DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ How to Avoid Impulse Buying
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Isabella Simonetti | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Michelle KondrichBuyer’s remorse is real. But there are ways to avoid overspending on things you just don’t need. I asked Justin Pritchard, the owner of Approach Financial Planning, a retirement planning firm in Montrose, Colo., for advice. Here’s what he said →

☆ HBO Max raises prices for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —HBO Max, which debuted in May 2020, is getting its first-ever price hike. Effective immediately, the ad-free HBO Max plan will be $15.99 per month — an increase of $1. HBO Max with ads, which launched in June 2022, remains the same at $9.99 per month. HBO Max will save “north of $100 million annually” after removing the shows, according to a source familiar with HBO’s decision. Discovery doesn’t break out the number of subscribers on the platform, but it currently has nearly 95 million global subscribers with HBO, HBO Max and Discovery+ combined.

Financial planner Jovan Johnson doesn't always advise against playing the lottery. Whenever we see a huge lottery drawing on the television screen, it can be very enticing to drop everything and go purchase a ticket. There is nothing wrong with playing the lottery if it is for pure fun and within your budget. Your savings come firstBefore you consider playing the lottery, ensure that you are on track with saving towards your financial goals and paying all your living expenses. A strategy to limit the amount that you use to purchase lottery tickets is to pool together an amount with a group of trusted friends or family.

2022 is the second year of a long journey to pay off my student loans and credit card debt. I also made a payment plan with credit card companies to stop my debt from accruing compound interest. I racked up over $20,000 of credit card debt, then rage-quit my job without a backup plan. Before the refinance, from January 2022 to July 2022, the minimum payment on my private student loans was $670. Here are the three crucial steps I took to pay down nearly $11,000 worth of debt in one year.

Most people are aware of gift cards for restaurants or retail stores, but the purchasing power of gift cards is nearly limitless. Throughout the year, we gifted the kids gift cards for Valentine's Day and Easter while also purchasing gift cards whenever our family budget allowed. Cash App Investing does not trade bitcoin and Cash App is not a member of FINRA or SIPC. Show more Minimum Deposit Amount $0 Editor's Rating 4 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4 out of 5 Stars Pros & Cons Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Whether you're using gift cards to save up for your family's dream vacation or for a major purchase, buying gift cards is an ideal alternative to conventional saving.

I used to set unrealistic New Year's resolutions, like swearing I won't eat out all year to save more money. This year, I'm setting five microsavings goals to help me save $2,750 and invest $1,050 by the end of the year. That surprise money made such an impact on me that I decided to apply it to my 2023 savings goals. To meet that savings goal, I'm saving 10% of my paycheck, roughly $200, until April 2023. After buying my laptop in April 2023, I plan on saving 5% of my paycheck, roughly $100, toward my Oaxaca trip.

So I dove headfirst into the credit card tag on TikTok and found the app's most popular "hacks" for credit card experts and novices. Here's a look at some of the best and worst credit card hacks on TikTok right now. Credit utilization ratio refers to the amount of debt you have in relation to your income (debt/income = credit utilization ratio). How it worksIf you search "credit card hack" on TikTok you're sure to find dozens of posts on the 15/3 method. "While it won't double your payment history, the 15/3 credit payment hack can actually help you reduce the reported amount on your credit card."

Insider's experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In the coming year, I'm changing how I spend on last-minute takeout, produce, coffee, and Amazon. Last-minute takeoutAside from fixed expenses, like rent and utilities, I spend the most money every single month on food purchases, whether groceries or takeout. One of the biggest financial mistakes I made this year was spending more money on food than I needed to. That way, I can save money and not waste food that goes bad or that I forget to eat by the end of the week.

☆ Building emergency savings is a top financial resolution for 2023, survey finds. Here’s how to get started
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Jenkin, who co-wrote a book called "The 21-Day Budget Cleanse," recommends people take a detox-type approach to their household budgets. "Most people really haven't taken the time to see where they're overspending and size up what the difference is," Jenkin said. That's "troubling" now, as interest rates on those debts are poised to continue to climb, according to Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. Look for higher rates on your cashAs interest rates climb, that's good news for the money you stand to earn on your cash. Online savings accounts and certificates of deposit, or CDs, are providing the highest interest rates in more than a decade.

