Opinion: Is The City of Dallas Making Money Off of Jury Selection?
A look at my recent experience attending jury selection in Dallas. As I was finishing up my cafeteria-style lunch, the lady across from me said, "I wonder if forcing us to eat here makes them money?" I stopped slurping my empty styrofoam cup and thought about it. Shrugging my shoulders, I said, "probably," but it got me wondering.
Read full storyHow Much Does Traveling With Your Pet Cost?
I recently embarked on a family road trip, and we decided to bring the pooch along. She is 14 years old now, and it felt unfair to board her for the 10 days that we would be gone. Plus, by taking her with us, we'd save money, right?
Read full storyPlaza Announces a New Smoke-Free Casino Project
Plaza Hotel & Casino just announced its intent to build a smoke-free gaming floor. This new smoke-free gaming floor will be the first of its kind in downtown Las Vegas. Mock-up of the new reimagined Plaza.https://twitter.com/PlazaLasVegas/status/1536785678482153472/photo/4.
Read full storyIs Selling Authorized User Tradelines A Good Way to Make Extra Cash?
Disclaimer: this advice is presented based on factual research, advice from leading professionals/organizations, and the experience of others. I have not personally engaged in buying or selling authorized user tradelines.
Read full storyHow to Score a Discount on an Expensive Wedding Dress
The average cost of a wedding dress is a whopping $1600. That's a bit insane. Just think of all the other things you could do with $1600. Start a college fund, pay off debt, take a vacation, buy a flamethrower...
Read full storyIs Your Christmas Budget Cutting It?
8 Christmas budget killers and how to reign in your expenses. Having a dedicated Christmas budget is a great way to keep a tight leash on holiday spending. But even when you have a budget in place, it can be easy for all of the little extras to sneak in and push you into debt.
Read full storyBudgeting for the Costs of Childcare
When maternity/paternity leave is up, and you are ready to jump back into the workforce, you'll need to figure out what your childcare plans are. And, how to budget for them. To properly plan for childcare costs, you'll need to consider more than just the weekly cost that your local childcare center or babysitter charges, you'll need to budget for transportation costs, initial deposits, and more.
Read full storyThe Median Household Income In Dallas Isn't Enough to Buy You a Home in Dallas
With the housing market booming, the dream of owning a home is being put on ice for many buyers. Homebuying these days looks something like the following scenario. The house opens for viewing on Monday. You do a walkthrough Monday morning. You don't love the house, it needs a paint job, the living room is too small, and the backyard looks out on the highway. But it is within your budget, so you put in an offer 5 minutes after you leave, offering $5k more than the asking price.
Read full storySouthwest is Working to Make Their Co-Branded Credit Card Look More Attractive
Will additional boosted point earnings and new perks keep current cardholders from jumping ship?. The airline industry took a huge hit with Covid, despite the very generous stimulus package that the US government provided them.
Read full storySave For Christmas With a Sinking Fund
And reduce the financial stress & strain associated with Christmas. Christmas is all about the spirit of giving. Unfortunately, all that giving does not come cheap. The average American household spends close to $1000 each year on gifts, decorations, and more.
Read full storyUnderstand Your Personal Finances Before Heading to the Dealership
Car salesmen are in business to make money. They seek to sell you the vehicle that makes them the most money possible. Sure, they want you to be happy, or rather excited about your purchase, but with their paycheck dependent on completing the sale, their focus is going to be on getting you to spend more money.
Read full storyIs it Time to Re-Evaluate Your Budget?
You've established a budget, set goals for yourself, and you're tracking your expenses each month to hold yourself accountable. You've got this personal finance thing figured out.
Read full storyIf You Don't Manage Your Finances Well, Your Bad Credit Could Make it Difficult to Land a Job
Do you have poor credit? Have you been turned down for a job? You may think these two things are not related, but they actually are. Your credit report and the state of your personal finances can have a huge impact on your employability.
Read full storyMy Uber Driver Told Me to Start Day Trading, Even if You Don't Know Anything About the Stock Market
When I climbed into the backseat of my Uber, mask uncomfortably affixed to my face, I buckled my seatbelt and relaxed in for what I expected to be a short ride with perhaps some idle chit chat about the weather or traffic. Instead, I got a 15-minute Investing 101 course.
Read full storyAddison Oktoberfest - Keeping Event Goers Safe
Addison recently held their annual Oktoberfest from 09/16 through 09/19. As Covid is still a serious concern, the event was presented as being socially distanced and safe. The Addison Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things german: food, music, games, and of course beer.
Read full storyHouse Hunting Can Hurt Your Budget
Searching for your dream home doesn’t cost anything, right? Wrong. When house hunting, you know you are embarking on an expensive endeavor. The costs of owning and maintaining a home; all the little nickel and dime fees you will encounter when making the purchase. But the actual process for finding the perfect home that’s free, right?
Read full storyTerrible Taco Tuesday Experience - Rusty Taco
I am a huge fan of tacos. I love tacos. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at my house. Usually, I make my own tacos. Every week the tacos might be a little different, but they are always tasty.
Read full storyIs Choctaw Casino Durant Catering to Non-Smoking Patrons?
With the Covid outbreak last year, many casinos had to shutter their doors for several months at a time, and when they reopened, things had changed. Gone were the days of crowded buffets, packed concerts, celebratory high-fives, and hugs when you hit the big one. Instead, social distancing became the new norm. Restaurants now feature limited seating, concerts are only just now beginning to come back, and even drink stations are no longer self-serve. But there is one change that many casinos have made or are experimenting with, that has largely gone unnoticed; banning smoking.
Read full storyPaying Off A Loan Can Temporarily Hurt Your Credit Score
You pinched pennies, stuck to your budget, and finally paid off your car loan. There’s no better feeling than the freedom that comes with knowing that you now own that vehicle free and clear; the title in your hand smelling like fresh ink.
Read full storyCan You Profit from Playing the Lottery?
If you played the lottery every week for the rest of your life, would you eventually win?. Gambling is never a great financial strategy, but the allure of a large jackpot is hard to resist. Winning a jackpot in the hundreds of millions could mean early retirement. Cue the visions of jet-setting around the world in first-class, lounging on private beaches, and eating at the most decadent restaurants.
Read full story