If you're going to spend your payroll tax holiday, and you will, make sure you do it up right. Image: CC Dan 4th/Flickr

The payroll tax holiday is giving everyone with a paycheck a 2 percent raise for the next two years. Personal finance advisers suggest using that extra money to pay down debt, but the government hopes you will spend it to stimulate the economy. If you’re like most people, you will spend it, so spend it wisely.

Get real about your payroll tax holiday

Most people don’t have the personal finance discipline to do what personal finance experts suggest with the payroll tax holiday. That fast cash will be spent as quickly as it comes in, and the economy will get a $120 billion shot in the arm. That should be good for everyone. So instead of letting your payroll tax holiday blend into your routine spending unnoticed, figure out how much extra money you’re making. Then buy something you’ve always wanted or something you really need. The Obama administration will thank you.

How much is your payroll tax holiday?

The 2 percent raise made possible by the payroll tax holiday is actually a reduction to 4.2 percent from 6.2 percent of the amount taken out of your paycheck for Social Security. If you make $40,000 a year, that adds up to an extra $800, or $66 a month. Personal finance experts will tell you to divert 2 percent of your paycheck to an additional savings account or increase the minimum monthly payment on your credit card with the highest interest rate. But the economy you depend on lies in the balance. In the spirit of national unity, why not buy yourself an $800 present?

Money to burn

Invest your payroll tax holiday in your health. A gym membership and a new pair of running shoes goes a long way toward your physical and mental well-being. Speaking of mental well-being, take your significant other out to dinner and a movie more often, or take the vacation you’ve been putting off while you’ve been waiting for the economy to turn around. Get an iPad, buy a professionally tailored suit for the first time in your life, take a cooking class, or learn how to speak Chinese. The payroll tax holiday is one of those rare moments when you have money to burn. Be sure to enjoy it.

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Philly.com

This simple tool can help you make extra money fast. (Photo: Wikimedia.org/CC BY-SA)

There are many ways to make extra money fast, but it will involve some work. Still, if you’re creative and enthusiastic about making those few extra bucks, you’ll have no problem coming up with ways to do just that. Here are a few money-making ideas that might fit into your weekly routine.

Make extra money waiting tables

If you are good with people and taking orders, waiting tables can be the perfect job for nights and weekends. Depending on the quality of the restaurant, waiters and waitresses can make hundreds of dollars a night in tips alone. So throw on your apron and find the nicest spot in town.

Snow-shovel your way to extra money

If you live in a cold-weather climate, why not pull out the old shovel and use it to make money this season? People everywhere are looking for help, so look through your local newspaper ads for any job hiring. You can even take a quick walk around your neighborhood to offer your services.

Dog-walking

There are many dog owners in need of dog-walkers. Again, a great resource could be your local newspaper ads. If you’re a dog lover who thrives on physical activities, you can make extra money and have fun doing it, too.

Host a garage sale

Tired of all the clutter in your storage? Do yourself and your home some good and put together a garage sale. Hosting a garage sale is another great way to make extra money fast. You don’t even need a garage; you can put together a sale online. Sites such as Craigslist and eBay make selling your items easy. You can organize the things you plan on selling, and you don’t have to pay to advertise, either.

Rent out a space

If you have extra room in your house, you can make extra money by renting it out to a friend or family member. Not only can they contribute to paying rent, they can also help out with other household responsibilities, such as keeping up with cleaning, for instance.

Find creative ways to make extra money fast

There are many ways to make extra money fast. All you need is to be enthusiastic about the idea of making extra money and you’ll find creative ways to do just that.

Holiday loans can see you through this season. (Photo: Lee Burton/Flickr/CC BY-SA)

A fast holiday loan can help in many ways. If you’re like most people during this time of the year, you are in need of some extra cash. Among many reasons, you may need the money to pay off unexpected bills or take advantage of unbeatable holiday store prices. But where can a person go to find this type of quick financing? Thankfully, with places like Personal Money Market, getting a holiday loan for your holiday needs is fast and easy.

How to get a holiday loan online

The fastest way to obtain a no-hassle holiday loan is to apply for it directly online. Here we make getting the help you need an experience like no other. In minutes, you can complete the online loan application and get an answer in no time. Everything is done online, meaning you typically won’t have to deal with extensive paperwork or faxing of any documents. The entire process is fast, so there is no waiting or wondering. Help is just a click of a mouse away.

To get started, begin the short application below.

