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04.28.10 Financial Goals for 20-Somethings
Posted under: Lifestyle Posted by:

I recently ran across this article from MSN called 6 financial milestones before 30 and thought I should share it with everyone.  It suggests that we:

1. Scale back on credit cards- Be able to live on your paycheck.
2. Own a home or have a plan to- Start saving for a down payment.
3. Have career skills developed- Differentiate yourself from others in case of job changes.
4. Give money away- A regular charitable giving plan is financially healthy.
5. Know yourself- Figure out your priorities and values and stick with them.
6. Know smart people- A good tax preparer orr attorney is great to know when you desperately need someone.

What are your thoughts?  Are there other financial goals that 20-somethings should try to achieve before the age of 30?

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04.21.10 Back to the Basics
Posted under: Debt Posted by:

We talk a lot about what to do if you are in debt or are trying to climb out of the hole, but I wanted to take it all back to the basics of personal finance.  Think about grandparents and older generations. Are most of them in good financial shape?  The answer for me is, yes.  One large reason that they are in better financial standing than most in our generation is likely due to the fact that they were much more frugal than we are.  They spent money on only the important things (think necessities, not keeping up with the Jones). The biggest thing that they did to help their financial health was to live within their means.  They knew that they could only buy the things they needed and only what they could afford.  So let us take a page from them and get back to the basics: work hard, save money and avoid debt as best you can. And what debt you do have, be responsible and work towards paying it off.

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04.15.10 Dump the Debt
Posted under: Debt Posted by:

Debt.  It is a dirty little word! Some of you may be in debt and the rest may be scared of it.  Don’t fear however, I have a few tips that will help you dump that debt:

  • Plan, Stan-Have a spending plan so that you can spend your money most effectively and in a way that ensures financial success.
  • Save, Save, Save- The easiest way to avoid debt is to have some money set aside for those emergency situations.  Have a small amount deducted from each paycheck into a savings account. A good savings goal is 6 months to a years worth of expenses.
  • Automatic Bill Payments- If you set up automatic bill payments, you will be sure to avoid any late fees, which could hurt your credit in the future.  Check out Georgia’s Own Bill Pay system here.
  • Don’t be Fooled- Debt settlement companies will try to come in and set up great plans for you to pay back a percentage of your debt.  A good rule of thumb is: If it’s too good to be true, it is.
  • Do not ignore your financial problems, it will only make it worse- If you feel you have done everything you can, don’t give up; contact a credit advisor who can steer you in the right direction toward free classes and workshops on setting a budget, managing your money…and much more.
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04.13.10 Win a Jet Ski from Georgia’s Own
Posted under: Promotions Posted by:

Make Waves

Summer is almost here, and if you’re thinking about an auto, boat or RV purchase, the best place to finance it is at your Credit Union. And, when you apply for a loan with Georgia’s Own Credit Union on or by August 1st, you’ll really make waves because you’ll be automatically entered to win a new jet ski!* All loans are eligible, including: auto, boat, motorcycle, RV, mortgage, home equity, credit card, and personal loans.

With a loan from Georgia’s Own, get:

  • low rates
  • flexible terms
  • fast, convenient service!

Visit www.georgiasown.org/make_waves.html for all of the details.

Apply online for a loan 24 hours a day or call 404.874.1166, toll free 800.533.2062.

*No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older. Promotion period: The contest begins at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2010 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2010. By submitting any entry, you agree to be bound by the Official Rules. Contact the Credit Union
at 800.533.2062 or locally at 404.874.1166, visit georgiasown.org or write us at Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Attn: Marketing–Make Waves, P.O. Box 105205, Atlanta, GA 30348 to obtain a complete copy of the Official Rules for this promotion. Entry in this promotion or acceptance of any prize constitutes acceptance of the Official Contest Rules. Georgia’s Own cannot be held responsible for any action or damages arising from use of any prize.

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