If you are a planner at heart, then planning to shop for the holidays should include things like a checklist, money set aside, and malls to visit, and online shopping sites to buy from. Some of the most popular items on shopping lists are electronics, toys, apparel, and furniture. Retailers are expected to slash prices anywhere from 10% – 60% or more on selected items and door buster deals during peak shopping seasons to attract customers.

As the holiday gets closer, the deals get better – discounts go higher and bargains abound. But on the other hand waiting till the last minute runs the risk of not finding what you want to buy.

Several shopping experts, also known as, shopaholics have provided our readers, whether active service members or civilians, with some useful tips on tackling one of the most stressful, fun experience – shopping for the holidays.

• Shopping is social
  Use social websites like Twitter, Facebook, and shopping blogs to find out what’s popular, find deep discounts, join and follow retailers for news and updates.
• Plan a list for everyone
  Whether you are buying a gift for your husband, children, in-laws, parents or friends, create a shopping list so you can check off each person you have completed shopping for.
• Bookmark online deal sites
  Add your favorite shopping websites to your bookmarks. This will allow you to go back and complete your purchases when you are ready.
• Start saving, and start early
  Do you need $500, $1000, or more? Start by putting aside $50 or $100 each month. The savings will add up and you will have the money you need without using credit cards or getting loans.
• Pre-order popular items
  Keep your eyes peeled for best sellers. You may get a chance to pre-order the most popular toy, top video games, or limited time laptop bargains. Whatever the case may be, pre-ordering is one of the best things you can do to reserve and check off items on your shopping list.
• Start listening for ideas
  Pay attention to what your family and friends talk about frequently. Take the clues and add them to your list. When it comes time to shop you will not scrambling for gift ideas!
• Search for merchant coupons
  Coupons are no longer an act of shame. Millions of shoppers are using coupons for additional savings. Although coupons are usually available closer to the sales, coupons should be always be on your mind.

Holiday Shopping is Fun
If you’ve considered all the points in this shopping tips article, then you should feel comfortable braving the holiday crowd, doing what you need to do, and relax at home while everyone else is stuck in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping mania.

Bonus tip: Instead of feeling a sense of not being a part of the crowd, give yourself a pat on the back and know that your shopping checklist is complete and you can focus the rest of your time planning for your holiday party!

With an average of 10% – 12% unemployment rate nationwide, tens of thousands of families losing their homes to foreclosure, and consumer spending screeching to a perpetual halt – you can feel the impact in conversations with friends, families and coworkers.

Life needs to go on

But what can you do if you need to take care of ongoing expenses; from utility bills and unexpected spending to groceries and gas to get around town? Unless you are a trust fund baby, there isn’t much you can do, honestly, but pull out that plastic with a Visa, MasterCard, Amex, or Discover logo and start swiping.

Without sugar-coating the truth, not too much at least, the truth of the matter is too many Americans have fallen into credit card debt over the past few years due to self-inflicted causes or causes out of their control – damn the mortgage companies – some may proclaim! But let’s put those aside and focus on the most important thing today, how to reduce the amount you owe on credit cards while you work your way towards a zero-debt life.

Be a responsible adult, at least try

We won’t ask lame questions like “What is your debt-to-income ratio?” or “Are you living below your means?” – that’s too cliche and already covered by hundreds of thousands of websites on the internet.

But we will ask if you know what financial responsibility means? No, really. Do you fully comprehend the extent of good financial behavior? If you say yes, then you shouldn’t be reading this article since you got your life together. You are probably a financial wizard and a credit guru.

But since you are reading this, then it is safe to assume there’s some doubt. Let’s dive in to how you can reduce what you owe on your cards, and you be the judge on these methods.

Make every dollar count

If you are blessed, or talented in some cases, to have survived massive lay offs or found a new job – then congratulations is in order. And you probably know at least one other person who was not as fortunate. But the only thing that separates you from the other, is a paycheck every other two weeks.

A fragile situation – if you asked me. Uncertain, at best, your source of income to disappear overnight – it has and is happening to thousands of people as you read this. While you are bringing money home, it behooves you to systematically pay down your credit card (s) before you start thinking of ways to spend your money.

