How to Apply Makeup

So, I've had some questions asking me about how to apply makeup, and unfortunately, that's not my forte. I do, however, follow a professional makeup artist named Kandee Johnson. She is great, and you can check her out at http://www.kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com/ or subscribe to her videos on YouTube.

Five Reasons Why You Should Ride the Bus

“Riding the bus? Like, ew.” Okay, so most people don't actually talk about it like that, but you can't deny there is a stigma to riding the bus. That's for people who don't own cars, or can't drive because they don't have licenses because they're hobos or they live under a bridge or something. But honestly, I ride the bus (and as far as I know, I'm not a hobo and I don't live under brdige) and it's been a good experience for me. I've met some, umm, interesting people on the bus, and I don't have to find a parking spot, which for me equals victory. So, courtesy of personal experience, here are the five reasons why I believe riding the bus is a good idea:

1.You don't have to wait for your car to warm up in the morning
I've gotten this down to a science. I leave the house approximately 3 minutes before my bus comes and by the time I get to the stop, it's rounding the corner down the block. I don't even have time to feel the wind come through my coat since I've been walking and then it's onto the already warm and toasty bus. Sure, the seats aren't leather, but you don't have to scrape any window.

2.You don't have to stress about morning traffic
If you head to school or work in the morning when everyone else does, you will more than likely encounter morning traffic. People shaving as they drive, or using their legs to steer while they apply mascara and talk on the phone (you know who you are). By the time you get to work, you can feel the tightness in your chest that inevitably comes with stress. You run in, usually late, and by the time you get to your desk or class, you're out of breathe and anxious. And that's almost as bad a start to the day as skipping breakfast.

3.If you're late, it's not your fault as long as you didn't miss the bus
Let's face it; these people drive for a living. They're pretty good at it. And, barring some sort of accident (which can happen and in the case of one of them, they have detours memorized) you're not likely to be late. And, if you are late, you can tell them you got on the bus a half an hour before you had to be at work, and the bus was late. Things are good when they're not your fault.

4.You don't have to drive
You can sit back and listen to music, or read a book, or take a nap, or watch the houses go by. The sky's the limit—but be aware and don't miss your stop! If you do, #3 won't work for you.

5.You decrease your geological footprint
By riding public transportation (which drives around anyway) you're using less gas, which creates less pollution, thereby decreasing the negative effects on our environment. And you save money by not having to pay for parking permits, speeding tickets, and gas. And really, saving money is what us Frugal Fannies are all about, is it not?

So, there you have it. Straight from the commuter's mouth. I ride the bus and I enjoy it. Just be careful that it doesn't relax you too much cause then you'll miss your stop. And that's not good for your stress levels either. Take it from me.

Correction

In my last post, I stated that there is a MAC store in Park City; however it is a cosmetic store called Cosmetics Company that sells MAC products, along with other cosmetics. Sorry for the confusion!

Easy-On-The-Wallet Beauty Care: Part II

Wake up, eyes!

Adding some shimmer to your eyes can make a huge difference in looking like you're on your way to the office or you're on your way out for the night. And, I'm not going to lie, I made my own shimmer eye shadow and I just love it. It really brings out my eyes. In fact, when I wore it one time to a Mexican restaurant on a date, the waitress told me that I looked like a TV star. I admit, I was hooked after that. And, it was so easy to make. I took probably one teaspoon of petroleum jelly (I got the tub at the dollar store for $1.00) and smashed up some cheap eye shadow (Wet 'n Wild, Walgreens, $2.99). Then I mixed the two together in a bowl and spooned it into an empty Carmex™ container (the spherical kind with the twist-on lid). If you don't have an empty Carmex™ container, you can order your own makeup containers from http://www.makingcosmetics.com for about $1.20 a piece. And, if you think that's expensive, a comparable MAC ™ product runs $16.50 for a similar shaped pot. And you can make your own for about $5.25. And it lasts forever. The only catch (and there's always one) is that you need to matte your lids with something like a foundation before you apply. I like eyelid primer from E.L.F. Otherwise it can mash all in your crease. But it looks beautiful and really wakes up your eyes.

