How to Avoid Wasting Money

When you are trying to save money, every penny counts. That is why it can be extremely frustrating to learn that everyday actions and decisions can lead to a large amount of wasted money.

Fortunately, being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them in the future. After working hard for your money, it is important that you spend it as wisely as possible.

Gym membership

Many people sign up for a gym membership with perfectly good intentions. They have a desire to get in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle.

However, many gyms charge their customers a hefty initiation fee and monthly membership costs.

If you utilize the services at your gym on a daily basis, then the cost may be justified. However, most members do not attend as often as they would like.

Many people are motivated at the beginning of their membership, but that enthusiasm slowly declines as more time passes.

In order to save money, run outside whenever possible or invest in a workout DVD that can be utilized from the comfort of your own home. Yoga is also a great way to increase your heart rate without the need for expensive equipment.

Practice Safe Driving 

If you are a conscientious driver and obey all traffic laws, there is a good chance that you will not be pulled over for a costly offense.

Being a safe driver can save you money in a variety of different ways.

• First, you will not have to pay for expensive speeding tickets. 
• Second, your auto insurance rates will not increase. 

In fact, your insurance rates can even decrease if you have a positive driving history.

In order to save money on your vehicle, keep your eyes on the road and avoid any type of risky behavior. 

Expensive Cable Service

If you are currently paying for premium cable channels, consider canceling your subscription.

With so many channels included in the basic or expanded cable packages, there is plenty of available entertainment at a less expensive price.

Also, if you lead a busy life, there is a good chance that you do not have a lot of time to watch the programming options on the premium channels (or any channel)!

By dropping these deluxe features, you will be amazed at how quickly your monthly cable bill will shrink.

Bargain Shopping

If you are a bargain shopper, you are looking for the best deal possible. Although this saves you money at the time of purchase, it can actually cost you in the long run.

3 Most Popular Cars in Illinois

The Escape has been completely redesigned for 2013, and its new, distinct look is sure to turn heads.

Chevrolet Equinox 

The Equinox is Chevrolet’s compact crossover SUV that was redesigned in the year 2010 with new engines for improved fuel economy and a fresh exterior look.

With a plethora of cars on the market today, the options for owners are seemingly endless. Every state has its own unique three best selling cars.

With such a wide variety of inventory, it can be difficult to distinguish between different makes and models.

When a car becomes popular, it is typically safe to assume that it contains features that appeal to a wide variety of people.

Often times, these vehicles are safe, reliable, and affordable. The following list of the most popular cars in Illinois may be helpful for residents on the market for a new set of wheels.

Ford Fusion

Ford’s midsize family car is a solid choice in the competitive midsize-sedan segment. The Fusion has proven reliability and has earned good crash-test ratings.

An all-new version was released in fall 2012 and the interior and exterior were completely redesigned. Fuel economy is a major focus, so the V6 engine has been removed from the new lineup.

A trio of 4-cylinder engines is currently available; the smallest, a 1.6-liter, will get an estimated 26 mpg city/37 mpg highway.

Ford Escape

It makes sense that the Ford Escape is one of the most popular vehicles in Illinois.

There are several Ford manufacturing facilities throughout the Midwest, and Midwesterners are proud to support a local brand.

Illinois also has notoriously rough winters, making a small crossover with good ground clearance and all-wheel drive the perfect choice for snowy and icy conditions.


This vehicle offers a flexible interior to accommodate passengers and cargo with Multi-flex rear seating.

This allows the rear seat to be moved forward for more cargo capacity or moved back for more rear-seat legroom.

The Onstar advanced communication system comes standard on the Equinox.

OnStar provides in-vehicle safety, security, and communications services using wireless and GPS satellite technology.

For Illinois inhabitants who are not sure how to begin their car search, considering these three most popular vehicles may serve as a solid starting point.

The Fastest Growing Occupations In Illinois

Illinois residents looking for gainful employment should consider one of the top three fastest growing occupations in Illinois.

Jobs are scarce these days, and many live in constant fear of being laid off. 

If you are hoping to enter a field that will grow and have many opportunities, consider one of the top three fastest-growing occupations in Illinois. We break down what each one is and the average salary.

3. Healthcare Professionals and Technical Occupations – 24%

The field of healthcare professionals and technical occupations is huge – it includes any form of a medical job, from nursing to technicians to specialists to therapists, as well as trainers, counselors, surgeons, masseuses, and paramedics.

In this field, your salary is very much tied to what your job is, but the average income is $60,200. 

Physicians and dentists are among the top paid, with an average income of $100,000+, skilled nurses come in just over $50,000, and ambulatory healthcare services average around $37,000.

2. Computer and Mathematical Science Occupations – 28%

The second largest growth in Illinois is expected in the computer and mathematical science fields. 