Here are 5 things you should consider to help pay down debt:

Quit Justifying

A tough thing to do is stop justifying how much you deserve that new sound system, sports car, $500 pair of shoes, or a new Gucci handbag. But in order to begin your quest to reduce your piling debt and get out of debt, you need to reset your mindset about money and debt. When you are out of debt, feel free to pamper yourself with a well-deserved gift.

Use Coupons

You’ve heard grocery shopping stories where shoppers bag up $300 worth of groceries and end up paying $80 at checkout. Whatever your savings turn out to be, you need the discipline to leverage your savings and make a payment towards your credit card.

Garage Sales

It takes time and energy to have a garage sale. And you will not make as much money as you’d like, let’s just get that out of the way. But make the decision beforehand to use the proceeds from your garage gala to pay down your credit card debt.

Side Income

This idea is only for the “strong.” With a regular job, most get exhausted at the end of the day. And for those with children, the day has just begun after returning from work. But generating side income these days are less tedious. With a little creativity, web savviness and entrepreneurial spirit, you can start selling things on sites like eBay, etsy, cafepress, to name a few.

Spending Redirection

Because you worked tirelessly, it is normal to react that way (just like 99% of Americans). What we’re asking you to do here is not succumb to status quo. Instead of paying $1,200 for a new handbag with your paycheck, pay off one of your credit cards, or reduce the amount owed.

Next steps

The rest is up to you from here on. The ideas to reduce credit card debt in this article may feel strange, or even unorthodox compared to the articles you’ve read by credit experts, but our goal is to help you come up with creative ideas and show you that there are more ways to clear your debt than you may think.

While most of your vacationer pals take out payday loans for extra holiday money, your military status allows you to take advantage of a different kind of short-term loan, a military loan. As a military personnel you can apply for a loan online and get your cash quickly.

Common uses of summer loans

1. Surprise your family
   If you are stationed away from home, spending time with your family is definitely the first thing on your mind during summer. If you are planning to take a trip back home, consider applying for loan for the summer to help with flight and travel expenses.
2. Join your friends
   Buddies are planning a group vacation? College friends getting together for a reunion? There’s something special about being with your best friends to reminisce your college years. There is no price tag on memories, but a summer loan can help you remember the good times.
3. Explore and discover
   Now is your chance to set time aside and explore new cultures, try new foods, and discover the beauty of diversity. If you are in the mood for some adventure, a short term loan for the summer can get you on your way to new lands and adventures. Where you begin and end your trip is entirely in your hands.
4. Water sport equipment
   Everyone loves the water! Is it time for a new surf board? Or a jet ski that you’ve been saving up to buy? Consider a summer loan to make this happen for you so you can hit the waves and not miss a summer surf.
5. Family holiday
   If you have kids, or not, going to a popular theme park like Disney World, Sea World or Knott’s Berry Farm could be refreshingly fun! With extra cash for the summer, a loan like this can create memories you and your family can keep until the next vacation.
6. Extra spending cash
   If you prefer to remain as base over the summer, some extra money will come in handy when you enjoy local favorites and local entertainment with friends. Instead of taking a payday loan near your base, consider an online military loan as your summer alternative for quick cash.

There are more uses for a short-term summer loan but we thought the list above would be a good start of ideas to get your creative juices flowing as you plan and prepare for summer sun and fun.

Never just pay the minimum. It will take you years to finish paying off your credit card debt. And by paying the smallest amount of your bill instead of paying it off every month, you allow the card companies to make money off of you by charging interest. And since some of the interest rates can be upwards of 20% or higher APR, you’ll be paying more than you want to by the end of the billing cycle. This also makes a charge more expensive.

Pay On Time

Pay your bill on time. That’s definitely the #1 rule for owning a credit card. If you don’t pay your bill by the due date, you face late fees of up to $39, along with interest-rate hikes. Just being one day late on your payment could cause your 3 percent interest card to jump up to 22 percent or more in some cases. While new credit card reform laws have been proposed and approved, it may take some time before credit card companies have to run their business by those rules.

Lower Interest Rates

If you want a better rate, sometimes all you have to do is ask. Not asking will only hurt you – as a matter of fact your credit card company will be happier if you didn’t ask.

