Jill Russo Foster

Tips for Successful Personal Finances

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Financial Literacy Month #7

One way to save money is to repair items versus buying items again.  If that’s not possible, maybe you can purchase the item at a discount or used.  Buy Nothing is a really great group where people list what they want to get rid of and others offer to pick the item up for free.  #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #6

Do you have an emergency fund?  You never know what could happen in life. Experts say you should have 6 months to a year worth of income on hand for life’s what ifs.  Yes, that can be overwhelming to go from minimal savings to this goal.  Start by finding ways to save $5 a day to start.  Automate your savings goals so that they happen. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #5

As we get closer to Spring, are you ready to explore the outdoors?  April 19 is one of the days that you can go to a National Park for free.  Other days this year are June 19, August 4, September 27 and November 11.  We have seen a few but have more to see.  Last year we went to Mount Rushmore and Badlands. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #4

Curious about your credit score?  You can get a close approximation of your score through some bank and credit card websites or through the credit reports bureaus Quizzle, Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.  These are all free to see an approximation of your credit score. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #3

Credit Report ShockWhen was the last time you viewed your credit report? Check out your free report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com today.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, 1 in 5 people have an error on one or more their reports.  Errors can make a difference on getting approved or declined for credit requests and what interest rate you are offered. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #2

Now is the time to adjust your tax withholdings depending on whether you are getting a refund or owe money on your tax return.  We have changed ours this year as we are loaning the government our money for a year without interest.  Adjusting your W-4 is easy to do with your Payroll Dept. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Financial Literacy Month #1

Do you still need to file your income tax?  You can file directly for free with IRS Direct File.  If you need assistance with your taxes, use can use VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly). Remember to check out the locations near you and the requirements for each service to make sure you qualify. #JillRussoFoster #FinancialLiteracyMonth

Are you ready if disaster happens?

We are all devastated with what is going on with these life emergencies: the wildfires in California, the flooding in North Carolina, the extreme cold in the northeast.

Are you ready if an emergency happens in your town?  What do you take with you if you need to evacuate?  How quickly can you get these items together?  Personally, I like to think I am an organized person.  I keep most of my documents on my computer.  But I do have some important paper files.  I am not sure I would be able to grab everything I need in minutes.

Here is a list from Ready.gov to get you started about what you need to take with you if you need to leave your home.

Want Your Teens To Learn About Money and Finances?

Spots are filling up, so don’t let your teen miss out.  Once again, I will be teaching at Norwalk Community College: Teens and Money: Teen Personal Finance.  The class will cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes and more.  Registration details are in the flyer.