DLO Jam Jacket For iPhone – $9.99

Jabra BT-2080 Bluetooth Headset – $19.99

LG Chocolate Touch From Verizon w/Two Year Activation – $0.00 *

MiFi 2200 By Novatel Wireless w/Two Year Activation – $0.00

What about a new television set? I know the hubby would love a bigger screen at home, right in time for the 2010 Super Bowl bash.

Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L19-10A) – $149.99

Dynex 32″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L321-10A) – $299.99 *

Dynex 40″ 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L40-10A) – $499.99

Insignia 42″ 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Model # NS-L42Q120-10A) – $699.99 *

LG 32″ 1080p LCD HDTV (Model # 32LH30-UA) – $439.99

Who needs payday loans at this rate? You can get the extended list for Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009 here.

Go beyond Black Friday Ads and save money!

If you want to save money take advantage of all the special offerings for Black Friday 2009. But if you want to save more money, do your own research. You can find other great deals than just Best Buy Black Friday Ads. Major retailers like Wal-Mart, Sears and Target are doing their best to attract more customers during this time of the year when people are searching for the best places to spend their money for the holiday festivities.

Keep in mind, however, that just because it’s a Black Friday offering doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. Make a list of things to buy, search for Black Friday deals from various retailers, and compare prices. You’d be surprised with how much more money you can save just by doing a little research.

Image from Flickr.

Black Friday. I understand why people head to the stores in droves when retailers advertise great in-store deals for Black Friday. What I don’t understand is why stores do this, especially in the case of Target’s $3 appliances, which are being publicized in the Target Black Friday ad.

Target $3 appliances, rumor has it, include toasters, coffee makers, sandwich makers and slow cookers to name  a few. Furthermore, I read that the $3 Target appliances are made by Chefmate, so they’re not low quality. With deals like this, taking out cheap payday loans to be able to take advantage of Black Friday sales might end up saving you money. Unfortunately it appears you must go to a Target store and deal with the craziness to take advantage of the sale; you can’t buy Target $3 appliances on the Internet.

More deals in Target Black Friday ad

Besides Target $3 appliances, the Target Black Friday ad also says it will give a $10 gift certificate for every $100 you spend between 5 a.m. (5 a.m.!?) and noon. There will be toys and board games on sale for $10. Some clothing will be marked down to 50 percent off.

There are also deals on more expensive things, such as a GPS and a couple of high-definition televisions. Though these items are in the $90 to $500 range, they are deeply discounted from their regular prices.

A Black Friday mystery

As several other members of the blogosphere have pointed out, Target $3 appliances are not going to make the store any money. As far as I can tell, the only thing  Target$3 appliances will do is create total mayhem in Target stores. So my question is, why do stores to this to themselves on Black Friday?

Target no doubt is hoping people will come in for the $3 appliances and buy stuff that the store will actually profit from. But for the life of me I can’t understand why stores create these scenarios where there will be total chaos for a few hours or a day. Why make Black Friday a circus? Why not stretch the sale out?

I’ll be home for Christmas shopping

I thought the Internet would end the Black Friday mayhem as people found online sales and took solace in the fact that they could shop from the quiet comfort of their own homes. It appears that stores like Target are making sure people have to come into the stores and deal with the madness of Black Friday.

But the store has to deal with the Black Friday madness, too. Are retailers really making so much money on Black Friday that they are inclined to keep doing this to themselves year after year? I am aware that Black Friday is a huge money-making day for stores, hence the name, but I wonder what would happen if they just let the sales go on for a little longer so every bargain hunter doesn’t converge on the store at the same time.

These college students are struggling financially – so much so that they can't afford suitable hats. Perhaps cash advance loans can help? (Photo: picasaweb.google.com)

(EDITOR’S DISCLAIMER: Many payday lending companies require that applicants be employed for a certain period of time before they are eligible to receive payday loans.)

Anyone who has ever screamed, “I need cash now!” while surviving the sometimes grueling experience of college life can attest that it’s a financial pain. Everything seems to cost money. From the roof over your head to the parking you utilize, it all costs money. Let’s say you aren’t living on campus. The tuition alone can take away from anyone’s pockets. Even when people acquire financial aid, other suggestions may need to be considered.

