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Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
6 Expert Tips to Travel Smart and Stay out of Debt
Ana Staples Traveling for vacation gets expensive fast. It's no wonder more than half of U.S. adults (54 percent) are planning to skip travel altogether this summer, according to Bankrate's Summer Travel Survey. And of those who do plan to travel, almost a third (29 percent) are expecting to go into debt to pay for it. Many Bankrate experts have a rule not to carry a credit card balance, but we sure love to travel. And I'm going to share with you our favorite tips on how we make vacations happen without going into debt. Plan Far in Advance It's such a romantic notion to fly somewhere on a whim. I'd love to be that person who suddenly decides on a Friday night to spend the weekend in Spain and then simply does it. Sadly, that would put me in the kind of debt I can't afford. If that's true for you too, plan as far in advance as you can, says Bankrate's credit cards writer Ryan Flanigan. 'You can often get better prices or availability the further out you book,' Flanigan explains. 'Also, you can budget how much you need to save or make a plan to earn the miles and points you need for your trip.' Use Credit Card Rewards Speaking of rewards credit cards, I would be able to afford very little travel without them. For that reason, I try to book flights and hotels for every trip with points and miles. Related Stories 5/5/2025 1/21/2025 Sarah Gage, Bankrate's credit cards managing editor, does the same. 'That way, my only expenses are food (outside of what I can get for free at the hotel), transit and excursions,' she says. 'It's not always doable—we're going to VidCon this year, and there's no way to do the hotel on points, for example—but it makes a major difference in the overall number and quality of trips we can take.' Besides, travel credit cards, as well as hotel and airline loyalty programs, sometimes offer extra perks. For example, I greatly enjoy expedited airport security and lounge access that comes with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Bankrate senior writer Katie Kelton earns her points with Southwest. Doing so gets her some free travel as well. 'Lately, my boyfriend and I have been making good use of the Southwest Companion Pass!' she says. 'It's gotten us to Hawaii and Montana just this year.' Have a Separate Savings Account It's best to save cash for everything that you don't pay for with rewards. Think the portion of the hotel costs you don't have enough points for, food, entertainment, shopping, and anything else you want to do on your vacation. I like to keep my travel fund separate from my emergency savings. This is the money I save specifically to spend on vacations without feeling guilty for touching my rainy day fund. It helps to compartmentalize and keep things structured. For both my emergency fund and travel fund, I have high-yield savings accounts. This type of account tends to offer much higher returns than a traditional savings account. Be Open-Minded on Destination Certain places are more expensive to go to than others. But spending less money doesn't mean you'll leave with fewer amazing memories. 'I'm a fan of letting the deal plan the trip,' says Brooklyn Lowery, a senior editor on Bankrate's credits cards team. 'We have some places we know we want to go, but we're also just travel-curious. If I spy a great flight deal—either points or cash—I'm likely to say, 'Let's go there!' and figure out the details later.' Lowery notes that such an approach doesn't always lead to the cheapest option overall, but the random destinations they've been to have never been disappointing. Liza Carrasquillo, a credit cards editor for Bankrate, also likes to rethink destinations. 'I can't afford to go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms right now, but I can take a long drive to Washington, D.C.,' she says. Be Flexible With Timing It helps to be flexible with where you're going—as well as when you're going there. For example, traveling during any kind of major holiday might save you some paid time off. The problem is, many people have the same idea. This causes increased travel demand and, as a result, higher airfare prices. Kelton also suggests traveling during the offseason, 'like eyeing Portugal in the early winter.' It also matters what day and time you're traveling, notes Carrasquillo. 'Flying super early or on red eye flights, as well as flying out during the week, can save money,' she says. Seek Ways to Bring Costs Down Finally, there are ways to bring your traveling budget down that go beyond flights and accommodations. Kelton offers some examples. 'I also often book with Turo because it's cheaper and has better options than traditional rental car companies,' she says. 'And I opt for Airbnbs because you can find unique, cool stays for as good or better prices than hotels.' I also like to get creative when it comes to saving on travel. For instance, I went to Germany for nine days last year and spent under $500. I used public transport and walked a lot, ate like a local and shopped for groceries. It was as unforgettable as it was inexpensive. The Bottom Line A vacation can be a tough thing to afford if you're hoping to travel. Plenty of people are even willing to go into debt for it—but it doesn't have to be that way. From planning far in advance to using credit card rewards and staying flexible, there are steps you can take to make your vacation happen without running a balance. Safe travels! Copyright 2025 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to
