ChangeHero

Some stocks, tax-exempt funds, cash savings, money markets. If you really want to pull your money, invest in a large safe, a good home security system and keep it quiet.

Otherwise:
- Ask your bank for their financials
- See if they're including on US Banker magazine's list of Top 25 Banks
- Check out the FDIC web site for questions/answers Link

Your money is safe if under $250K. Even with bailouts and mergers, the FDIC is your safety net. During the S&L failures in the late 80's no one lost their money.

Although Cramer qualified his statement with "those needing money within the next 5 years" I think most people heard "sell you stocks now." I actually think this is a great time to buy stocks if you have time to hold for the long haul, 5+ years. Fundamentals for high quality, cash-rich companies makes their stocks a good buy.

In the end, if a company isn't at risk of going belly up, why sell now?

I've heard that a Bichon Frise is a good dog b/c they don't shed, although allergic reactions can vary.

That's true. My brother got free dental care from his friend who was studying dentistry. They're always too to practice on patients.

I see that you're in FL. Try contacting the Florida Dental Assoc. Link. They may be able to direct you to someone.

Dave Ramsey has a very good program. I lived in the same city where he started on local radio long before we went national or wrote his book. I haven't read his book but listened enough to know his principles.

If you don't own a home, I'd keep one credit card to help build your credit rating for a future home purchase. Don't use it until you've paid off all your debts. Afterwards, I'd suggest you use it only for big purchases (no clothes, gas, entertainment) AND only if you know you have the cash balance to pay it off tomorrow. Don't even wait for the bill to arrive.

Factors in credit score rating:
35% is payment history. Don't be late.
30% is amount owned. Keep it at zero.
15% is length of credit history. My reason for above.
10% is taking on more debt. No new credit or store cards.
10 is type of credit is use. Home and car loans are different than credit cards or financing cos.

Is that $500 after your living expenses--rent/mort, food, utilities, insur, etc?

If so, I'd take the credit card with the lowest balance and pay at least $100 above the min. Once that's paid, move to the next card and pay $150+min. payment. You're young so take the remaining $400 and split it between an emergency savings account and an IRA. Check out several 30-day CDs to stash your savings. Get the highest rate you can find. This will help lock you out from accessing the funds for unnecessary spending. Most emergencies can wait 30 days for cash payments.

If you want to be aggressive, pay $250 above minimums and use the remaining to split btw savings and IRA.

If you need the $500 for living exp, then figure out a budget and what to cut out--cable, coffe, movies, going out, etc. Put your credit cards in a cold dark place where you can see them.

We followed a similar plan and now we're debt free w/ a savings. Took a while but it's very liberating, especially with today's economy. We use cash or debit cards so that we're aware of our balance and expenses. One card is used for travel or big expense but we pay off the balance right away.

Hope that helps!

An old adage says to pay yourself first but sometimes that doesn't work if you have tons of bills. It takes discipline.

I've done income and expenses spreadsheet to know where our money is going. Separating living exp. (rent, elec., car, phone, cable, insur, etc) from variable exp. (food entertainment, travel, gas, etc). Apply what lonewolf below suggested to forecast expenses. Separate out credit card payments. Add misc for non-vital exp. like movies, travel, clothing, etc. Cut out anything you don't need like coffee or soda. The key is staying within the misc budget so you still have some fun money. We budget ahead for summer/holiday travel and clothes while still contributing to savings. Fine tune the expense numbers each month.

Whatever you have left after income minus expenses will give you a gauge on how well you're saving. Some months will be better than others.

-Avoid using credit cards for new purchases.
-Use online banking and bill pay.
-Save all receipts online (ATM w/drawls too). Verify each expense online.
-Check your online balance and expenses at least every 2-3 days. Helps w/ID fraud too.

Ask your bank about putting your saving account money into at least a 30-day CD. That way, you'll still have access to emergency funds without the easy access to spend on trips or clothes.

It's working for us. It will for you too. Good luck!

It seems that family members ignore etiquette as they turn into possessed alter egos with every suggestion they think "you should do". You and your future hubby should consider all factors and decide on your own. If you're paying for everything, guilt or family responsibilities aren't good reasons to include anyone. You handle any decisions involving your family. He handles his family. You'll avoid building an evil sister-in-law rap.

In the end, those who love you now will love you later. The rest are only adding more stress to an already stressful time.

Good luck...and elope;-)