money Archive

Family of Nine Looking for Ways to Save

The Poley family reminded me of my own clan. I was one of nine kids, the Poley’s have a family of nine. There is a lot of joy and love in their home. But like my parents, Beth and Darren struggle to keep food on the table. I found a creative way... (more...)

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Five ways to stop drowning in debt today

By Mary Caraccioli Too many Americans know that awful feeling of becoming overwhelmed by their debts. It can feel like you are drowning. There is a way to stop that sinking feeling and get control over your financial future.  It is possible!  I have... (more...)

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A New Financial You After a Break-up

Ericka Johnson was used to having what she wanted when she wanted it. But a break-up changed her financial picture. Her real money problems were created when she forgot to tell her spending habits about her new money reality. Things got even worse when... (more...)

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Their Money Can’t Keep Up With Them

Kelly and Steve Woronicak have had a wild ride as a couple. Immediately after tying the knot, they closed on their home, a year later had their first child, and 18 months after that had a set of twins! With three young boys under the age of four, the... (more...)

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Paying the Bills vs Playing with the Kids

Meet the Lafferty Family. Their energy and enthusiasm for getting a better grip on their money issues made them a great family to work with. As always I want to hear from you. Share your ideas with our community. Thanks for watching!  Read More →

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Update Your Least Favorite Room for Less

I love a pretty and comfy home but I’d rather put my investment dollars into my daughter’s education. A pair of designers gave me some tips so I can have both the cash for college and a nice place to hang out in the meantime. What do you... (more...)

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Do You or Don’t You? The Reality Check for Starting Your Own Business

Whether you have been frustrated by a boss or a job search, or just itching to start your own business and create your own empire, then I have some must see advice. The ability for anyone to create his or her own business is what makes the United States... (more...)

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Car Talk: Buy or Lease?

If it has been a few years since you’ve bought a new vehicle, then you may be wondering if its worth owning something that depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. If you need the wheels and you want new, there is another option, leasing.... (more...)

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Ask Mary: Work From Home

Here are some websites worth checking out if you want to earn a little extra money from the comfort of your own home. -Mary Caraccioli  Read More →

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Does eBay Still Matter?

This mom seems to think so. Personally, I don’t use it anymore. I encountered too many shady business practices with some of the sellers. No doubt, there are some shady buyers out there too! My diminished enthusiasm aside, the digital age has made... (more...)

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Can You Get Out of a Car Lease Early?

Lisa’s question answered! Let me know if you have a question by hitting the contact button on the navigation bar. Have a great day! -Mary  Read More →

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How the Coupon Queens Do It

Would you work this hard to save this much? Let me know!  Read More →

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Don’t Call them Gen Debt

Don’t call Gen Y-er’s generation debt. They may be the victims/beneficiaries of their parents dealing with debt, but many have learned from the older generation’s mistakes.  Read More →

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ASK MARY: Banking Online, Is it Safe?

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You Will Love Herb

From getting a raise at work to paying less for your utilities – you can negotiate anything! We have tips to help you get what you want. Take a look at Herb’s tips and tell me if I am wrong about how fab he is! Enjoy! -Mary For more negotiating... (more...)

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Ideas to Help You Raise $mart Kids

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Tools to Become a Social Media Maven

Build a better online reputation by using social media tools to your advantage. Connor Raus has become the go-to guy for social media strategy. Here are his plain English tips to help you get going.  Read More →

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New Grads Here is How to Expand that Paycheck

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A Coupon Collector: Does it work?

Just signed up for the internet coupon aggregator called Yipit. It allegedly sorts deals from more than 350 Web sites in 20 cities. Here is a link: http://yipit.com/ I will let you know what I think of it as I use it.  Read More →

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Ask Mary: Hiring a Financial Advisor

I am frequently asked by men and women for tips on finding a good financial planner or advisor. Finding the right one can make life so much easier. So here are some ideas that could help you narrow the field.  Read More →

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Saving More at the Supermarket

If the high price of gasoline is taking its toll on your monthly budget, then you no doubt are looking for other ways to save. It may seem old school- but coupon clipping is back and can be more lucrative than ever. BTW: If you aren’t into coupons... (more...)

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Erasing Debt with a Happy Ending

My pals at Kiplingers always have great stories that inspire you to build wealth.  I loved this story that showed that it is possible to pay down even large sums of debt. Fist step- commit. – Mary How to Erase $70,000 in Debt In early 2006,... (more...)

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Refi a Car? Yep. But is it a Good Deal for You?

Keep the questions coming! Here is a good one about auto financing. If you have a question just click on the contact button on the nav bar. -Mary  Read More →

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Too Big to Fail

 You cannot judge a book by its length. Andrew Ross Sorkin’s Too Big To Fail about the events before and after the collapase of Lehman Brothers, which triggered the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, is a thick book, 544 pages!... (more...)

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ASK MARY: Credit Card Fraud

You have credit cards, but what if your card info gets into the wrong hands? How well are you protected? Here is what you need to know.  Read More →

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Eat Cheap and Eat Well!

