June 13th, 2013 by Sarah
Does healthcare have an actual cost? Medical bills are among the leading causes of debt in the United States, a discrepancy the government is hoping to repair.
At the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s urging, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, launched a study to learn about the price differences of hospitals throughout the country. Released on May 8, the study compared the costs of the 100 most common inpatient procedures. The study then compared prices to what hospitals charge Medicare for the same services, and the results were alarming. According to Sebelius’ findings, Medicare is billed a fraction of the cost. The reason? When Medicare determines the “actual” price of a procedure, they subtract the overhead costs that the average patient is expected to pay: things like administrative fees, staff salaries, supplies, etc. are factored out of Medicare’s bottom line. Unfortunately, patients without Medicare don’t have the same option.
continue reading “Tired of Expensive Medical Bills? Change is on the way.” »
Posted in Finance
June 6th, 2013 by Sarah
“Recovery” is a complicated word when it comes to the economy. A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center compared the spending habits and debt ratios of 20-to-30-something consumers between 2007 and 2010. The study concluded that adults 35 and younger reduced their debt by an average of 29 percent, while adults 35 and over reduced theirs by 8 percent. At first glance, these pre and mid-recession numbers seem like positive news; yet the underlying data paints a different picture. Read on to learn what Pew discovered, and how you can apply these lessons to your own life.
Posted in Finance
May 28th, 2013 by Staff
Things are looking up for the housing market according to Barclays 2013 outlook report. Thanks to lower interest rates and a lag in foreclosures, home values are expected to see a 6 to 7 percent gain this year, and another 5 to 6 percent by 2014. If you’re anxious to make a move before the market rebounds, keep the following “traps” in mind along the way. While you may be searching for a good deal, forgetting the pitfalls of homeownership could hurt your credit repair efforts.
Posted in Finance
May 14th, 2013 by Sarah
Housing bidding wars are back. CNN Money reported the surprising turn in the market:
“In March, 75 percent of agents with broker Redfin said their clients’ offers were countered by rival bids, up from 56 percent who said so in late 2011.”
A rise in home prices may be a good sign, but analysts are concerned about the effect on buyers. Without proper planning and self-control, they predict another housing crisis in the future. If you are in the market for a new home, take these tips with you before casting your bid in a competitive sale. An inflated mortgage is a credit repair no-no. Don’t get in over your head.
Posted in Finance
May 9th, 2013 by Sarah
Summer is around the corner and for the engaged, wedding season is approaching. Marriage is a milestone in life; yet, many enter into the next phase without asking their spouse some vital questions about money. If you are among the soon-to-be wed, consider starting a conversation using the questions below.
Couples who plan their expenses ahead of time are more likely to enjoy their earnings, and less likely to need credit repair intervention.
1. How do you view money?
This is a loaded question, but your fiancé’s answer will help you understand their perspective and how it aligns with yours. Here are a few conversation starters on the subject: continue reading “Fiancé and Finances: 10 Questions to Ask Before Marriage” »
Posted in Finance
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