Are We Financial Slaves?

 By Ines Mato

The concept of financial slavery is psychological. No one is forcing us to be slaves, but many people are as result of giving in to our materialistic society. In order to afford the variety of items we buy, we work long days, pay bills to survive, and use credit cards to buy things we can’t afford. The problem begins when we rack up so much debt that money we make seems to be insufficient to satisfy our needs.

According to the Federal Reserve, the total consumer debt was $2.5 trillion, in December 2011. Eighty-four percent of African-Americans and 54 percent of Caucasians carried credit card debt in 2004, according to Demos.org. Financial experts believe that these figures have increased dramatically as a result of the economic downturn.

As we carry more debt each year, our finances are harder to manage and our lives start to revolve around money. We work to survive and pay off debt, when instead we should be enjoying money and saving for the future. The good news is that we can identify and avoid becoming financial slaves. The experts at missmoneybee.com have a list of danger signals you should look for:

Click here to continue reading.

Stephanie’s Weekend Concession Deals

Are you heading to the movies this weekend? We have two different concession deals for you depending on which movie theater you go to.

If you are going to see a movie at Cinemark they have a coupon for a free medium fountain drink with the purchase of any size popcorn. Click here for the coupon. This coupon expires May 23, 2012.

If you are going to see a movie at Regal Cinemas they have a mobile coupon for $2 off any candy. One candy per coupon Click here to have the coupon sent to your mobile phone. This coupon is valid until May 20, 2012.

Smokey Bones: Free Kettle Chips during Heat Playoff Games

Smokey Bones has a coupon that while you are watching the Miami Heat in the playoffs you can enjoy an order of their kettle chips for free with any purchase.

Click here to print the coupon.

The coupon expires May 27, 2012.

25% Off at Old Navy…Today Only!

Old Navy has a deal that you can take 25% off your purchase today only!

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If you want to use the coupon online use code ONBEACH at checkout.

Remember, this deal is only valid today!!

See More Deals…

Here you can get the buzz on tactics and tips to successfully manage your money and avoid credit problems.These booklets cover the basics of creating and using a budget, how women can manage their personal finances, how to cope with financial stress, teaching your children about money, preventing identity theft, how to avoid common money mistakes, the basics of credit cards and much more! Click on the booklet cover to launch these free PDF files.		Learn how to successfully manage money and avoid credit problems. This guide was created with two purposes in mind; first, to help people create and use a successful budget; second, to provide proven strategies for avoiding excess debt.	This basic ‘Credit 101’ publication explores the pros and cons of using credit, provides a guide and calculation formula to help consumers find out how much credit they can afford, and offers advice on what elements should be considered before applying for a credit card, how to build a positive credit history, and existing credit rights.	When it comes to women and money, the news can be gloomy. We live longer; we earn less, and are less secure in retirement. But the news isn’t all bad, because women can also be terrific budgeters, investors, savers and entrepreneurs.	Everyone makes mistakes with their money. It happens, but it can lead to problems, and these problems may escalate if you don’t do the right things to correct them. This guide is to help you solve the money mistakes that could occur during your lifetime. The world of finances can be tricky and if you don’t act to correct these mistakes you could be putting your financial future at risk.
		If you’re like most people, you probably learned about money from the “School of Hard Knocks.” If you were lucky, you may have had parents who talked openly about money with you, and perhaps even showed you how to earn and save money. This guide helps parents talk to their children about smart money management and the value of money.	This publication discusses the fastest growing federal crime in the country and provides steps one can take to minimize the chances of personal information being stolen and used by a thief. The first part of this brochure is organized into checklists you can use to put these ideas into practice. The second part of this brochure will give you steps to take if you are a victim.	This booklet will give you an overview of the basics of getting a mortgage, buying a home, and building equity.	If you’re under financial stress, you may be arguing with your spouse or family members about money, experiencing headaches or panic attacks, hiding bills or receipts from family members, or finding it difficult to sleep at night. Your eating habits may have gone south, and you may find it hard to make it through the day. Use this guide to help you deal with your stress.