These jobs include computer and information research occupations, computer and systems analysts, security analysts, software and system developers, web developers, actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, and mathematical technicians.

The average income for these occupations is $76,270, and there is room for significant growth.

1. Healthcare Support Occupations – 29% increase

Healthcare Support Occupations encompasses a wide range of jobs, almost all of which are expected to see a large growth by 2018. 

They include nursing, psychiatric and home health aides, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy assistants and aides, massage therapists, pharmacy aides, and dental and medical assistants.

The average income for these fields is $25,550, though it depends on the specific job.

Top 4 Ways That Business Owners Lose Money

All businesses strive to make a profit, but not all of them succeed. Your business can go from making money to losing it in the blink of an eye. But how does this happen?

There are several ways that the typical business can lose money. No matter what particular industry you are in, being aware of these common sinkholes of wasted capital will greatly improve your chances of staying out of the red.

1) Inefficiency

If you are losing money, the problem could simply be employee efficiency. Ask yourself if your business utilizes the most modern methods of production. Are your employees trained in the most effective techniques? If not, this alone could be the major source of your cash flow problems. Operating at a snail’s pace while your competition moves at the speed of a jaguar is a surefire recipe for bankruptcy.

2) Poor Profit Margins

If profit margins are too low to survive, it almost certainly will lead to a loss of money. The fundamental rule of profit-making is selling a good or service for more than production costs. However, not every situation allows for that. As a business owner, you must consider some basic questions. What am I paying for materials? What are my competitors paying for the same? What do you sell the finished product for—and what do your competitors sell theirs for? Taking some time for some honest reflection of the competitive landscape will almost always reveal where you are falling short.

3) Absence of a Standard Cost System

It is highly important to have a standard cost system in place. For every type of cost your business incurs (advertising, supplies, materials, etc.), you should have some type of benchmark. Without this information, you cannot look at an expense and rationally assess it. Lacking any objective frame of reference, you can only make an emotional decision about whether to pay it or not. A standard cost system also permits managers to plan and control costs, prepare budgets, and value their inventory.

4) Unmonitored Credit 

Company credit cards should be monitored extremely closely. It is very easy to get in the habit of simply paying whatever a statement says you owe and tossing the bill in the trash. However, taking a moment to examine your statement may surprise you. The so-called “free trial” you signed up for a year ago may have been billing you at $50 per month ever since. Unless you meticulously examine your credit card bills, all of these extra fees will continue to mount.

Best Fashion Magazines

Women all over the country consult women's fashion magazines to gain insight into the latest tips and trends regarding a myriad of topics. Below is a sampling of some of the best U.S. publications.

Although fashion magazines have often been seen as frivolous or full of inconsequential information, many of today’s publications are choosing to include articles that address the current social landscape. 

As a result, these magazines are starting to appeal to a wider female audience. 

Women use these magazines for inspiration, fitness advice, current trends, and the latest on finding and buying the best beauty products for women. 

A list of some of the best fashion magazines can be found below.

• Vogue – Many women consider Vogue to be the “fashion bible.” The expertly well-written articles make it an essential resource for the latest news, trends, designers, and personalities in the world of fashion.
• Glamour – Glamour magazine features advice on beauty, fashion, relationships, and health. The magazine is well known for its column entitled “Fashion Do’s and Don’t’s,” a compilation of the current fashion trends– both negative and positive.
• Lucky – Lucky magazine is the ultimate fashion guide. This publication is perfect for the woman who is interested in knowing exactly where she can purchase the latest designer clothing. The magazine also features expert fashion advice and interviews from trendy designers, ways to pair pieces, and tips for shopping on a budget.
• W – W Magazine is a visual feast. This is truly an example of an elegant, opulent, and colorful fashion magazine for the deserving woman. Its lavish presentation has gained W the gold medal award for fashion photography three times.
• Marie Claire – This magazine combines the latest news, trends, and advice in fashion and beauty. Marie Claire contains powerful features on women’s social issues across the globe, as well as current news pertaining to today’s hottest celebrities.

 There are many reasons why a woman chooses to read one of today’s hottest fashion magazines. 

With such a wide selection of publications currently on newsstands, there is something out there to interest almost anyone. Take a few minutes to escape reality and indulge your senses as you read one of these quality fashion magazines.

Five Biggest Money Killers to Be Aware Of

People frequently say they want to cut their expenses but do not know where to begin. 

It can be difficult to spend less on necessities like rent or insurance, but there are many things you spend money on every day that you can reduce or cut out completely.

Coffee

Sure, it’s convenient to hit the drive-thru on the way to work, but $4 a day for a latte adds up quickly.

You can brew coffee at home for a fraction of the cost, especially if you are splitting it with your roommate or significant other.

Even a Keurig would be a better investment than your daily Starbucks run, especially if you snag one on sale.