We love a discount but when is cheap bad for you and when is it a true bargain? I take you shopping at a grocery outlet and show you how to spot trouble and how to spot a deal that is worthy of your cart!  Read More →

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Home Time: Advice to Make Your Home Project a Success

Two HGTV guru’s and yours truly, visit Adam and Karen of FYI Philly to share our tips for making your next project a success. From making your home healthier, to the art of a good plan, to paying for it all, we are at your service. Enjoy! -Mary... (more...)

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Help My Boss is a Crackberry!

How do you leave work at the office when you’re constantly connected?  Read More →

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PAYING FOR THE RENOVATION

THE NEW YEAR IS A TIME FOR A FRESH START. BECAUSE I AM TRAPPED INDOORS, THIS IS ALSO THE TIME OF YEAR I WANT TO TAKE A WRECKING BALL TO SOME OF MY MORE “TIRED” LOOKING ROOMS AND GIVE THEM A MAKEOVER. IF YOU CATCH YOURSELF FEELING THE SAME WAY- STOP!... (more...)

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New Year’s Resolution: Get Your Finances Organized!

Days away from the start of the New Year and chances are you are hoping to have a better money year in 2011. I believe it all starts with organization. My pal Farnoosh Torabi has some ideas that could help you get off to a great start. Happy New Year!!  Read More →

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A Story from the Entrepreneurial Frontline

Want to become your own boss? See how two women are taking on the challenge. And learn how you can take charge of your own career in a matter of months.     (more…)  Read More →

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Ask Mary: Debit or Credit?

After you swipe your card, you have no doubt been asked, “Debit or credit?” Not sure which is best for you- check this out.  Read More →

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ASK MARY: Getting out of a Lease

Your Questions Answered! Today we look at auto leases. Is there any way out of a lease once you sign one? Find out! If you have a question- hit the Contact us tab at the top of the page. -Mary  Read More →

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Ask Mary: Savings Bond for Baby? Tipping at Restaurants- How much?

Time to answer your questions. Today I tackle two. Should friends and loved ones get your new baby a savings bond or is there a better financial gift? And I examine the art of tipping at restaurants. If you have a question- hit the “contact”... (more...)

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Stay Warm and Safe

With oil rising to $90 a barrel this week, homeowners in the Northeast and Midwest who heat their homes with oil may be tempted to use supplementary heating sources to offset their high heating bills. These alternative heating sources, if not used properly,... (more...)

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Should I Go Solar?

If your electric bills are draining your bank account, learn how you could turn sunny-days into pay-days.  Read More →

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Social Media Strategies to Build Business

Facebook, My Space, Twitter, there are ways to turn a profit using social media. Find out how  Read More →

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Negotiate This!

Whether it’s in the office or out shopping, good negotiating skills can help you get what you want. See how a professional negotiator strikes the best deal.  Read More →

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ASK Mary: Find a Financial Advisor

I get this question all the time “How do I find a financial advisor I can trust.” Here is my take on how to find someone right for you.  Read More →

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Ask Mary: How to Save When You are Just Starting Out

More of your questions answered. If you have a question hit the ‘contact” tab at the top of the screen.  Read More →

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What Are Your Questions About Bragging?

If you watched the story about bragging (above) and the interview that followed- then you probably can relate to either Lisa or to Amy. Our bragging pro says both introverts and extroverts are looking to strike the right balance when it comes to talking... (more...)

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Learn To Talk About “You” Effectively

I love Peggy Klaus’ book about bragging. I have recommended “Brag: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It” hundreds of time. How effectively do you brag? Do you over do it? Are you too timid to talk about yourself? Watch... (more...)

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Ask Mary: High Cost of College Text Books

Time again to answer your questions. This one got my attention from Jackie of Richmond, VA. Mary, How can we save money on the cost of college text books? – Jackie  JACKIE, THANKS FOR THE QUESTION. THE HIDDEN BUDGET BUSTER OF COLLEGE IS TEXT... (more...)

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Need Money Now! Quick Cash without the Loan Shark

What can you do when you need cash fast? Meet a couple who came up with a creative way to raise the money in an emergency. Then get tips on how you can raise money quickly from one of the most respected names in personal finance.  Read More →

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Ask Mary: Finding a Trustworthy Advisor

Thank you for all of your great questions. Keep them coming!  While there are many to sort through, some common themes appear.  Here is my approach: I pick questions that represent the topics that get asked about the most.  My hope is by answering... (more...)

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Learn More About Your Credit Score

Not sure what the difference is between a credit report and a credit score? Watch this and you will have the facts and some tips on how to improve your score!  Read More →

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What Are You Doing This Weekend?

This Saturday, 1200 people in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country will not be sleeping in, or hitting the mall or going out to brunch. They are investing the day to become more financially aware. The Delaware financial Literacy Institute, of which... (more...)

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Action Plan for the Week

The Calendar may read October, but the reality is the end of the year crunch has already begun. Use this time to make the most of your money. Tackle a few chores this week and you will be patting yourself on the back while others are pulling their hair... (more...)

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Family, Money and Business Start-ups

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Get a Job: The Paycheck

Get a Job: The Paycheck

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