Have you received a letter from your credit card company cutting your credit limit, increasing your minimum payment or shortening the time your next payment is due? This is not due to your credit or payment history. The credit card companies have joined the ranks of problem companies.

They are shortening their payment due dates, so pay attention when your next statement comes in, so you are not late in paying. One friend of mine got hit with a late fee and a significant interest rate increase due to being one day late!

If your credit limit was lowered or your minimum payment raised not due to anything you have done, call the credit card company, especially if you have been with them a long time, and find out why. If you need the higher credit line, see if you can’t get them to reverse this decision, or comprise on a higher limit but not maybe as high as you once had.

So many people today are relying on their credit cards to eat. Make sure you have the credit ready…just in case.

Single Women face the biggest financial challenges, according to a study recently released by the Consumer Federation of America. Why? The average income earner cannot afford to live on her earnings and it is becoming much more difficult for the average single woman to save for emergencies, let alone for her retirement.

4 areas to save money and create your stash.

1. Put all of your change in a large jar and fill it up, then deposit the money in your savings account.

2. Go to a cash system. It is proven when we pay for everything with cash instead of credit, we are much more careful as to what we buy. The dollars saved by saying “no” can make the difference in an emergency.

3. Shop to get the best rates on insurance, groceries, and more. Now is the time to be clipping those coupons.

4. Consider another revenue source, be it a part time job or some outsource work from home. You can be in control of your time and have the opportunity make a few extra dollars.

What might have looked like a “no-brainer” investment as little as 18 months ago has now become a major headache as a weak real estate market has turned sour for many speculators. Those who don’t understand the rental market can get themselves in real trouble.

Here are 4 ideas to help you get the property rented as well as one area never to compromise:

1. Hire a professional property manager who understands the local market and will play straight with you. Ask how many properties they have managed, how many investments properties do they own, and would they be willing to take you on?

2. If you are going to manage the property yourself, or cannot find a pro, price the rent under other rentals in the neighborhood so you will get some prospects. You might also consider allowing pets (of course, not attack-trained animals) as many landlords do not allow pets.

3. Offer a discount for paying early. This technique still works for me! $25.00 off the rent per month might hurt, but that is better than a vacancy for months on end.

4. Be flexible on the term of the lease. You may have to go longer, shorter or even month to month in order to get a qualified tenant. Everything these days is negotiable.

One warning: despite market conditions never compromise your screening process. Do whatever is necessary to make sure your tenant can afford the rent and will take good care of the property.

With the way things are these days, the rental real estate market is tough. Do what you can to get income in the door.

Having a bad day? Psychologies Magazine provides four helpful tips to help you get through it!

1. Feel it. The first thing to do when the day turns sour is to acknowledge your feelings. Be sympathetic to yourself.

2. Step away. Ask yourself if there is anything you can do about whatever is causing the bad day. Imagining what you could avoid or do differently helps regain a sense of control.

3. Distract yourself. Going for a walk, listening to music, chatting with friends are all ways to take your mind off of negative events. However you can distract yourself, do it.

4. Avoid indulging. It’s tempting to find solace in food, drink, a cigarette or whatever other vice to help get through a bad day, but this can actually make things worse.

We all have an occasional bad day. Hopefully these strategies outlined here will help you get through the next one!