Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Glen Craig

How to Get FEMA Assistance

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A lot of people in New York and New Jersey are only now becoming aware of the full extent of the damage brought on by Super Storm Sandy.

After nearly two weeks working just to get electric power on and gasoline for cars, the difficult job of rebuilding is about to begin.

There is help from various sources, first and foremost from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Relief Agency whose primary responsibility it is to be available to provide assistance in just such a disaster.  Many people are only remotely aware of what FEMA does, and if you live in the battered Middle Atlantic region, you’re now finding out first hand.

What is FEMA and how does it work?

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Southwest Airlines® Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | Review – Earn 50,000 Bonus Points

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Do you fly Southwest Airlines?

Do you want to earn free flights as well as hotel stays, gift cards and more including international flights?

Then read on for my Southwest Airlines® Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card review and see if the card is good for you.

Let’s look at the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card:

[Read more…] about Southwest Airlines® Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | Review – Earn 50,000 Bonus Points

The Best Small Business Credit Cards

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Having a line of credit handy is extremely important for a small business.

Honestly, you never know what kind of expense may creep up that you can’t cover with your cash flow at the moment.  But it’s not easy or practical to get a business loan in a tight jam.  What to do?

Enter small business credit cards.

Not only do they provide credit, you can also find benefits such as cash back, rewards, flexible payment terms, separate tracking for business expenses, and more!

Is a business credit card always the best option for you?

No.  The CARD Act of 2009 put consumer protections in place for consumer cards but those protections aren’t mandatory for business cards.  Also, if your business expenses don’t justify a line of credit then you may be fine without a business card.  You may also find that you would be better off with a specific airlines miles card or travel rewards card that gives you better suited benefits than a card for your small business.

But if you are looking for a line of credit that’s separate from your personal cards or you are looking for a card that offers small business tools that will benefit you, like discounts or employee tracking, then a small business credit card can be a great choice.

Below are some of the best small business credit cards.  See which one best suits your business needs.

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What are Real Estate Closing Costs Made Up Of

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Any time you buy or refinance a house there’s a litany of expenses that go with it.

There are many “hands” in the soup that is a real estate transaction, and each one of them demands some money to do what they do.

If you’ve ever wondered what those charges mean, here’s some inspiration…

What Real Estate Closing Costs are Made Up Of

Lender charges

Here’s a not so well-kept secret: mortgage “lenders” aren’t direct lenders, but middlemen who arrange mortgages then sell them to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae.  In the process, there’s a fee for nearly everything they do.

Here are the more typical ones: [Read more…] about What are Real Estate Closing Costs Made Up Of

Is the Curtain Finally Coming Down on the Payroll Tax Cut?

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In what seems like an annual rite in Washington, DC, the extension of the social security payroll tax cut—a.k.a., the “payroll tax cut”—is once again up for debate.

The cut was first implemented in 2010 under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.  It provided for a 2% reduction in the employee portion of the social security payroll tax, from 6.2% to 4.2%.

The cut was set to expire at the end of 2011, but was extended to the end of February, 2012, and then ultimately through the end of the year.

But this year it’s looking like an another extension of the cut may not happen.

No political consensus to extend the payroll tax cut

With the presidential election and the prospect of a lame duck Congress looming there is little debate on the Payroll Tax Cut extension.  Concern is also centering on the still large federal budget deficits which will be partially reduced through the expiration of the payroll tax cut.  If anyone has serious intentions of extending the cut they’re laying low right now.

Very low.

If things stay as they are on January 1st, 2013 the Payroll Tax Cut will expire.

Why the payroll tax cut is a true middle class tax cut

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