Monday, October 31, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Real World of Money Comes to Classroom



VOAVideo: Real World of Money Comes to Classroom

In the current economic downturn, many American schools are adding a new subject to the curriculum - financial literacy. One program in Virginia even gets students out of the classroom for a day to learn how far their money will go in the real world. (read the story)

Monday, October 24, 2011

How To Save Money



Howcast: How To Save Money
People who manage to sock away money -- even on a tight budget -- all live by this motto: Make it over, use it up, make do, or do without. Now you can learn from their secrets!

To complete this How-To you will need:
Motto
Due diligence
Quality merchandise
Price monitoring
Self-sufficiency
Priorities
Promotion codes (optional)
Coupons (optional)
Free shipping (optional)
Store policies (optional)

Step 1: Do your homework

Do your homework before buying anything, especially big-ticket items. With the internet, comparison shopping is easier than ever.

Tip: Once you've made a buying decision, search online for "promotion codes," "coupons," and "free shipping."

Step 2: Invest in quality
Buy quality merchandise. It's cheaper in the long run because it won't need to be fixed as often or replaced as soon.

Step 3: Check every receipt
Check every store receipt and restaurant bill to make sure you've been charged correctly. If you put a meal on a credit or debit card, keep the restaurant receipt to compare with your credit card or bank statement; some restaurants engage in so-called "tip-jacking," -- adding in a tip or increasing the one you gave them.

Tip: Know the store policy on price accuracy; some give away an item if it's scanned higher than the advertised cost.

Step 4: Ask yourself this question
When buying a non-necessity, like clothing, ask yourself if you really, really love it. If not, put it back. Even if you do love it, wait a few days before buying it; by then, the urge may have completely passed.

Step 5: Become a do-it-yourselfer
Become a devotee of do-it-yourself. Learn how to make simple home repairs, do basic sewing, and cook meals from scratch.

Step 6: Establish priorities
Set priorities, such as home ownership or early retirement. Saving up is easier if you have savings goals.

Thanks for watching How To Save Money! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

Saturday, October 22, 2011

How To Use Your Credit Card or Debit Card



Howcast: How To Use Your Credit Card or Debit Card
There are times when it's to your advantage to use plastic.

To complete this How-To you will need:
Information about your credit and debit cards

Step 1: Read the fine print
Read the fine print. Find out exactly what sort of fees you're being charged. Is there a per-transaction fee associated with your debit card? Does your credit card charge a very high Annual Percentage Rate, or APR?

Step 2: Cover your charges
Only use your debit card if you have enough money in your checking account to cover your charges. Your bank might have high penalties for dipping below your minimum balance.

Step 3: Pay off immediately
Pay back money as soon as possible. If you do have to carry a balance, make sure you have a low APR. A small amount of debt can multiply into something large and unwieldy.

Step 4: Keep your cards safe
No matter which card you use, be sure to keep track of it and to keep the card number safe, and the PIN number for you debit card in a separate, safe place. Be sure to alert your financial institution immediately if your card is lost, stolen, or if you suspect it's being used fraudulently.

Tip: If you use your debit card to make a purchase, opt to use it as a credit card, allowing you to sign for a purchase rather than entering your PIN, which offers you more protection in case of theft.

Step 5: Use in place of cash
Great times to use your debit card are when your bank isn't in the area, meaning you'd pay a hefty ATM fee to get cash, or when you simply don't feel like lugging cash around. Enjoy the freedom!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

How To Decide Between Getting a Credit or Debit Card



Howcast: How To Decide Between Getting a Credit or Debit Card

In this day and age, people use less paper, and more plastic. But which kind of plastic is best for you?

To complete this How-To you will need:
Awareness of your spending habits
Knowledge of your credit history

Step 1: Assess your finances
Ask yourself a few questions. What you want to use your credit or debit card for? Is it for convenience? Do you want buyer's insurance? Do you want to improve your credit score?

