Ahwatukee is home to many different types of businesses.
Home-based, virtual, small and large brick-and-mortar all exist in the
village. With so many great places to choose from, sometimes it's
hard to decide! If you need help either finding a business or even
starting a business, visit the Ahwautkee Chamber of Commerce to get the latest
information on community business events and activities. With a business
directory of chamber members, local school and government information, if you
can't find it at their web site, give them a call and they will be happy to help you
out.
Local headlines and current weather are also part of our daily business and you can
find them both here. We will list your service club events, classifieds and advertising
here in the business section, just contact us at: ads@ahwatukeelife.com
The Phoenix Business Journal
Business Travel and Dining
When your business traveling you may not have much time to look for a great restaurant. Use our helpful
list of sites to get you started: Business Travel and Dining Options
Business and Personal Money Management
Credit Bureaus
For just $30 you can get your credit report from all three of the major reporting agencies. Use the
information to know where you stand and to clear up any errors. UP to 75 percent of credit records contain errors.
If you do find an error, make sure you write to the agency and send with a return receipt.
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
You will also want to check on your FICO score:
FICO
FICO scores are used to make lending decisions. Scores range from 300-850, with 720 being about average and
anything under 600 starting to be a problem. Late payments, tax liens, bankruptcies, foreclosures and
bills that have gone to collection agencies affect the numbers. Also, co-signing someone's lease or loan
will have an affect. How long you've been at your job or address, whether or not you rent or own, have been sued or arrested all goes
into these numbers. A single delinquent payment can stay on your record for seven years. Recent late payments can count against you more than a
90-day late payment five years ago.
Help getting out of debt:
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
The Economy
No matter what your income, education or occupation, in any economy we can all take a look at how we spend.
One of the first things you need to do is recognize if something is a need or a want.
Start with a budget
You've heard this a million times before, but more often than not, people are not really aware of what they have coming in
and what is going out. It really is very simple - spend less than you make, and save some.
When you budget your income, be sure you use the income after taxes.
The first month, just track where all your money goes - and don't leave anything out. Once you have identified what your really spending your money
on, you can create a list and categorize it according to expenditures.
Credit Cards
Pay off your credit cards. Unless the interest rate on your card is zero (and guaranteed to stay that way) and has no annual fees, pay it off!
Prioritize
Once you know your money really is going, you can determine what is important! If your spending $10-$15 and more for
lunch every day, think of how much you can save by cutting back to three times a week, or by bringing your lunch everyday. Maybe going to a museum or park at
lunch would be more enjoyable and you can get a little exercise too.
Save
You hear this everyday, but it is the most important thing that you can do. Set a goal, track your spending and save something every
single payday. If you receive a bonus or a cash award or gift, try saving at least some of it, rather than blowing it all. Also, drop
all the change you have into a jar everyday and you will be amazed at how much you can save.
Other Tips
Have a yard sale, buy from yard sells, sell your old books and buy new ones at used bookstores, and remember, you can check out movies, magazines and
yes, even books at your local library. Use coupons and stock up on items that will last, if they are on sale. Try generic and sample items.
Always use a list when shopping and do not be distracted from it. Try not to buy fast food or shop at convenience stores.
Get out and do something - even if it's just walking to the store, your working out and saving gas.
Use a free email account and instant messaging.
There really is no secret to money management.
Spend less, save more. That's the trick!
Check out Human Resource Essential
They have excellent seminars and information locally here in the Valley.
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