Consider Getting a Cash Advance Loan

Online cash advance Web sites such as Personal Money Store can assist with some of the less expensive liabilities. Though they are cheaper, they can be equally as important. If you own your own car, gas expenses can skyrocket through the roof. Just keep in mind that constantly taking out cash advance loans can get you into financial trouble. If you know that some grant, financial aid, or loan money should be coming soon and you need some cash until then, cash advance loans could do the trick.

Catch the Bus Some Days

The price of gas has gone up considerably in the past 10 years, making cars large liabilities. This is particularly true when the car requires payments or is being leased. During the times when gas prices are higher than usual, consider catching the local bus to school. If your job is on the local bus-line, you’ll save even more money and even get some exercise just by letting your car sit for a day or two.

Stock Up on Canned Goods

Supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Kroger offer great deals on canned good foods. Soups, fruits, and even meats are canned, and can be purchased in some cases for less than $1.50 a can. You want to make sure, however, that you avoid fast food restaurants at all costs. Most times, students are racing from place to place, constantly in a time crunch. If a student has a job and no car, the time constraints are more prevalent. This makes quick meals more tempting. Buy more foods that can be cooked and maybe even preserved for longer. A tried and true remedy for college hunger pangs is Ramen Noodles. You see? The trick is finding creative ways to feed yourself without starving.

Shack Up with Other Students

Living alone can be extremely expensive while attending school. For some people, campus living is an option, but for others, living off campus is the best financial choice. You and any other students you know might consider chipping in for a three- or four-bedroom apartment or house. Some people find this resolution satisfactory because they know their roommates will be around for at least two years, unless they drop out. In the case that a roommate does decide to move out, other frugal students will be eager to drop anchor and help with bills.

Supplement Your Income

There are many Web sites that offer money for easy work. If you are someone who loves social networking, for instance, Personal Money Store offers opportunities for you to do what you already love doing – and they pay you! What could be better than that? If you like to write, Personal Money Store also presents writing opportunities for freelancers. Another Web site called PeopleString offers profit-sharing for their members to do the things they already do, such as surf the World Wide Web, check their E-mail, visit social networking Web sites, and even check out dating websites. You can also visit over three dozen popular Web sites offering retail items along with cash-back options.

These are but a few ideas and suggestions to help you supplement your income while taking tests, doing homework and working a part- of full-time job during college. If times become too difficult, you can still consider applying for online cash advance loans and get cash now.

(Photo: Wikimedia.org)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Start your holiday savings now! It’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping budget (if you have not yet already) and take advantage of hot deals offerings for Black Friday 2009. Tons of Black Friday Ads have leaked on the internet like Wal-Mart Black Friday ads 2009. Although many major retailers have not yet officially released details of their 2009 Black Friday ads it’s obviously getting a lot of people excited. I mean, what’s better than saving money during the holidays?

Before you can settle on any item, however, you must first search and compare different offerings in order to uncover the best Black Friday deals. Like I said earlier, Black Friday Ads 2009 can easily be found on the internet. So avoid the last minute need of a payday loan and start researching!

Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 – Blackberries Galore!

Get a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase! (Photo via Honou, Flickr.com)

Wal-Mart is not only great for the holidays; it’s the place to go to save money all year long. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 have also leaked online and you won’t have to wait till the day after Thanksgiving to get a Black Friday deal. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 will fall in effect this Saturday November 14.

Among the best holiday discounts put forth by the world’s largest retail store, Wal-Mart’s Blackberry deals are getting the most attention this year. Wal-Mart is offering a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase with a 2-year contract. Much like Personal Money Store, a place that works through a wide network of lenders to eliminate the traditional hassles of getting a payday loan, consumers will not be limited to one cell phone carrier. You can choose a BlackBerry phone from all four major carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

Comparing Wal-Mart Blackberry Deals

Okay, so you get a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase. Sounds good. But as a smart shopper, I can’t help but wonder how much money I will actually be saving with Wal-Mart’s Blackberry deal.

