Ideas For A Great Valentine’s Day On A Budget

Some people may think that Valentine’s Day is just a marketing strategy, however legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. At that time, there was an Emperor by the name of Claudius II who had decided that single men made better soldiers than those who were married so he banned marriage in hopes of building a stronger military base. Valentine thought this was unjust and started secretly marrying young couples. When the Emperor found out, he sentenced Valentine to death. During his imprisonment, Valentine had fallen in love with his jailor’s daughter and before his death had written her his first letter signed “Your Valentine” which is the phrase still used today.

Valentine’s Day has become one of the most commercial holidays and it’s very easy to get caught up in the hype that you should spend money to show your love. Don’t fall into this trap. You should give gifts from the heart and not from the wallet and here are some great ideas to express your love to your loved one without breaking the bank:

Love Letters – Who can resist a love letter? Plan to send your loved one a letter a day starting February 1st. You can mail it to the office or home, hide the letters in a coat pocket, place the letter in his car prior to him/her leaving for work or just use imagination to find places to hide them. Make sure you place them in a spot that can be found otherwise it defeats the purpose and make sure that you describe how much you adore him/her and how much you appreciate them and their wonderful aspects.

Favourite things – You can put together a box of their favourite things. It can be anything from an old movie, popcorn, their favourite candy or a magazine. You know them best so you can choose whatever inexpensive item you know they’ll appreciate. Another great idea for this Valentine’s gift is to choose a theme and leave one gift each day leading up to Valentine’s so that they can use these gifts on that day. For example: You can do a spa theme so each day you leave a gift that can be used towards pampering themselves like bubble bath, champagne, chocolates, bath oil, rose petals, candles, moisturizing creams and on the 14th draw them up a bubble bath complete with all the gifts. This works great if you have children so that your loved one can have an hour of kid free solitary time that they may never get due to a busy lifestyle.

Fireplace picnic – If you have a fireplace, you can set up a picnic fireside. Move all furniture out of the way, have some soothing music that you may want to dance to a little later in the evening, bring out some chilled champagne with fruit or a platter of cheese, crackers and olives. You can also gather your favourite photos since they day you met and reminisce about the great times you’ve shared together. If possible, burn pictures onto a disc and turn them into a video complete with music and present it as a special gift to them during the picnic so you can watch the video together while sipping on some bubbly.

Always remember that it’s the thought that counts. The most important thing is that you are spending quality time together!

For more valuable tips on how to manage money visit www.prudentcreditrepair.ca

Is a Prepaid Credit Card Really Beneficial?

What is a Prepaid Credit Card?
When you think about a prepaid credit card it may sound as if you’re being extended credit. This is misleading as the card is similar to a debit card or gift card. If you want to make a purchase using the card, then you must deposit funds in the account. As you use your card for purchases, it’s reducing your balance so if you deposit a balance of $300 and make of purchase of $150 then you’re left with a balance of $150. It’s a lot more like managing a savings or chequing account than it is a credit card.

Why would one use a Prepaid Credit Card?
You can get this type of card regardless of your credit history so an individual who has a poor credit history and does not have a credit card may get the card to make online purchases where a credit card is needed. As the card is not used through credit, there are no interest fees associated with it. A company may want to use this type of card for their employees who travel or entertain clients as it’s a great way for them to control costs when away from the office. Some parents may purchase the card as a tool to educate their children about the use of credit cards.

Fact about Prepaid Credit Cards
If you have a bad credit history, a prepaid credit card will not help rebuild your credit so you should weigh out your options before making the purchase. A better solution for you may be to apply for a secured credit card.

Are these cards really teaching our children how to manage money?
Some cards have no minimum age requirement and the terms for the cards are unfavourable. If the card purchased has an expiration date and a balance still remains, then you will lose that balance. There are also many high fees associated with these cards. There are activation and set up charges, charges for reloading the cards, monthly transaction fees, charges for customer service, charges to check your balance and these fees are taken from your balance, leaving you with less money to spend. In actuality your child is losing money rather than gaining financial awareness. A better alternative to teach your child about finances is to open a chequing or savings account with no monthly fees, where you can deposit and withdraw money easily and watch your savings grow!

Prepaid credit cards have become so alluring with their favourite characters or stars who can raise awareness for all sorts of issues but when it comes to our finances, especially ones that come with such high fees, maybe it’s just best that this level of education lies in our hands.

For more valuable information and tips about managing money and rebuilding credit, please visit http://www.prudentcreditrepair.ca/

How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy

After bankruptcy, you will notice that there are literally hundreds of offers from various companies wanting to help you fix your credit. You may feel somewhat ashamed or humiliated. The road to re-establishing credit is not easy but with hard work and determination, you will be on your way to good credit.

