Ditch Debt!

The bills keep coming, the phone calls start. People want money and you don’t have it! Dealing with debt can cause a great deal of stress and feel extremely overwhelming.

In fact, new research shows that women suffer greater anxiety, and have more difficulty coping with the stress that money trouble brings.

You can’t run and hide from it; you need to be honest with yourself and motivated to face it and dig out of debt. Mary Ann Demchak, an accredited financial counselor, and financial education and community outreach advocate with Clearview Federal Credit Union offers this advice:

• Your gross may look wonderful on paper, but if your net is less than your bills, there will be problems! The amount of major credit card debt is testament to that. Keep a spending diary to track expenses for one month to get a clear picture of what you really need “to live.”
• Know what your net is and what you owe-this is a must! It’s amazing how many people have no idea how much debt they are actually in. Do you keep a log of your revolving and installment debt? Keep a chart of what you owe, who you owe it to, the APR, and the due dates for each.
• Learn to distinguish between your wants and your needs. Before you make a purchase, think it through. Does it fit into your plan for debt reduction?
• Identify your personal goals. Where do you want to be financially in the next five years? How will you get there?
• Know what your options are. What resources are out there to help? Explore all options: your credit union, outside agencies that specialize in debt management and/or counseling, using your own methods.
• Commit to making positive changes in the way you live. If you stay on the same course you can’t expect to get a different result!
• Save for the future as part of your basic financial routine. Saving is an important part of any healthy debt reduction plan.
• Create a plan and stick to it! Empower yourself to make a difference in your financial future.

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Real Money Resources

Me and numbers don’t have the greatest relationship. BUT, I’ve found that’s no excuse not to take control of your financial situation. Especially with this economy…arming yourself with information you need to make smart money decisions is extremely important!

Here are some helpful links:
• Changing long term investments during a recession

• 401k fixes at all ages

• Dealing with company cuts to 401k plans

• Emergency Money Management

• Dipping into your 401k

• Saving and planning for retirement

Get more smart money information in the Family Finance area at jenniferTVshow.com.
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Smarter, Easier Holiday Shopping with Special Offers, A Bed Giveway, and Great Gift Ideas

Hi, there! Despite the shaky economy, it’s estimated that Americans will still spend billions of dollars during November, December, and January. What we buy for the holidays this year may be different though. Practical gifts for the home are expected to be very popular. Here’s the scoop on some great gift ideas from our friends at Sleep Number by Select Comfort:

ENTER TO WIN a BED!
We’ve partnered with Sleep Number to bring you information on the importance of sleep and how to achieve quality sleep. Get sleep tips now at our brand new jenniferTVshow.com! Sleep Number is also offering our friends special offers, and a chance to win a Sleep Number Memory Foam bed! Click here for more information to to enter to win!
Also…Print this out before you head to the mall! Take it to a Sleep Number by Select Comfort store near you and get a special Free Gift! Please feel free to share with your family and friends. (Pittsburgh area locations include: Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, The Mall at Robinson, Monroeville Mall, South Hills Village, and Westmoreland Mall. For the store nearest you anywhere in the country, call 1-800 SLEEP NUMBER or visit sleepnumber.com)

JC Penney stores have so many new product lines, and they are having fantastic after-Thanksgiving sales. Look at some of the cool stuff:

And, I’ve always been a big Macy’s fan. Check out some of the latest trends (that you can get now all on sale)! :

I’ve gotta run in there to get a cozy for me! How cute!

Also, learn how to be a smart spender, how to use the holiday shopping season as a teaching opportunity for your children, and more in our new Family Finance area in the Money Matters tab at jennifertvshow.com.

And, if you’re in the Pittsburgh area, it’s worth a trip to the customer service desks at the Monroeville and Westmoreland Malls: they are giving out Free Treat Yourself Holiday Coupon Books that contain $850 worth of savings in mall stores and restaurants! Take advantage of that!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

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Family On A Budget

Many families are struggling financially right now. We’re in the process of shooting a new jennifer TV talk show episode that will offer helpful ideas for families on a budget. Jeanne May, a manager at Clearview Federal Credit Union, shared some easy strategies for creating a family budget, and (just as important) how to stick to it! Couldn’t wait to pass this information
along:

The Families On a Budget show will air soon on WTAE-TV Channel 4 in Pittsburgh, and we’ll post more clips from it at jenniferTVshow.com. and right here.
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