November 2010

The History of the Credit Score

November 17, 2010

Credit scores became widely used in the 1980′s. Before the credit score was used, human judgment was the primary factor in deciding who received credit. Lenders relied on their past experience at observing consumer behavior as the basis for deciding which consumers warranted credit. This was not only a slow process, but also involved human [...]

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When Flood Insurance Coverage is the Right Idea

November 16, 2010

The chance of a flood is a risk most homeowners and renters don’t even consider. Most people live in areas with low to moderate flood risk, and never even consider the possibility of costly flood damage to their home or personal possessions. The situation is even worse for those in at-risk areas. Nationally, only 20% [...]

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National Debt vs. Budget Deficit: What’s the Difference?

November 15, 2010
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Making sense of the U.S. national debt and annual budget deficit If you’re like me, the words “national debt” and “national deficit” bring with them an unshakeable feeling of gloom and doom. It’s not that I lay awake at night worried about the U.S. debt and deficit, but when they do cross my mind, I [...]

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What is Tax Form 1040 Schedule J?

November 15, 2010

Most taxpayers have a reasonable continuity in their income from year to year. In other words, most people make similar amounts of money from one year to the next. There are certainly changes after promotions, raises, career shifts, and annual incomes can be drastically lower when a tax year includes a period of unemployment because [...]

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How the SBA Microloan Program Can Help Small Businesses

November 15, 2010

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program is used by small businesses and local entrepreneurs as well as non-profit child care centers for working capital needs, the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and/or equipment. This program, in particular, supports under-served or un-banked markets, including borrowers with minimal credit history, low-income borrowers, and women [...]

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The DoughRoller Weekly RoundUp (Big IPO Week Coming Up)

November 14, 2010

Earlier this year we discussed that GM was reissuing their stock to raise enough capital, which could pay off some of their massive debt.  It would appear that this week is going to be the week that happens and GM won’t have to do it alone. Entertainment giant Caesars will also go along for the [...]

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Marriott Rewards Credit Card Review

November 13, 2010

Owning a travel rewards credit card and more specifically a hotel rewards credit card is necessary for two types of people.  First, there’s the business person who uses their personal credit card for all travel arrangements and spends most of their time on the road.  Then there’s the family traveler or retired traveler, who spends [...]

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7 Personal Finance Books That Can Change Your Life

November 12, 2010

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”–Charles W. Eliot. As the holiday buying season gets underway, I thought I’d share those personal finance and investing books that have been my best “friends,” “counselors,” and “teachers.” If followed, these [...]

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Best Side-Money Making Gigs on Craigslist

November 11, 2010

If you’re like most people, the idea of generating supplemental revenue for your household balance sheet is not a bad idea. Getting a second job is a very common way to make a little extra cash to help with bills, save money to reach your goals faster or pay off any outstanding debt. A good [...]

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