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Tamila McDonald

One Stone, Two Birds: Using Credit Cards to Make and Save Money

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Credit cards aren’t actually free money. Society pounds that sentiment into people’s brains, yet for some reason, people still insist on racking up the credit card debt.

However, just because many people don’t understand the proper way to use credit cards, doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of credit cards. In fact, you can make and save money using credit cards.

With a little know-how, there’s no reason you can’t make money with credit cards. Let’s take a peek at your new route to financial success.

Cash Back Credit Cards

If you can pay off your balance every month, cash back cards are the easiest way to make money with credit cards. Put as many purchases as you can on the card and watch the cash rewards stack up.

Even a card that pays just 1 percent back can add up seriously fast. If you have a good credit score you can get access to cards with much higher paying cash reward programs.

Car Rental Insurance

Car rental insurance is always a good idea. Even if you drive safely other people might not make the best decisions. But using the car rental agency’s insurance gets pricey. Most major credit cards offer car rental insurance so long as you forgo the rental agency’s insurance plan and pay for the rental with your credit card.

Retail Cards

Many people look down on retail credit cards. It’s true, they’re usually only useful at their parent retailer. But most retail cards come with huge benefits when you do use them at their intended location.

Businesses usually offer retail cards with huge rewards programs and special discounts, like cash back, on all your purchases with that retailer.

Price Adjustments

Sometimes you get unlucky and a retailer runs a sale right after you buy that big ticket item you’ve been saving for. It happens to everyone. Certain credit cards offer price protection against price drops. Your credit card company will refund you the price difference between what you paid and the new price.

Usually, you’ll need to provide receipts as proof of purchase and the price change.

Signup Bonuses

Some credit cards will hand you cash as nothing more than a signup incentive. This is especially true if you have a good credit score that shows you’re likely to pay your bills on time.

Which credit card you signup for will dictate the bonus type and amount, though it’s not unusual to see bonuses into the hundreds of dollars. Check with someone like total visa reviews to get the scoop on the latest signup incentives.

How to Make Money with Credit Cards and More

Understanding how to make money with credit cards is essential to good financial health. Though credit cards aren’t the end-all-be-all of financial decision making. There are many other ways to watch your saving soar.

If you’re trying to save money, check out our website. We’re dedicated to helping people save everything from money to flour.

Planning a Shopping Trip? Find Out When Marshalls Closes First

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What Time Does Marshalls Close?

Budget-savvy shoppers flock to Marshalls to score deals on clothes, shoes, household items, and plenty more. If you are planning a trip to Marshalls and want to hit the store later in the day, knowing what time Marshalls closes is essential. Otherwise, you may arrive only to find the doors are locked, get nasty looks from staff who are preparing to close the store or get unceremoniously ushered out of the store before you are done shopping. So what time does Marshalls close?

What Time Does Marshalls Close?

The closing hours of each Marshalls store can vary a bit from one location to the next. Local demand, standard mall or shopping center hours, or other factors can impact store schedules.

However, most Marshalls stores use similar opening and closing hours. By and large, a Marshalls location closes at 9:30 pm Monday through Thursday and at 9:30 pm or 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the typical closing time is 8:00 pm.

It is important to note that some stores are open later. Additionally, a Marshalls location may alter their hours during the holidays, giving shoppers more time to purchase gifts for Christmas, Hanukah, or other gift-giving winter events.

Marshalls Operating Hours

As mentioned above, each Marshalls store may have slightly different hours. However, here is a look at a typical Marshalls opening and closing schedule:

  • Monday through Thursday: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm or 10:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am or 11:00 am to 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm

Since there are some variances, it is wise to check with your local store if you want to shop early or late, especially since there are Marshalls locations that fall outside of the schedule above. For example, one store in New York opens at 8:00 am, Monday through Friday, which is far earlier than the usual 9:30 am opening time.

Luckily, you can find these details on the Marshalls website using their store locator. If you prefer, you can also call your preferred store and get the information from a recording or a store associate.