Well, according to several news sources, it’s a pretty sweet deal. Here are a few examples from I4U News:

AT&T BlackBerry Bold 9000 Price: $78.88
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 sells on AT&T for $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate. Amazon charges $39.99 for the AT&T BlackBerry Bold, which is $38.89 less than Walmart charges for it. Overall with the $100 gift card you only save $61.11 on the Bold. On LetsTalk the AT&T Bold is even free with contract reducing the potential savings to $21.12.

—-

T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8520 Price: $28.88
The Curve 8520 sells on T-Mobile for $129.99. On Amazon you only pay 1c and the activation fee of $35 is currently waived. With the $100 gift card deal you save here $71.12. If Walmart charges an activation fee you have only saved $36.12.

Who needs a payday loan at this rate?

Wal-Mart Wireless on High Demand

People go to Wal-Mart for one thing: To save money. At Wal-Mart, you can find everything from the cradle to the grave… literally. Wal-Mart is now offering cheap caskets online in case you didn’t know. It’s clear, however, that Wal-Mart wireless is what’s causing the hype this year. They’re sweet phones with sweet prices. Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009, however, highlights a lot more than just Blackberries. So start researching for the hottest Black Friday 2009 deals for all your holiday needs.

(photo courtesy of flickr.com)

There are many companies looking for money to increase and modify their production capacities. One way they do this is by sharing the ownership of the company with individual investors.

The ownership of the company is divided into many parts – there could be millions of these parts. A price is given to each part – called share or stocks — so that the person who wants to become a partial owner of the company buys a number of those shares. He or she is free to sell them to other people after some time. There are certain things that people who want to earn money from stocks should know and do.

How to earn money from stocks

If you want to earn money from stocks, you should understand the ways in which stocks make money. There are two main ways that stockholders earn money.

Dividends

The first way of making money from stocks is the dividends that accrue every year on the stocks you buy. As an owner of the company you are entitled to your share of the profit. The profit is calculated and given to you at the end of every year. But, if you depend on dividends, you will not make enough money from stocks.

Price appreciations

The second route is the price appreciation of the particular stock. This is the best way of making money from stocks. If a company is doing well, people want to be part of it. That means that these individuals will want to buy stocks of that company from those who originally bought them. They are usually willing to pay more than the price of the first person paid. The more people looking to buy a particular stock, the higher the price they will be willing to pay. Smart investors buy stock when prices are low and sell it when prices are high. The difference is the profit.

Earning more from stocks

Tip #1: Spread out your investments

When you buy stock in several different companies you diversified your investments and thereby minimize your risks. The stock market is a volatile thing. Things change very fast. If you have a lot of money to invest, it is wise to buy stocks in different kinds of companies so that if the price of one is falling, others may be appreciating. You should be aware of the saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” If you put all your money in one company and things go bad there, you will lose.

Tip #2: Sell at the right time

There are times when you should hold onto stocks and times when you should sell. If you keep stocks when the price is appreciating, you are likely not to make any money. You need to sell your stocks when the prices are increasing because the appreciation will not last forever. Prices might fall sooner than you think. Watch prices carefully, so that after they have appreciated for some time, you are prepared to sell.

You can avoid the risks

You may have heard people say that stocks too are risky, yet if you understand the above principles you can and will make money from stocks. These are the principles that keep investors in the market for the long haul. People have made fortunes in the stock market and you can, too, if you play it right.

Backaches (and hair pulling) may be signs of financial stress (photo: flickr.com)

Yesterday afternoon I was suddenly put out of commission by an excruciating lower backache. It was so bad I could barely move, and for the next 24 hours I couldn’t focus on my work at all.

Had I gone to a doctor, I would have had to take out an emergency loan just to pay the bill. Fortunately, my back feels better today and I’m back in business. (Coffee actually seemed to help . . . but that’s another story!)

Is money stressing you out, too?

