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How to avoid impulse buying - January 2008
Once in a while, we all make purchases on a whim. When such purchases are the exception rather than the rule, impulse buying rarely develops into a significant problem...
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Do some financial housekeeping for the new year - December 2007
With the new year fast approaching, now's a great time to assess your household finances and prepare...
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Are zero interest credit cards a good deal? -November 2007
Competition among credit card companies is making zero interest credit cards commonplace. But are these cards always a good deal...
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Avoid these 401(k) mistakes - October 2007
With traditional pensions going the way of typewriters and eight-track tape players, it's more important than ever to take charge of your retirement savings...
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What's smarter? A rent-to-own plan or using your credit card - September 2007
Should you buy that new washing machine or sofa using a rent-to-own plan? Or should you pay with a credit card...
Develop three habits to stay out of debt - August 2007
Staying out of debt is simple, but it’s not easy. It requires fortitude. It means foregoing impulsive purchases in exchange for long-term financial freedom. Staying out of debt requires that you deny cravings...
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What you need to know about private mortgage insurance - July 2007
If you’re in the market for a home, you’ve probably heard of private mortgage insurance or PMI. It’s insurance that protects lenders — not borrowers — if the mortgage...
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Paying mortgage points: A good idea for the borrower? - June 2007
Typically, banks and other financial institutions offer borrowers the option of purchasing discount “points” in exchange for lower mortgage rates...
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Emergency savings -- how much is enough? - May 2007
We all need an emergency fund, but what's considered "an emergency?" Any unexpected hit to your finances, including layoffs, unanticipated illnesses, and natural disasters...
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Homeowners: Don't make these insurance mistakes - April 2007
Catastrophes, thefts, natural disasters, accidents, fires — they happen. If such misfortunes strike, a well-researched and up-to-date homeowner’s insurance policy can keep your family’s finances afloat during trying times...
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Need more retirement income? Check out a reverse mortgage - March 2007
The boom in housing markets across the country has made many older Americans house-rich and cash-poor. Reverse mortgages provide a way for seniors to tap their home equity for home improvements, health care expenses, and additional retirement income...
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Credit cards for college students? Be sure you know the risks - February 2007
Should a freshman in college have a credit card? Opinions are divided, both among parents and financial advisers. It's a situation that can work out really well or really badly, depending on the student and the parents...
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Try a different gift idea this year - January 2007
Are you searching for gift ideas for the holiday season? It’s never easy, especially for older children and teenagers. They’re too old for toys, but do they really need another sweater or computer game...
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Retirement saving is more important than ever - December 2006
It’s never been more important to save for retirement. Baby boomers are set to strain the social security system in the years ahead. Studies repeatedly show that we fail to save enough on our own for retirement...
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There are new wrinkles on the Roth IRA - November 2006
Roth IRAs have been around since 1997, but two recent changes may make them even more attractive. First, let’s recap why you might consider a Roth...
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Avoid these mistakes in your 401(k) plan - October 2006
Participating in a 401(k) or similar retirement plan is a great way to save for retirement. And these tax-favored plans are likely to become even more commonplace as a result of the recent pension reform law. But surveys show that many employees fail to take full advantage of the saving opportunity. Here are five common mistakes to avoid...
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Preserve Your 401K Savings When You Change Jobs - September 2006
Changing jobs can be a stressful event. A new boss, new co-workers, and new benefits to sign up for. These days you might well have one more decision to make — what to do with your 401(k) plan...
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I-Bonds Could Fit Your Investment Goals - August 2006
In recent weeks fears of renewed inflation have upset the markets. If inflation has you worried, you should take a look at Series I U.S. savings bonds (I-bonds). They’re not the right investment for everyone, but they might have a place in your portfolio...
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How to Develop the Saving Habit - July 2006
Do you save regularly? Developing a saving habit is one of the best things you can do for your financial health. Yet studies show that the savings rate today is lower than it’s been for generations...
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Build a Cash Reserve for Financial Security - June 2006
Many of us are living close to our financial limit these days. We pay our bills on time, but there’s not a lot left over. But that’s a dangerous situation. If things go wrong, your financial situation can change very quickly from adequate to critical. Without a cash reserve...
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Get the Most Out of Your Investment Dollar - May 2006
When making a major investment, get the best bang for your buck. Is the asking price firm? Will the seller negotiate? How about a reduced price if you pay cash...
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Keep Score of Your Finances With a Personal Balance Sheet - April 2006
Do you know how much your net worth is changing from year to year? We all want to enter retirement with a comfortable nest egg, owning more than we owe. A good way to chart your progress toward that goal is to prepare a personal balance sheet at least every year...
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Are Your Beneficiary Designations Up to Date? - March 2006
Who have you designated as beneficiaries for your insurance policies and retirement accounts? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. But it’s worth checking. If you make the wrong decision, it could affect who inherits those assets...
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Diversify Your Investment Risk - February 2006
As you lay out your investment strategy for the year ahead, keep one important factor in mind. Make sure that you’ve diversified your investments. Diversification means not having everything invested in one stock, or one class of stock, or even one type of asset...
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Medicare Drug Plan - January 2006
Enrollment for the new Medicare Part D drug benefit is underway, and already a few things are clear. The choices among plans are complex and require careful study. But for many people, the new plans offer a valuable benefit that’s worth the effort. Here are a few basics to get you started...
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How Safe are Your Financial Records -- December 2005
The recent Gulf Coast disaster is a tragic reminder of how easily we can lose essential tax and financial records. Few places in the United States are free from some type of natural disaster, whether it’s a hurricane, flood, tornado, wildfire, or earthquake. Even a house fire can destroy important records...
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What the New Bankruptcy Law Means For You -- November 2005
Many people who filed for bankruptcy were living comfortable middle-class lives until they were hit by a serious medical problem or some other catastrophe. Here’s an overview of the major changes in the new law as they affect individuals....
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