Marshalls Holiday Schedule

Marshalls stores are open for most holidays. However, there are some exceptions.

Here is a look at the Marshalls holiday schedule:

  • Tuesday, January 1: Marshalls stores are open on New Year’s Day
  • Monday, January 21: Marshalls stores are open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Thursday, February 14: Marshalls stores are open on Valentine’s Day
  • Monday, February 18: Marshalls stores are open on Presidents Day
  • Sunday, March 17: Marshalls stores are open on St. Patrick’s Day
  • Friday, April 19: Marshalls stores are open on Good Friday
  • Sunday, April 21: Marshalls stores are closed on Easter Sunday
  • Sunday, May 12: Marshalls stores are open on Mother’s Day
  • Monday, May 27: Marshalls stores are open on Memorial Day
  • Sunday, June 16: Marshalls stores are open on Father’s Day
  • Thursday, July 4: Marshalls stores are open on Independence Day
  • Monday, September 2: Marshalls stores are open on Labor Day
  • Monday, October 14: Marshalls stores are open on Columbus Day
  • Thursday, October 31: Marshalls stores are open on Halloween
  • Monday, November 11: Marshalls stores are open on Veteran’s Day
  • Thursday, November 28: Marshalls stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday, November 29: Marshalls stores are open on Black Friday for extended hours
  • Tuesday, December 24: Marshalls stores are open on Christmas Eve
  • Wednesday, December 25: Marshalls stores are closed on Christmas Day
  • Tuesday, December 31: Marshalls stores are open on New Year’s Eve
  • Wednesday, January 1: Marshalls stores are open on New Year’s Day 2020

There are other situations where a Marshalls may close unexpectedly. For example, inclement weather can lead to closure. Similarly, construction, loss of utilities, or other events can also cause stores to close early, open late, or not open at all on any given day.

If you are getting ready to head to Marshalls and want to make sure the store isn’t affected by unexpected situations or weather events, it is always wise to call ahead.

How to Save Money at Marshalls

While Marshalls is known for great prices, must shoppers are happy to save even more on their purchases. Luckily, there are things you can do to bring the total cost of your purchases down. Here are a few:

  • Open a store card for reward points and exclusive coupons
  • Sign up for emails for coupons and sale alerts
  • Head to the clearance section for deeper discounts

By using the tips above, you can spend even less while shopping at Marshalls, ensuring you get the best deal possible on what you buy.

Do you love shopping at Marshalls? Tell us why in the comments below.

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ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc – Should You Invest?

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ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc

The marijuana industry continues to attract the attention of investors. Many are looking for companies that may be worth investing in.  These investments allow you to potentially capitalize on the increased acceptance of cannabis in the United States, Canada, and other countries across the globe. ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE: ACB) is one company garnering a lot of attention, but is it worth investing in Aurora Cannabis?

Why ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc is Worth Considering

At peak capacity, Aurora Cannabis could offer more production potential than any other grower in Canada. After acquiring ICC Labs, Aurora Cannabis went from a production capacity of about 570,000 kilograms to about 700,000 kilograms. This is a significant jump in what they are able to grow. The ICC acquisition gave Aurora Cannabis an extra 92,000 square feet of grow farms and another 1.1 million square feet of developing greenhouse space.

By becoming the leader in production potential, Aurora Cannabis becomes a more viable choice for markets looking for reliable, long-term supply deals. The company may also garner additional interest from tobacco, pharmaceutical, and beverage companies looking for a partner in the marijuana industry.

Additionally, Aurora Cannabis does more than operate in the dried cannabis flower space. They also produce alternative cannabis products, such as a recently launched line of oil capsules. Plus, they bring in more revenue through Larssen – a company that designs and builds greenhouses around the globe – which Aurora Cannabis owns.

Aurora Cannabis currently has a presence in almost two dozen countries, and that number could grow in 2019.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Aurora Cannabis

While Aurora Cannabis has a lot of good points, there are also some drawbacks to examine before you invest. First, the company has struggled to generate a recurring operating profit, and that is hard to ignore.