I also lost money by ignoring my investment mistakes, keeping too much money in cash, and paying for subscriptions I didn't use. That's why, for the past few years, I've spent quality time managing my finances and trying to limit money mistakes. One way I do that is by spending time in December doing a year-end inventory on all of my finances. After finishing my financial inventory for this year, I noticed four big money-costing mistakes. Keeping too much money in cashWith the threat of a looming recession in 2023, I've spent most of this year scared to make any big money moves with my cash.

By implementing scary hour, we were able to stop overspending and prevent future credit card debt. Now, every Sunday morning we brew coffee, get out a pen and paper, and break down our credit card purchases. No annual fee (though you have to be an Amazon Prime member) Cons Dash icon A dash. More Information The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer. In the first few months of owning the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, we hadn't been paying off your purchases every week and actually ended up overspending.

☆ Personal finance expert and author of 'The True Cost of Happiness' explains how investing into her passion and dropping her 'money script' helped her to build a business and find financial independenc
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Tisdale uncovered her "money script" to understand her behavior and change her relationship with money. Not only get it right in terms of everyday money management, but also setting ourselves up for financial success. Tisdale's journey culminated in a study on financial behavior or "money scripts." It wasn't until she got out of her own way that she found career and financial success, Tisdale concedes. Her company has partnered with numerous organizations and corporations teaching their workforce positive financial behavior and encouraging healthy relationships around money.

We are diversifying our income streams, maintaining a robust emergency fund, and keeping our pantry fully stocked. But beyond our regular jobs, we are looking for new ways to diversify our income streams. Maintaining a robust emergency fundA robust emergency fund has always been the cornerstone of my financial plans. But if all of our income streams dried up, I do know that we'd have some time to figure out our next move. Beyond taking a careful look at our holiday spending, we've started to look for other ways to cut down on our costs.

☆ Gen Zers are spending big this holiday season — and it could come back to bite them
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Avery Hartmans | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Gen Z shoppers came out in full force during Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year. BNPL seems like an easy way to pay for purchases, but it's causing some young consumers to rack up debt. Despite predictions of a lackluster holiday shopping season this year, shoppers came out in full force during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. "One standout this Black Friday was the high turnout of Gen Z in stores," Kristen Classi-Zummo, apparel industry analyst with market research firm NPD, told CNN. Frequent BNPL use has led some young shoppers to rack up thousands of dollars in debt and tank their credit scores.

☆ Volkswagen to discuss new software roadmap on Dec. 15 -Handelsblatt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BERLIN, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) Chief Executive Oliver Blume will present a long-delayed new software strategy for the carmaker at a supervisory board meeting on Dec. 15, Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Monday, citing company sources. The Audi brand will hand over leadership on autonomous driving software to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the report added. The supervisory board called in May for management to present a roadmap for the carmakers' software unit Cariad, after multiple years of delays to planned new software iterations and overspending. The board expected a new roadmap by the summer break, Reuters reported, but former Chief Executive Herbert Diess' departure from the company delayed plans. New chief Blume wants to first determine what the software will look like, and then the car models will follow, Handelsblatt reported.

☆ Avoid the dust-collectors! Expert tips for finding hidden treasures at yard and estate sales
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Jen Glantz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It's possible to discover valuable items at local yard sales, but having a strategy and tools is important. When browsing handbags, if an item has a high price tag, Hirsch advised searching for stains, repairs, and fabric damage. Look closely at vintage Christmas ornamentsHirsch said vintage Christmas ornaments are commonly found at local sales and are potentially valuable collector items. Figure out an approach and stick to a budgetIf you're completely new to hunting for treasures, Zurzolo advised having a set strategy. Zurzolo recommended selling finds on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or even Etsy.

I work part-time, so I can't afford to give expensive holiday gifts. You may be surprised to learn that there are actually many options for gifts that don't require spending a ton of money. Set expectations with othersOne thing I do to make my Christmas budget-friendly is set expectations with family and friends. If we had set expectations better as a group, things might have gone differently. When I really want to give my friends and family nice gifts, I use a sinking fund.

Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderEarning credit card sign-up bonuses is the fastest way to earn rewards for (nearly) free travel. If you don't think you can meet the spending requirement to earn a card bonus, there are tricks to help you get there (without overspending). Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Let's take a look at a few powerful ways to meet credit card minimum spending requirements. Pay your rent or mortgageThere are a few services that let you pay your rent or mortgage by credit card.