E.L.F.

Eyes Lips Face cosmetics is a great place to stock up on some of the objects you use everyday. They sell [most] of their cosmetics for $1.00 and, while not the greatest quality, they can be useful if you enjoy mass collecting. I have tried many of their products and find that they are the same quality as most of those that you can purchase from any grocery store. They even provide a mineral line that is high quality and quite affordable. And, you can use the coupon code BEAUTYATALLAGES to get 50% off their next cosmetic purchase up to $15. They have nail polish, brushes, cases, and all kinds of makeup for the (you guessed it) eyes, lips, and face. You can shop for their products at www.eyeslipsface.com and also at select stores, such as the Target store in Orem.

Samples from Manufacturers

Many manufacturers will give out samples of their products as an attempt to hook you and draw you in. It's a great way to try out expensive products before you decide if they're worth investing in. You can find them online by entering the name of the company with manufacturers coupons into your favorite search engines. And, you can get a lot of them at the makeup counters at department stores, which segues nicely into my next section.

Makeup Counters at Department Stores

Many department stores employ makeup artists at their makeup counters, to sell the upscale makeup they stock. And, you can generally get an appointment to get your makeup done there for free or for a very small fee. Usually, you will need an appointment, however, they do this in order to make you fall in love with the products they try out. In fact, there are events happening all the time. For instance, here is an ad for the Nordstrom's in Orem, UT:

Saturday, December 12, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Come learn the latest trends in winter makeup by booking an appointment with our featured artists.
Cosmetics

Coupons—the New Currency of the Times

There was a time when it was considered gauche to clip coupons. Only the lower class clipped coupons—they were trashy and poor. But now, being a Frugal Fannie like me is a good thing, and the currency of the era is coupons. They're everywhere! Like some, you can subscribe to the Sunday paper to do your coupon clipping, but I prefer to do my clipping online for free. One of my favorites is www.coupons.com as well as www.retailmenot.com. They have coupons you can print and codes that you can enter when you're shopping online. And many of them are good for cosmetics.

And Last, But Not Least . . .

Outlet stores. Usually, in every state there are outlet stores within hours drive. In Utah, there is a MAC store in Park City and you can get great deals there! However, there is a trade-off. If you're not going to a city where there are outlet stores, it can not be worth the gas money. So you decide. You can get some really good deals, but is it worth the drive?

Turkey Day

Well, it's that time of year where we begin to think of things we're thankful for. I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to discover new things and advance my life in ways that are fruitful. So tell me, what are you thankful for?

GOOOOOOAAAAALLL!

So my new goal is to get my blog up to 10,000 hits. I'm almost at 500 now, so only 9,500 left! The only way I can reach this goal is if you, my readers, tell your friends and family about my site and encourage them to visit. And, occasionally, I will be holding giveaways, so it's always worth your while to keep your eye on me regularly! Thanks everyone! I know that we'll make it to 10,000 hits. And as always, I LOVE your comments, so feel free to leave me one!

Easy-On-the-Wallet Beauty Care: Part One

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy looking pretty. Nothing helps my self-confidence more. And what's more, I enjoy looking pretty while keeping my wallet nice and full. You don't have to spend your whole paycheck in order to feel the confidence when you step out the door, and what's better than having smooth skin to put your new found bargain finds on? So I'm going to tell you how I keep my skin glowing and flawless, especially in winter.

1. Exfoliator
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis is essential for keeping your skin polished and healthy, especially when the weather turns cold. I like some of the store bought brands, but the thing that I really love is homemade. You take a 1/4 cup brown sugar and add about 2 teaspoons of olive oil to it. Mix it until it forms a dry paste. Rub on your skin anywhere you want to slough off dead skin. I use it on my hands (they get terribly dry and nasty in the winter), on my elbows, and especially on my face. When you use it on your body, I recommend doing it in the shower. If you use this on your face, take care not to scrub too hard. Rub on your t-zone and your chin until you feel like you've done enough. A lot of people will tell you that oil is bad for your skin; however, oil is actually good for your skin, and if it doesn't have enough it will overproduce in order to moisturize, so it's important to keep it nice and moisturized. Wash lightly with water and your favorite face wash.