If you are a good customer who pays on time and doesn’t go over your credit limit, you card issuer wants to keep you as a client. Give them a call and see what they are willing to do for you.

Applying For Credit Cards

Trying to get too many credit cards in too short periods will cause companies to raise a red flag against your profile. That means, you will appear too desperate for credit – in addition to damaging your credit history. A good rule of thumb – limit your card applications to about one every 6 months or more.

Different cards offer unique reward programs in the shape of points, travel rewards, airline miles, low interest, instant approval cards, cash back or other benefits. There are literally too many credit cards to pick from and since having too many cards is not financially responsible, we have done the homework for you by reviewing different cards, program offers and incentives.

Do you need a new laptop computer? Or want to upgrade your desktop system? If you need some extra money to pull it off, then a personal loan can help you with your computer upgrade project. It is becoming a necessity to own a computer to keep up with and manage bills, communication with family and staying abreast news updates.

A military computer loan can be used to buy a PC or new laptop. For thousands of men and women who join the military, this is their chance to finally own their first computer. For those who start serving immediately after graduating from college, a low interest loan like this will outweigh any purchases made with a credit card.

With competitive low interest rates, flexible loan terms and up to $10,000 cash, you are one step closer to buying the computer of your dreams. Click for more info.

Reasons for a new computer:

Since you’ll be paying interest for a military loan, you should make the best out of your military laptop computer loan. Some popular reasons for getting a computer includes:

• To stay in touch with family members through email or instant online chat
• Keep updated on latest news around the world
• Update your social profile on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc
• Online banking and paying bills online
• Play online games to relax and entertain
• And much more!

Choosing the Best Laptop for Your Military Computer Loan

If you’re buying a computer for all the right reasons, the next thing is for you to ensure that you’re buying the right hardware and software.

• Weather conditions
  Heat is probably the greatest enemy for your laptop. Ask anyone based in countries like Iraq and they will tell you the weather is anything but computer-friendly. You need to buy a laptop with great cooling systems to withstand the harsh environment.
• Shock Proof
  Military life is rough. You will likely drop your laptop during the the lifetime on base. Make sure to buy a laptop with a sturdy case, or at the very least buy a carrying case for your laptop to protect it the best you can.

Who to get a loan from | Pioneer Military Lending

We refer military members to Pioneer Lending for a computer loan for many reasons. Since Pioneer can direct deposit money into your account on the same day, you have the flexibility to buy your customized computer from a local store, instead of ordering online and waiting days for delivery.

Pioneer offers a secure online loan process that protects security and privacy. You are further protected by their 15-day, no-cost return policy. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied, you can cancel your loan within 15 days at no cost to you. If you can’t find the computer you want, or you get one given to you just after you purchased it, just return it and give back the money to Pioneer- hassle free!

Computer financing is made available to all active duty military personnel, active reserve, or 20 yr. retired personnel. All ranks and grades from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Federal GS employees are welcome to apply online. Getting a military computer loan has never been easier.

Apply for a personal loan today: 5 – 10 Minute Online Loan Application >>

Cash from a Military Loan can also be used to purchase electronics (televisions, stereos, etc.), appliances and other goods.

To many, owning a home is a big deal. And yet, thousands of military members still pay rent for whatever reason. Perhaps the lack of mortgage know-how, fear of commitment or broad range of financing products lead to information overload.

But for those who realize the benefits of owning a home and are actively looking for ways to buy one, a military loan can help.

While $10,000 is typically not enough as a significant down payment, there are still other costs related to a home loan that $10,000 can help with.

What you can use your loan for:

Every dollar counts when you are one final step from getting keys to your new home. A personal military loan can help cover things like:

• Mortgage closing costs
• Home owners’ insurance policy
• Financing fees
• Title and escrow
• Attorney costs
• Miscellaneous fees

The items above are usually in the range of thousands. So you see, $10,000 can really help you get the keys to your new home. For most new homeowners, coming up with even a few thousands to cover the costs listed above is near impossible with current pay grades.

Apply and Get up to $10,000 today – click here

VA Home Loans

This type of loan is too large to be offered through military loan companies, which typically focuses on personal loans up to $10,000 only. VA guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans.