Additionally, Aurora Cannabis has several expansion projects in the works. This means the company is dealing with large expenses and could prevent the company from generating a profit for a significant period if they do not gain access to additional one-time benefits.

Aurora Cannabis also tends to increase its outstanding share count. This isn’t always ideal for investors, especially those who are concerned about the impacts of dilution. The company has even used stock to acquire other businesses, a reflection of their growth-at-any-cost mindset.

Finally, considering the size of Aurora Cannabis’ operations, it is a bit worrisome that the company has yet to secure a partner. A brand-name partner could catapult Aurora Cannabis forward, and its inability to find one could mean that their asking price is too high or that the company isn’t as strong as they would want people to believe. While those points are speculative, there has to be a reason behind the lack of a partnership, and it is wise to consider that before investing your hard-earned money.

Aurora Cannabis Earnings Analysis

aurora cannabis

While Aurora Cannabis is expected to increase their revenue numbers substantially in 2019 and into 2020. Some analysts believe that revenue could even get near or cross the CA $1 billion mark by 2020, which is substantially higher than the CA $268 million to CA $357 million estimates for 2019.

However, the earnings picture isn’t necessarily so bright. Analysts appear to be divided when it comes to whether earnings will rise or fall in 2020, and they are largely predicting losses in 2019. If there current earnings is any indicator, you may want to take a wait and see attitude.

Should You Invest in ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc.?

Ultimately, the decision to invest in Aurora Cannabis is a personal one. The company’s propensity for diluting shares should be a concern even if some of that occurred as a result of acquiring other companies and increasing production capacity.

However, Aurora Cannabis does have the potential to excel as the marijuana industry grows and more states and countries legalize. The sheer size of Aurora Cannabis’ operations could make them a reliable source of cannabis flowers and alternative products, making it easier to meet demand.

It is important to note that cannabis is still a contentious issue legally, particularly in the United States. While individual states are choosing to legalize marijuana, including for medicinal and recreational purposes, it is still illegal on a federal level. Should the federal government decide to act, they could wreak havoc on the U.S. cannabis market, impacting Aurora Cannabis’ profitability.

Have you invested in ACB Aurora Cannabis Inc or any other marijuana stock? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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What Services Does the Kroger Money Center Offer?

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Kroger Money Center

Kroger is a popular destination for grocery shoppers. Plus, many of the locations offer additional services. This includes access to the Kroger Money Center. But, if you are going to use the Kroger Money Services counters, it is important to know whether you can complete the kind of transaction you need. That way, you don’t make an unnecessary trip.

Kroger Money Center Services

The Kroger Money Services department offers customers a variety of services. This makes Kroger more of a one-stop destination for people who need groceries and want to perform certain money-related tasks.

However, Kroger may have a smaller selection of money services than some other possible destinations in your area. So making sure you can do what you need to is essential, especially if you are under a time constraint.

Here’s a look at the Kroger Money Center service offerings.

Send Money Through Western Union

If you want to send friends or family members money, the Kroger Money Services department makes it easy. They partner with Western Union, one of the largest companies for sending money around the country and even the world.

Before you head to the Kroger Money Center, make sure you have the name and location of the recipient. You also need to know the amount you want to send. You can choose several options for how the person can receive the funds. These include whether you would like it deposited into a qualifying bank account, and decide when it needs to arrive (such as immediately or the next day). Just make sure to bring additional money to cover the fee and a government-issued picture ID.

Picking up money is also a breeze at Kroger. The recipient simply needs the tracking number and a picture ID.

Pay Bills with Cash or Debit Cards

At the Kroger Money Services department, you can pay bills from over 15,000 billers all in one place. Utilities, cell phones, auto loans, and mortgages are just some of the bills that you can pay at Kroger.

In fact, if you need to pay a utility bill immediately to avoid a shut-off or late fee, a payment at Kroger processes that same day. Many billers also give customers confirmation numbers that work as proof of payment, giving you documentation to back up the fact that you paid your bill.