Epoch Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
10 First-Time Homebuyer Tips: How to Get That House
By David McMillin If you're still renting your place, the thought of buying a home can feel pretty overwhelming. A recent TD Bank survey of first-time homebuyers found that 64 percent of people who have never owned a home are concerned about affordability due to high If you're one of them, read on for some money-smart moves that can put you on the path to successfully buying a home. 1. Check Your Credit (And Work on It) The higher Pull your reports Thoroughly understand where your credit stands by pulling a free copy of your report at It's not a one-and-done free ticket, either; the site lets you pull your report every week without paying anything. It's important to note that your credit report may look different depending on the credit bureau. There are Experian Equifax TransUnion It's wise to look at all of your reports because you never know which report a lender will analyze. 'Look for any errors or past-due accounts that might have gone to collections,' says Ralph DiBugnara, president of New York City-based Home Qualified, an online resource for homebuyers. 'These liabilities can create roadblocks when you apply for a home loan. If anything is amiss, contact the creditor to see if you can sort it out.' Fix and then monitor your credit In addition to contacting a bureau if you spot any mistakes, follow these steps to keep your credit in the best shape possible: Pay down your credit card balances: Most lenders like to see a credit utilization ratio of 30 percent or less, according to Lindsey Shores, business development manager with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. 'For many people, this number is something they have to plan for and work to pay down to achieve,' she says. If you're over that number, try to pay down your balances. Pay your bills on time: Follow this step whether you're trying to buy a house or not—you can make or break your credit by making your payments on time every month. Take advantage of free credit monitoring tools: Many banks have free credit monitoring tools built into their mobile apps, giving you the ability to check your credit score easily and more frequently. 'You'll get notified if your credit score changes, or if there's suspicious activity on your report,' says DiBugnara. 2. Nail Down Your Budget When you're building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don't just think about Principal and interest: This will be the bulk of your monthly payment, and if you take out a fixed-rate mortgage, this chunk will never change over the course of the loan. Homeowners insurance: How much you'll pay to protect the property can vary widely. If you're buying in an area with higher risks for flood, wildfire, or other severe weather, you'll need to be prepared for higher, ever-increasing premiums. Property taxes: Your property taxes will look different depending on the location, and, in most cases, will increase as your home's value increases and/or your local government needs to raise them for their budget. HOA fees: If you're looking at condos or homes in a homeowners association, ask how much you'll pay each month in HOA fees. If you're looking at buildings with a gym, pool, and other amenities, these can get very steep. In addition to these expected expenses, it's a good idea to put aside some money regularly for maintenance and unexpected repairs. 'As a rule of thumb, I tell clients to prepare to spend 1 percent to 3 percent of the value of their homes each year on house [expenses],' says Steve Sivak, a 3. Consider Your Needs and Wants Finding the ideal location and address can take more time than you expect, so begin scouting neighborhoods early in the process. 'Drive and walk around that area at different times of the day and night,' says Bill Golden, a Realtor and associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Intown. 'This will help you get a feel for what you like and don't like.' Along with pinpointing the neighborhood, now is a good time to narrow down your preferences for the home itself by considering these essential questions: Related Stories 5/19/2025 5/16/2025 What type of house are you looking for? What can you compromise on? What are the dealbreakers? Are you willing to look at older properties that may require some updates, or do you want a move-in-ready property? Think about what you like and dislike about where you currently live—that can help inform your list of needs and wants. 4. Get Finances in Place Regardless of income level, you should be able to document to potential lenders that you have a stable source of earnings. 'Your income and how much you earn monthly will be scrutinized by lenders, who will look for a two-year employment history and want to see consistent income—whether you're receiving a salary, hourly pay, or are self-employed,' says Tom Hecker, a loan officer with Cherry Creek Mortgage. If you're self-employed, be ready for closer scrutiny than someone getting a salary or hourly wage. In terms of your liquid funds and overall financial health, in addition to reviewing your credit report, mortgage lenders typically look at your bank statements from the last two months when assessing your application. If you plan to make any deposits into your checking or savings accounts from other assets—such as a down payment gift—do it before that 60-day window. This gives the funds time to ' And it's best to avoid opening new credit accounts or loans, or racking up more debt, at this stage, DiBugnara adds. All those activities could possibly ding your credit report. 