2. A Humidifier
I know it sounds pretty dumb, but seriously, a humidifier can be the one of the best tools in your arsenal to combat dry, winter skin. If you don't, or can't, have one hooked right onto your furnace, then I recommend a small independently standing humidifier. You can get a good one for about $30 if you keep an eye on sales at your local grocery store. They're hot commodities this time of year, so there are bound to be sales. The moisture from a humidifier can help keep your skin moist and prevent over-drying. It can also help with winter-time congestion and colds, so really it's a must have for winter skin care. If you need help deciding which kind of humidifier is right for you, a cold mist or a warm mist, click here to read the differences.

3. Facial Moisturizer
The facial moisturizer I really enjoy that I've found to go a long way and is not too heavy is the Biore: Overnight Moisturizer Hard Day's Night, 1.7 fl oz™. You can get it at any grocery store or Walmart or Walgreen's for about $14.00 and a pump is enough to cover your face and neck and since I have really sensitive skin, I can recommend this because it's never made me break out. I bought my bottle about 9 months ago and it's still going strong. I alternate every other night the Biore with Clean and Clear Advantage Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer 4 oz™ and I find that the change keeps my pore nice and clear. The clean and clear can be found at any grocery store, or Walmart or Walgreen's and is about $13.00. I bought my latest at the same time as the Biore and we're still going strong, so I feel like it's a great bargain.




4. Hand Cream
Have you ever had your hand crack and be just plain unattractive and painful in the winter? If you have sensitive skin like I do, these cold temperatures can be hazardous to the health of your hands. After exfoliating with the recipe listed above, I rub my hands and elbows down with Nivea Creme, a moisturizing cream that I just love. Generally I'm not a huge fan of products with mineral oil in them, but this one has proven effective. I have had my tub about 4 years and I still have plenty to get me through this winter. You can find it at Walmart for about $6.00, and boy, do you get bang for your buck!

5. Lip Salve
We all love Carmex™, but sometimes it's just not that appealing. What I love for my winter lip care (actually all year long) is Softlips™. My absolute favorite is Softlip™ Pearl because it's an awesome lip salve that just recently came out. It has an SPF of 15 and runs about $3.00. And, the big bonus? It's tinted. So it really hydrates your lips while making you look like you're a blushing beauty with creamy rose lips. Right now, it's exclusively selling at Target™ stores and you can get it in a promotional two pack with my other favorite, Vanilla, right now.


So those are my skin care secrets that will keep you looking fresh and rosy without breaking the bank this winter. Keep an eye out for my next post and as always, follow me, tell your friends, and send any questions you have to financialfixutah@gmail.com!

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Peter, Peter, Pumpkin SOUP Eater

Tonight I used my pumpkin puree, and I didn't make pie. I made pumpkin soup. And it was actually pretty good. I made dinner for the two of us for only a few dollars each. The pumpkin cost me $1.50, and all the ingredients were about $5.00, so for $6.50 total, I fed my little family for two days. The potatoes that went into it were 3 lbs for $1.00, and the cream cheese was .50, and the half-and-half was a few dollars. Add a loaf of bread, and you have dinner! Please enjoy my own recipe for pumpkin soup below and enjoy it on a cold night. There are a few of them coming up soon!

60 oz pumpkin puree (2 cans 30 oz each)
28 oz chicken broth (2 cans 14 oz each)
1 8 oz package cream cheese
2 cups half-and-half
2 T garlic powder
1/2 cup dried onion
1 t red basil
salt to taste
3 t cornstarch with 1 T cold water
Four large potatoes cut into small cubes
dollop of sour cream and parsley to garnish

Whisk puree and broth together over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add the half-and-half and whisk. Heat until warm. Add garlic powder, dried onion, red basil, salt, and cornstarch and stir well. Stir in potato cubes and heat over low heat until the potatoes are soft. Ladle into bowls and spoon a dollop of sour cream on top with some sprinkles of parsley on top. Enjoy!!