The fees for the bill pay service are very competitive as well, so you won’t overpay for the convenience. Just make sure to bring a copy of your bill stub (that shows your account number) with you to make sure the payment is sent properly.

Purchase Money Orders

If you need a fast, secure, and convenient way to send payments, then getting a Western Union money order at Kroger is a great option. The process is simple and reliable, and Kroger’s fees are very competitive.

In order to get a money order, you’ll need to bring cash to cover the amount and the fee. Then, fill out the money order form and present a government-issued picture ID to get your money order.

Kroger will also cash money orders for a fee. You’ll need a government-issued picture ID to get your money, which you can receive in cash or on a prepaid card.

Cash a Check

Kroger Money Services offers check cashing services to their customers. All you need is a qualifying, valid picture ID and your Social Security Number (or Taxpayer Identification Number), and you are set. There is no enrollment process, so the check cashing experience is a quick one. You also get cash right away, so you do not have to worry about processing times or holds.

The fees for check cashing are fairly low, and customers with Shopper’s Cards often receive discounts, making it more affordable. Plus, it is incredibly convenient if you shop at Kroger regularly as you don’t have to head somewhere else to cash your check.

It is important to note that you can’t cash every kind of check at Kroger. They cash payroll, government, income tax refund, insurance settlement checks as well as checks for businesses. You typically cannot cash personal checks from individuals at the Kroger Money Center.

Use a Coinstar Machine

Having a lot of loose change is a hassle. Luckily, by taking it to a Coinstar machine in the Kroger Money Center, you can get it turned into something more convenient.

You get the choice of receiving bills back or a gift card. At times, by selecting certain gift cards, the fee may even be waived, though there is no guarantee this will be available. But, if spending the change is more cumbersome than you would like to deal with, even with the fee, it can be a great option.

Take Advantage of the Cardpool Kiosk

If you have unused gift cards just hanging around in your wallet, then the Kroger Money Services department can help. Just come in and use one of the Cardpool kiosks.

The Cardpool terminals allow you to turn in unused gift cards, including digital ones, and receive cash in return. You get up to 92 percent of the gift cards value, though the exact amount varies depending on the retailer associated with the gift card.

Even though there is a fee, it may be worth paying if the gift card is otherwise going to go to waste. Plus, you get to review the offer before receiving your cash, so you can always decline it and keep the gift card if you feel the fee is too high.

When is Kroger Money Services Open?

The Kroger Money Center usually has the same operating hours as the grocery store, which can vary by location. In general, Kroger Money Services is open starting at either 7:00 am or 8:00 am, and they typically close at 10:00 pm.

However, if your Kroger is a 24-hour store, the money center will not be able during the whole 24 hours. Instead, they will operate based on a schedule that is similar to the one above.

If you need to head to the Kroger Money Center early in the morning or late at night, it is usually wise to check with your local store to confirm when they are open. That way, you don’t end up making a trip only to discover that the money services department is closed at that time.

Do you use the Kroger Money Center? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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How Much Does a Divorce Really Cost?

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how much does a divorce cost

Most people know divorce can be costly. Along with having to divide a couple’s assets, both parties have to contend with a variety of expenses, including costs such as filing fees, lawyers, and certain services. If you want to know how much a divorce costs, here’s how to estimate what you may need to pay.

How Much Does the Average Divorce Cost?

A typical divorce in the United States costs around $15,500. The average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer comes in at $250.

However, there are a lot of factors that determine how much a divorce costs. In some cases, it is possible to get a divorce for less than $500. In others, it can cost $30,000 or more to divorce a spouse.

The Factors That Determine the Cost of a Divorce

How much a divorce costs depends on a variety of factors. For example, where you are getting a divorce plays a role, as different states (and even counties) may charge different fees.

