It’s time to find a better rate on your savings. Use the following table to find a bank that will help you maximize the amount of interest you earn on your savings. It only takes a few seconds and can mean hundreds more in interest every year. That’s free money! Check both savings and CD rates by clicking the link. https://www.moneytalksnews.com/rates/savings/

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Small slurges that make it feel like you’re living large.

Cutting costs is the shortest path to financial freedom. However, there are times when a little spending can produce big returns. Finding a better deal  on everything from the mortgage to your grocery bill will help you save money. Avoiding unnecessary spending online and at the mall also can help you create savings that can be invested  to build wealth over the long haul. There are times when a little spending can produce big returns that go far beyond dollars and cents. The point is that sometimes, you can’t really put a dollar value on the amount you spend. If a purchase increases the quality of your life, it might be well worth it.

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30 Companies Filling Part-time Remote Jobs Amid the Pandemic

Still stuck at home because of the pandemic Use that time to make a little extra cash. At least 30 companies recently have been hiring  for substantial numbers of part-time positions that are partially or fully remote, according to FlexJobs.com

Here is the list:

1. Kaplan
2. VocoVision
3. Supporting Strategies
4. Robert Half International
5. Pearson
6. Appen
7. K12
8. Edmentum
9. Lionbridge
10. Independence University
11. Rasmussen College
12. Achieve Test Prep
13. LanguageLine Solutions
14. FlexProfessionals
15. Cactus Communications
16. Expert Business Development
17. Grand Canyon University
18. Soliant Health
19. Kelly Services
20. Pitchup
21. Rosetta Stone
22. Walden University
23. Health Information Alliance
24. Strayer University
25. Prof360
26. GreatAuPair
27. Profit Factory
28. Colorado State University
29. Doctors On Demand
30. Southern New Hampshire University

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The bank safe deposit box is only open during business hours., which means you won’t be able to get into it on holidays and in some cases, on weekends. Store items you know you won’t need  in an emergency. Passports, medical directives, the only copy of wills and powers of attorney, and other documents that you may suddenly need, such as a fireproof home safe that’s bolted to the floor or to the wall.

Digital storage is being used, if you are comfortable with it. Some banks offer free save deposits with certain types of accounts or a certain bank. Start with your local bank or credit union or ask about other options available to you.

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Do I need a safe deposit box?

A safe deposit box is useful for the following items:

• Original birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage licenses, and citizenship papers.
• Copies – but not the only copies – of wills and powers of attorney
• Military records and discharge papers (DD-214)
• School transcripts and diplomas
• Sensitive documents you wouldn’t want roommates, children, relatives, and visitors to find
• The deed to your house, car titles
• Paper stock and bond certificates (issued electronically these days) including savings bonds
• An inventory of your home’s contents, if you need to file a claim on home owner’s insurance policy
• Important business papers, records, and contracts
• Hard drives, flash drives with backups and important data
• Financially or sentimentally valuable jewelry, collectibles, and family keepsakes
• Other documents or small items that would be difficult or impossible to replace

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If you are thinking about a second job, consider online employment.

Online opportunities provide an option of working in your free time in many instances. Gone is the day when you must travel or commute between employers. You can use your I-pad, i-phone or laptop to stay in touch with your second gig and still earn extra money. Remember to keep the roles, responsibilities, and deadlines to complete projects for each job in a separate calendar reminder. If you are an IT professional, a writer or a social media professional this all is natural to you.

Tutors and educators of all types can thrive in an online environment. Financial, and tax professionals can expand their customer base as well. Every occupation can utilize assistants, clerical, or otherwise to work remotely. This can be a time to create a niche for your new business or to make extra money that is greatly advantageous to us getting back to work at a time when unemployment is extremely high.

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10 Golden Rules to Avoid Fraud or Getting Scammed

1. Spot imposters – scammers are often people you trust like a government official, family member, or a charity.
2. Do online searches. Look up “review,” “complaint”, or “scam.”
3. Don’t believe your caller ID
4. Don’t pay upfront for a promise
5. Consider how you pay. Credit cards have fraud protection built in, your bank debit card may not.
6. Talk to someone before you give up your money or personal information
7. Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and the products are bogus. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person OR to be taken off the list – that could lead to more calls.
8. Be skeptical about free trial offers.
9. Don’t deposit a check and wire money back.
10. Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at ftc.gov/scams. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your email inbox.

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7 Crucial Money Mistakes You Must Avoid

1. Buying new when used would do
2. Paying retail for stuff you rarely use
3. Paying extra for a low deductible
4. Buying books
5. Paying for water
6. Buying into brands
7. Passing up retirement plans

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How to save more for retirement

Failing to save for retirement is bad. But being in denial about that fact is worse. Denial keeps you stuck in a losing strategy. Admit the truth –

no matter how much it hurts – and you can change course before it is too late. It’s time to take charge of your own situation and make some changes. One of the best places to start is with an article written by Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson: “Your Top 5 Retirement Questions, Answered.”

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Here’s the Ugly Truth About How Much We Save for Retirement

Americans of all ages believe they are building healthy nest eggs. A tally of their savings says otherwise. The median-sized nest egg for baby boomers is a relatively paltry $144,000. That means baby boomers are going to take $144,000 or less – and combine it with Social Security in hopes of financing what is likely to be two decades or more of retirement.

By contrast, many professional planners suggest having something in the neighborhood of $1 million if you plan to live comfortably. The savings numbers are not much better for younger folks. They have had less time to accumulate wealth, of course, but they still appear to be way behind the curve.

The median savings by age cohort are:

• Baby boomers: $144,000
• Generation X: $64,000
• Millennials: $23,000
• All workers: $50,000

Despite those worrisome totals, 70% of workers are either “somewhat” or “very” confident that they will be able to fully retire “with a comfortable lifestyle.” And the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic has done little to dampen that enthusiasm.

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