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Pumpkin Pie?

Halloween is fun, isn't it? But it seems like we're left with a lot of left-overs once the doorbell stops ringing. But there's a way to make your pumpkins last throughout the entire season. “How?” you might ask, “My pumpkins mold and turn squishy after a few days. Well, just turn them into pumpkin puree.

This doesn't work if you've carved your pumpkin the traditional way; you know, cutting off the top, scooping out the insides, and then carving a face all the way through. However if you choose a less traditional way of carving, such as just engraving part way into the pumpkin [see picture below] painting the pumpkin, or using external facial features, this can work for you.

You can display your pumpkin all Halloween season long, enjoy the ghoulish face you chose to depict. But then at the end of the season, you have a shrunken up, molding, worthless gourd that you spent the time decorating and that you just have to throw it in the garbage can. This always makes me feel a little down. It's the same reason I have a hard time with for-display-only gingerbread houses. However, if you chose one of the less-traditional options listed above, you can enjoy the fruits (no pun intended, although technically a pumpkin is a fruit) of your labors all the way through the holiday season.

Making pumpkin puree is easy. Simply cut your pumpkin in half, with the stem on one half, and the bottom on the other. Scoop out all the seeds and innards—you can save them in a bowl if you like pumpkin seeds—and clean the flesh thoroughly. Place the halves in a roasting pan with the cut sides down and pour one to two cups of water in the bottom of the pan. Cook in an oven heated to 350° until tender, about 90 minutes or so. The flesh will have turned a dark umber color (the noted color for pumpkin pie). Pull them out of the oven, and let them cool. Once cool, scoop the flesh out into a bowl, and put it in the blender or food processor until you have puree. I like to freeze the puree in baggies in one cup increments, so that I can easily incorporate it into recipes.

Now you can enjoy Halloween all season long in the delicious pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, and pumpkin cookies you create. After all, tis the season.

How to Get Products You Use Everyday for FREE

I just got a bag of dog food. For free. And what's even more amazing is that we actually have a dog, so it's a free sample that we can use. There's nothing worse than getting free samples of things you can't use. It's like being anti-caffeine and getting a free packet of Folgers™ . However, this wasn't just your average came-with-the-mail sample; it was a 10lb bag. “How in the world?” you ask. Simple. I wrote to the company.

Yup, that's right, I just dropped them an email. I explained how I was a loyal customer, how we had tried other foods and had not had the successful experience with them as we had with this particular brand. I then went on to explain that because their food was of the highest quality, it was obviously more expensive to produce, and therefore more expensive to us, the consumer. I mentioned how times for us (like everyone) were hard, and how we'd prefer not to switch to a cheaper, and hence, lower quality food for our pup, but we just didn't have the resources to continue on with them at their current prices. I asked if they had any type of coupon or voucher they saved for loyal customers, and if so, could I possibly qualify? Just to get us through for a little while, mind you.

And voila! A day later, I received an email informing me to keep an eye on my mailbox as they had sent some coupons my way. I also received a certificate thanking me for my continued loyal patronage. If there's one thing companies love, it's loyal customers. And a loyal customer who has taken enough time out to actually write the company is a loyal customer who they would like to keep. Obviously I'm satisfied enough to write to them, therefore they're banking that I'm satisfied enough to recommend them to other pet owners. And here's the kicker: I am.

I wasn't trying to scam them and I wasn't trying to “score”. Everything I mentioned in my letter was 100% true. We love that food for our dog. We have tried other foods and they messed with his digestive system. This particular food doesn't. And what's more, is it's one of two foods that vets recommend. So I felt completely confident in identifying myself as a loyal consumer.

So when I received the coupons, along with several that were $2.00 off, there was a voucher in there for a free 10lb bag of food. And that's enough to last the pup a month. Certainly enough to get us through until the next paycheck. Sometimes it's worth it to be a loyal customer. And free is a price that's worth it to me.

