Skip to content
Trusted Answers From Licensed Business Professionals
PERSONAL FINANCE

What’s the Best Type of Student Loan?

By The BIDaWIZ Team on September 26th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
best-type-of-student-loan

Student loan default rates are on the rise with the Department of Education reporting an increase of 1.8% or 8.8% in FY09 up from 7.0% in FY08. The data represents a total of 320,000 students defaulting on their loans of the 3.6 million borrowers from the period of October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2010. In addition, the 8.8% default rate doesn’t account for those students that have fallen behind on their payments. Given these staggering statistics and the rising cost of tuition, are there any student loans that you would recommend for those planning to attend college? Read More.

Share |
No Comments
NEGOTIATION

Negotiating Your Rent in a Tough Market

By The BIDaWIZ Team on September 23rd, 2011 at 4:00 pm

negotiating-rent
The recovery in the rental market over the past year has continued to build with increases in both rental prices and occupancy rates in almost all 82 US markets. There also doesn't appear to be any softening in sight with home ownership levels continuing to fall and more renters in the market. This means your rent is likely to go up when it's time to renew. But, there are certainly actions you can take to try to negotiate your rent. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
CREDIT CARDS

How Should I Dispute a Credit Card Charge & Can I Get Penalized?

By Susan Ladika on September 22nd, 2011 at 5:30 pm

credit-card-dispute-customer
My credit card was charged $100 for office supplies I ordered online, when the amount I owed was actually $35. The office supply company doesn't respond to my phone calls and emails. What can I do? You did the right thing by using your credit card to make that purchase. Credit cards can offer protections that you don't have if you shop with a debit card. It's often quite easy to enlist your credit card issuer's assistance if you're involved in a dispute. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
INVESTING

Pay Attention to Asset LOCATION to Save on Taxes

By The BIDaWIZ Team on September 15th, 2011 at 8:00 pm

asset-location
We often hear investment gurus recommend various asset allocations based on the investor's time horizon, age, and wealth. Unfortunately, we rarely hear about asset location which is a shame since the right strategy can save investors on current and future tax liabilities. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
BUDGETING, INSURANCE

Saving on Medical Expenses and Taxes with Flexible Spending

By The BIDaWIZ Team on September 13th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
flexible-spending-account-help

Every year your employer will ask you to update the elections for your employee benefits. Unfortunately, not much is provided in the form of guidance to employees even though mistakes can be costly. Here’s one bit of guidance. Contributing to a flexible spending account (FSA) can save you on more than just your medical expenses. Read More.

Share |
No Comments
CREDIT CARDS

Who is Liable for Your Credit Card Debt When You Die?

By The BIDaWIZ Team on September 2nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm

credit-card-debt-and-death
When a loved one passes away there are usually financial implications to the surviving family members and other named beneficiaries. Although this is an uncomfortable situation to think about, it is important to understand what happens in the case that the deceased has outstanding debts, particularly credit card debt. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
INSURANCE, TAX PREPARATION

The Tax Impact for a Natural Disaster

By The BIDaWIZ Team on August 31st, 2011 at 4:30 pm

taxes-after-natural-disaster
The eastern seaboard was dealt a heavy blow this past week when Hurricane Irene caused unprecedented flooding, fallen trees, and significant power outages. While some of us were left unscathed, many others experienced significant damage to their property. On top of that, they now have to start the process of filing insurance claims and figuring out the complex tax rules for reporting property losses on their tax return. Even if you weren't impacted, it's important to understand the tax rules as the number of declared natural disaster areas are on the rise. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
BUDGETING

Lower Your Data Roaming Charges While Traveling Abroad

By The BIDaWIZ Team on August 19th, 2011 at 3:00 pm

cell-phone-sim-card-to-lower-international-travel-charges
Some of the most frustrating parts of traveling come after the trip is over, when you get that unexpectedly high cell phone bill. More often than not, the culprit is roaming charges. This can piss you off, your employer or your parents, for those still on the family plan. .
-or-
Share |
No Comments
BANKING

The New (Reduced) Debit Card Swipe Fees Are Coming to Retailers

By The BIDaWIZ Team on August 17th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
cap-amount-per-debit-card-transactions

A significant piece of the increased banking regulation set forth by the Dodd-Frank Act and the Durbin Amendment will go into effect October 1st, 2011. Banks have responded by exploring all different types of new fees and potential revisions to terms and conditions agreements. One such potential revision could put a cap on the total amount consumers spend per debit card transaction at $100, forcing them to pull out their credit card instead for large transactions. With this new legislation, let’s investigate who is the likely beneficiary: banks, the consumer, or retailers. Read More.

Share |
No Comments