Tip: Debit cards are easier to get approved for than credit cards.

Step 2: Gather information
Gather all the information. Be sure to read about all charges and rules on both credit and debit cards.

Step 3: Choose a credit card
If you think you can pay off the balance in full every month, choose a credit card. It helps you build a credit history, and there are more perks, like rewards, cash back, travel and buyer's insurance. You also get more protection if your information is stolen or lost.

Step 4: Get a no-fee card
Choose a "no-fee" card with a zero percent interest introductory rate. Read any pamphlets and updates that the company sends, and pay your in full balance every single month.

Step 5: Assess your habits
Be honest with yourself. If you are prone to accruing debt, a debit card is a good choice for debt deterrence, because they are directly linked to your checking account, and you will incur a penalty immediately if you overdraw.

Tip: Merchants will ask you if you'd like "credit" or "debit." Choose "credit" to avoid entering your PIN number, which will protect you from identity theft.

Step 6: Get a debit card
If you think you want a debit card, read the bank's policies to see what penalties there are for exceeding your account balance. Remember -- you'll have to keep close track of how much money is in your checking account. Now plunk your plastic with impunity!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Love and Money (Part 3)



WeAreNY: Love and Money (Part 3)

Its their first date. Jorge thinks Sophie is rich. Sophie thinks Jorge is rich. But neither is! With the help of their friends and co-workers, they learn the truth about love and money in this romantic comedy about financial empowerment, saving money and banking in the Big Apple.

Starring Ken Maharaj, Arturo Castro, Eileen Hannah, Kate Pak, Vashty Mompoint, Samia Akudo.
Directed by Darren Methlie.

WeAreNY: Love and Money (Part 1)

WeAreNY: Love and Money (Part 2)

For more information, visit:
www.nyc.gov/LearnEnglish

Monday, October 17, 2011

ESL Podcast 563 – Reducing Household Expenses

ESL Podcast 563 – Reducing Household Expenses

I think we have a pretty good idea of our spending patterns, so it shouldn't be too hard to come up with a budget that we can both live with (download mp3)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

How To Make a Personal Budget



Howcast: How To Make a Personal Budget

Anybody can create a budget. Making one you can live with is the challenge.

To complete this How-To you will need:
Spending journal
Resolve
Sacrifice
Willpower
Personal finance software
A Christmas club bank account

Step 1: Track expenses
For one month, write down every single cash purchase that you make.

Step 2: Review finances
With the help of your spending journal and your credit card and/or debit card statements, tally up how much you spent the past month. Then subtract it from your monthly net income.

Step 3: List debts
List any debts you have.

Tip: You can find personal finance software online that will help you create a budget.

Step 4: Analyze spending
If you are spending more than you earn, see where you can cut back. Keep trimming until you've figured out an amount you can afford to spend each month on nonessential items like new clothes and dinners out.

Tip: Don't forget to include a payment to yourself—as savings. Even if it's just a nominal amount, it will get you in the habit of saving money.

Step 5: Include seasonal expenses
Tally up as many annual expenses as you can (holidays gifts, a summer vacation, birthday presents); divide by 12 and add them under "Miscellaneous."

Tip: If you have credit card debt, factor in the greatest monthly payment you can afford that is above the minimum so you can begin chipping away at your debt.

Step 6: Make adjustments
Review your budget every month and adjust it if necessary, even if that means allocating more to expenses and less to savings and/or debt than you'd hoped. You need to keep it realistic, or it won't work.

Tip: If the holidays kill you every year, consider starting a Christmas club account—that's where a certain portion of your paycheck goes directly into a special bank account.

Step 7: Be realistic
Be realistic about sticking to your budget. Like a diet, a budget is meant to be blown once in a while. Just don't use it as an excuse to ditch it altogether.

