There are ways to avoid wasting food and save money at the same time. Knowing where to place items in the refrigerator or  decide whether or not the item needs refrigeration at all. Purchase only what you need and shop for groceries when you must replenish your food stores. Many households waste hundreds of dollars each year on food that has perished. These few tips can assist you:

1. Keep things at ‘eye’ level
2. Don’t store perishable food in the doors
3. Avoid cross-contamination
4. Keep fish in the back
5. Avoid overcrowding
6. Get creative with unusual tools
7. Know what not to refrigerate
8. Beware of ethylene

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/8-fridge-organizing-tricks-that-save-food-and-money/

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In the past 25 years, one in seven people who files for bankruptcy is age 65 and older, which is almost a five-fold increase. Bankruptcy is designed to give individuals a fresh start to relieve financial strains. There are four things that will cause someone to file for bankruptcy later in life.

1. The stress of dealing with debt collectors
2. A decline in income
3. Medical expenses
4. Missing work for medical reasons

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https://www.moneytalksnews.com/4-things-that-could-push-you-into-bankruptcy-during-retirement/

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Your credit report and your credit score are different and here’s why. Your credit report is gathered from the (3) reporting agencies Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and is a history of your payment history. The credit score is your ‘grade’ based on your credit report. A credit score ranges between 300 – 850. According to Experian, a score above 740 is considered very good. Your credit score is based upon the following factors:

1. Payment history (35 percent)
2. Amounts owed (30 percent)
3. Length of credit history (15 percent)
4. New credit (10 percent)
5. Credit mix (10 percent)

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https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5b981bafe4b0162f4731a535/amp

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STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degrees have a high value and for several years have been promoted by high schools, colleges, and state governments. The major that tops them all is actuarial science. Actuarial science majors bring home an average annual salary of $108,658 according to a new Bankrate report with an unemployment rate of 2.3%. Currently, only 22% of actuarial science majors holds an advanced degree, which knowledge base includes both statistics and math.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateashford/2018/09/12/stem-degree/amp/

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To prepare for Christmas, begin in September to take your time to plan your shopping strategy. Whether you plan a visit to a local discount outlet, shop on line, or at the mall. Decide now how much you will spend and what gifts you need to purchase. May this a stress-free holiday season. Stick to your plan and also purchase small inexpensive gifts for the last minute thoughts. This will may your holidays more relaxed and enjoyable!

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The outrageous price of a U.S. degree is unique in the world. Many believe decadence is to blame: fancy student apartments, expensive meals, living far from home, and “the mania for athletic sports.” The U.S. spends more on college than almost any other country and there is no clear relationship with the value students could possibly get in exchange. Many countries offer a fine college education at a much lower cost. American colleges are paying more to faculty and support staff. The tide is changing and online universities, two-year universities or community colleges are now getting a second look. Some states are offering free community college tuition or significantly lower costs. This will reduce the number of young adults with large student loans they often find it difficult to repay.

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The newest investment fad or trend is “Bitcoin” and many Americans are confused about how it works. It is new and not understood by many. Americans may be loosing money because they don’t understand how it works. Bitcoin is described differently by different people and this is where the confusion lies. Beware of investing in items that you cannot explain to someone else – which the first hint you may not understand. Just like any investment, everyone cannot be a ‘winner’ some will loose money and it appears many Americans are doing just that. If you are a fan of Bitcoin wait to see what happens first before you invest.

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Defaulting on student loans has become an inevitability for a certain portion of borrowers. An Urban Institute report says, one million borrowers default each year, which is defined as not having made a payment in nearly a year. Around 40% are expected to default by 2023. Call your loan servicer to decide whether you will defer or have a forbearance. Keep abreast of how you can review options to consolidate your loan or participate in the loan forgiveness program. Defaulting on your loan is the worse possible choice since it will affect your credit report and credit score making it difficult to purchase a home or a car in the future. Defaulting will cause you to change your status to ‘high risk’ – where you will pay higher interest rates or premiums on insurance and consumer loans.

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In this article, most experts insist everyone needs a will, but that’s not always true. I do believe it is better to protect your assets for the benefit of your loved ones. If you have property (car, house, or a pet) you may want to decide who will be the beneficiary or caretake in the event of your death. Without a will your beneficiaries are the last to receive proceeds from your estate. With a will this is often not the case. Many debts end at the time of your death except for taxes of course. If you own a home and the homeowners insurance coverage permits full payment at the time of your death. Loved ones will rest at ease if they do not have to go to probate court to file reports about expenses that will be required to settle your estate.

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Here is a list of feebies…Enjoy!

1. BOGO sundaes at Carvel ongoing on Wednesdays
2. Free cheese toast at Sizzler – Sept.15th
3. Free cheese slider at White Castle – Sept. 18th
4. Free museum admission – Sept. 22
5. Free national park entry – Sept. 22
6. Free coffee at many locations – Sept. 29
7. Free chicken nuggets at Chic-fil-A – Sept. 29

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