5. Comparison Shop Mortgage Lenders At this point, you should know what monthly payment you're comfortable with, what areas you can afford and how much you can put down. Now it's time to shop for a mortgage. Consider these factors: Comparison shop: Compare mortgage rates from at least three different types of lenders, as well as different types of mortgages. What others have to say: Read customer reviews for lenders online to get a sense of what the experience is like with individual lenders. Interactions with the lender: Even 'in this market, you can find competitive rates and service, but you want to pay close attention to lenders' responsiveness and communication,' says DiBugnara. The mortgage terms: It's also a good idea to focus on not just the rates lenders quote you but also all the mortgage terms. What are the late fees? What are the estimated closing costs? Is there a prepayment penalty? If you're able to get a mortgage with the bank where you already have accounts, will you get a better deal? Sometimes, it makes sense to choose a loan with a slightly higher rate if the other terms are more favorable overall. 6. Get Preapproved Once you settle on a lender, get Unlike Preapprovals usually expire after 90 days, says DiBugnara, so ask your lender how long yours will be good for. If you're a first-time homebuyer with significant debt or so-so credit, you might want to apply for a preapproval as soon as possible to identify issues to fix. 'Once you have a preapproval in place, keep sticking to your budget and savings plan and continue to pay all debts on time,' says Hecker. 'Try not to make any extraordinary purchases or take on extra debt, either.' 7. Look for Down Payment Assistance There are many Earn less than a specific amount per year, which typically varies by location and household size Purchase a home that does not exceed a maximum amount, which can vary based on targeted and non-targeted areas Take out a loan offered in conjunction with the state housing authority These programs are typically limited to borrowers with an income below a certain level (based on location), and can impose a cap on the home's price, too. Keep in mind that many of these programs have terms that stipulate you must live in the home for a certain period of time to qualify for forgiving the loan and/or avoiding a recapture tax penalty that can come into play if you sell the property earlier than expected and earn a profit. Often, your loan officer can provide info on the available programs and what you might be able to pair with your mortgage. 8. Work With a Real Estate Agent After you have your financing squared away and a preapproval letter in hand, your next step as a first-time homebuyer is to hire a An experienced real estate agent who knows the area you're looking to buy in especially well can advise you on market conditions and whether homes you want to make offers on are priced properly. Your agent can also identify potential issues with a home or neighborhood you're unaware of, and go to bat for you to negotiate pricing and terms. You can start by asking friends, relatives, or co-workers for referrals. 'Don't just pick [an agent] blindly—make sure it's someone who works in the general area you're looking in and whom you feel comfortable with,' says Golden. Offerings 'come up every day, and a good Realtor will be on top of that and get you to see new listings as soon as they become available.' 9. Negotiate With the Seller Even when you see the home of your dreams, don't be afraid to Use comps to justify a lower offer. A low offer can offend a seller, so work with your agent to look at comps that justify why a seller should consider your terms. Did a nearby property with an additional parking spot recently sell for the same amount? Are there other similar homes with nicer amenities listed for less? Back up your bargaining with evidence from the rest of the market. Ask for concessions based on the home inspection report. Is some of the electrical wiring incorrect? Does the furnace seem like it's nearing the end of its lifespan? Are the windows going to need to be replaced soon? If your home inspector uncovers some minor issues with the home, don't be afraid to ask for concessions that will require the seller to cover a chunk of your closing costs. And if the inspector uncovers some major issues, be aggressive in your negotiations—and don't be afraid to walk away from the deal altogether. Request a different closing timeline. Negotiating your home purchase isn't just about money; it's also about time. Depending on your needs, you can ask the seller for a closing date that gives you more or less time to get the deal done. For example, if you really want to avoid paying another month of rent, don't be afraid to request that the seller be prepared to move out earlier. 