Content licensed from The Personal Financial Guide.
Personal Financial Services
- Credit Report - You should check your credit report at least once a year. Look for anything that seems incorrect and contact the credit reporting agency to correct your credit report. Be sure to get your credit scores along with your report. There are three major credit reporting agencies. You can order a report from each one, or get a combined report from all three, called a "tri-merge" report. The tri-merge report with credit scores is really the most preferable as it gives you the best picture of your credit. Two reputable companies offering single or tri-merge reports with credit scores at competitive pricing are:
- Credit Repair - Do you have bad credit and low credit scores? This is costing you money not only when you apply for a home loan or an auto loan, but actually affects the rates you pay on your homeowners insurance, your auto insurance, and other service providers who check your credit. Follow the recommendations in the Personal Financial Guide to help improve your credit, but you may want to consider Credit Repair services if your credit needs significant help. The main thing is - do something, either on your own or with the help of a credit repair service. Be very careful of fraudulent credit repair services!
- Lexington Law has a good reputation for professional Credit Repair
- Lexington Law has a good reputation for professional Credit Repair
- Credit Cards -
- Credit Card Ratings & Comparison
- Are you inundated with credit card offers in the mail every month? Do you wonder how your credit cards stack up to all the others out there when comparing rates, fees, services and rewards? See how your cards compare, or add your review for others to see, or even apply for a new card.
- Secured Credit Cards
- Regardless of how bad your credit is, you can get a credit card.
- Credit Card Ratings & Comparison
Loans / Financing
- Home Loans
- Purchase
- Apply for a Home Loan
- Bad Credit Home Loans
- Refinance
- Get cash out
when you refinance your home mortgage.
- Get cash out
- Consolidate High Interest Credit Card Debt
- Home Equity Loans
- Ameriquest Home Equity Loans - For Borrowers with less than perfect credit
- eLoans Home Equity Loans
- low cost
- Purchase
- Auto / Motorcycle Loans
Insurance
- Home
- Shop and Compare multiple Home Insurance quotes for free.
- Electric Insurance Company
was established in 1966 for the benefit of General Electric employees. They now offer their products to the general public as well. They have a reputation for customer service in addition to good rates.
- Insurance Finder
- homeowners insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Shop and Compare multiple Home Insurance quotes for free.
- Auto
- Shop and Compare multiple Car Insurance quotes for free.
- Electric Insurance Company
- Insurance Finder
- auto insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Shop and Compare multiple Car Insurance quotes for free.
- Renters
- Shop and Compare multiple Renters Insurance quotes for free.
- Electric Insurance Company
- Insurance Finder - renters insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Shop and Compare multiple Renters Insurance quotes for free.
- Health
- Shop and Compare multiple Health Insurance quotes for free.
- Electric Insurance Company
- Insurance Finder
- health insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Shop and Compare multiple Health Insurance quotes for free.
Life
- Click here to get a no obligation life insurance quote.
- American Life Direct
offers online application and approval for life insurance in as little as ten minutes with no medical exam required.
- Insurance Finder - life insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Click here to get a no obligation life insurance quote.
- Dental
- Dental Plans - Choose from 200,000+ participating dentists in combined networks
- Dental Plans - Choose from 200,000+ participating dentists in combined networks
- Long Term Care
- We all get older and now you can protect your future with free Long Term Care quotes
- Insurance Finder
- long term care quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- We all get older and now you can protect your future with free Long Term Care quotes
- Boat
- Motorcycle
- Electric Insurance Company
- Insurance Finder - motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple agents and brokers.
- Electric Insurance Company
- Buying or Selling Your Home
- Let REALTORS® compete for your business! Whether you're buying or selling, find the right REALTOR® and the right price for you.
- Sell Your Home or Find A Home Without a Realtor - For Sale By Owner
- Let REALTORS® compete for your business! Whether you're buying or selling, find the right REALTOR® and the right price for you.
- Appliance Repair - Do-It-Yourself
- With over 500,000 appliance parts online, PartSelect has everything the Do-It-Yourselfer needs. Free appliance repair help too.
- Home Valuation - What's Your Home Worth?
- Get a good idea of your home's value without an expensive appraisal or contracting with a real estate agent. Also, if you are selling your home with the aid of a real estate agent, they should be able to provide you with a "Comparative Market Analysis" which will give you a good idea of the market value of your home.