Stress is blamed for a myriad of health problems, but it seems that the medical industry has forgotten this.  Instead, doctors write prescriptions for everything. Drugs are handed out like candy today, but is anyone thinking about how stress affects your immune system? If I may be completely honest, yesterday’s back pain was induced by my worries of how I will make ends meet if I buy the house I’ve been looking at recently. I can afford it on my current income, but finances would be very tight, and there’s a possibility that I could default on the loan.

Effects of stress on the body

Are your aches and illnesses the result of stressing about money? According the American Institute of Stress, (http://www.stress.org/topic-effects.htm) there are at least 50 signs and symptoms that can be traced to stress. Back aches, frequent headaches, dizziness, light headedness, constipation, nausea, heartburn, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are just a few of them. Chances are you’re experiencing some sort of pain right now as a response to the stress you are feeling about your financial situation.

Stress suppresses your immune system, making you susceptible to viruses in the environment, including the H1N1 virus. But no one seems to think of this when they’re sick. Instead, people get emergency loans to pay for doctor visits and prescription drugs, which just creates more stress about money.

Chill out!

Remember that saying from the 1980s? It was a way to tell someone to calm down and relax. Regardless of your financial situation, worrying about it will only make you sick. You may be facing some serious difficulties, such as a home foreclosure or continual phone calls from debt collectors.  But is worrying about it worth destroying your health? The best way to chill out is to come up with a concrete plan of action.  What can you do go get the extra cash you need to pay your debts and get your finances under control?

The bottom line

Whatever your financial situation, if you are not healthy, how are you ever going to rise above the hardships that are causing you stress? If you must take out an emergency loan to pay some debts or put food on the table, so be it. But stop stressing out over the lack of money, as your health is the last thing you want to lose.

Actions speak louder than words

Now that my backache is gone and I’ve spoken my mind, I’m going to practice what I preach by coming to a decision right now about that house.  If I decide to buy it, I’m going to make a concrete plan of action about how to meet all my financial obligations, and then I’m going to stick with it.

Image from Flickr.

Rent the Runway, a web site that uses the Netflix mail-order model, would have been a good idea even when the economy wasn’t bad. However, it appears Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Carter Fleiss, the site’s creators, are destined for guaranteed success during a time when everyone is trying to save money.

Rent the Runway is a service that allows women to rent super-expensive, haute couture dresses for between $50 and $200 for a four-night rental. So in and emergency, someone could get a small short term loan and be able to show up for a function in red-carpet-worthy attire. Purchase prices on the dresses range from $500, to “seriously?!”

Understanding fashionistas

I’m the type of person who would pay $50 for a dress that I could keep and wear several times. But I watch “Project Runway.” I know that for some people, fashion and wearing clothes created by Diane Von Furstenberg and Catherine Malandrino is of utmost importance.

Furthermore, fashionistas also believe it is crucial to wear a different super-expensive dress to every function. However, many fashionistas have had to resign themselves to the fact that spending $3,000 on a dress every time an invitation shows up in the mail just isn’t feasible. As you probably know, this is a huge group of people, and they will be all over the Rent the Runway service.

Most successful startup ever?

Rent the Runway has several things going for it. There’s the fact that many women already spend thousands of dollars on dresses they wear only once. The recession means more women are trying to find ways to save money, and Rent the Runway is a perfect way for them to continue their high-fashion, low-usage habits without spending so much money.

Furthermore, Rent the Runway means women who have only dreamed of being able to afford haute couture will have access to it. I don’t know whose idea it was to run a feature on Rent the Runway in the New York Times right at the start of the holiday season, but that move might bring this startup company more business than it can even handle.

Rent the Runway challenges

Of course, the No. 2 rule of being a fashionista, after wearing a dress only once, is that you must never wear last season’s dress. So Rent the Runway will have to make sure it always has the lastest fashions. Because Rent the Runway buys its merchandise, this will be an expensive venture. However, because of the convenient rent-by-mail model and the huge customer base, this shouldn’t be a problem. Or at least it wouldn’t, except…

Right now, Rent the Runway is a by-invitation-only service. If you go to RenttheRunway.com, it says “Sign up here to be added to Rent the Runway’s wait list.” This move is geared toward making the service appear more exclusive and maintaining its value. However, I think this is a terrible business decision.

