Let’s take a financial challenge. Do you think you could save more than $1,000 in four hours? We think you can save more than $2,000 year if you really dig in. There is no better time than now to negotiate and try some new habits. Try to schedule a financial check-up at least 3 times per year – January, April and August.
We’ve put together 5 Ways for a Fall Financial Check-up.
1. Cars – On average, it costs over $700 per month to own a car. Many people are working from home and may be for the foreseeable future. Kids are e-learning or hybrid learning with fewer extra curricular activities. Have these factors changed your driving habits? Take a look at your situation and determine if you can sell a second car or if you need a car at all.
2. Subscriptions – Subscription services can be great and convenient but over time you may not be getting the full value. At first, it was Netflix then you added Spotify, and Disney+ which added on Hulu and ESPN+ then YouTube TV, and the gym membership and food delivery service and on and on. The $4.99 here and $6.99 there and this and that. Suddenly you are paying hundreds of dollars a month for the convenience of watered-down subscription service you do not use. Take a few minutes to evaluate subscription services you are paying for then decide which ones you love, which ones you can consolidate and which ones you can cancel.
3. Insurance –Have you seen all of the car insurance commercials. Feels like I should be saving a lot more. In Texas, the average person pays $117 per month per car. Insurance is competitive so at least once a year compare rates. There are several websites and apps that will show you competitive rates and it only takes a few minutes and switching insurance is not complicated.
4. Bank Fees–The average checking account costs almost $15 per month plus ATM fees. Several banks offer free check but is it really free and what are the requirements to get free checking. Do you need a high minimum balance and direct deposit? There are several free checking account options with full features like debit cards, free ATM usage and refund out of network fees, provide checks, online bill pay, and mobile banking apps. A few minutes could save you more than $100.
5. Credit Card Debt–This one is uncomfortable and stressful. We often don’t want to look at our debt but could save hundreds of dollars. The average American carries over $6,000 of credit card debt with an interest rate over 18%. That means you are paying over $1,100 per year in interest alone. Remember, credit cards are revolving debt so will always owe money, but it you get a loan to consolidate these debts, you could pay it off and be debt free.
In the meantime, here are 3 ways Check Center can help get cash in hand to hold you over to your next paycheck.
1. Check Center offers several loan options to help you manage travel or entertainment expenses like including Payday Loans up to $255.
2. We also offer our Check Center Netspend® Visa® prepaid cards that allow you to shop online with security, monitor your spending habits, receive cash fast, and avoid raking up the interest fees you´d accrue using credit.
3. Check Center has 2 locations across Northern California
- Berkeley, CA: 2005 San Pablo Ave., 94702
- Oakland, CA: 302 E. 18th Street, 94606
Click here to find the location near you.
Whatever your needs, you can trust us to be upfront. Check Center has developed a reputation for honest lending practices and being a community player. We donate a percentage of our yearly revenue towards scholarships and other community needs.
Let us help you show mom some love this year. Visit one of our convenient locations or www.checkcenters.com.