Additionally, if you opt for a do-it-yourself divorce, you’ll spend less than if you need to hire a lawyer. Similarly, deciding to use mediation or a collaborative divorce may be less costly than the traditional approach.

Whether you have children or not also impacts the final price tag. Plus, if you and your spouse generally agree on the major points, such as the division of assets, child support and custody arrangements, and similar considerations, the process may be less expensive than it the situation is more contentious.

The need to go to trial also makes a divorce more expensive. If you can avoid going to trial, you can save money on your divorce.

How Much Does the Least Expensive Divorce Cost?

While the actual cost varies by location, a divorce can cost $500 or less. However, both parties must agree on all major issues, a circumstance known as an uncontested divorce. Additionally, one of the parties will need to create their own divorce papers.

Usually, fill in the blank divorce papers can be purchased as part of a kit or you can use an online service to draft your own paperwork for a fee. In some cases, you can actually get a packet from your local court or state website for free or merely for the cost of printing, allowing you to save as much as possible.

Once the documents are ready, the person filing will need to pay a filing fee. These vary by state. In California, one of the most expensive states for filing for divorce, filing a petition for dissolution of marriage costs generally costs $435. In Mississippi, the cost is only $113.

However, if the filing fee is genuinely unaffordable, many states allow you to submit a form and request a waiver. Usually, you will have to show proof of financial hardship to qualify for a waiver, though it is worth pursuing if you are a low-income household or experiencing significant financial difficulties.

You also need to pay a fee to have the other party served with the papers. Again, this typically varies, though isn’t as costly as the filing fee.

Hiring a Lawyer to Handle Your Divorce

When you need to hire a lawyer to assist during your divorce, the lost goes up dramatically. In most cases, attorneys charge by the hour, so your exact cost will vary depending on the amount of work they have to do to handle your case.

Hourly rates for lawyers are commonly several hundred dollars, with some even exceeding $500 an hour. They usually charge for a variety of activities, including the time spent on phone calls, emails, text messages, paperwork preparation, legal research, preparing for depositions and discovery, preparing for court, and representing you on the day of your hearing.

However, you do not have to use a lawyer for every part of your divorce. For example, you can opt to only use an attorney for the creation of your paperwork, allowing you to gain access to their expertise for just that task.

Other Costs: Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce

Using mediation or collaborative divorce is less expensive than the traditional option that involves going to trial. If you go the mediation route, you and your spouse get together with a neutral third party who helps you resolve any disputes.

If you choose a collaborative divorce, both parties will need an attorney. However, you will attend meetings together instead of going to trial, working to resolve any issues until an agreement is reached.

The cost for mediation or a collaborative divorce can range from a few thousand dollars to $9,000 or more, depending on how complex the case is and how many meetings are necessary. But, in most cases, it is cheaper than going to trial.

What If We Have Children?

If you have children, you can use any of the options above to get divorced. However, it makes the case more complex as you have to address items like custody agreements, visitation, and child support.

Essentially, if you have kids, expect it to cost more than if you were a couple without children. The only exception may be if you choose to use the do-it-yourself approach, though there could still be additional fees or requirements that add to the overall cost.

Is a Legal Separation Cheaper Than a Divorce?

In many instances, a legal separation costs about the same as a divorce. You still have to create formal documents and file with the court, so those charges are usually similar to those associated with a divorce. Similarly, if you use mediation or lawyers to come to an agreement, you won’t be charged less just because it isn’t a divorce.

However, if you believe that you may reconcile, then a legal separation may be a better option. With a legal separation, you remain legally married but are able to create separation between your lives formally. Under this agreement, you are not allowed to get remarried unless you choose to divorce. You also have legal rights to inherit from one another and to certain benefits, like Social Security.

Plus, a legal separation is reversible. If you resolve your issues and wish to reconcile, you can file to remove the legal separation. With a divorce, the dissolution of the marriage is final. If you ultimately reconcile, you would have to remarry legally to reestablish the union.

Are you divorced? How much did getting divorced cost you? Share your experience in the comments below.

