A $450 annual fee for a credit card? Is that something a value shopper would consider?

According to a new article, value shoppers are doing much more than that – they’re actually seeking these cards out. It all has to do with the perks, and some savvy consumers and bargain hunters are realizing that they actually can save money of they’re good at using the points for stuff like travel and vacations.

If you’re interested in rewards credit cards, or curious as to which of the many offers you get in the mail are worth pursuing, then check out the link and see what works best for your desired lifestyle and spending habits.

How good are you with your finances? Do the basics completely elude you?

If so you need to start with simple concepts to help you gain control of your finances.

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You can save plenty of money using apps on your smartphone, so in effect the phone can pay for itself over time. Check out the video above for tips like:

– Using Google Shopper to compare prices
– Bank ATM finder app for free ATM machines
– Track spending with apps like Mint to create a budget and sticking to it
– The Field agent app will actually pay you to scan pricing info!

There are other suggestions in this video worth learning about. The key is there are plenty of ways to use a smartphone to save or make money. It’s more than just a texting machine for your friends and hookups!

Many people choose to purchase a used car for obvious reasons – it’s cheaper than buying a new car of course. Still, that doesn’t mean every used car purchase makes financial sense, particularly when you are borrowing to pay for it.

This article explains why many people can’t really afford the used cars they are buying.

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Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The answer to this question is simple . . . No!

This was recently addressed recently in a newspaper advice column, and Teresa Dixon Murray gave a very logical answer. Starting off your marriage with debt is a terrible idea. Consider eloping, or instead a very frugal wedding.

Now, nobody is saying this will be easy. Grooms will have to deal with their bride’s fantasies about what their wedding should entail. But that also offers a perfect opportunity to discuss a budget. Many young couples don’t deal with this before marriage and that leads to a host of problems. Having these discussions now is critical and both of you will learn things about one another and how you might be able to manage money together.

Once you have a budget, you can do all sorts of research to find deals or creative ways to handle different aspects of the wedding.

These are big decisions, but taking the easy way out by getting a loan is the wrong way to handle it.