Using a holiday loan the right way

A holiday loan, along with many other forms of short term credit, must always be used with utmost care. If you need to borrow money specifically for holiday-related materials, before anything else, design a game plan that will help save you money. Come up with a budget sheet of everything you plan on buying and how much you can reasonably afford. If you come up short on cash, a holiday loan can help cover the costs. Just make sure every penny is well worth it.

Consider your real needs

Remember, the holidays are not all about giving gifts and spending huge amounts money. It’s about celebrating all the things you are thankful for, such as your loving friends and family. You don’t need a holiday loan to enjoy the simple things in life. So analyze what your real needs are, and have a happy holiday this season.

Apply today for a holiday loan | Start HERE

Go ahead! Enjoy California! And, if you get in a tight spot, you can turn to California loans!

California is a stunning state. From the San Diego Zoo to Great America in the Bay Area to the giant redwood trees, over to the Golden Gate Bridge, back to Disneyland and while you are there, Hollywood. The possibilities for fun in California are limitless. The weather is always exceptional. But California can be expensive. You can be on vacation in California and find out you just ran out of money. You can live in California and find you need a little more money just to make it through to next month. If you are one of those people, California loans are available with quick 60-second online loan approval for those tough times.

California loans are fast and easy

These loans are easy to get, surprisingly easy. Within minutes you will know if you are approved for up to $1,500 and within a couple hours, in most cases, you can have the money deposited right into that checking account of yours, allowing you more flexibility. And there is so much more:

• Reasonable online and secure application
• These loans are available for as much as $1,500
• Within 60 short seconds you will know if you have an approval
• No need to go find a fax machine
• Typically no credit check–you can have no credit, bad credit or even a bankruptcy
• No leaving your home or office apply or to deposit the money into your account because it’s all done online
• Money deposited directly in your checking account and fast; how does two hours sound?
• Military OK

I’m 21 with a job and a checking account. Can I get a loan?

Yes. You can be 54 years old with a part-time job and a checking account, or 35 with three jobs and no checking account. As long as you have a stable income in place, you can easily get approval for California loans in no time.
Basic requirements

• If you are not 18 years of age or older, please do not apply
• You need to be currently employed
• You must have an active checking account

If you meet these requirements, you should have little to no problem at all getting California payday loans now.

That’s how easy it is to get California loans

Whether you live in the state of California or are just visiting, there are times when things get tight, financially. Fortunately, there are fast California loans for those tight times.

For California loans, Apply HERE!

Starting an emergency fund now will help avoid taking on expensive debt in the future. markbarky/Flickr photo.

Not having an emergency fund is why most people end up carrying too much debt. Without an emergency fund, the slightest hiccup in a person’s life can result in debt. A greater disruption can be a total financial disaster. As a rule, people don’t expect the unexpected. And creating an emergency fund is easier said than done. But the nickels and dimes that get wasted every day add up to dollars that can’t be used tomorrow. So perhaps creating an emergency fund is easier than most people think.

Everybody needs an emergency fund eventually

Consider car repair. To emphasize the need for an emergency fund, Brad Chaffee at Enemy of Debt tells a cautionary tale. He was getting new tires for his car at Sears and noticed a woman who faced a big repair bill. She had no extra money, along with bad credit. She couldn’t qualify for a card from Sears, which makes a bundle offering high-interest credit. But the helpful customer service rep found her a card she could qualify for — with a $400 line of credit, a $59 annual fee and a 28 percent APR. Even that card, with its harsh terms, wasn’t enough to help her.

Saving is a bill that must be paid

For people who don’t have an emergency fund, Bankrate says it’s way past time to get serious about creating one. A shaky economic recovery could lapse into a double dip recession. Bankrate recommends stashing three-to-six months in living expenses and emergencies. Taking $50 a month and putting it into a money market account is a good start. Treat the contribution as a bill that must be paid. When the money market account has two months of living expenses, move one month of expenses to a one-month CD. When the CD matures, roll the principal and interest into another one-month CD. Eventually, the emergency fund will have another month of living expenses that can be invested in a two-or three-month CD. Eventually the fund will be able to purchase a six-month CD.

The best stress relief money can buy

Some personal finance basics will help develop an emergency fund. Studenomics recommends paying the emergency fund first before all the other bills. From there, people don’t have to be cheap if they spend money wisely. Especially if they can control their debt (see emergency fund). And there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life. Saving and managing money doesn’t have to be a drag. And best of all, by saving and managing money a person can enjoy life more. An emergency fund is a great stress reliever. Plus, it provides some leeway for dining out, entertainment and a worthwhile family vacation.