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What Are the Uber Car Requirements in Florida?

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Uber is a popular option for people who want to make extra money on their terms. However, if you are considering becoming an Uber driver in Florida for the first time, having a car that meets the requirements is essential. Otherwise, you will not qualify to use the platform to find passengers.

What Are the Uber Car Requirements in Florida?

In most cases, people who are getting ready to start with Uber will be joining the UberX program. This is the basic Uber service.

Florida drivers interested in driving for UberX need a qualifying vehicle. Here are the Uber car requirements in Florida:

  • 15-year-old vehicle or newer
  • At least four independently opening doors (not including hatchback doors or trunks)
  • Seating for at least four passengers (5 total factory-installed seats with seat belts)
  • Working windows
  • Working air conditioning
  • Good condition with no cosmetic damage
  • No commercial branding

All cities in Florida follow these requirements, including:

  • Central Atlantic Coast Cities
  • Florida Keys
  • Gainesville
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami & South Florida
  • Orlando
  • Panama City
  • Pensacola
  • Tampa Bay
  • Tallahassee

Plus, your vehicle must continue to meet those standards if you are going to drive for Uber, including the age requirements. This means, if you have a 2004 vehicle, you could potentially use it to drive for Uber in Florida during 2019. However, in 2020, your car might not qualify any more, so you would become ineligible unless you replaced your vehicle with something newer that also meets the other requirements.

What Are the Uber Driver Requirements in Florida?

If you want to drive for Uber in Florida, you need more than just a suitable vehicle. You will also need to meet a few other standards.

First, you will need a valid US driver’s license. It has to be a full-fledged license and not a learner’s permit or something similar.

Second, you have to be the minimum age to drive in your city unrestricted and have at least one year of driving experience if you are 23 or older. Drivers under the age of 23 need at least three years of driving experience.

Third, you need to be able to provide specific documentation. This includes your driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of insurance for your vehicle, and a driver photo.

Finally, all drivers need to pass a screening process. Uber will run your driving record and check your criminal history. You can be disqualified if your background check reveals issues that do not align with Uber’s standards.

On the driving record sign, this usually means you cannot have any major moving violations, like reckless driving or a DUI, within the past seven years. Additionally, you may be limited to only three minor moving violations during the past three years. This usually includes offenses like speeding or failure to obey certain traffic laws. Having recent accidents also hurts your chances of becoming approved as an Uber driver.

For the criminal history, anyone one with a felony, sexual offense, or violent crime in the last seven years is not eligible to drive for Uber. Individuals who are required to register as a sexual offender are also disqualified automatically.

Other Requirements to Drive for Uber

Yes, one of the biggest additional requirements is having a smartphone that can run the Uber app. Without that, you cannot connect to the system to find riders.

Additionally, if you want to drive for specific Uber services, like UberXL, UberSELECT, UberBLACK, UberSUV, or UberLUX, then your vehicle needs to meet the standards for those options as well.

Here is an overview of the additional vehicle requirements for Uber services aside from the basic UberX:

  • UberXL – vehicle must be able to carry at least 6 passengers
  • UberSELECT – vehicle must be an entry-level luxury sedan and have a leather or synthetic leather interior
  • UberBLACK – vehicle must be a higher end sedan and have a black leather or synthetic leather interior and black exterior. The driver must maintain commercial insurance
  • UberSUV – vehicle must be a full-size SUV with black exterior and black leather or synthetic leather interior and seating for at least six passengers
  • UberLUX – must be a high-quality luxury brand vehicle with a leather or synthetic leather interior. The driver must maintain commercial insurance and have a rating of 4.7 or higher.

Model year, condition, and other requirements for the Uber services above may also be more stringent than for the regular UberX service, so it is important to keep that in mind if you are hoping to join those programs.

Uber will inspect the details of your vehicle to determine which (if any) programs you are eligible to join. Then, once you are approved for at least the basic UberX option, you can start earning money as an Uber driver.

Do you drive for Uber in Florida? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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