BeverlyBrongersma.com

The second piece of software I would like to introduce you to is GnuCash. I use it as a bookkeeping tool for my checking account. It is a great and powerful alternative to Quicken. [IMHO]

The most important thing in personal finance is to always be aware of your financial position. If you utilize a service like GnuCash to budget, you will become more aware of how you spend your money. I have found that by being more mindful and intentional I have been able to keep my finances under control.

If you are not aware of what you are spending you will incur debt without even thinking twice. Start taking control of your checkbook today… you won’t regret it.

GnuCash will run on virtually any OS Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows (2000 or newer).

I use Vista and have not had any issues with my installation of GnuCash. If you are in the need of financial-accounting software… I recommend you check out GnuCash before you spend your money on the alternative.

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One of the ways I save money is by utilizing the vast amount of Open Source freeware available.

I’ve decided to start a series of blog entries dedicated to the Software I use. I know that this has been done before by many bloggers… But, there are still a few people who may not have come across this information.

For example; rather than pay $149.95 for the least expensive version of Microsoft Office… I use OpenOffice.Org.

I admit that I was skeptical at first as to whether or not it could stand up to it’s well known competitor. At this time… the only inconvenience I had was having to remember to save the file in a *.doc format before sending it off to an Office user. But, I discovered that you can set the *.doc format as a default!!

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It’s getting to the point that I am filling my tank with more tears than gas. I have a Honda Fit that gets an estimated 34 mpg highway. Sometimes I am able to squeeze out 37 mpg. To reduce weight: I’ve removed just about everything that can be removed except floor mats and emergency kits.

I’d like to think of myself as more intelligent than cheap but, I won’t be offended if I’m labeled the latter. Continue Reading »

With layoffs, rising gas prices, rising cost of food, and erratic adjusting mortgage rates… have you maxed out your credit cards as another source of “income”?

There may be help… The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help you to bail yourself out.

They also offer foreclosure relief.

Please keep your eyes open for sharks in this crazy time. Just because they play off of your need for help doesn’t mean that they are actually out to help you.

If you have any questions on whether or not an agency is legitimate I will be glad to look at any paperwork for you.

According to recent statistics released by the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1.6 million households experience theft of existing accounts other than a credit card (such as a banking account), and 1.1 million households discover misuse of personal information (such as their social security number) annually. In addition, a recent poll revealed that “sixteen percent of adults say they have had their credit or debit card used by someone they don’t know without their permission” and that “substantial numbers” of people have taken specific steps to help prevent identity theft from happening to them.

Here are some important tips for keeping your information safe and sound: Continue Reading »