To learn more about the challenges and barriers facing teachers, download

Raising Awareness of the Importance of Personal Finance in School 

And join the Fast Lane movement, visit us at www.fastlane-education.org

Read more

Research shows that there is an alarmingly low level of financial literacy, particularly among the young. Yet despite the clear need for financial literacy, school-based financial education in the United States has expanded very slowly. Teachers play a critical role. That’s why we felt it was so important to understand the barriers and challenges facing teachers in teaching personal finance. We need to support our teachers and provide them with the tools they need to confidently and successfully implement financial education.

Read more

Here’s how to avoid travel missteps that can be costly enough to make you regret a trip.

1. Forgetting to keep track of your mail – crooks look for signs when people are on travel
2. Getting careless with valuables at the beach
3. Traveling a peak times
4. Skipping your car’s pre-road trip checkup
5. Paying for insurance that you don’t need (travel) your credit card may already offer this benefit

Read more

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision.

Being aware of these seven common blunders when choosing an advisor can help you find peace of mind, and avoid years of stress.

1. Hiring the First Advisor You Meet
2. Choosing an Advisor with the Wrong Specialty
3. Picking an Advisor with an Incompatible Strategy
4. Not Checking References
5. Not Asking about Credentials
6. Making Assumptions When They are Affiliated with a Reputable Brand
7. Not Understanding How They are Paid

Read more

Worried about your home’s appeal to thieves while you’re not there? Here are a half-dozen free ways to bolster your sense of security. Here are a few favorites:

1. Enlist the local police to do a walk-through of your home
2. Join the local neighborhood watch
3. Use your locks and alarm system
4. Pretend you have a dog – Beware of Dog – signs
5. Use security cameras
6. Use common sense – don’t open door to strangers or let kids open door

Read more

Sometimes, clever shoppers can save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some great examples of how to do it and save money.

1. Over-the-counter medicines
2. Tools you rarely use
3. Musical instruments for beginners
4. Formal wear
5. Cars for teenage drivers
6. A cabin on a cruise ship
7. Greeting cards
8. Overnight hotel stay

Read more

Your primary home mortgage is usually the last place to direct added funds. Just make the payments. Don’t put in anything extra. If you are falling behind in your payments, contact the mortgage company to avoid foreclosure and eviction.

Read more

If your student loans are federally backed, you probably have a low interest rate. Make regular payments until you’ve paid off your higher-rate debt. Investigate loan consolidation, which can lower both your rate and your monthly payments.

Read more

One loan is manageable: having several at once can be overwhelming. To hoist yourself out of the hole, you need a plan.

Step 1:  Don’t let your debts increase

Step 2: Start a pay-down  plan

Step 3: Work on the rest

Now turn to any medical debt you may have. Negotiate terms with providers, letting them know your challenges. Assure them you want to make good on your debt but need time. Investigate the charity care that many hospitals offer. Medical debt rarely carries interest but tends to get handed over to collection agencies quickly. It’s much harder to get a bill reduced after it goes to collection.

Read more

Before agreeing to a free trial offer, be sure to read the fine print. Some dishonest businesses hide critical information for canceling an offer in their terms and conditions. Be sure to research the company, understand the conditions and check your credit card statement. If unfair charges do appear on your credit card, contact the company. If you don’t have luck with the company, contact your credit card issuer and also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Read more