Premium Cable

Many people opt to pay for specialty channels, like HBO or Showtime.

Costing you an extra $15-$20 each month, this is one area you may want to cut back on. Instead, look into services like Netflix, Hulu and Roku for movies.

If your parents have HBO, you can use their account information to access HBO GO for free.

Plus, many channels stream their shows for free online the next day– if you don’t mind not being as up-to-date on your shows as your colleagues are, you may be able to do without cable altogether and just use a channel’s website, Netflix and Hulu to stream shows.

Movie Theater Snacks

Movie theaters charge anywhere from 2 to 5 times the regular price for items like popcorn and candy. Try planning to watch a movie after eating a meal so you won’t be hungry, or sneak in a candy bar in your purse.

Bank Fees

If your bank charges you yearly fees for your accounts, it may be time to look elsewhere.


Credit Unions and Community Banks often do not have the fees associated with larger banks.

If you frequently overdraft your account, it’s time to take a look at your spending habits and start keeping a better eye on your checkbook.

If you often find yourself paying extra fees for using ATM's not associated with your bank, either go the extra few blocks to hit up your banks ATM or consider switching your account to a bank that is convenient for you.

Or consider taking cash out when you make purchases at the grocery store or convenience store.

Bottled Water

If you’re shelling out $1.50+ per bottle of water, you’re spending way too much.

You will save a ton of money by investing in a decent water bottle and a filtration system for your fridge or faucet if you insist on not drinking tap.

10 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Summer

You know it’s close to summertime when every convertible owner and motorcycle rider comes out to dominate the roads.

Hopefully by summer, everyone has checked out their car for weird noises, fixed the tires, upgraded their rides, and fully made sure they don't get stuck on a road trip.

There are tons of tiny things to take care of if you plan on hitting the road a lot this summer, on top of making sure you budget and plan correctly.

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts are a passionate bunch that put their rides as a tip priority. If you want to stand out among the other cars, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1.) Wash Your Car

This is the first, most important step to getting your car “summerized.” Make sure your car is clean, spotless, washed, and waxed.

Nothing says that your car is ready for summer like a clean body, but prepare to clean it more if you live in an area with a big bug population.

2.) Get The Right Tires

If you have special tires you use for winter weather or snow, you should probably already have them off by now; but if you don’t it’s time to take those puppies off.

If you keep those tires on through the summer it won’t hurt your car, but you’d destroy the tires as they’re designed for cold weather. Their condition will deplete rapidly in heat.

3.) Check Your A/C.

If you don’t have the ability or know-how to check your A/C, now would be a great time to do so.

There is nothing is worse than being stuck in traffic and having to rely on leaving your windows open because, lets be honest, that never cuts it when the temperature is above 90 degrees.

4.) Check your fluids

While this is something you should be doing regardless of the weather, it helps to take a good look at your car vitals.

In the summertime, oil thins and it helps to make sure your oil is at a prime level before driving it. Also make sure to check your wiper fluid, coolant, and even your gasoline if you don’t drive the car much.

5.) Windshield Wipers

If you haven’t changed them recently, there’s no better time than in the summer.

If you find yourself driving a lot at night or early mornings than you've probably come across a hefty amount of bugs on your windshield.

Old windshield wipers will have a much harder time cleaning off our dead insect friends.

6.) Towing

If you frequent a lake or tow a boat on weekends, you should make sure that if you left your hitch in over the winter that it still works and nothing came loose or broke.

Never assume that just because you haven’t used something recently that it’s the same way you left it.

Check the hitch, the ball, and the tongue and make sure everything is perfect for towing.

7.) Keep An Emergency Kit

In the hotter months, it’s not uncommon for older cars and even some newer cars to break down from overheating.

You don’t want to be caught on the side of the road waiting for help with no way of being able to protect yourself.

Make sure you have plenty of water, flares, a flashlight, basic tools (screwdrivers and wrenches), a first aid kit, and anything else you may need if you’re stranded.

8.) Check The Battery

Make sure your battery is clean and doesn't have any acid coming out of your connectors.

If your battery is clean, your battery will last longer. Again, if you haven’t replaced your battery in a while, it might not be a bad idea to think about a replacement.

9.) Check Your Brakes

If you happen to live in an area where summer brings storms, it would behoove you to have brakes in tip top shape and not to take any chances.

The last thing you want in the summer heat is to have to take public transportation because your car got totaled. In general, heat affects your brakes’ performance and can wear them down more quickly.

10.) Check Your Lights

Last but not least, always make sure your headlamps are ready for those warm summer night drives.

Warm weather means that animals are more likely to be wandering the roads and without good headlights it could be impossible to see them.

Make sure all of your lights are ready for those night drives.

Taking these preventative measures will insure that your car is in tip top shape for the summer.