☆ This Secured Credit Card Has the Best Cash Back Rewards
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

By Ana StaplesThe Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards is a secured version of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which makes this credit builder a decent cash back card in its own right. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards Learn more Fair credit requiredAnnual fee: NoneBase rewards: 1.5% cash backBonus rewards: NoneIntro offer: NoneAPR: 28.49% variableThe card’s simple rewards structure, as well as the opportunity to graduate to its popular unsecured sibling, is why we named it Buy Side from WSJ’s pick for Best Secured Credit Card for Rewards. For instance, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, our pick for Best Overall Secured Credit Card in 2022, lays out these terms on the card’s webpage. That’s the same return you’d get with unsecured cards like the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card or the American Express Cash Magnet® Card. For example, the Discover it Secured and the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card will still earn you cash back, and you can qualify with bad or no credit.

☆ Some Amazon advertisers are fuming after a Black Friday glitch cost them up to hundreds of thousands of dollars while others underspent and missed out on sales goals
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Lauren Johnson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Amazon's ad tool inaccurately showed how much advertisers spent on Black Friday campaigns. Ad buyers said the glitch cost them betweens tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The range of overspending varies wildly from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the agencies said. Ad buyers often devote up to 80% to 90% of their Amazon ad budgets to these two formats. Another agency source suspects Amazon might decline to give their money back and simply tell advertisers that their overspent ad dollars drove sales.

☆ A 'frugal' millionaire shares the 5 money rules he teaches his kids: 'My mom clipped coupons every week'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Jonathan Sanchez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Jonathan and Jacqueline Sanchez are real estate investors and the co-founders of Parent Portfolio. We took charge of our finances by saving more, starting side hustles and investing in real estate. When my son wanted money for his school's book fair, we gave him a budget of $40. It's easy to forget that social media is often just a highlight reel. We never take out our phones when we eat together, and we use social media disabling apps to limit our daily activity to one hour a day.

☆ I've made $305,000 in revenue in the last year as a money coach. Now the business pretty much runs itself — here's how I set it up by focusing on one new product.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-19 | by ( Chloé Daniels | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Chloé Daniels is a money coach who sells a course that makes her thousands a month. The gross revenue I made from my first year as a full-time business owner was $305,000, with about $45,000 of expenses. By recognizing I had to scale, bringing in an expert, and focusing on one funnel and one product. When I started shopping for a business coach, I was nervous because there are so many problematic business coaches who teach people how to run a business despite never having run a business before. So many content creators create a course or digital product and push it out to their audience without a funnel.

Using a debit card instead of a credit card is a surefire way to avoid credit card debt. Credit cards can help build your credit history, protect your checking account from fraud, and earn you valuable rewards. The important thing is to use your credit card as if it were a debit card. When you use and pay a credit card every month, that adds another positive data point to your credit profile, which, in turn, helps build and raise your credit score. In the event of a dispute with a merchant, a credit card will also give you the ability to request a charge-back.

An excellent credit score allows you to borrow money at lower interest rates and provides other benefits. The five credit score categories for FICO and VantageScore are as follows:Credit score category FICO VantageScore Poor/Very Poor 300-579 300-499 Fair/Poor 580-669 500-600 Good/Fair 670-739 601-660 Very good/Good 740-799 661-780 Exceptional/Excellent 800-850 781-850While a low credit score will hinder your borrowing efforts, having an excellent credit score comes with a wide range of benefits and possibilities. LendingTree found that people with excellent credit scores keep a credit utilization rate of 5.7% on an average credit limit of $58,514 spread over an average of 7.9 accounts. Keep credit inquiries to a minimumWhen we apply for credit — whether it's for a new credit card, a mortgage, or an auto loan — and a lender issues a credit check, it will appear on our credit report and may influence our credit score. Though you don't necessarily need an excellent credit score, it can certainly help you lead an easier financial life.

☆ Why hosting the World Cup can be a bad idea for some countries
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Darren Geeter | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Hosting the World Cup draws massive exposure to a host country in terms of tourism, foreign trade, jobs and the potential for new development. Nevertheless, hosting the FIFA World Cup is viewed as an honor as soccer is the world's most popular sport, with over 5 billion fans. The United States, which hosted the 1994 World Cup, is viewed as the most successful of the tournaments, drawing over 3.5 million fans. But history suggests that fans will continue to tune in with hopes and aspirations of their country winning the cherished World Cup. Watch the video above to learn why hosting the FIFA World Cup can be a bad idea for some countries.

Search resuls for: "Overspending"

25 mentions found