Free Budget Kit Helps with Spending, Retirement One Million Budget Kit CDs to be Given Away at www. freebudgetkit. com
As part of an effort to help Americans retire in style, FamilyFN – America’s Family Financial Network – is giving away one million copies of its Quick & Easy Budget Kit CD at www. freebudgetkit. com.
(PRWEB) February 4, 2005
“Many consumers are worried about retirement and it’s no surprise given that benefit programs are changing or being eliminated altogether,” says Jennifer Openshaw, CEO of FamilyFN, author, and frequent financial commentator on CNN. “Our giveaway will help one million Americans start the New Year right financially and plan their retirements – without it costing them anything.”
Whether a college student, professor, teacher or retiree, the Budget Kit, made for even the most inexperienced computer user, is perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to get their budgets under control. The Budget Kit can be ordered at www. freebudgetkit. com free of charge through February 15, 2005. Standard shipping and handling of $4.95 applies. The complete Quick & Easy Budget Kit (workbook and CD) retails for $24.99 and will be in bookstores in February.
A survey conducted on behalf of FamilyFN found that 75% of consumers expected to prepare a budget in 2005 but 13% of them wanted help. Consumers also said their top financial priority in 2005 was to save more (33%), followed by paying down debt (28%).
“Consumers are hurting financially – whether it’s the former teacher who saw retirement benefits taken away or the family that lost its primary source of income,” said Openshaw, who also serves as a columnist for CBS MarketWatch and is host of the Public Television Show, “What’s Your Net Worth?” “Their number-one concern is keeping spending in line – not just to keep afloat but to get ahead.”
The survey also found that:
45% say they are very or somewhat worried about finances heading into the New Year 20% felt they spent more than they could afford through the holidays 36% felt at least some emotion played a role in their holiday spending
“Managing your spending through the holidays and into the New Year is like going on a diet,” says Openshaw. “It's all about controlling what you consume and putting good, healthy proteins into our bodies. For retirees, it’s about making sure we can make ends meet and enjoy a bit of the Golden Years on limited incomes.”
Some 96% of Americans will retire financially dependent on the government. With many large companies reducing or simply eliminating retirement benefit programs, retirees will carry a greater burden for their financial security.
FamilyFN said that many retirees are ordering the free Budget Kit not only for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren.
“We’ve been amazed at the thousands of orders, many from retirees who are thinking about their loved ones,” said Openshaw.
Openshaw added that good budgeting can result in good credit and, ultimately, lower interest rates. ThatÂ’s because spending more than you can afford leads to debt. Too much debt and late payments impact your credit and, ultimately, the interest rates you pay.
“Out-of-control spending will easily result in bad credit,” says Openshaw. “Just a few late payments, maxing-out on credit cards, or having too much overall debt can easily result in thousands of dollars in higher interest charges. Do yourself and your credit history a favor this New Year: control your spending.”
Finally, Openshaw says there are times when budgeting makes the most sense. These include not just when starting a new year, but also when facing a change in income or a life event. A divorce, death of a spouse or a job loss are important times when people need to revisit their spending.
FamilyFNÂ’s mission is to bring objective, conflict-free advice at a fraction of the price to middle-income Americans. To learn more, visit www. freebudgetkit. com.
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