Unfortunately, a media report found that these cards are being used in liquor stores, clubs, casinos and even cruise ships.

A new bill passed legislation that requires states to ban the ability to access government benefits at strip clubs, liquor stores and casinos.

“This legislation stops waste, fraud, and abuse within the welfare program,” said Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr., a Louisiana Republican. “It protects the public interest by ensuring money meant to help Americans get back on their feet is used for that very purpose.”

Some are saying that it is not fair to leave those with these cards to search high and low for an ATM. If the closest ATM is in a liquor store, some people say that they should be able to use it.

The week of January 21st had 377,000 people filing for first-time unemployment benefits. This is a 21,000 person increase from the week before.

“A clear increase this week was in the cards,” Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist with High Frequency Economics said in a note to clients. “What counts, though, is the trend, not individual weekly observations. And the trend is clearly downward.”

Throughout the worst times of this recession Unemployment Offices in the United States were filing as many as 659,000 individual’s paperwork for first-time unemployment benefits in a week.

Although we are making progress, there are still millions of Americans that remain jobless.

1. Do all of your research ahead of time.  you want to make sure that you take the time that you need to be sure that you can look through the circulars and the online ads to ensure that you can find the best deals.  If there is something specific you need be sure that you take time to find the product at a few different stores and compare prices.
2. Make sure that you do not get roped in by gimmicks.  Take the time that you need to be sure that you are not waiting in line just because you can receive a free gift that you do not really need.
3. Make sure that you take ads with you if you want a store to price match.  There are some stores out there that will price match, but you have to have proof of the other price.
4. Be sure to clip coupons as well.  Some stores will let you use coupons with their already discounted items. Make sure you call ahead to be sure you can use the coupon when you go shopping.
5. Do not be afraid to start by shopping online.  This way, you can be sure that you are getting the best deals no matter where you end up shopping.

The manufacturing report gave some boost to the stocks for just a few hours. The American economists anticipated some weaknesses and were surprised by the report. The success did not last for very long and the stocks started to fall promptly.

If the other European countries do not bail out Greece, the country will be completely bankrupt by the end of the year. The markets around the world will continue to watch with eager anticipation to see what happens with Greece’s economic situation.

In the end of September, movie rental mega-chain Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This news came with mixed reactions, as the chain has been extremely successful over the past 25 years since the first one opened in Dallas. However, online movie and tv viewing sites such as Netflix have been rapidly chipping away at their success. Many have wondered what would happen to the remaining Blockbuster stores which are still in operation. The CEO has stated that they plan to keep the remaining stores and kiosks open while they reorganize the company. Blockbuster plans to reduce debt from nearly $1 billion to about $100 million or less, by swapping debt for equity in a reorganized Blockbuster with bondholders that hold about 80% of the company’s senior notes. Blockbuster said that its 3,000 stores in the U.S., DVD vending kiosks, by-mail and digital businesses will all continue to operate. Operations outside the U.S. and domestic and international franchisees are not part of the Chapter 11 reorganization. Sadly, the glory days of movie rental chains are gone. However, there are still plenty of choices online for viewing the movies and tv shows you love.

1. 1. Find bridesmaid dresses online. Many people purchase bridesmaid dresses and then resell them online. You can save by purchasing these discounted dresses that have been worn once, and then reselling them when you are done with them as well.
2. 2. Do your own makeup and hair. Makeup and hair can be very expensive to get done professionally. By doing it yourself, you will save a lot of money and you will look more like your natural self.
3. 3. If you are in charge of the bridal shower, know that it is okay to do it cheaply. You can still host a very nice party on a budget. Look online for tips in ways to do this.
4. 4. Do not be afraid to say no if you cannot afford it. The bride and groom will understand if you cannot afford to be part of the wedding party. They are spending a lot of money themselves, but they may find a way to help you out.

Instead you may want to consider using cash. When you use cash you can physically see how much you are spending and keep a check on yourself. If you run out of cash, you will not be able to spend anymore without pulling out your card. However, put a ban on the card and try to stick to cash throughout each budget period.

If you can control yourself, credit cards can be very useful. However, credit cards should be used only in emergencies. If you cannot exercise control over your use of the credit card, give it to your spouse to hold onto or chop them up. By giving it to your spouse to hold on, you will still have it if you need it, but he or she will be a check on how often you use it. It may be difficult at first, but it will be worth living within your means.

1. Devote one hour to making the budget. Do not spend longer than this on it unless it is absolutely necessary or it may become too stressful. This time should be uninterrupted.
2. Both you and your spouse should write down their top three priorities. This should be done separately with no input from the other. These priorities should not be basics such as food, as those are a given priority.
3. Talk about each of your priorities. Do no belittle the other person for their priorities. Try to understand your spouse and their spending habits. This will save you a lot of frustration and you will be able to come to an agreement.
4. Together, combine both of the lists into one list.
5. Then, design the budget to cover the basics and these priorities.
6. Commit to the plan. If you or your spouse is not completely committed to the plan, there is not use budgeting. You may not be perfect at first, but as long as you strive to reach your goal you will be on the right path.
7. Review and adjust the budget as needed.

1. Pay off debt: Get rid of many of the credit cards that you each use by paying off those with the highest interest rates first. Instead of going into debt, put off big purchases until you can pay with cash.
2. Do not quit school: Loans used to pay for school are considered to be a “good” debt. In addition, these loans are tax-deductible. With the interest rates low, these debts are worth the pay raises you will receive in the future.
3. Budget: Create a realistic budget. Discuss this with your spouse. It may take some revision over a series of months, but a good budget can make all of the difference in your financial relationship with your spouse.
4. Insurance: If you or your spouse has a lot of debt, you will want to consider getting insurance. If you or your spouse dies, the debt they are responsible for will transfer to you if you are not insured.
5. Plan for retirement: Protect your future by preparing now. Start putting some money into a savings or retirement account. It will be worth it in the future.