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Archive of How To Invest and Save Money Articles
• Inflation’s Impact on Social Security and Retirement
Keep in mind that, as your social security benefits increase, so does the cost of living and all of your other expenses, so review your budget accordingly.... more
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• How COVID Has Changed Year-End Car Buying
Supply chain issues due to COVID have changed year-end car buying, so make sure you research all of the options before purchasing a new or used vehicle.... more
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• The Importance of Writing a Will
Writing a will can help ensure that your appointed executor can transfer your assets to your chosen beneficiaries in a timely fashion.... more
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• The Ins and Outs of Probate
When making out a will or appointing an executor, It is important to understand how probate rules vary according to the size of a decedent’s estate and the state where you reside.... more
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• Things to Consider When Passing Real Estate on to Heirs
Whether by sale, through a trust, or by gift, consider the many options to transfer real estate to your heirs, but be sure to take into account the tax ramifications of each option.... more
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• What Is a Quitclaim and Does It Make Sense for You?
When looking at transferring real estate, quitclaim deeds may be a viable option, keeping in mind that they lack the warranty protections of traditional deeds.... more
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• What You Should Know before Choosing a Financial Advisor
Hiring a professional advisor can be essential to your financial planning, but make sure you understand how they are compensated before making this important decision.... more
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• Things You Should Know About the Child Tax Credit
Find out if you are eligible for advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, and what you may need to do if your income has changed significantly in the past year.... more
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• How Returning to Work after Retirement Could Impact Your Finances
Returning to or continuing to work while taking early Social Security benefits may impact the amount of your benefits and your tax liability.... more
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• What You Should Know about the Two Types of Mortgage Insurance
Make sure you understand the distinctions between private mortgage insurance and mortgage life insurance before financing your new home.... more
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• How to Manage Money as a Couple
Starting a life together as a couple requires a discussion about finances and how you will handle joint expenses, even if the conversation can be difficult at times.... more
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• COVID Has Been a Wakeup Call Regarding the Importance of Wills
The importance of wills and other estate planning documents has been proven during the pandemic, and younger adults have especially taken heed during the past year.... more
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• Taxation of Long-Term Capital Gains
When selling a taxable investment, whether stock, rental real estate, or fine art, hold the asset for at least a year to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment.... more
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• How to Handle an Inheritance
If an inheritance is in your near-term future, make sure you have first ascertained your long-term financial needs and goals before spending any of the funds.... more
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• How to Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Fraud with Help from...
The Internal Revenue Service has expanded its Identity Protection Pin program to enable you to protect yourself against tax identity fraud.... more
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• Why You Should File Your Taxes Sooner Rather Than Later
Although federal tax filing deadlines have been extended, and most states have followed suit, filing earlier reduces the risk of tax identity theft and refund fraud.... more
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• Bad Credit? Why You May Want to Consider a Credit-Builder Loan
For individuals with no credit or bad credit, a loan that acts as a mandatory savings vehicle may be appropriate so long as the monthly payments can be made in a timely manner.... more
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• Beware of SIM Swapping
Although two-factor authentication with your mobile phone is a common verification practice, beware of criminals illegally obtaining your phone SIM card and your information.... more
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• Why Women Should Approach Saving for Retirement Differently Than Men during...
Women who are no longer working because of caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic should review their expenses and retirement savings allocations.... more
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• Steps That Can Help Keep Your Credit Score Higher
Even if you are not using your credit cards much during COVID-19, it is still important for your credit score to pay bills on time and use less of your available credit.... more
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• Steps to Take to Protect Older Adults against Fraud and Identity...
The increase in online activity during the pandemic has resulted in a corresponding increase in cybercrime, with older adults especially vulnerable.... more
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• Prenups Aren’t the Only Way to Secure Premarital Assets
Consider an asset protection trust prior to marriage as an alternative to a prenuptial agreement if you have significant assets to protect in the event of a divorce.... more
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• The Importance of Debt Management
As the pandemic continues to affect employment and savings, make sure you are choosing and using your credit cards wisely to manage expenses and existing debt.... more
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• Things to Consider Regarding Student Loans as Federal Relief Comes to...
Whether you have federal or private student loans, the end of the Cares Act relief period and current low interest rates make it a good time to reassess your payment options.... more
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• If COVID Has You Saving More, Make Sure You Are Doing...