- Phone Service - Local, Long Distance, Cellular
- It only takes a few minutes to comparison shop. No cost, no obligation. Phone Companies compete and you save!
- Home Center
- Over 250,000 brand-name kitchen, bath, lighting and irrigation products with a low price guarantee and free shipping on most orders. Compare prices before you buy and save!
Employment / Career Opportunities
Considering a new job or career? A number of resources are available online to help you put together a resume, look at job listings, and obtain education and training to help you in honing your qualifications for the job you are seeking:
- Resume - A resume is the first place to start when applying for any job. This provides your potential employer with information about your work and education background, along with the skills that will make you valuable to the employer.
- Smart Job Guides
is a good source for help with your resume.
- A and A Resume offers inexpensive resume and cover letter writing by professionals with more than 50 years of resume and cover letter writing experience. Visit now for a free resume critique.
- Resume Zapper
- Zap your resume to headhunters in your industry.
- Smart Job Guides
- Job Search & Listings - Online job listings have exploded in popularity and effectiveness during the last 4 years.
- One of the more popular Services is Monster.com where you can search for job listings, apply online for jobs, and post you resume for potential employers to view.
- Vault.com
- Fortune recently called Vault "The best place on the Web to prepare for a job search." Vault is a powerful source for insider company information, advice, and career management services.
- One of the more popular Services is Monster.com where you can search for job listings, apply online for jobs, and post you resume for potential employers to view.
- Military - The military offers many benefits such as training, personal development, educational benefits, possible health and pension benefits. Get a free guide to joining the military
along with extensive information on pay, benefits, and a comparison of the services so you can make an informed decision as to whether military service is the right choice for you. Your free guide from Military.com
Expanding your education, training, and job skills can have a major impact on your employment qualifications and how much income you can expect to make. We have a range of educational opportunities we can consider: universities, junior or community colleges, technical colleges, online colleges and degree programs, online training courses, Continuing Education Courses, industry specific courses, self taught programs and skills, adult education classes, seminars, and more. The venues are just as diverse. You may choose to attend a university where you have courses five days a week. You may take night classes or weekend classes while you continue to work full time. Internet based colleges and courses offer great flexibility. Our educational links show some of the resources available:
- Education Financing
- Loans
Sending a child to college? Among the various financing optionsavailable to you, Student Loan Xpress offers loans of up to 100% of the estimated cost of your child's attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation and additional expenses.
- Scholarships
There are literally hundreds of thousands of scholarships to consider, from local to national. FastWeb, the Internet's leading scholarship search, helps people find valuable scholarship moneyto pay for college or an advanced degree. Fastweb is recommended by more than 18,000 guidance counselors and financial aid officers.
- Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid for College or Career School - The U.S. Department of Education provides grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to eligible students attending participating colleges or career schools. The Department is the source of nearly 70 percent of all student aid awarded in the U.S. each year. The vast majority of the Department's aid is not based on academic merit. For further information and an online application, click on the Federal Student Aid link. Here you will find information on Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and more. Alternatively, you may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll free: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). TTY for the hearing-impaired is 1-800-730-8913.
- Loans
- Flexible Degree Programs
- University of Phoenix - Click here for free information.
With over 150 campus locations, University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the U.S. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in the areas of administration, management, business, technology, accounting, criminal justice, education, human services, counseling, and more. The also have financial aid options.
- University of Phoenix - Click here for free information.
- Distance Learning / Online Programs
- DirectDegree is a leading resource for distance learning programs and online schools.
They feature hundreds of courses and degrees from accredited colleges and universities. Advance your career by finding the online degree program that's right for you.
- DirectDegree is a leading resource for distance learning programs and online schools.
- Textbooks and Professional Books
- A1Books carries hundreds of thousands of textbooks in every imaginable category along with a huge selection of professional and high end books from all major publishers
at some of the lowest prices anywhere.
- A1Books carries hundreds of thousands of textbooks in every imaginable category along with a huge selection of professional and high end books from all major publishers
- Legal Documents - Legal Zoom provides quality legal documents and document services at a fraction of the cost of an attorney.
- Wills - Prepare a Will online.
- Legal Tips
- Incorporate Your Business
- Discounted Incorporation service available for all 50 states.
- Wills - Prepare a Will online.
- Online Tax Preparation and Filing - Low cost, convenient federal and state tax preparation and filing .