As always, stay tuned for out next post and if you have anything that you would like to see discussed or addressed on Financial Fix Utah, feel free to email financialfixutah@gmail.com.

I got $130 worth of groceries for $60

"How?!" you ask, "How did you accomplish this? Tell me!" Well, my friends, I will. Coupons. Coupons and weekly sales. I bought off-brands, stacked sales with manufacturer's coupons, and was able to create meals from what I found on sale. I didn't pay full price on anything. Most people don't clip coupons these days, and if they do, they're ashamed of it. Clipping coupons, buying the store brand, and settling for meals created from what's on sale, rather than creating a menu and then shopping for it is seen as inferior. Well, I have a new idea and I think we should embrace it. Here it is: let's not give our money away anymore!

Now, I know that this is hard for some people to wrap their heads around, but stay with me. Just because something costs more does not necessarily make it better. Does that surprise you? Well, I'll tell you a secret. It surprised me a little too. I mean, we all know that that store- and off-brands are cheaper because they are inferior, right? I mean, that's why they're cheaper. I hate to break it to you, folks, but this myth is perpetuated by the producers of name brand items. If they make you believe that the store brands are the lesser brands, then you'll shell out the money to pay for theirs. Full price usually, too. But take a look at the ingredient list for a Western Family Skillet Meal (Cheesy Shells)™ versus Hamburger Helper™ Cheesy Shells. I think you'll be surprised.

Western Family™

Serving Size 1/2 cup mix (41g)

Servings per container 5

Amount per Serving as packaged as prepared

Calories 160 320

Calories from Fat 40 120

____________________________________________________________

% Daily Value**

Total Fat 4.5g* 7% 22%

Saturated Fat 1.5g 8% 27%

Trans Fat 1.5g

Cholesterol less than 5mg1% 19%

Sodium 760mg 32% 34%

Total Carbs 26g 9% 10%

Dietary Fiver 1g 5% 5%

Sugars 1g

Protein 4g

____________________________________________________________

Vitamin A 0% 2%

Vitamin C 0% 0%

Calcium 2% 8%

Iron 6% 15%

Folic Acid 15% 15%

*Amount in Package

**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie Diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs

Hamburger Helper™

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/2 cup (41.0 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 150 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2.0g 3%

Saturated Fat 0.5g 3%

Cholesterol 5mg 2%

Sodium 710mg 30%

Total Carbohydrates 29.0g 10%

Dietary Fiber 1.0g 4%

Sugars 3.0g

Protein 4.0g

Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0% Calcium 2% • Iron 4%

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Now you can see that the differences are negligible. But the price difference isn't. Hamburger Helper™ meals cost anywhere from $2.50 to $3.00 whereas Western Family Skillet Meals™ are $.95 a piece. Now, I know that doesn't seem like a very big difference, but in the long scheme, those dollars add up. And the reason for the price difference? Packaging. The name brands spend more money on flashy packaging, whereas store- and off-brands don't. Therefore they can offer the same product for less cost. Now doesn't that seem like a difference you can buy into?

Tell me what you save money on by leaving me a comment below!

Let them eat . . . leftovers?