When a person files for bankruptcy, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy notifies the credit bureau. This information stays on your credit report for 6 years after the discharge date and for a second time bankrupt, the information stays for 14 years after the discharge date. Once you’re discharged you can start to take these following steps to start rebuilding your credit:

Open a bank account – Open a new savings account with a bank that was not included in the bankruptcy. Regardless of your credit, you cannot be refused an account based on your credit history. Make an appointment with the banker and advise them that you’re trying to rebuild your credit and they will give you some solid advice.

Be a great saver – Take any extra money you may receive through a raise for instance and put it aside. Try and save at least 5% of your paycheque.

Obtain a secured credit card – A secured credit card is the same as a credit card except it’s backed up by money you already have in a savings account. The bank will hold this money as security and your credit limit will be the amount of the money you have in your savings account. Each payment you make each month will be reported to the credit bureau and will help improve your credit, however, only use what you can afford to repay in full each month. Never have a balance on any credit card that exceeds 50% of your credit limit.

Take out a small loan – Obtain a personal loan so that you have new credit reporting. Ensure that all your payments are made on time every month as any late payment will further damage your credit score. There are companies like Prudent Financial Services that specialize in repairing credit with open, affordable, same day loans to discharged and undischarged bankrupts with low interest fees.

Repairing your credit is Prudent Financials most serious commitment to save your money, your credit rating and your financial health. For more information, please visit http://www.prudentcreditrepair.ca/

Tips To Getting Your Finances Back On Track After The Holidays

The holidays are now over and you suddenly realize that you’ve spent a lot more money than you could afford and panic is starting to set in. Your credit cards are a mess, your bills are piling up and your bank account balance is plunging, so what do you do?

First you must face the facts. The best time to act is now. If you ignore your bills, you’re only going to get yourself into a greater financial mess. Call your credit card companies and your service providers to see if you can negotiate reduced interest rates or fees. Use whatever negotiating tactics you must to try and convince them to lower your fees. If you decide to transfer your debt to a 0% interest credit card, just make sure that you cut up any old cards so that you’re not tempted to use the old card with a zero balance and put yourself in greater debt.

Decide which bill to pay down first. You may decide to pay off the bill with the smallest balance as this will free up some surplus money quickly which can be used towards paying off another debt. You may decide to pay off the bill with the largest balance for similar reasons. You could pay off the oldest bill, the bill with the highest interest or the bill of the company you need to use again and won’t be able to unless you’re paid off so decide what works best for you after discussing what can be done with each of the providers you have spoken with. You may have to juggle the debts each month so that you don’t get too far behind.

Find a way to make more money. If you’ve already cut back as far as you possibly can then you may have to take up a part time job. This is not the time to look for the ideal part time job, any job will do. This is only temporary but it’s critical that you stay afloat.

Give something up. You may have to give up a luxury that you have for yourself such as hairstyling or grooming, manicures or pedicures or give up cable TV for a few months to free up some money that could be used towards paying down your debt. Cancel your landline and use your cell phone for all calls. If you place long distance calls then use a calling card in the meantime just until things become more settled for you. You may find that this a more beneficial way for you and continue once you’re debt is clear.

Plan for next year. To avoid getting into holiday debt next year, you may want to start budgeting once you’re afloat. Purchase gifts, wrapping, decorations or any holiday expense throughout the year when it’s on clearance so that you’re not spending a big lump sum during the holiday season.

Take it one day at a time, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it and take the time to enjoy your life, family and friends.

For more valuable information regarding managing money, please visit http://www.prudentcreditrepair.ca/

Payday Loans No Hassle - Without Hassle Same Day Payday Loan Requirements

In today's world, it may not be surprising to know that you can avail loans without any hurdle. Payday loans no hassle is proving absolutely true in the UK as borrowers who are facing temporary financial urgencies can meet their needs without concerning much about formalities. As a matter of fact, these loans do not require any sort of collateral or credit check formality against the approval of loans.

The best part is that these loans are hassle-free and sanctioned within timeframe of 24 hours. The borrowers can apply for payday loans to meet their urgent financial demands that crops-up without any notification. Internet has made it possible for the lenders to issue loans immediately after receiving filling-in the application form.

The amount offered under this category is generally low as it is based on the monthly income. The repayment tenure is depended upon borrower's upcoming salary. For this reason, the repayment period is set to be for 14 to 31 days approximately. These loans are opted for meeting urgent needs only as interest rate charged is higher than traditional loans. So, whenever the borrower has come across the typical unavoidable situation then he or she must opt for payday loans without hassle.

To avail the loan, the borrowers must qualify certain condition such as:

o S/he should have a permanent citizenship of UK
o With a minimum age of 18 years
o Permanent and valid checking account
o Employment proof

If the borrower satisfies the conditions then lenders transfer the loan amount into the bank account. The amount is electronically transferred so that borrower can use it for meeting urgent needs. The unviable personal needs may relate to marriage expenses, education fee, payment of unplanned bill, etc.

At last, payday loans without hassle fulfill the need of having a financial support during the temporary financial crisis. The borrowers must pay off the loan installments on time for avoiding debts otherwise they may pile up in penalty.

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