Books / Magazines / Newspapers / Media
Whether to further your education and knowledge or for entertainment and relaxation or even as gifts, great discounts are available at a variety of online websites. You almost certainly know about Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but some of the less well known websites offer great discounts on books, magazines, newspapers, and media (such as CD's, DVD's, and audio programs). Take a look:
Barnes & Noble - Huge selection and great pricing.
- A1 Books - has been a bargain outlet for books in all categories at steep discounts since 1995. Up to 50% off over 1 million books.
- Books-A-Million - the third largest book retailer in the nation offers deep discounts
online on books, magazines, subscriptions, gourmet coffee, textbooks, bargain closeouts, and audio books.
- Magazines of America - offers the Lowest authorized rates on over 1200 magazines.
- Discounted Newspapers - Why pay full price? Get discounted newspaper subscriptions
.
- USA Today offers 4 weeks free
.
- Auto Loans -
- Purchases - Auto Dealers offer financing for an auto you purchase from them. They do this for good reason - auto loans are very profitable to the dealer. To get the best deal, we suggest you get pre-approved for an auto loan from your local bank, or even better from a lender specializing in auto loan. You can then compare what the dealer offers in financing with the preapproval offer you have in place. A number of specialized auto loan lenders can be found on the internet.
- CarCredit can get you an Auto Loan Preapproval
before you start negotiating. Have the advantage of knowing you already have auto loan financing which you can compare to the dealer's financing offer. Use this advantage to negotiate for a better offer from the dealer. Choose whichever offer is better.
- E-Loan offers Car & Motorcycle Loans at discounted rates.
They also offer refinancing, which is worth looking into if you don't have superior terms on your original financing. Remember, it doesn't cost anything to look at your options and compare.
- CarCredit can get you an Auto Loan Preapproval
- Refinance
- Get a no-obligation refinance offer on your car/truck loan. Shop and compare at no cost.
- Get a no-obligation refinance offer on your car/truck loan. Shop and compare at no cost.
- Purchases - Auto Dealers offer financing for an auto you purchase from them. They do this for good reason - auto loans are very profitable to the dealer. To get the best deal, we suggest you get pre-approved for an auto loan from your local bank, or even better from a lender specializing in auto loan. You can then compare what the dealer offers in financing with the preapproval offer you have in place. A number of specialized auto loan lenders can be found on the internet.
- Buying A New or Used Car / Truck / SUV
- New Vehicles - When shopping for a new vehicle, you want to be as informed as possible before venturing into a dealership. Check out vehicle ratings and reviews to help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. You also should shop around, and don't be shy about telling the salesman that you already have a quote on a vehicle from another dealership. The internet is a wonderful tool for gathering information. You can get information on new vehicles and get a free no-obligation price quote on a new vehicle from a dealership near you.
Information is power when negotiating for your new vehicle!
- Pre-Owned Vehicles - Before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, consider having a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle. Also, it is useful to get a vehicle history report
to identify lemon history, odometer fraud, accident damage & more.
- New Vehicles - When shopping for a new vehicle, you want to be as informed as possible before venturing into a dealership. Check out vehicle ratings and reviews to help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. You also should shop around, and don't be shy about telling the salesman that you already have a quote on a vehicle from another dealership. The internet is a wonderful tool for gathering information. You can get information on new vehicles and get a free no-obligation price quote on a new vehicle from a dealership near you.
- Auto / Truck / Motorcycle Insurance -
- Auto Parts
- PartsAmerica is the exclusive on-line presence for two of the largest auto part retailers in America,
CSK Auto (Checker, Schucks and Kragen) and Advance Auto Parts. PartsAmerica provides quick and easy access to nearly $1.5B in inventory and 3,000 locations in all 50 states. You can search their inventory, purchase items on-line, pick up and return at a local store or have products delivered to their home or business. They offer very good pricing on auto parts which can save you significant money.
- PartsAmerica is the exclusive on-line presence for two of the largest auto part retailers in America,
Shopping Discounts
The internet offers us so many opportunities to save money on our purchases. We scour the web looking for discounts and online store sites that you may find helpful. A few of these are listed here:
- Grocery Coupons - Coupon Clearinghouse can save you hundreds of dollars on groceries.
- Flowers Fast - The Popular Online Florist offers great prices and same-day delivery
Home Shopping Network's Clearance Outlet - Save up to 75% !
Smart Bargains Liquidation Sale - Up to 80% off retail !
