If you decide you need a secured card, use it to charge small items every month, then pay the balance off in full. If your credit score improves, and the bank doesn't offer to upgrade your card within 12 to 18 months, give them a call. If they refuse, try another lender. Jean Chatzky balancebankcall share on social
You could lose hundreds or thousands one day on paper and gain it all back the next, and it has literally no effect on your immediate future, provided the money you have in the market is money you're investing for the long haul (meaning at least three to five years). Jean Chatzky backdayeffect share on social
If you work in a home office, you can likely write off that space, as long as you use it only for work. Jean Chatzky homelongoffice Change image and share on social
If you're not clipping coupons before going to the grocery store, you're overspending. If you're ordering in or going out to dinner because you don't feel like cooking, you're overspending. If you're not tracking where your money is going, you're very likely overspending. Jean Chatzky clipcookcoupon share on social
If you live in a yard sale kind of neighborhood - in good weather, most neighborhoods are crawling with them on weekends - do a sweep to see what the competition is charging. No one is going to buy your $7 book if they can get it down the block for $1. Jean Chatzky blockbookbuy share on social
Show your kids that needs and wants are two different things. The best way to teach our kids to be smart consumers - and savvy savers - is to model good behavior for them. Jean Chatzky behaviorconsumergood Change image and share on social
I've never met a budget that I couldn't coax a few extra dollars from - and I'll bet that you can do the same. For instance, you're probably buying more minutes and more cable channels than you use. Oh, and how many black skinny jeans do I count in your closet? You have enough money, just the wrong priorities. Jean Chatzky betblackbudget share on social
If you haven't gotten a raise in the past couple years for a job well done, it might be time to ask for one. Jean Chatzky couplejobpast Change image and share on social