The first day of summer will be on Father's Day, so beach themes are definitely in. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The days in the Northern hemisphere start getting a little longer after winter ends, and eventually summer comes.  The first day of summer is typically tied to the summer solstice, though it can be calculated differently, depending on where you live.  (Some countries determine it by average temperature, not by date.)  The first day of summer 2010 is going to be easy to remember this year, because the first day of summer will also be Father’s Day 2010.

First day of summer and Father’s Day

It happens fairly regularly that the first day of summer is on or near Father’s Day.  As it happens, Father’s Day is always celebrated on the third Sunday of June, which is always close to the summer solstice.  This is a good opportunity to do something for Dad with a summer theme.  Get your siblings together and pool your extra cash into buying a new barbecue grill or something along those lines.

Don’t miss the solstice

For many countries, the first day of summer always coincides with the summer solstice, likewise with winter and the winter solstice.  The summer solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the U.S., though the June solstice is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.  However, not all countries determine the first day of summer that way.  For instance, Austria and Denmark determine summer by average temperature, and thus consider the summer season to last from May to August.

Father’s Day 2010

June 20 — the first day of summer 2010 and Father’s Day 2010 — presents a great opportunity to do something summer related for dear old Dad. Update his wardrobe by getting him summer-themed haute couture, like board shorts and flip flops.  You could also get him an outdoor blender and the supplies to render his favorite frozen concoction.

It’s easy to get cash today

If you need to get cash today, skip all the hassles and added stress by applying right here, right now.

• Fast online application
• Typically no faxing
• No need to leave your home or office
• Up to $1,500 deposited directly to your bank account
• Credit checks generally not required
• Bad credit not a problem
• Installment loans for bad credit available
• In many cases, funds available in just two hours

There are lots of good reasons to get cash today

Medical bills, car repairs, appliance repairs, past due utility bills, overdrawn bank accounts, daycare expenses, veterinary visits and it’s someone’s birthday tomorrow. There are plenty of good reasons to get cash today, but the best reason to get a payday loan is that it’s just plain tough to make ends meet. When you get cash today from a quick payday advance, how you spend your money is completely up to you.

Get cash today and pay it back on payday

An unsecured personal loan can be an ideal way to clear financial hurdles. If you can pay it back from your next paycheck, a single-payment payday loan can be a real lifesaver. If you need a little more time to pay it back, an installment loan lets you make several smaller payments over longer period of time. And yes, there really are installment loans for people with bad credit.

Apply now for cash today

It takes just a few minutes to apply for cash today. If you’re like most people, your credit score has taken a few hits in recent years, but when it comes putting a little extra money in your pocket until payday, your credit score doesn’t really matter. If you’re older than 18 and have been employed for at least the last three months, chances are you can get the extra cash you need by applying right now.

Start here to get cash today!

Self-filing a tax return

More and more consumers are venturing to their computers as a means of filing their taxes rather than going to a tax preparer. Last year almost 40% of tax-filing consumers filed returns online and this year that number is projected to increase. The main reason is because of the recession. It’s stretched the budgets of many Americans and they are still wary of spending money if they don’t have to. One simple, and more cost-effective, option is to take on filing a tax return via an online secure website.

Things to consider before self-filing a tax return

For those who want to self-file, there are some things to consider before taking on the task. First of all, has there been a major life change? This could include a retirement, job loss, baby, marriage or divorce. Each one can trigger a more complex tax filing procedure and may be too hefty a task for consumers to handle on their own. They may prove to be daunting, and a trained tax preparing professional may be the best option.

Another thing to ask is if the consumer moved in 2009. In particular, a move is a difficult one with regards to tax filing if a consumer moved from state-to-state. It may be difficult to understand which state and which type of reporting needs to go to each jurisdiction. Of course, if a consumer moved to a different country, a professional filer is a necessity.

Claiming credits or deductions for home purchases, education or car purchases can also complicate the filing of a tax return. Some deductions are simple in nature, but others require a good eye to avoid any mistakes. Finding cash now is a central focus of Americans and using credits is one of the main ways to bring in extra money. One caution is for consumers who want to claim the homebuyer credit. Claiming it has to be done non-electronically due to the necessary document submission along with the return.

