Jill Russo Foster

Tips for Successful Personal Finances

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Financial Literacy Month #12

According to Lending Tree, consumer debt is up 7% over last year and has hit $1.27 trillion.  Do you have credit card debt?  If you carry a balance, call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate.  Lending Tree also stated that 76% of people who asked we given a lower rate. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #11

Now that you are not paying fees on your bank account, are you earning interest on your money?  There are some amazing accounts (both checking and savings) with great interest rates.  Shop around for the best rate without fees. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #10

Are you paying fees to your bank?  You should be able to bank without fees. Some banks waive the fees with a minimum balance or direct deposit.  Paying a monthly fee to have a bank account is a waste of your hard-earned money. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #9

Now what about retirement? Are you on track?  It’s never too early to start to save for retirement as you have the power of time.  On the other hand, it’s never too late to start either.  Sign up for your company’s retirement plan.  You don’t want to pass up free matching funds.  If that is not available, open your own retirement account and automate your contributions.  Start today. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #8

While thinking about saving money, what can you eliminate from your life that would save you money?  Can you bring your choice of beverage from home versus buying?  Can you stop buying bottled beverages?  Do you bring your lunch with you from home? We have eliminated the trash removal / recycle bill by taking it ourselves.  We went from $75/month to $25/year.  How can you save? #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #7

One way to save money is to repair items versus buying items again.  If that’s not possible, maybe you can purchase the item at a discount or used.  Buy Nothing is a really great group where people list what they want to get rid of and others offer to pick the item up for free.  #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #6

Do you have an emergency fund?  You never know what could happen in life. Experts say you should have 6 months to a year worth of income on hand for life’s what ifs.  Yes, that can be overwhelming to go from minimal savings to this goal.  Start by finding ways to save $5 a day to start.  Automate your savings goals so that they happen. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #5

As we get closer to Spring, are you ready to explore the outdoors?  April 19 is one of the days that you can go to a National Park for free.  Other days this year are June 19, August 4, September 27 and November 11.  We have seen a few but have more to see.  Last year we went to Mount Rushmore and Badlands. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #4

Curious about your credit score?  You can get a close approximation of your score through some bank and credit card websites or through the credit reports bureaus Quizzle, Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.  These are all free to see an approximation of your credit score. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth