Greatvest Tools

You know when you need to save money. You try to look for the best deals. But are you really going about it the right way? Maybe not. In a new CNBC and Acorns Invest In You Savings Survey, a majority of respondents fell for this trick question: Would you rather get 10% off a $100 item or drive five miles out of your way and get 20% off a $50 item? Of those polled, 51% chose going out of their way for what they thought was a better deal. However, the savings were the same. Females were more likely to go for the 20% savings, with 55% of them choosing that option, versus 50% of men. The number was higher for single women who never married. Financial psychologist and certified financial planner Brad Klontz said people tend to make money decisions from their emotional brain, not their rational one. "We have a very hard time understanding and being motivated by abstract ideas," he said. So when you start throwing percentages around, "it's really easy for use to make a dumb...

(Ride or Die)  Consumer Reports estimates that, on average, auto repairs cost drivers 4% of the yearly cost to own their vehicles. So, even if you drive one of the least expensive cars, you could still spend a couple hundred bucks a year or more on car care. Throw in a blown tire or a dread battery, and that number you can quickly blow your budget. Here are some ideas for how to manage your car care.  KEEP A MAINTENANCE CALENDAR  Start with your owner's manual for details on regular upkeep. Or try out free apps to help you track your repairs and make a checklist of upcoming fixes you need to save for.  FIND A COOL MECHANIC  Instead of rushing into the arms of the first mechanic you see when an emergency hits, find a repair shop before you need one.  - Ask around. The opinions of trusted friends and family members should carry more weight than strangers on Yelp (but still check Yelp, obviously).  - Hit up the Better Business Bureau. Scour the Better Bus...

Are you looking for legitimate ways to make extra money online? The internet is full of side hustle ideas and supposed business opportunities for really making money from home. But many of these are proven scams. Others might be legal, but still may not be worth the time and effort. Work-at-Home Scams There are honest ways to make money online -- you just have to know what to look for. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has detailed information on how to spot scams. Get the answer to these questions before signing up for any work-at-home opportunity. - What is the total cost of membership fees, supplies, software, etc.? - What exactly am I expected to do? By when? - How do I make money (commission, hourly, salary)? - How and when will I get paid? Calculate how many hours you must work to pay off the cost of start-up supplies. Many scams make money off of charging new sellers membership fees and other starting costs. Also do a gut-check about your potential clientele. You might be able ...