Finally, investing money throughout the year can also considerably affect the filing process. Money invested in a hedge fund or other nontraditional saving vehicle necessitates a good understanding of the filing process. In particular, if the funds were invested overseas, a good tax preparer can sort through the details and handle all disclosures properly. Also, any consumer who trades stocks can use the help of an educated tax preparer to manage the issue.

Filing taxes to bring in extra money

Consumers are worried about finding extra money these days, and filing of taxes is looked at as a way to bring in more money. Though cash now may be found via the tax return, consumers need to be careful with self-filing. Any number of changes throughout the year can affect the ease of filing and make it a daunting task for the uneducated preparer.

Start your cash now payday loan application HERE!

In today’s world, payday loans have become a reliable funding option. Many people find themselves at a shortfall when it comes to paying their monthly bills. Since the recession, credit cards have proven to be not as reliable as once thought. Credit lenders closed their doors sharply when they faced huge losses due to the overwhelming number of defaulting accounts. Interest rates skyrocketed, credit limits were slashed and lending companies altered their rules to make it difficult for even their best customers to use credit like they used to. The credit market is still leveling itself off and only time will tell what the future holds. In the mean time, consumers have gotten creative with how to pay their bills.

One option many people have used successfully is the payday loan option. These loans are built for people in need of quick cash. Normally the requirements include having a job, being over 18 and having direct deposit. The loans are helpful for those who qualify, and they can save applicants from over-limit fees and late fees that a late payment can trigger.

Saving money is becoming the new trend

Despite the popularity of payday loans though, there are some people who are turning to good old-fashioned saving as a means of facing hefty bills. For anyone looking to bring in extra money in savings, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Here are some ways people are using to bring in part-time revenue:

• EBay. Many people make a good second income by selling things online. The good news is that EBay has been around long enough to create a great customer service team and a product listing procedure that is simple. Some people specialize in hunting for finds at thrift stores. They then double the price, factor in shipping and sell the item online for a good profit.
• Caterer. Catering is one of those jobs that anyone can do. For people with a few years of hosting or waitressing under their belt, it can be a lucrative second job. Many people are putting ads online on Craig’s List citing their availability. In particular during the popular wedding season, workers can easily make enough to equal, and even go beyond, the money they could get from payday loans.
• Maid. Office buildings and homes all need someone to clean them. After hours or weekends are normally when the shifts start, so they are perfect for people with full-time day jobs. One online job seeker wrote a review of her experience as a maid and said, “I do this extra job two nights a week and it earns me an extra $70 a week…I normally have an extra $300 or so, by the end of the month.”
• Online expert. Some people have found their second job possibility by using their knowledge of the internet. People who know how to update web pages, maintain websites or code have an advantage over others. Normally these services cost companies big bucks when they hire professionals. Finding a freelancer or a part-time worker can save them thousands. One recent poster on Craig’s List wrote, “I used to maintain a company website for about $13 an hour as a part-time thing on the side. It was convenient because I could do it from home in the evening or the weekends.”

The changing economy

Though analysts are professing that improvements in the economy will be visible in mid-2010, they don’t truly know to what degree those changes will affect people. People have relied on payday loans since the recession began, but are now looking to ways of creating added income. With some creativity and research on what their skills are, everyone can find a way to bring in more income.

Need payday loans? Start your application HERE!

Americans are getting more and more creative when it comes to finding money now. The employment rate is still high and the jobs being created are still sparse. That leaves a nation of consumers who have to find their own ways of making money to cover bills. For over 18-months now, the recession has had a hold and a heavy affect on the nation. Although the recession is over, according to experts, some true signs of recovery most likely won’t be seen until mid-2010 at the earliest.

More and more consumers are looking to non-traditional methods of generating cash. Second jobs, freelancing and taking in boarders are all viable options for a financially hurting public. In earlier years, taking on boarders was thought of as a risky move that only the most desperate utilized. Today it’s becoming a more popular choice for those looking to cover their mortgages.

