BUDGET

Customers of T-Mobile USA could expect to pay a higher price to keep their cell phone now that AT&T has announced its plan to acquire the wireless company. AT&T announced on Sunday its plans to purchase T-Mobile from telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom for an estimated $39 billion in cash and stocks.

New Wireless Entity to Be Biggest in U.S.

American workers may receive raises in 2011 after experiencing salary freezes in 2010 or earlier, according to a new survey from Towers Watson. The survey, released by the human resources consulting firm on Thursday, revealed only 5 percent of companies plan to continue freezes for all of their workers this year while a few more expect to continue freezes for executives or other segments of their firms.

Merit Pay Increases Expected to Average 3 Percent

Ever have that feeling that the sun, moon and stars are lining up in a way that is preventing you from good fortune? Do you ever feel that people born around the same time seem to have all the luck when it comes to personal finance?

If you like reading about horoscope signs then you know that astrologers believe that how the planets were lined up when you were born is connected to every aspect of life, including finances. Want to know how your sign fits into the equation? Let’s take a look at each zodiac sign to find out more.

This post comes from Michael, chief editor of DoughRoller.net, which helps consumers find the best online banks available today.

You hear and read it everywhere: “If you want to save money, look at the little things. They add up! Consider how much you’re spending on that latte!”

A childhood dream most people hold onto is one day becoming rich. The idea of acquiring millions of dollars seems like the best way to gain a ticket to eternal happiness. Unfortunately, many people who actually gain those riches, including some celebrities, realize their money can easily slip through their fingers if it’s not properly managed. That’s why those who have gained both fame and riches, yet still maintain their frugality, always come out on top.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with remaining frugal while possessing a lot of money. In fact, taking tips from stars who still live well within their means could help you stick to a budget when managing much less money.

There are quite a few financial deadlines to remember over the course of 12 months and it’s probable you’ve missed one or two in the past. Are you familiar with the sense of panic that accompanies waking up on April 15th and realizing you haven’t started your taxes? Did you forget to max out your retirement account contributions last year? If you need some assistance remembering all your important 2011 budget and planning dates, here’s a quarterly calendar to keep you on track.

Q1 2011 (January-March)

Photo Courtesy of Ethan0026 via Wikimedia

Recent data regarding consumer debt from a Consumer Reports survey, released just before the new year, revealed some startling facts about how the holiday season affects our bills. By the end of 2010, 13.6 million people had still not paid off their holiday debt from the year prior.

As you’ll see below, while about two-thirds didn’t bother to set a holiday budget (first mistake), a large number of those who did so still went over anyway. It seems Americans have a big problem when it comes to overspending.

Worrying about how finances need to be managed is a common beginning-of-the-year concern. Many people create their New Year’s resolutions with personal finance somewhere in the picture, which is actually a great idea. The only problem is if money was their enemy in the past, the idea of making new financial decisions can feel overwhelming.

A great way to overcome this feeling is by creating a love affair with finances. By thinking about the great benefits that money provides and how paying bills can make life easier–not more difficult–along with what it is doing for you instead of to you, you could very well fall in love with your finances.

Right now, many of us have been “scared straight” by the recent recession. We are spending less and saving more, paying down debt and changing some of our poor financial habits. Further, while concerns about the economy are abating to some degree, many people still feel the pinch. As a result, many people are still solidly in saving mode.

But the recession will end sometime, and the urgency to save will likely fade. For the sake of your finances, though, you should remain in recession savings mode. Here are some things to be aware of as you start feeling better about your financial situation and the economy: