Got your spring break planned yet? If you’re thinking you’d like to make a difference with your time, think about using spring break as a volunteer vacation opportunity. MTV and United Way, Habitat for Humanity and i-to-i are just a few organizations ready to put you to work over spring break.

This spring break will not be the most exciting but I was considering what my school has to offer. At the school I attend they offer spring break programs that are focused on volunteering in other states to better them by focusing on cleaning up the highways to helping children in the community. All these trips are less than $500 and consist of about a three to four day trip.

If you want to make the most out of spring break and take a different approach by making a difference then check out volunteer opportunities and see what your school has to offer!

I have tried opening other accounts and not memorizing the account number so that I can’t look at it, but being that I work at America First Credit Union I can easily just look at my account with no problem. I have also tried the opening dedicated savings accounts, which you’d think I wouldn’t take the money out of that being that there is a fee that comes with early withdrawals.

So what are some ideas that you have for me to start saving? Honestly, at this point, anything will help!!!

So, if you are like me at all, you have once or twice driven by a car lot and gazed out at the vast sea of shiny brand new cars.  I love cars.  I have told my wife that I am jealous of the Jay Leno and the Bruce Wayne/Batman car collections.

The other day, I had an individual ask me about a car loan for a brand new truck, with all the options and luxuries a truck manufacturer can offer.  They were trading in a vehicle and were taking about a $1,200.00 loss in the trade in (meaning that the dealer was not going to pay off their existing car loan completely).  They decided to put $2,000.00 down on the vehicle.  The out the door price after tax, licensing, and even a manufacturer rebate was just over $51,000. 00.

Now, they didn’t have the greatest credit in the world, which means the best interest rate the dealer could give them, depending on the financial institution, would be between 9% and 15%.  The interest alone on this vehicle, with the 9%, figuring on a 7 year term, would cost  $18,245.42!  And if you figure the higher 15% on the same terms, it would cost $47,482.41, just in interest! So what was already a high priced vehicle could translate to a whopping $98,663.44!  Cha-CHING!!

Before you get too depressed, I’m not in any way discouraging purchasing a new vehicle, but make sure that you are in a position to do so when you do.   This means, make sure that you have a good credit score so that you can get the very best interest possible.  Also, make sure that you can put a good healthy down payment on a vehicle of this amount of money.   For example, the same deal I showed said before, figuring on an interest rate of 4.99%, with a $5,000.00 down payment, for 7 years, the interest would be $8,746.01.  That’s quite a big difference.  And of course, the more money you put down, the less you’ll pay in interest.

So, when you look out at that big vast car lot full of brand new shiny cars, just remember what I told you, and make sure that you are in a position to get it.  When you are, you will enjoy that car so much better when you get a good deal on financing!

First: When you live completely by yourself (no roommates) it’s a little bit stressful for the simple fact that everything depends on you. Nobody else is going to remind you to pay your bills or your rent. I found the best way for me to remember what bills I need to pay each month was to make a spreadsheet in Excel. I have each bill I pay listed, how much it is, and a blank spot for me to put an “X” in when I pay the bill each month. It’s really helped me out a ton.

Second: Now that I have a roommate, I’ve realized that it’s easier to get a nicer place when you’re not the only one paying the rent. My old apartment was really quite small and was only a one bedroom. I tried to throw a few parties there, but the family room area was far too small to allow for much partying. Now that there’s 2 of us paying rent on my new apartment, we were able to afford a much nicer place with more living space. It’s really quite nice.

Third: Having a hot tub in my new apartment complex is extremely nice.

These are just a few of the things I’ve learned in the time I’ve been living on my own. What about the rest of you that are on your own? Any sage advice you can share with the rest of us?

1. Follow up: One manager said that he enjoys hearing feedback from his candidates. He enjoys getting thank you cards or follow-up emails. We’ve gotten a few thank you cards at our branch and it leaves quite the impression. Regarding the follow up this particular manager said, “shows me that they are motivated, tactful and professional.”
2. Show Personality: In interviews you don’t want to come across as boring, lifeless, and winner of “dullest person alive.” Don’t be afraid to be yourself in an interview: your potential boss needs to know who you really are and that you’re not afraid to speak your mind.
3. Ask Questions: Interviews are a great opportunity to learn more about the company you’re applying for. Ask sincere, probing questions about the company. Move beyond pay and benefits and company party traditions. Angie Nelson, one of the managers interviewd said, “By showing interest in learning more about what the job opportunity actually involves, it shows that the candidate is just as concerned about this job being the right fit for them as I am.”
4. Be Honest: Managers want to know how you’re really feeling about issues or how you’ve honestly felt about past issues. It helps them learn more about how you handle different situations. If you’re not honest up front they’ll find out after they’ve hired you which can be beneficial or detrimental.
5. Be Confident: Be confident, but not arrogant. You need to understand that there will be many applicants who are probably just as qualified as you are. Your confidence could be what sets you apart from all the other qualifying applicants.
6. Attitude and Values:  Michelle Roccia said, “A positive attitude, strong work ethic and strong values should trump more experience and skill.” Some of the other managers interviewed re-assert this view by saying the values of the candidates let them know what to expect from them while on the job.
7. Energy: If you want the job you’re applying for why not act like it? One manager said, “The fastest way to end up with a short interview and ruling yourself out from being considered is to arrive to an interview to only lack energy, give short answers and show no excitement to be there.”
8. Passion: Some managers spoke of needing to hire the right person. Along with all the other things listed, a passion for what the job entails can give you an edge over other applicants. Having a passion and desire to work for the company is ideally going to get you a lot further than just wanting the paycheck.
9. Roll With The Punches: Answer whatever question you’re given - no matter how silly it is. One manager shared the following:

For the upcoming semester we chose one intern over the others solely based on her answer to ‘If you were a candy bar, what kind would you be?’ She sat for about three seconds but didn’t think we were crazy for asking it. She smiled and said ‘I’d be a Caramello because they’re awesome and hard to find, but when you find them you get a happy feeling inside.’

Those are some awesome things that I think are very applicable. What else do you think is good to keep in mind that maybe wasn’t listed here?

With recent challenges in the financial sector, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get approved for a loan.  Most lending policies are stricter — you need to have REALLY good credit, established credit and the financial means to pay it back.

Have the right attitude: Remember there are plenty of individuals turned down for loans daily — you are not the only one.  And remember, borrowing money is a privledge, not a right.

Say NO to Payday Lenders: One of the worst mistakes you can make is getting tied up with a Payday Lender.  If you can find a way to put off your purchase — DO IT!  It will save you thousands.

Correct Your Problem: Make sure you know why you are denied for the loan before you leave the financial insitution or get off the phone.  Ask for ways to improve your chances of being approved for the loan in the future.

Decrease Your Debt: It is always a good idea to work on decreasing the debt you currently have.  Start with the loans/credit card with the highest interest rate.

Put Some in Savings: You should have some money in savings for a down payment or to pay cash for your purchase.  Start saving even if it is just a small amount, it more about getting into the habit and consistency.

NOT SO TRUSTWORTHY Distrust in credit card companies is on the rise: Consumers were asked if they trusted these institutions more, less or the same as a year ago: Trust more Same Trust less Credit unions 18% 68% 14% Local banks 14% 62% 24% Lawyers 2% 64% 34% Car dealers 3% 63% 34% Investment companies 3% 53% 44% Credit card companies 3% 50% 47% Federal government 9% 43% 48% National banks 3% 47% 50% Source: Auriemma Consulting Group. Based on Web survey of 403 credit card users conducted in July 2009.

There is a reason why credit unions are the only business in the credit card industry who actually gained more trust than they lost over the past year.  Credit Unions provide fair, up front credit cards, and are committed to give excellent member service with all their products.  If you are worried about opening up a credit card, ask the experts, and get a credit union credit card first.  Apply today!

This year I decided to actually set goals to improve myself and my financial situations. I’m not doing so hot. So, after realizing I had resolved to stick to my resolutions - and was failing epically, I took to the internet for pointers. I realized my problem lies in the fact I get too motivated for my own good. I want to accomplish all my goals in January and then have the next 11 months to say, “Yeah, I’m done with my resolutions - time to play!”

Not very smart, I know.

Especially when I’m wanting to build savings and pay off debt.

While I was sifting through google results, I came across this website by the author of The Power of Less with some pointers that I think will help me quite a bit (nothing could hurt at this point) with re-asserting my efforts. In the article the author talks about another website he or she has set up to help track and publicly commit to your resolutions - the theory is, by publicly committing you feel more obligated to accomplish what you have set out to do. The author also talks about some other resources for accomplish goals and resolutions and the methods of the secondary website. Here are other pointers for sticking to your resolutions:

• Focus on one goal at a time so you don’t become overwhelmed
• Don’t go full-speed-ahead at your goals, gradually work on them - gradually but consistenly.
• Start out simple so it doesn’t become intimidating and overwhelming
• Make it fun!

There are a couple more points of advice that specifically pertain to the secondary website. They are to help you track your progress and ways to help improve your likelihood to accomplish your goals.

So, don’t give up! Start over, there are still 10 months to accomplish what you set out to do! What are some ways you have found that help you stick to your goals and resolutions? What ideas from the website do you think you’ll implement?

I was interested in maybe earning a little extra money and selling some of the clothes that are still in good condition that I don’t wear anymore. Are there any tips for doing this? Do you know of any consignment shops to do this at?

SWEET!  I got my tax refund! Now what?

If you were lucky enough to  get a tax refund this year, you may have a debate as to what you should do with it.  I also have this same debate.  On average, when people get a tax refund, it’s around $2,000.  Yours may be more or less depending on your status.  When you really break it down, there are really only four options;  spend it all, pay off debt, save it, or a combination of the aforementioned three.  So what’s best for you?  Look at where you are in your financial life.  Do you have a lot of high interest rate credit cards with high balances?  Do you have relatively little debt with a healthy savings account?

I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with allowing yourself a little fun money to spend on a luxury item, or putting some money toward a vacation fund.  However, if you do have a lot of debt in the way of high interest rate credit cards, you may do yourself a favor by paying off, or a least a good portion of that debt with your refund.  If you are close to paying off a car loan, applying your tax refund to pay off your car could mean giving yourself a “raise” by eliminating one monthly expense and more of your paycheck going to you instead of your financial institution.

Bottom line, do what is going to benefit you most in the long run.  Come by and see one of us here at America First if you would like some personal advice based on your particular situation as well.

Still need to file your return?  Let Turbo Tax help!