So, the other night I was looking through my fridge, trying to decide what to make for dinner, and I didn't see a whole lot. Or, at least, I thought I didn't. I was tempted -- and I mean sorely tempted -- to order in, or go to my parents for free food, or run to the store to get something to make dinner. But, that's not how you save money. That's how you spend money, and usually more than you meant to. I was hungry. Being hungry + going grocery shopping = spending more than you have in the bank. And that is a recipe for disaster. So, I decided to make it work.
Speaking of recipes, did you know that you don't always have to have one? Or at the very least, not follow it explicitely? There are a few elementary rules to creating your own culinary masterpieces.
First: Less is more.
Now, I know there's a heady excitement to breaking out of the box, and creating something that is all yours, and with that comes the tendency to over season. Then you're stuck with something that started off a soup and ended up as a solid stroganoff that tasted strongly of dill and cilantro, not that I know that from experience.
Second: a homemade recipe is like an art project; you have to know when it's perfect, and let it be done.
When you're finishing up that art project and the bowl of fruit looks realistic and edible, you feel so excited that you just keep adding and adding to it, trying to make it even more perfect, and suddenly, it's too much and ruined. The same can be said for culinary experiments. You have to know when to stop.
Third: a few basics can create an amazing meal.
Knowing how to create a roux (pronounced "roo") is invaluable. A roux* is a mixture of flour and fat used to thicken a sauce or soup. A roux can be the basis of a delicious white sauce, gravies, or even a stew. Also worth knowing, is how to mix up some marinades. They can turn a blah piece of meat into something amazing.
So, this brings me back to standing in front of my fridge. I remembered that I had some carrots and celery I'd gotten halfprice from Sunflower, a local farmers' market, and a crook-neck squash that my mother-in-law gave me from her garden. I also remembered that we had some steaks in the freezer from a birthday dinner we needed to use up. So, I whipped up a teriyaki marinade for the cubed meat, sauteed the vegetables, stirred it all together, and voila! Stirfry. Add some sticky rice, and you've got a great meal for the next two days. Making more than you need is a great idea, because then you only have to cook a couple of times a week. Freezing the extras can make your month easier. And let's face it; who couldn't use an easer month?
*Recipe for Roux:
Equal parts flour & butter. Melt butter, add flour, and stir until browned.

Provident Living: Part II

Last week we discussed how it's not enough to just only spend the money that you actually have, but to create a financial reserve, or emergency cushion.  Now, one week later, let's assume you did your assignment and kept track of every penny you spent for one week and separated your necessary expenses from your unnecessary ones.  Did you find anything that surprised you?  I know I did.  We as Americans are trained, from a young age, in the art of consumerism.  We are trained to buy, buy, buy, that it's good for the economy while saving is not.  "After all," the financial advisors who are supposed to be experts say, "what good is your money tucked away safely in a bank?  It's not boosting the economy by circulating.  Therefore, saving = bad!"

Not true, I say to those "experts"!  What good does your money do being in the bank?  I'll tell you!  The good it does is for YOU.  Not only do you earn interest on it (the longer you pledge to keep it in the bank, the more interest you earn) but it's a financial buffer, something that helps you sleep at night, because if little Timmy needs braces or the transmission in your car goes out, you won't lose your home.  It gives you the capital you need for a new venture, should an amazing opportunity come your way, without making you reliant on other peoples' money.  People say that credit makes our world go round.  I say no!  The world goes round on it's own.  Credit only causes good people bad stress.  That's not to say that, in the hands of a responsible person, a credit card can't be useful and convenient.  But going into debt for a TV or shoes or something you don't need or even really want, is one of the choices most fatal to financial independence.

So, now is the time to say "No" to instant gratification.  Not only do things mean more when you work for them, but you'll find that your longing for the latest purse or the newest video game console goes away quickly when you compare the amount of money you'll need versus the number of hours you would need to work to have the cash in hand to purchase it.  Should you weigh these factors and still decide that your life would be better with the purchase, then by all means, do it.  However, make certain that the money for this purchase comes from the extras and not from, oh, say the funds set aside for your mortgage payment.  Because a Nintendo Wii is useless without a living room to play in.

As always, send your questions or comments to financialfixutah@gmail.com and tune in next week.

Provident Living

Now, as some people (but not most people) know, the key to fixing your finances is to start at the ground up. A lot of people are afraid of the "B-word" . . . "budget". But, it's not scary and it's not a ball and chain tying you down and stopping you from enjoying life. In fact, it's just the opposite. It gives you the freedom to continue your standard of life even in the midst of economic uncertainty. A financial reserve is more than just a cushion; it's a life preserver, in that, if your situation turns south, it preserves your quality of life. It's a safe harbor from worries, and a goal to work toward.

