Protect Personal Finances

Nilus Mattive discusses some simple strategies that can make improvements in one's personal finances. In this issue of Money and Markets, Mr. Mattive explains how when each step adds up it can make a big difference.

With the markets gyrating, the economy deteriorating, and housing markets imploding, it's hard to feel that there's much control over the nation's financial destiny. However, there is plenty that can be done to improve individual situations.

Mr. Mattive thinks a little self-restraint and some personal responsibility go a long way. He also believes that there are many easy ways to make improvements in personal finances.

Mattive suggests signing up for a rewards credit card, buying only what can be afforded, and paying the balance all at once. As long as the entire owed balance is promptly paid on every due date, something is obtained for nothing. However, make sure the card doesn't carry hefty fees.

Consolidating accounts is another way to make an improvement in finances. Since it's easier for a consumer to see all assets this way, it will make it easier to manage those assets. In addition, many financial institutions will give better fee structures and other perks for doing a greater amount of business with them.

Pulling credit reports to check for errors and fraudulent activity is another great way to improve things financially. Because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, every American is now entitled to a free report from the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies every 12 months.

Enrolling in retirement plans is another way to benefit financially. The tax advantage alone makes participating worthwhile.

"The bottom line is that these small steps would take a few hours to complete. But they're the kind of moves that could pay you rich rewards for many years to come," Mattive states.

To read this issue online, please visit:

http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/Issues.aspxFive-Small-Steps-for-Big-Financial-Gains-1924

About Nilus Mattive & Money and Markets

Nilus Mattive, a financial analyst at Weiss Research, is the editor of Dividend Superstars, a monthly publication and is also the editor of the company's daily e-letter, Money and Markets. Formerly a senior editor of Standard & Poor's The Outlook, the oldest continuously published investment newsletter in the country, he has written for a number of investment websites, including BusinessWeek and Individual Investor. Mr. Mattive is the author of The Standard & Poor's Guide for the New Investor (McGraw-Hill, 2004) and has appeared on the popular investment radio show, Traders Nation, to discuss his views on personal finance.

Mr. Mattive graduated cum laude from the University of Scranton.

Money and Markets (www.moneyandmarkets.com) is a free daily investment newsletter from Dr. Martin Weiss and Weiss Research analysts offering the latest investing news and financial insights for the stock market, including tips and advice on investing in gold, energy and oil. Weiss Research, Inc. is located in Jupiter, Florida. For more information about our editors, or to set up an interview, please contact Jennifer Moran at 561-627-3300 or visit www.moneyandmarkets.com.

Protect Personal Finances

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Protect Personal Finances

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