Fee changes outined in federal law might impact anyone with a credit card in the new year. From Medicare deductibles to Amazon Prime memberships, many fees rise over time. And credit card late fees are no exceptions. In fact, federal law allows for certain credit card costs to change as often as annually. For 2019, the threshold for the following credit card fees will rise:

• First late payment penalty: $28 – up $1 from 2018
• Subsequent late payment penalty: $39-up from $1 form 2018
• These changes take affect Jan. 1, 2019

Read more

What’s the most maddening fee you pay? To check your luggage? Bounce a check? Use an ATM? Not even close. Plan administration fees, investment fees and, individual services fees. How to lower your 401 (k) fees:

1. Invest in index funds;
2. Leave your money alone; and
3. Talk to your employer.

Read more

Here’s how to divh cable and satellite TV – and save a bundle – without giving up your favorite shows or features. See the options below:

1. Philo –  $16-$20 per month
2. Sling TV – $25 – $40 per month
3. Hulu – $5.99 – $7.99 per month
4. CBS All Access – $5.99 – $9.99 per month

Read more

All too often – especially whenever there’s an emotional component involved – it’s easy to overspend. Think funerals, weddings and engagement rings, just for starters. Here’s a look at some things we routinely spend way too much on:

1. Funerals
2. Weddings
3. Diamond rings
4. New cars
5. Food
6. Clothes
7. Private school
8. College
9. Workout gear
10. Cosmetics and razors
11. Pets
12. Eyeglasses
13. HDMI cables
14. Insurance and warranties
15. Credit cards

Read more

Many a professional web designer started out as a self-taught hobbyist who got hooked ans thought, “Why not get paid for this?” It’s just one example of a passion – or obsession – that can be translated inot a money-making venture. Some hobbies that begin as a labor of love may evolve into full-time careers, while others are more likely to provide just supplemental income. Either way you can make some cash from an activity you love, it’s a good thing. The following are 25 hobbies with business potential:

1. Web design
2. Coaching a sport
3. Blogging
4. Drawing
5. Yoga
6. Cooking
7. Antiques
8. Jewelry and crafts
9. Baking
10. Child care
11. Organizing
12. Writing and editing
13. Pet-sitting, walking or grooming
14. Photography
15. Collecting
16. Event planning
17. Bookselling
18. Retail arbitrage
19. Home inspecting
20. Financial planning
21. Boating
22. Hosting
23. Property management
24. Video editing
25. Desktop publishing

Read more

It’s no secret our country is obsessed with college. On the face of it, that’s a good thing: It means we want what we think is best for our kids. We want them to follow their passions, explore their potential and ultimately get jobs that match their personalities. But college isn’t for everyone. It’s true that the greatest number of high-paying jobs tend to be held by those with a least a four-year degree. But according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), 24 percent of all decently paid jobs go to people with some education but no bachelor degree. Things to consider regarding generation Z between ages 3-23 years old:

1. College costs too much
2. Not all jobs require a degree
3. Technical/trade schools beckon
4. Community colleges: faster, more affordable
5. Gen Z has grown up in the gig economy or freelancers
6. They will live longer than any previous generation
7. Their parents aren’t pushing college

Read more

Imaginative ideas for the outdoorsy set include hand warmers, trekking poles, bear spray and lightes bocce balls. The secret to chiising great gifts for outdoors enthusiasts and athletes is to think beyond the obvious. Clearly, most of us are not replacing the mountain bile, kayak or skis – or at least, I don’t have in in my budget. Think about these items for your outdoors’ loved one:

1. The ultimate winter gloves
2. Under desk cycle
3. Snow and ice grippers
4. Yoga mat
5. Yoga mat with workout guidance
6. Yoga mat bag
7. Dry bags
8. Trekking poles
9. Roller massager
10. Ear warmers
11. The perfect hat
12. Quick-dry T-shirts
13. Bear spray
14. Portable shoe dryer
15. Boot/shoe gaiters
16. Hand warmers
17. Lighted bocce ball set
18. Camera float
19. Exercise ball
20. A headband that stays put
21. Wrist sweat bands
22. Fitdeck cards
23. NFL slippers

Read more

Instead of spenidng hard-earned cash on presents that may end up as re-gifts in short order, why not put it towards gifts that last a lifetime, making memories? Here are 11 memorable gifts of experiences for the kids and teenagers in your life:

1. Movie tickets
2. An ultimate home movie night
3. Concert tickets
4. Pay for a date
5. A seat at the bleachers (sports event)
6. Road trip
7. Camping trip
8. Gift cards/certificates for outings
9. Money for college and savings
10. Shares of stock in a company
11. Memberships

Read more

Here are several grocery stores offering free prescription drugs:

Meijer

• Certain antibiotics
• Certain prenatal vitamins
• Metformin immediate release
• Atorvastatis calcium

Price Chopper

• Certain diabetes medications

Publix

• Certain antibiotics

Reasor’s Foods

• Certain antibiotics
• Certain prenatal vitamins
• Certain children’s vitamins

ShopRite

• Certain diabetes medications

Read more

From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, social media can offer a relaxing break from work, or a satisfying chance to catch up with everyone from cousins to old co-workers. But don’t let your guard down there either. Fraudsters know that social media is a ripe environment for them to work their scams.

Read more