10. Draw Up a Contract When you find a home and prepare to make an offer, work with a real estate attorney to spell out any conditions or situations that will allow you to walk away from the deal. These are known as Major issues with a home inspection Mortgage application denial A lower appraisal than the offer price If these terms are spelled out in writing with deadlines, you'll have an out if the transaction doesn't go as planned—and get your Bottom Line For a first-timer, buying a home can feel overwhelming and endless. But breaking down the process into steps and tackling them one at a time can help you stay focused and get the job done. Doing your research in advance and working with a trusted real estate agent can help you stay on track throughout the process. Keeping your finances steady and limiting other big-ticket purchases can also help you qualify for a loan and get into your first home. Key Takeaways Before you start looking for homes, take time to evaluate your finances and improve your credit score. There's a big difference between meeting the minimum credit score requirement and showing your lender a credit score well above 750. Remember to account for the variable expenses of owning a home, which include insurance, property taxes, maintenance and repairs. While sellers still have the edge in most parts of the country due to limited inventory, buyers are gaining more bargaining power. Work with an expert real estate agent to develop a negotiation strategy and score a better deal on your first home. Additional reporting by Zach Wichter Copyright 2025 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to
USA Today
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Here's how much you could spend on car repairs in 2025
Here's how much you could spend on car repairs in 2025 Car repairs are far from cheap in Q2 of 2025. Routine maintenance can help Americans avoid repair cost woes. Show Caption Hide Caption Mechanic shows another business made a faulty repair on Jeep The video was created by a Fred Martin Superstore mechanic and sent to the Jeep owner, Ryan Weiss. Provided by Ryan Weiss The cost of the average car repair has increased in 2025. According to a study by American drivers will spend thousands of dollars in ownership costs. Car maintenance may be tedious, but it can save you big bucks on serious repairs. Car repairs and maintenance can be an annoying but necessary part of car ownership. If you want your vehicle running smoothly, it requires regular maintenance to stand the test of time. According to Progressive Insurance, "a conventional car can last for 200,000 miles." The question is, how much does it cost to get to those 200K miles, and are the repair and maintenance costs even worth the money as your car depreciates? You may be surprised by just how expensive car repairs and maintenance can get. How much does the average driver spend on car repairs? Your car maintenance expenditure is dependent on the specific year, make and model of your vehicle. That said, Kelley Blue Book claims that "the national average cost for all types of repairs to all makes and models is $838." A study conducted by concluded that "the hidden cost of owning a car, including maintenance, averaged $6,684 annually in the U.S." in 2024. So, based on existing data, drivers can expect to pay an average of $838 for car repairs and around $1,500 a year for routine maintenance (as per calculations provided by It's no secret that car repairs and routine maintenance can be extremely costly, especially given today's economic climate. Owning a car in 2025: Car repair costs set to surge as inventory drops and tariffs take effect What is the most expensive part of a car to repair? While repairs can save you money in the long run as opposed to buying or leasing an entirely different vehicle, some repairs aren't worth the money. Some replacement parts and repair processes are so expensive that getting a different vehicle is actually the more cost-effective decision in the long run. lists engine rebuilds and replacements as well as transmission rebuilds and replacements among the most expensive car repair procedures. According to "you can expect to pay between $4,000-$7,000" for a transmission replacement. So, if you have a major engine or transmission issue, it may be time to shop for another car. What's the difference between car repair and maintenance? "Car repairs involve swapping worn or damaged parts with new ones to ensure that a vehicle is safe and functional. Maintenance procedures are precautionary measures necessary for a vehicle's regular operation, such as oil changes. Maintenance tends to cost less than major car repairs, and regular maintenance can even reduce the risk of major repairs. Additionally, you can perform several basic car maintenance procedures yourself to save money on labor costs if you feel comfortable enough. Major car repairs, on the other hand, often require an expert mechanic. lists "changing your oil, replacing spark plugs, checking your fluid levels and putting in a new battery" as some DIY maintenance procedures that can save you money on car fixes. If the high costs of repair and maintenance scare you and the thought of DIY-ing anything on your car gives you anxious sweats, fear not. Several automakers like Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford produce cars that can last for over 200,000 miles or more. There are also plenty of helpful tutorial videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube that make basic maintenance easier. With a little vigilance and effort, you can keep your car running smoothly for years and save thousands of dollars in the process.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Buy This Tax-Free 8.4% Dividend As Trade Chaos Rages In The Markets