Enough philosophizing. Let's get down to the nitty gritty. How? Well, that's simple. At least, it's a simple concept, which we all know are the most difficult to practice. It starts with living within your means. We've all heard that a million times before, and it's as ingrained in us as looking both ways before we cross the street, which is good and bad. Good that we know the rule inside and out. Bad that we've become desensitized to what it really means. So I am going to redefine the term. "Living within your means" means more than just not spending money you don't have. It also means planning for contingencies. As I was saying above, it means having a financial reserve. But, for some of us who live paycheck to paycheck, a financial reserve sounds like an absurd dream. Struggling to make ends meet causes unnecessary stress and worry, which can actually effect your physical health.

So, how do we do it? Well, here's where we start. For one week, keep track of everything cent you spend. If you buy a soda out of the machine at work, write it down. If you buy a treat at the store on the way home, write it down. Track everything. And, at the end of the week, look over your record and split your expenditures into two different columns, "Necessary" and "Unnecessary". At the top of the paper write how much income you bring in and then do the math. How much of that are you spending on unnecessary items? Is there any room to trim the fat? I think you'll be shocked at how many pennies here and nickels there go to things you don't even really want. That's not to say that budgeting some money for fun isn't a necessity because it is, but we'll get to that next week. For now, stay tuned, and as always, send your financial questions to financialfixutah@gmail.com.

Credit Cards; Good or Bad?

I would say credit cards pull a little from Column A and a little from Column B. Credit cards are not inherently evil; in fact, they can do a lot of good if you know how to handle them. Credit cards can help increase your credit by leaps and bounds but you have to know a few simple guidelines to help keep you safe from the credit card issuers:

1. Using a credit card does not mean carrying a balance. If you carry a balance on your card, you succumb to the green monster known as interest. To increase your credit score, keep your balance below 25% of your limit. A balance over 25% of your limit actually hurts your credit score. Who knew?

2. Do not get used to using credit cards for everyday purchases. Just because it's plastic doesn't mean it's free money. Credit card companies, just like everyone in this economy, are trying to get every last cent out of their users. Interest rates have risen, limits have been slashed, and terms are changing without notice. Using credit cards often, but sparingly at the same time may seem like an oxymoron, but here's what we mean; use your card to put gas in your car only. That way you have minimal charges that you are able to pay off at the end of every month, dodging the interest, and upping your credit score.

3. A higher limit does not necessarily equal higher risk. If you have some sort of self control when it comes to your spending limits, a higher limit actually looks better on a credit report. For instance, if you purchase a washing machine for $500.00 on a credit card with a $1000.00 limit, you have a balance that is 50%, or half, of your limit. If you carry that balance from month-to-month, not quite paying it off, that actually can cause your credit score to plummet. However, if you purchase that same washing machine on a card that has a $3000.00 limit, that's less than 20% of the limit, actually helping your credit score. *Disclaimer: for those of you who have little to no self-restraint when it comes to credit card debt, a lower balance will be a better option*

4. A higher interest rate isn't always a bad thing. I know this sounds so contrary to everything you've ever heard or thought, but hear me out. Credit cards with higher interest rates sometimes come with appealing perks, like rewards back on everything you spend. However, if you cannot control your spending, skip the rewards for now and stay with a card with a lower rate.

5. Have several cards and use each. We've all seen the movies where a well-off person pulls out their wallet and down goes a huge list of credit cards. We don't want to get that dramatic, but having several lines of credit with different issurers is a safe guard against slashed limits. Credit is all about your history of payments, and the ability to determine the risk you will pose to financial institutions in the future. Having several cards that you utilize and pay off regularly is better than maxing out one card.

Welcome to Financial Fix

Times are hard. We all know that. But, things don't have to be as hard as they are. This blog is dedicated to giving Utahns a glimpse at getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and building a financial reserve, because there's no better feeling in the world than knowing that you're in control of your finances, and not the other way around. So, feel free to send any financial based questions to: financialfixutah@gmail.com and I will choose some to answer every week. Remember; finances aren't scary once you're in control!