Credit and Personal Finance Blog | Credit Karma

December 27th, 2012

Sound Advice from Unlikely Sources: The Big Bang Theory

 

Ever since I started working at Credit Karma, I’ve rapidly learned about financial matters and now find it difficult to not connect finances to the things I love. The Avengers and your accounts’ affairs? Affirmative. Family and finances? Finished! It was only a matter of time before I turned to one of my favorite TV shows, The Big Bang Theory.

Although the popular sitcom is centered on some very intellectually smart characters, it struck me that they are not always money-wise. Here are a few ways you can be smart, no matter what your IQ level is.

Need some extra cash? Play to your strengths!

Penny may not be the smartest member of the circle of friends, but she’s smart enough to know that her spending is far greater than her salary at the Cheesecake Factory. Because of this, when several co-workers and a small store become interested in buying her homemade flower barrettes, she decides to start her own business, believing it might pay more than waitressing.

Likewise, when Leonard comes up with a great idea for a new smartphone app, he and his friends jump at the opportunity to develop the app themselves to earn some extra money. Although their reasons for wanting more money aren’t exactly… noble (Raj would use the money to give girls rides on a submarine), their entrepreneurial spirit is what counts.

If you are hard-pressed for cash or just want some extra pocket money, why not follow suit and start your own business? Selling hand-crafted goods is easier than ever if you take advantage of sites like Etsy and Storenvy.

Not the crafty type? Try registering to become a TaskRabbit, where you can earn money shopping, waiting in line, or doing practically anything you could imagine!

Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of ways to earn money doing things you love and are good at. All you need to do is look!

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May 25th, 2012

“Duets” – Money Lessons from Singing Superstars

The premiere of “Duets” on ABC showed that even we regular folk can sing with the likes of John Legend, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Nettles and Kelly Clarkson. Here’s how the new music competition works: Each star chooses two singing partners—protégés they hope to mold into music’s next big thing.

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May 16th, 2012

Sound Advice from Unlikely Sources: The Avengers and Credit Card Debt

Last Saturday, I went to see my first superhero movie ever! Yes, you read that right. I have never seen “Superman,” “Spiderman” or any other superhero film. But when my friend invited me to go see “The Avengers,” I figured that there would not be a better superhero movie to start with; it’s chock- full of superheroes, like the Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America.

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March 23rd, 2012

Frugality – The Hunger Games Way

In case you’ve been living under a rock, “The Hunger Games” movie came out this week. For those who have been living one soil layer below said rock, “The Hunger Games” is the first book in a trilogy series by author Stephenie Meyer—whoops!—I mean Suzanne Collins.

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November 30th, 2011

Sound Advice from Unlikely Sources: Twilight and Credit Cards

I hate Twilight as much as the next non-tween, but I’m going to glean every last bit of knowledge from it. Did you know that “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1” is one of the best sources for credit card advice? It’s true! (Kinda. Also, contains spoilers. Not that you can spoil what’s already terrible.

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October 26th, 2011

Sound Advice from Unlikely Sources: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

Halloween is upon us, and with it comes kids in mutilated bed sheets, Milk Duds getting traded for the vastly superior Junior Mints, and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on TV. Regardless of whether you think Peanuts is a meditation on innocence or childhood alopecia, the cartoon has a wealth of advice on personal finances and fiscal responsibility. Sound like a stretch? Read on:

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