Veterans who were in active duty or discharged are eligible for a VA home financing, which is even more attractive with many advantages. VA will guarantee a maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000.

When you consider military home loans there may be a couple of things you need to take before applying for a loan.

• Obtain a certificate of eligibility if you have been discharged from military duty.
• Work with the bank of your choosing on a qualified military of VA loan.

Are you looking for a car loan?

Military personnel get exclusive access to military auto loans with competitive interest rates. Compared to other types of loans available to military personnel, military auto loans are the most popular. Auto loans for military typically incur lower interest rates and offer more flexible terms. Additionally, you can apply for your military auto loan over a secure online application.

If you decide to apply for military auto loan, make sure you have the following minimum information ready:

• Proof of service
• Permanent address of station
• Social security number
• Knowing your credit score beforehand can help negotiate better terms – Free Credit Check
• Reference contact information

Military personnel and their spouse should certainly take advantage of their military status and apply for a car loan to buy their vehicle. Without going through the traditional loan process, you can get the money you need for the down payment and the car of your dreams quickly -  apply for a loan today

Bad credit military auto loan

If your credit is less than perfect, there are lenders who are willing to provide a loan if you are prepared to pay a slightly higher interest rate. Even with bad credit, a military auto loan is still possible.

Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the military auto loan before signing for it. And as a word of caution, always read the fine print of the loan agreement. Consider the duration of the loan, confirm the interest rate, and other additional fees. Once you are comfortable with the terms and payment conditions, sign the papers, get the keys…and drive off in your new car and cruise around town!!

With a loan up to $10,000 you can pay a sizeable down payment for an auto loan. The more you put down, the lower your monthly payment will be. For every $1,000 you bring to the table, your monthly payment reduces by roughly $22.50 per month.

Apply for a loan today – click here

Active duty military loans give military service members the ability to borrow cash in advance well ahead of payday. Because of their active status, tens of thousands of men and women qualify for financial relief, in the form of a military loan, so they can focus on their task at hand, serving and protecting our country.

Approval for a loan for active duty soldiers is much easier, quicker and with better interest rates.

Applying does not cost you a dime. In just under 15 minutes, you will have completed your online application. And based on approval, you can get the money you need within 24 hours, deposited into your bank account. This process is free to any active duty member of the U.S. military. There are no hidden fees when you apply.

Branch of Service

Whether you are in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard you are considered in active duty and there is a loan just for you. You can get money for a new house, medical bills, tuition, computers, cars or anything else. Your life does not have to come to a halt.

Pioneer Services has spent more than 20 years exclusively serving the military community and many of their associates have even been a part of that community. In fact, they boast a combined 500 years of military experience.

This experience means they truly understand the unique lifestyle and needs of active-duty and career-retired service members. Every day, their associates strive to make a difference in the lives of service members and their families through their involvement in military-focused organizations, by providing a voice for issues within the community, and by offering free financial education and affordable loans.

Apply now.

Every year, thousands of soldiers like yourself will relocate to a new military base. If this is your first time relocating yourself or your household, do not underestimate the little things that can increase the cost of moving. Remember little things add up – and the last thing you need is to add the burden of scrambling to find extra money for the relocation.

Things like packing boxes, rental car, hotel, and other last minute items can creep up and make your moving experience sour.

More Moving Expenses

There are few costs that you may not have considered, and should. If you have family pets, you will want to consider quarantine costs for Fido. If you’re moving to a smaller place, renting costs for storage is probably something to consider. Many people have mobile homes and want it shipped. But the government will not pay for replacement parts, tires, repairs and maintenance performed en route, except for labor cost to repair tires and inner tubes.

Get the money you need to move you and your family today.

A moving loan for military service members can help you deal with practically every unexpected costs of moving. But you will still need to make sure your out-of-pocket expenses and the loan amount is sufficient for the move.

Even if you have less than stellar credit they will likely qualify for a loan to relocate to your new home base. However, the interest rates associated with this type of loan will likely be higher than other loans provided to well qualified military personnel.

Take advantage of your military status and get a personal moving loan up to $10,000 to help you with unexpected expenses and miscellaneous items.

Submit loan request today – Click here »