The powers that be are playing a high-stakes game of 'tariff roulette'—and I don't know about you, but I don't want to put my life savings on the table here! But we're not among the crowd bailing on stocks, either. No way. We're retirees (or aspiring retirees!) and we demand income. So instead, we're going to look to 'tariff-proof' (or 'recession-proof,' if you think this trade war is sending us there) our portfolio. And we're going to do it while cutting our tax bill, too. Our timing is right here, because the jump in 10-year Treasury rates we've seen since the 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement has given us a window to secure one of my favorite tax-free 8.4% payers at a 'double discount.' That's right: We're getting a deal on both the fund's portfolio, which has moved lower as rates jumped, and on the fund itself, which trades at a rare 10% discount to the net asset value (NAV or the value of its assets). Translation: We can buy this stout fund's portfolio for 90 cents on the dollar! As the tariff-driven volatility continues, we're looking at the ultimate domestic income play: municipal, or 'muni,' bonds, issued by local and state governments to fund infrastructure projects: think roads, bridges, schools and hospitals. Many investors sidestep munis, partly because getting in on these bonds is tough for individual investors—especially if we want to get in on the best new issues. That's why we're going to buy through a muni-focused closed-end fund (CEF)—the Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAD), a holding of my Contrarian Income Report service. As I write, this one is paying a rich 8.4% dividend. What's more, the income from muni bonds is tax-free for most Americans. Many munis are also tax-exempt at the state level. It's hard to underestimate what that tax exemption does to a muni's 'headline' yield. Consider the 8.4% payout on NAD, for example: If you're in the top bracket, you'd need a 13.9% payout on a taxable asset, like a stock, to match it, according to Bankrate's taxable-equivalent yield calculator! Tax Equivalent Yield Safety? As I write this, the mean default rate on munis cumulatively over the last decade stands at just 0.1%, according to December numbers from JPMorgan Private Bank. And let's not forget that we've got the quiet backing of Jay Powell here. As I've written before, Powell (very quietly) pumped liquidity into the banking system when a few shaky institutions crumbled in early 2023. So we can be certain he'd ride to the rescue if any cracks were to show up in the muni market, especially as these bonds are widely held by pension funds, insurers and retirees. Here's where our opportunity comes in, because munis tend to move in opposition to the yield on the 10-year Treasury note—so they've pulled back as so-called 'long' rates jumped in the days following the 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement. The muni-bond benchmark iShares National Muni Bond ETF (MUB), for example, is down about 1%—a big move for these normally placid income plays. But we're not going with MUB here, The fund's 3.2% dividend just doesn't do it for us—tax-free or no. Plus, when we buy munis (and any other asset, for that matter!), we demand a discount. And MUB, as an ETF, rarely offers one, since these funds issue shares to ensure their market price and net asset value (NAV, or the value of their underlying portfolios) align. Instead, we look to CEFs, which have a fixed share count. That allows their market prices to deviate from NAV—and they often trade at a discount. What's more, we get the services of a pro fund manager, a necessity in the tight-knit muni world, where personal connections matter. That's where the Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAD) re-enters the picture. NAD's issuer, Nuveen, manages $441 billion worth of bonds and is a big buyer. When municipalities issue bonds—or think about it—they call big whale Nuveen. The muni giant throws its purse around to secure the best deals for its investors. NAD's portfolio reflects that: It includes 1,193 bonds with an average leverage adjusted duration of 13.5 years. Its average coupon is about 4.4%, and, as I just touched on, Nuveen deftly enhances returns with leverage, to the tune of 40.9% of the portfolio currently. That's a more-than-acceptable level, given the stability of the fund's holdings. And I expect a recession later this year to pull down interest rates—and NAD's borrowing costs—while driving up investor demand for income plays like NAD. Over the long haul—the best timeframe in which to hold munis—NAD has more than delivered, with a 231% total return since inception in 1999. NAD Total Returns Ycharts As you can see on the right side of that chart, muni funds like NAD were on fire in 2024, but munis have since pulled back with the rise in long rates. Plus we've got that 10% discount to NAV I mentioned earlier, so we can pick up its portfolio of munis for less than it's worth. Let's take that opportunity. Brett Owens is Chief Investment Strategist for Contrarian Outlook. For more great income ideas, get your free copy his latest special report: How to Live off Huge Monthly Dividends (up to 8.7%) — Practically Forever. Disclosure: none
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Getting a tax refund? Here are the best ways to use it.
