It’s no fun to suddenly find yourself unemployed and even less fun to think about paying bills and making ends meet during the job transition, but there are certain things you can do to make it a bit more manageable. Continue reading
A Pre-authorization hold is an additional amount that will be added to your pending transaction and dropped when your transaction actually posts. This is done to protect the merchant from fraud and loss, most notably applied at Hotels, Car Rental places, Gas Stations and Restaurants.
If you use any debit card at a gas pump that doesn’t require you to enter your PIN, a pre authorization of $75.00- $100 may occur. The amount is taken off your available balance. Gas merchants do this so they can be protected, meaning: the gas station doesn’t know how much a person will pump, so they earmark a larger amount to ensure a person’s account will cover what they pump. Some gas merchants, especially in Florida, do not warn consumers that a Pre-Authorization hold may be put on any debit account. The hold can last up to 72 hours or until the original transaction posts.
However, you can AVOID a Pre-Authorization hold by simply pre paying inside the store as debit. Use your PIN and the transaction will post immediately.
Additional Heads-ups: Most Gift Cards are run as Debit Cards.
-Bene
On a tight budget? Why not hit the local library to save some cash. I know it sounds very 1990, but hear me out. If you’re a parent, this is even more important! The library is full of entertainment that is FREE! There are magazines, the newest books, free internet Wi-Fi, audio books, CDs, DVDs and plenty of other services to offer. By utilizing your public library, you could save quite a bit of cash. Let’s compare some prices. Continue reading
There is a common misconception when it comes to staying in budget and it is; if you adhere to a budget, you won’t be able to go out and have a good time with your friends and/or family. The reason for this way of thinking is that traditional philosophies regarding budgets tend to nix all free radicals which means that things like having a few
drinks with friends or having a night out on the town are out of the question. This is unacceptable. As I have previously stated, we work to live and if we can’t live our lives in a way that makes us happy, then what’s the point? The question then becomes; how do I fit fun into a tight budget? The answer is easier than you may realize. With a few intelligent choices and preparation you can still enjoy all of the activities that bring you joy. In my personal experience, I find that the following tips help to keep you in budget when going out. Continue reading
It’s July– and it seems like yesterday, or two months ago, you watched your little boy or girl walk down from the stage holding their diploma. August is almost here! and that means, it’s time for College. Late nights, tight deadlines, exams, life altering experiences and countless other events that will hit them all at once. One of the last things on every college student’s mind is probably the most important part of getting through college: budgeting. Continue reading
Budgeting can be a sensitive subject. When it comes to money, we don’t like being told how to spend it, where to spend it and when to spend it. We want the freedom to make impulse buys, go to dinner, movies, clubs, venues and bars at our (and no one else’s) discretion. We want it all and we want it now.
Unfortunately, at the end of the month we also need to pay rent/bills. Not to mention we also need to plan ahead for the things that pop up unexpectedly like the occasional dental visit or flu prescription. Vehicle maintenance is another expense that is easily forgotten as well as fuel prices, food budget and clothing. By the time we account for everything our paycheck has dwindled to nothing, which is a massive bummer, so should I live the life of a hermit under a rock to avoid unnecessary expense? Hermitage is never the answer. Continue reading
Regardless of religious affiliation, everybody has to eat. Hunger and economic hardship affects everyone. There are several programs in the country dedicated to helping those in need.
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Basically, for those who are struggling economically, Angel Food Services offers a medium size box of food for $30. Continue reading
Gas prices are on the rise for the 4th week in a row for a National average of $3.85 per gallon … I just filled up my tank at $3.64 for a total of over 60 dollars!! With a 25 mile round trip commute to work and all the other commitments I have to drive to, I am going to need to budget for gas money. Something I’ve normally overlooked in the past.
Now we all know that driving less obviously saves us from spending money on gas… but that solution doesn’t work for most of us. I can’t remember the last time I got in my car just to drive around for fun, I was probably 16 years old, cruising in my mom’s mini-van blasting a cassette tape of Paula Abdul. Luckily, times have changed and responsibilities require driving from point A to point B.
Gas officials predict crude oil prices will still rise well into the summer and could set record high’s beating out the summer of 2008′s highest gas price record of $4.11 (National average). So how can we save some cash and avoid visiting the pump for a few extra miles? Here are a few tips that my team and I at AchieveCard tested and researched to help our cardholders save money… these impact your gas mileage more than you would think. Continue reading
There is a common misconception that in order to save money, you must stop purchasing things you want but may not need. While only purchasing things you need will obviously save you money, where is the fun in that?! It’s only natural for people to want things for the sole purpose of pleasure rather than necessity. Who doesn’t like to go on vacation or buy that perfect pair of shoes? Well I’m here to tell you there are ways to save money
and still get some of the things you want. Continue reading
Many prepaid debit card holders may not be familiar with the term “cash advance.” A cash advance, or cash disbursements as they can also be referred to, occurs inside the bank instead of at their usually faulty ATMs. It’s pretty easy. Walk into a major bank (consider Chase, Wells Fargo, Wachovia since it’s free with them.) Present your valid ID to the teller and say, “I would like a Cash Advance, please.” Continue reading
If you receive Social Security (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran’s Compensations and Pension (VA-C&P), Civil Service Retirement/ Annuity (CSA), Civil Service Survivor Annuity (CSF), Rail Road Retirement/ Annuity Benefits (RRB), and/ or Railroad Retirement Unemployment/ Sickness Benefits (RRU), President Obama has made it official that as of March, 2013, all government benefits will be administered electronically. This is largely an effort to curb the theft of paper checks and to save around a $120 million in manufacturing, shipping and check cashing fees. Continue reading