Thanks for watching How To Make a Personal Budget! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

Saturday, October 15, 2011

ESL Podcast 271 – Using an ATM

ESL Podcast 271 – Using an ATM


Robin: I want to make a deposit, transfer some money between my checking and savings accounts, and make a cash withdrawal. (download mp3)

Friday, October 14, 2011

Love and Money (Part 2)



WeAreNY: Love and Money (Part 2)

Its their first date. Jorge thinks Sophie is rich. Sophie thinks Jorge is rich. But neither is! With the help of their friends and co-workers, they learn the truth about love and money in this romantic comedy about financial empowerment, saving money and banking in the Big Apple.

Starring Ken Maharaj, Arturo Castro, Eileen Hannah, Kate Pak, Vashty Mompoint, Samia Akudo.
Directed by Darren Methlie.

For more information, visit:
www.nyc.gov/LearnEnglish

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Love and Money (Part 1)



WeAreNYLove and Money (Part 1)

Its their first date. Jorge thinks Sophie is rich. Sophie thinks Jorge is rich. But neither is! With the help of their friends and co-workers, they learn the truth about love and money in this romantic comedy about financial empowerment, saving money and banking in the Big Apple.

Starring Ken Maharaj, Arturo Castro, Eileen Hannah, Kate Pak, Vashty Mompoint, Samia Akudo.
Directed by Darren Methlie.

For more information, visit:
www.nyc.gov/LearnEnglish

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Spending Money

ESL-Lab.com: Spending Money

Did you receive allowance from your parents when you were child? How about now? Did you have to do household chores to earn the money? How did you spend it?

Monday, October 10, 2011

How To Void a Check



HowCast: How To Void a Check

Whether you've made a mistake, like writing the wrong year or wrong amount, or want to set up automatic bill payments or direct deposit, you may need to void a check.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A pen
A check

Step 1: Write void
Write the word VOID in the space where you would write the amount of the check. If you've already written the amount, write over it.

Step 2: Write across signature line
Write VOID across the signature line on the check. If you've already signed the check, write over your signature.

Step 3: Write across the front of the check
Write VOID in big letters across the front of the check.

Tip: Technically, you only have to write once across the front, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Step 4: Write across the back of the check
Write VOID in big letters across the back of the check. Whether you've endorsed it doesn't matter.

Step 5: Write check number
Write the check number in your check register.

Step 6: Write reason
Write a note about the reason you voided the check, in case you need it later for reference.

Thanks for watching How To Void a Check!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

How To Balance Your Checkbook



HowCast: How To Balance Your Checkbook

Do you cross your fingers when you write a check, hoping it won't bounce? Then it's time to learn how to monitor your finances.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A checkbook registry
Lined paper
A pen or pencil
And basic math skills

Step 1: Keep track
Keep track of all the checks your write, the money you withdraw from your checking account at ATMs, and the purchases you make with a debit card. Enter everything into the registry that came with your checkbook.

Step 2: Get organized
Find or download your latest bank statement, grab your checkbook registry, a piece of lined paper, and a pen or pencil.

Step 3: Mark cleared checks
Look at your statement to see which checks have cleared, and tick them off in your register.

Step 4: Verify deposits
Verify that any deposits listed on the statement are recorded in your register. If they're not, enter them.

Step 5: Reconcile withdrawals
Compare any withdrawals you made, whether through a bank teller, an ATM machine, or a debit card, with the amounts debited on your bank statement. If you missed any, write them in your checkbook registry now.

Tip: Keep your ATM receipts until you can verify them on your bank statement.

Step 6: See what's left
Note any additional amounts listed on your statement, like interest added to your account or bank fees that were deducted. Record these in your register. Then update your ending balance.

Step 7: Create a balancing ledger
Take the piece of lined paper and divide it into two columns. In the first column, write down all your outstanding deposits and total them. In the second column, add up your outstanding checks and any cash withdrawals or debit purchases that are not on your bank statement.

