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Few of us can afford to spend without regard to our outflows. As a result, that means that many of us need to save up when we want to make a big purchase. Whether it’s saving up for a new computer, being prepared to make car repairs as needed, going on a family vacation, or …
One of the hallmarks of a “traditional” retirement is the idea that you stop working. You quit your job, and then ride off into the sunset, ready to relax on some beach somewhere — or at least make eternal rounds of your kids’ and grandkids’ homes. But is this the type of retirement you want? …
It’s a new year, and there are a lot of new innovations related to finances and investing. It seems like every few months there’s a new disrupter on the block, looking to capitalize on technology to change the face of investing. As an investor, it’s a good idea to know what’s available to you — …
In August 2014, my husband got his first “real” full-time job as a professor. He worked as an adjunct professor for a few years, without receiving benefits. Our health insurance was paid for through my business. We bought our insurance on the open market, utilizing resources available to individuals and to the self-employed. We didn’t …
Chances are that you are well aware that your credit report is important, and that it is the basis for your credit score. However, there are some things that many consumers aren’t aware of when it comes to their credit reports. Understanding your credit report, and how it works, is an important part of managing …
It’s a brand new year, and the world is full of people who have made it a financial goal to pay down their debt. While making debt paydown a priority can be good for your finances and your life, it also makes sense to take a step back and consider the way you are looking …
We’ve all received those credit card applications in the mail. The marketing packet tells you that you’re “prequalified” for a credit card offer. It seems like the perfect setup. You want a new card — maybe it has a better interest rate, or a better rewards program — so you apply. You figure you’re a …
I’ve been trying to phase out my checkbook. I don’t often use cash or check because there are so many other ways to pay that are so much more convenient. However, since moving to Pennsylvania, my checkbook has been making something of a comeback. I was surprised, upon moving here, at some of the changes …
For the last several years, the Federal Reserve has kept its Fed Funds Rate low. However, things might be changing in 2015. There is talk that the Fed is finally ready to think about hiking rates. A couple of years ago, there was a great deal of excitement about the taper of the asset purchase program, …
Do you feel stuck in a career rut? It’s easy to feel as though you are just marking time in a job. If you want to get out of that career rut, you need a plan to take things to the next level. If you are ready to take your career to the next level …
Most of us are deep into holiday planning right now, and have no desire to think about taxes. However, before the year comes to an end, it makes sense to take your taxes for a test drive. You should take the time to determine whether or not you are likely to owe money. If you …
This year’s holiday season is in full swing, and you might be wondering what you can do to reduce the amount that you spend on gifts. As your extended family grows, and as you end up with other obligations, it might be difficult to feel as though you can afford to spend a great deal …
One of the financial and life milestones we are expected to prepare for is retirement. While not everyone wants a “traditional” retirement that involves sitting around doing nothing and living off a nest egg, chances are that you will need to find some way of creating revenue to support yourself. It makes sense to plan …
Investing is one of the best ways to build wealth over time. It’s one of the few ways that you can put your money to work for you in a way that allows you to take advantage of compound interest to the degree that it overcomes inflation. On top of that, if you start early …
For many people, it’s open enrollment time for health insurance. This is a time when you review your health plan, and decide whether or not you need to make changes. My husband’s plan is up for review right now (this is the first time we’ve gone through open enrollment with an employer; it’s exciting), and …
When it comes to paying down debt, we often focus on how much we can save in interest. However, we often forget that there are some types of debt that actually come with tax advantages. While it’s not exactly a dollar-for-dollar benefit, the reality is that the financial impact of interest can be reduced when …
FICO 9 is on the way, and this could be a positive thing for your credit — at least if you have medical debt. Right now, the way medical debt is weighted in the scoring system, it could have a big impact on how financial services providers view you. But that could be changing as …
It’s probably happened to you at some point: A bill falls through the cracks. I know it’s happened to me — and more than once. Occasionally I’ll get busy and forget about a bill, or I’ll just be behind, and put off my regular financial tasks, and a bill or two will be late as …