Mortgages and boarders

According to RealtyTrac, in 2009 there were a record number of 3.96 million foreclosures in the country. Add to that another 7 million who lost their jobs and that could mean the number of foreclosures is still going to rise. Consumers are resigning to do whatever it takes to make their mortgage payments, and that includes renting rooms. Offering a non-homeowner the luxuries of a home at a discounted price could work out well for people. It’s a good exchange and lets the homeowner cover their mortgage payment while giving the renter a place to stay that they normally couldn’t afford. There are some cautions however, and here are some of the major concerns:

• Due diligence. It would be nice if consumers could trust other consumers, but today that is not the case. The good news, though, is that the internet allows people to do research on any applicant. Running a background check can give homeowners an added sense of security. Remember that the person renting will most likely have access to all areas of the home when the owner is gone. It’s important for homeowners to be secure with their choice.
• Is renting necessary. All homeowners should ask themselves if renting really is the only option to making a mortgage payment. There are other ways of finding money now that the government stepped into the lending world. Modifications, refinancing and short sales are all viable options for any homeowner to at least explore before deciding on getting a renter.
• Legality. Homeowners should check with local laws for their neighborhood, condominium or subdivision to make sure that there are no rules banning non-related renters. The association should be able to provide the necessary paperwork to assure homeowners are sticking to the law.
• Consider the costs. Ideally, a renter should have a separate entrance, bathroom and bedroom. However, that is not always possible. Homeowners should consider what their options are in terms of slight modifications. Could an office with an adjoining bathroom be turned into a renter’s quarters? Could a basement with a kitchenette double as a rec-room and separate living area? If the renting situation is particularly short-term or would require too hefty a renovation, it may be more reasonable to lower rent and settle for the space available.
• Organize taxes. There are rules regarding declaring rental income, and every homeowner should be well versed. All homeowners should talk to their tax advisor to make sure forms are in order when they file their paperwork.

Renting in 2010

Renting a room can be a practical option for a homeowner having financial difficulties. There are some cautionary measures to take, but it can bring in extra money now when things are tight. A good background check and some research can serve them well and save them from financial disaster.

Need money now? Apply HERE!

If you balance your budget and decide what services you need, debt relief will be closer than ever. (Photo: flickr.com)

In the difficult economy, many consumers are looking for extra money to put towards debt relief. One of the easiest ways to find that extra funding is to look at your digital services like cable and Internet – and cut back. Here are some tips on where to look for added savings.

Negotiate

Consumers can find huge savings if they shop around for cable. Most people routinely pay their bills, and rarely even look at them for possible savings. Cable companies advertise their newest offerings and specials, but they never call consumers and let them know how to save. Consumers need to proactively call the companies and tell them that they are good paying customers and would like to negotiate their bills. Most cable companies will work with long-standing customers, knowing that it costs more to find a new market than to maintain the old one.

Consumers can also threaten to leave the company if some negotiation room isn’t available. They always should ask for the cancellation department directly, as a normal customer service representative isn’t usually empowered to negotiate effectively. One company that is working hard to give their customer service department some empowerment is Verizon. Company spokesman Bill Kula said, “We will work with our customers to find a package that suits them.” Verizon representatives can cut the cost of DSL, give customers free service on Internet, increase their discounts or extend a $50 American Express gift card. This is the new wave in customer service and consumers should use it to save.

Compare

Consumers readily compare prices at grocery stores, but don’t take the same care with their digital needs. Competition is high with cable and Internet providers and they are constantly trying to undercut  each other, vying for customers. One company, Sprint, offers deals on wireless Internet, but does not advertise this in print. Spokesperson Jaime Kaminski stated, “We only offer our high-end specials online because we’ve found that the overhead of print advertising cuts into any added revenue we make. The Internet is a great cost-effective way to get new customers and we put a lot of our efforts into paperless signup and transactions.” Consumers should look to online savings and see what specials are Web-offered.  It’s a great way to lower bills.

Cutbacks

If all negotiating and comparison shopping is ended and consumers still feel they are paying too much for digital services, cutting back may be the only option. To truly find debt relief, sacrifices have to be made. All consumers should think realistically here. How many of the hundreds of cable TV channels do they actually watch throughout any given week? If they are paying a high premium for channels that are rarely watched, this is a huge potential monthly savings. People can always call the cable company and add channels if a special event is happening, but almost no one truly needs access to all stations, all the time.

Finally, many people are downgrading their home phones for the first time in history. People are moving to their cell phones as their permanent phone lines. Faxes can be sent online, so fax lines are also being filtered out of the daily lives of Americans.

Debt Relief

To find debt relief, consumers are willing to alter their choices. Digital services are not a necessity, but rather a convenience, in today’s lifestyle. By cutting back on digital services and working with various packages, consumers can find extra money to help them get through the recession.