Step 8: Do some math
Take the ending balance on your bank statement, add the outstanding deposit total, and then subtract the outstanding checks, withdrawals, and debit charges. This is the total amount currently available to you in your checking account. And your checkbook is now balanced!

Thanks for watching How To Balance Your Checkbook!

Friday, October 7, 2011

ESLPodcast 50 - Cashing a Check

ESLPodcast 50 - Cashing a Check

I said, "Thank you!" and walked away. Now that I have some money burning a hole in my pocket, I guess I better spend it! (download mp3)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

How To Avoid Being Charged Overdraft Fees



HowCast: How To Avoid Being Charged Overdraft Fees

Overdraft fees can take a big bite out of your checking account, so keep track of your finances and avoid future overdraft fees.

To complete this How-To you will need:
  • An overdraft protection plan

  • A savings account

  • A credit card

  • A checkbook register

  • Balance alerts

  • Extra money


Step 1: Choose the right bank
Choose a bank or credit union that provides their customers with overdraft protection.

Tip: Realize that banks and credit unions are competing for your business, so choose carefully.

Step 2: Link checking and savings
Sign up for an overdraft protection plan that links your checking account to your savings account or a credit card.

Step 3: Check account balance
Check your account balance frequently and keep track of your deposits and withdrawals in your checkbook register.

Tip: Don't forget about automatic electronic payments you may have set up with utilities, loans, health clubs, or other institutions.

Step 4: Get alerts
Have your bank e-mail or text balance alerts to your computer or phone to keep you informed of your balance.

Step 5: Keep extra money
Whenever possible, keep some extra money in your account to allow for mistakes and avoid overdraft fees.

Step 6: Review statements
Review your bank statements each month to see what checks or transactions have or have not cleared.

Step 7: Opt out of protection plans
Opt out of protection plans so that your debit card will be declined if there isn't enough money in your account to cover the transaction. It'll be embarrassing, but a little embarrassment is better than paying $35.00 for a cup of coffee.

Thanks for watching How To Avoid Being Charged Overdraft Fees! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

How To Write a Check



HOWCAST: How To Write a Check

Fill out checks correctly so that the bank and payee can clearly read them.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A personal check
A pen

Step 1: Fill in the date
Write the date on the line usually located at the top right of the check. Use the current date or a future date to post-date the check.

Step 2: Write in the payee
Write the name of the payee on the line next to the words "pay to the order of." This is the name of the person or business that will be receiving the check.

Step 3: Write in the numerical amount
Write the numerical dollar amount in the small box next to the dollar sign.

Tip: Write the dollar amount close to the left side of the box to prevent someone from adding an extra number to the amount.

Step 4: Write the amount in words
Write the dollar amount in words along the line next to the word "dollars." Then write a fraction for cents, with the number of cents over one hundred.

Tip: After the last word or fraction, draw a line all the way to the printed word "dollars." This will prevent anyone from adding more to the line.

Step 5: Sign the check
Sign the check on the line at the bottom right portion of the check. The check will be invalid if it isn't signed.

Step 6: Write a memo
Write a note on the memo line in the bottom left portion of the check. This is good for any additional information the payee may need, or to clarify the purpose of the check.

Thanks for watching How To Write a Check! If you enjoyed this video

Monday, October 3, 2011

ESL Podcast 537 – Types of Bank Accounts


ESL Podcast 537 – Types of Bank Accounts

Luiz: You'll also need to decide if you want an interest-earning account or not, and don't forget to ask for free checking. (download mp3)

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Learn English:Banking, Checking, And Savings


EASY English: Learn English:Banking, Checking, And Savings

Learn English about the bank, checking and saving accounts and writing a check
a segment from our videos.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

ESLPodcast 71 - Opening a Bank Account

During October and November,
we will be studying banking and finance for our EL Civics Objective.

ESLPodcast 71 - Opening a Bank Account

I decided to switch banks recently, and after looking at my options, I went for Mar Vista National Bank. (download mp3)