Why nix the invitation requirement?

Women who think renting a dress is tacky (i.e. really rich women) won’t use Rent the Runway regardless. The invitation requirement only will keep women who want to use the service from being able to; it will not encourage women who are concerned about exclusivity to use it.

Perhaps the invitation/wait list business is meant to keep orders under control so that Rent the Runway can handle them. After all, if a customer doesn’t get her dress on time, disaster ensues. However, Rent the Runway could not only do more business, it could give people jobs if its service gets too popular. I have two suggestions for Rent the Runway:

1. Get rid of this invitation and wait list business and let your service grow and serve as many women who want to use it.
2. Figure out a way for people to catalogue the even they’ll be wearing their dress to, so women can check to see if anyone else has ordered the same dress they want to wear. After all, we all know Fashionista Rule No. 3.

In an effort to find new customers, banks are aiming to help with a big public concern: debt relief. TD Bank, located on the East Coast, hosted a free pizza night for potential customers. Citizens Bank has promised to give new customers $1,000 if they are saving for their children’s college fund. Bank of the Wichitas, in Oklahoma, is hitting the market hard with a new advertising campaign with “Where bankin’s funner!” as their slogan. Regardless of their geography, banks are looking for new customers and finding creative ways to reach out to a new market.

Since the Federal Reserve set an extremely low interest rate, banks are trying to work with the numbers. This explains why most banks offer bonuses , but with conditions. For example, Citizens Bank’s $1,000 college fund is available, but only if customers open a new account and deposit at least $25 per month. To qualify, families must have children younger than 6 and agree to contribute at least $25 every month until the child is 18. Another example is HSBC’s program to give away Amazon Kindles but only to customers who open a new account with $50,000 and agree to maintain a combined balance of $100,000 at the bank.

Small banks

To find good interest rates, some searching is required. First of all, smaller banks are now trying to compete with large banking centers. They are offering “rewards” checking accounts that often return 4 percent or more. Studies show that small banks often carry interest rates that are twice the national average. Gabriel Krajicek, CEO of BancVue.com, stated, “Most small banks have maintained the higher interest rate package for over a year, so their reliability is great.” BancVue.com is a web site that lists reward-running banking programs from around the country, at a community level. It’s a great tool for consumers to look for banks offering the best perks.

Online banks

For consumers looking for debt relief, searching online may also aid their financial positions. Online banks gained popularity a few years ago and managed to gain a strong market share almost immediately. Although online banks still have less than 4 percent of total retail deposits, their revenues have grown more than $160 billion since 2000. Part of the reason is their rates are normally better than brick-and-mortar banks. Online banks have smaller overhead costs and can pass the savings onto their customers. James Kelly, COO of ING Direct, the largest online-only bank, stated, “Despite the economy, we’re getting as much money as we need.”

The downside of online banking, however, is that most have limited online services. For extra accounts such as auto loans or credit lines, consumers still have to go elsewhere. Also, many online banks don’t have their own ATM networks, so getting charged a fee for using a debit card is inevitable. Check cashing can also be a hassle with banks that do their business solely online. Customers have to grapple with a traditional bank and explain their online status or mail the check to their online facility and wait for days, sometimes weeks, for their money.

Finding funds

In the end, debt relief is available to those to search hard for it. Fortunately in today’s computer age, there are web sites that do the work and research for consumers. Web sites like BancVue.com build their business on becoming a banking resource for their visitors. Consumers need to find tools like these and use them to maximize their savings.

When did fall get here? Image from Flickr.

Even those of us who like to live in denial every year — wearing flip flops well into October, even in northern states — must now admit that fall has officially set in, and winter is well on its way.

The cold months cause many people to stay at home more, which is not great news on the exercise front, but it is good news on a money-saving front. People are less inclined to go out for meals when it’s cold outside. They also spend less money on other entertainment that requires them to leave the house. Of course, this could be because of the ever-steepening costs of celebrating various religious events, but nonetheless, winter is a great time for frugality.