- Classic Closeouts - 85% off DKNY, CK, & POLO and others plus Free Shipping.
- NowOnSale.com - offers a very wide range of discounted home appliances.
- Stacks and Stacks
has a huge selection of practical, yet affordable Storage, Organization, and Furnishing items for the Home, Office, and Garden. They offer over 10,000 fine items for the Kitchen, Bath, Garage, Office, Garden, Kids rooms, Closet, Wine Cellar, and Laundry room.
- Internet Service
- NetZero Internet offers discounted internet service as low as $6.95 per month.
- Computer Hardware and Software
Tiger Direct - offers great pricing on a huge selection of products.
For even deeper discounts, visit Tiger Direct's Clearance Center
- Surplus Computers and Software - New and refurbished computers, computer parts, software, peripherals Manufacturer and business overstocks offered at hefty discounts.
- Home and Car Audio Electronics, Parts, and Accessories
- Parts Express
- eBay! - The premiere online auction site. Not only is this a source of bargains if you are a savvy buyer, but it is also a place you can sell things you no longer use or need and can raise cash.
Travel
Enormous changes have taken place in the travel industry in the last few years. Travel agents have seen their commissions squeezed by the major airlines. Cruise lines are trying to do the same thing. Travel reservations for airlines, hotels, and auto rentals are increasingly being booked on internet sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. Specialized online websites have jumped into the fray to offer deeply discounted travel fares and packages. For example, CheapAirlines.com has expanded its scope to offering great deals not only on airline fares, but also on hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
- Comprehensive Travel Sites
- One Travel - this is a leading value-oriented travel resources dedicated to offering consumers low price and great advice. Travelers can purchase special-rate airfares, including exclusive White Label fares, receive instant confirmation on reservations at over 54,000 hotels worldwide, rent cars from all major agencies and save up to 70% on vacation packages.
- Expedia - the world's leading online travel service delivers perhaps the most comprehensive flight options available online. You can get pricing and to dynamically build complete trips that combine flights, Expedia® Special Rate hotels and other lodging, ground transportation, and destination activities.
- One Travel - this is a leading value-oriented travel resources dedicated to offering consumers low price and great advice. Travelers can purchase special-rate airfares, including exclusive White Label fares, receive instant confirmation on reservations at over 54,000 hotels worldwide, rent cars from all major agencies and save up to 70% on vacation packages.
- Airline
- "CheapAirlines"
- offers 700 Airlines, 54 Car Rental Agencies, over 40,000 hotels, and 8 Leading Cruises Lines.
- "CheapAirlines"
- Hotels
- Hotel Discounts
- Savings up to 70%
- Hotel Discounts
- Condos, Villas, Private Homes
- Vacation Rentals
- Discounts up to 70% off condos, suites, villas and private homes in many of the most popular destinations from the leading provider of vacation rentals on the net. Make the most of your vacation dollars by lowering your lodging costs!
- Vacation Rentals
- Car Rental
- Cruises
- Cruises Only - The World's Largest Cruise Agency brings great value and a wide range of cruise vacation offerings from cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, and Windstar Cruises. Shop & Compare!
- Cruise Reviews From Expedia - Extensive reviews and comparison of cruise lines. This is a great resource to get information, whether you book through Expedia, Cruises Only, or elsewhere.
- Cruises Only - The World's Largest Cruise Agency brings great value and a wide range of cruise vacation offerings from cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, and Windstar Cruises. Shop & Compare!
- Vacation Packages
- 11th Hour Vacations
- Take advantage of promotional close-outs, extra seats and empty rooms, cancellations and unsold space. Think about it - Hotels, cruise lines and vacation package providers would rather offer last minute discounts (up to 45 days out) rather than having empty rooms. 11th Hour Vacations has discounts released to them within a few days or even weeks of travel time.
Expedia Package Specials - vacation packages to destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean.
- America West Vacations
- 11th Hour Vacations
Free Things
Business Cards - Get 250 free professional quality business cards printed on heavy, 100lb. paper stock. No catch! Vista Print hopes you will like their products enough to come back and buy from them in the future.
- Computer Software
- CNET offers downloads of thousands of software titles. Many are free, though they do also list software titles for purchase. CNET is a great resource for free software.
- 2000 Freebies really has over 2000 free things. Be sure to sign up for their free email newsletter where they will occasionally send you an email with up-to-date info on free things you can get.