This is the time of year when millions of Americans receive their biggest annual financial windfall. It's not a winning lottery ticket or a favorable bet on March Madness but, rather, a federal income-tax refund, and possibly a state refund, too. Nearly two in three taxpayers got a federal refund for 2023, averaging $3,167. Many of these households also are living hand to mouth, suggesting that they haven't put refunds from past years to good use. Here are some suggestions for making the most of this financial opportunity. If there's one recommendation on which advisers nearly universally agree, it's this one. 'It's an immediate return on investment by reducing interest costs and improving financial stability while also providing peace of mind and a sense of relief from financial stress,' said Sam Swift, a certified financial planner and CEO of TCI Wealth Advisors in Tucson. Tackling high-cost debt is imperative given that credit cards can carry interest charges of 22% or higher, noted Michael Sullivan, a personal finance consultant at Take Charge America, a credit-counseling and debt-management company in Phoenix. "Payday-loan interest rates or auto title debt can be much higher,' he added. 'These are the first debts to be attacked, with all available funds directed at the highest-interest debt.' It's not especially difficult to put aside money in an account devoted to meeting unexpected obligations, yet many Americans haven't done it. Saving even modest amounts of money can be difficult. Nearly half of Americans are stressed in this area, according to a February survey by that found 13% of respondents have no such savings at all, while another 33% have some savings — but even higher credit-card balances. Sullivan considers $1,000 the minimum target for which you should aim. "If there is less than $1,000, (it's not) an emergency fund at all because even one accident or illness with a trip to the emergency room can easily cost more than $1,000,' he said. 'Without (adequate) savings, emergencies turn into high-interest debt.' Steven Conners of Conners Wealth Management in Scottsdale considers emergency funds to be more important now than in recent years because of all the turmoil and uncertainty in the economy, such as tariffs and ongoing layoffs of federal workers. 'Be more conservative than you'd normally be,' he suggests. Savers should strive to find accounts yielding at least 4%, he said. You can earn that on money market mutual funds and some bank and credit union vehicles, especially if you ask for better deals, he added. Assuming your short-term needs are covered with an emergency fund and you are paring you credit-card debts, you can turn your attention to longer-term goals. Retirement accounts such as Individual Retirement Accounts or 401(k)-style plans fit the bill, providing tax incentives. With traditional IRAs or 401(k) plans, you generally can reduce your taxable income by the amount of your contributions. With Roth versions of these accounts, you don't get a front-end benefit, but the money comes out tax-free years later, when you withdraw it. Thus, you sacrifice some near-term tax help for benefits down the road. Swift considers retirement vehicles, especially Roth accounts, to be good choices for tax refunds if you can afford to fund them. 'Even small contributions can grow significantly over time, helping you build wealth tax-free for your future,' he said. If your employer offers matching funds on contributions to a 401(k) account, you can stretch your tax refunds even further. 'Always at least contribute up to the amount your company is matching — (it's) free money," Swift said. And there are other considerations when it comes to tax refunds. If you get a large amount, Sullivan suggests changing your withholding percentage by filling out a new W-4 form through your human-resources department. Why do this? Because refunds represent money that you essentially have loaned, interest-free, to the Internal Revenue Service and perhaps a state tax agency. To complete the picture, he suggests taking the dollar amount by which your future paychecks increase through lowered withholding, then depositing that money automatically into a high-interest savings account. It's a move that essentially spreads out your refund, gives it to you earlier and allows you to earn interest sooner. But the strategy would backfire if you spend, rather than save, the incremental amounts. Excessive spending is the root of the problem for most anyone with high debts or low savings. Solving this issue requires discipline, which isn't easy. But there are ways to add guardrails, such as delaying certain purchases to wring some emotions out of the decision. If there's something you really want to buy like new golf clubs, consider a cooling-off period of perhaps a week or 10 days, Connors suggested. Chances are, you will abandon certain purchases. But if you really want to buy something after after that time, "You will at least know your emotions are less involved,' he said. Reach the writer at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here are the best ways to use your tax refund money.