So, in order to make the best of the cold and the aversion to the outdoors and avoid needing credit counseling, here are some great fall recipes for a three-course meal that will warm you right up.

Pumpkin Chipotle Soup

Ingredients (4 servings)

1 tsp butter
1 TB all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable stock
29 ounces canned pumpkin puree
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 TB sofrito
1-1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it turns golden brown. It should take about three minutes. Whisk in the vegetable stock. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Whisk in the pumpkin puree until smooth. Add chipotle peppers, half-and-half, sofrito, Worcestershire sauce, salt and paprika. Return to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until thickened and hot (about eight minutes).

Black Bean and Butternut Burritos

Ingredients (4 servings)

1/2 TB oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 tsp cumin
dash cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup cooked black beans, drained
4 tortillas
3/4 cups grated cheese
sour cream
cilantro
salsa

Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in a large skillet, and saute the onion until tender. Add squash. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender. Mix in cumin, cinnamon, and salt and add beans. Cover, and heat through.
Fill each tortilla with mixture and cheese, and roll up. Place seam-side down in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa and cilantro.

Country Apple Dumplings

Ingredients (8 servings)
You’ll want seconds!

• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 12 ounces Mountain Dew

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350.  Cut each apple into eight wedges. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough, starting at the small end. Pinch to seal; place in greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour mixture over the dumplings, then pour the Mountain Dew over the dumplings. Bake 35 to 45 minutes (until golden brown).

Senator. Chris Dodd (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

The people of American are looking for debt relief any way they can find it these days, and it appears that the only way true gains in this area are going to be made is if major restructuring of America’s financial regulatory agencies occurs. Along those lines, controversial Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd (who some consider to have turned a blind eye to the financial shenanigans that greased the way for the mortgage industry collapse) is hard at work. He wants to push through a new financial reform plan that would completely change the way the government would control banking oversight and debt relief.

Obama Praised Dodd’s Consumer Protection Agency Work

It appeared that Dodd was preparing to take banking regulation and debt relief in an exciting new direction much in tune with the president’s plans. However, recent signs indicate that Dodd’s plan will be significantly different that what was previously expected by the current administration. Specifically, Dodd wants nearly all bank-supervising powers to be removed from the Federal Reserve and FDIC (where they currently reside). An entirely new agency would pick up the reins. They would be responsible for all national finance institutions as sole regulator and guide toward debt relief on both the institutional and consumer level. It would replace the four federal regulatory agencies that exist.

Enter the Watchdog

Watching out for potential risks to the country’s banking and finance industries would become the responsibility of a new kind of watchdog council that would be a chaired by a single White House official. What this would accomplish is to take the teeth out of the Fed’s ability to conceive of consumer protection and debt relief measures on its own. America’s 12 Federal Reserve Banks would also potentially be in jeopardy or closing, according to the Wall Street Journal.

And guess what? In a time when President Obama constantly extols the virtues of bipartisan support, Senator Dodd’s actions could be seen as somewhat extreme. That’s because Dodd is going after his version of the finance reform/debt relief bill on his own. Sheila Bair of the FDIC is against Dodd’s ideas, and the Journal predicts that Senate Republicans will be as well.

The Frank-Man Commeth

Rep. Barney Frank (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

Rep. Barney Frank and the House Financial Services Committee is currently working on its own debt relief and regulation program. According to the Washington Post, Frank’s bill would take a much more conservative approach to regulatory reform. It would get rid of just the Office of Thrift Supervision. At the same time, rather than stripping the Fed of power, it would give them even more power to step in and control the actions of America’s banks.

Consumer Debt Relief Appears to Be Covered

That’s where the Consumer Financial Protection Agency the House has already concocted comes in. Mortgages, credit cards and various consumer loans will fall under that agency’s jurisdiction. Dodd and Frank are battling for a solution to the problems in the banking industry as a whole. Frank estimates the House will vote on his plan by the end of 2009, but Dodd is attempting to push his plan through even sooner than that, perhaps as early as next week if the Washington Post’s sources are accurate. Get ready for some major debt relief debate, America.

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