Staying at home during the pandemic has created forced savings, so it is important to know where to find the best return on your money.... more
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• Why You Need to Step up Your Precautions When Using Mobile...
With the onset of the pandemic and social distancing, it is important to be aware of and take safeguards against the increase in fraud and cyber theft when using mobile banking apps.... more
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• Important Measures You Should Have in Place Regarding Your Healthcare
The pandemic reminds us how important it is to have healthcare directives in place, such as a healthcare proxy and a living will, in case of a medical emergency.... more
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• Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Write Your Will
Taking the time to properly write and execute a will ensures your assets will be distributed according to your final wishes, whether you do it yourself, or hire an attorney.... more
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• Beware of Unemployment Claim Scams Even if You Aren’t Currently Unemployed
As the pandemic continues, along with continued government financial assistance, watch out for criminal activity involving unemployment insurance payments and your bank account.... more
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• How to Use Social Security as a Temporary Income Source Before...
During the current coronavirus economic crisis, you may want to consider alternate sources of income, such as a temporary application for early Social Security benefits.... more
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• How COVID-19 Changes the Way You Can Use Your FSA Contributions
With social distancing and stay-at-home orders affecting spending on childcare and healthcare, the IRS is allowing changes in the amounts set aside for Flexible Spending Accounts.... more
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• CARES Act Provides Charitable Incentive to Help Charities While Also Helping...
Now is a good time to review your charitable giving and also take advantage of CARES Act changes for both itemizers and non-itemizers that will be effective for 2020 tax returns.... more
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• Mortgage Relief Options during COVID-19
Temporary mortgage forbearance may be available for some impacted by COVID-19, but it is important to understand all of the details before utilizing this option.... more
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• The Importance of Educating Teenagers about Online Fraud
The long months at home have increased your teenagers’ time online, and the importance of educating them about social media scams and cybersecurity.... more
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• How the CARES Act Can Help You
Look to new financial assistance from the government to help you through the COVID-19 crisis, including expansion of unemployment insurance benefits and economic stimulus payments.... more
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• Unemployment Insurance Is Not Tax Free
Depending on where you live, your unemployment benefits may be subject to both federal and state taxes, but they are still a valuable safety net in the current job environment.... more
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• Using Credit Wisely During Times of Uncertainty
If the current Covid-19 crisis is impacting your finances, temporary use of your credit cards may be necessary for day-to-day living expenses.... more
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• How to Approach Your Retirement Investments Amidst a Major Downturn
With the current turbulence in the stock market, continue to invest in your retirement account, but review your portfolio allocation and get professional advice.... more
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• Options for Your 401(k) Plan When Changing Jobs
When changing employment, be sure to review your 401(k) plan retirement plan options, such as keeping your current plan or opening up a new plan, so as to avoid taxes or penalties.... more
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• Things to Consider before Combining Finances with a Significant Other
Younger couples are nowadays less likely to combine their finances, but there are both advantages and disadvantages to holding everything jointly, or keeping accounts separate.... more
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• The Importance of Outlining Your Digital Life for Beneficiaries
Before converting your paper documents to a digital format, make sure they are stored safely and your beneficiaries will have the information necessary to find and access them.... more
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• Simple Steps to Defend Yourself Against Internet Fraud
As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, it is important to be vigilant in protecting your financial information when opening email links, creating passwords, and paying bills.... more
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• Why You Should Consider Making Your Child’s Allowance Electronic
You can now teach your children about budgeting, pay their allowances electronically, and help them manage money online with a variety of new apps designed specifically for kids.... more
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• How Your Home Should Factor in Estate Planning
When planning the disposition of your home, your estate plan should take into account the expectations of your heirs, the terms of your mortgage, and whether to set up a trust.... more
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• Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Pay Off Debt or...
Before you think about investing for retirement, first pay down credit card debt, build up a six-month emergency fund, then allocate the minimum to your company’s 401(k) plan.... more
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• The 411 on Medicare Part A
As you near retirement age, it is important to familiarize yourself with the original Medicare option, Part A, which covers inpatient hospital stays and urgent care.... more
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• Steps You Should Take Before Applying for Medicare
Medicare costs and services can vary widely depending on the type of Medicare plan and providers you choose, so do your homework before signing up.... more
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• Things to Know About Enrolling in Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare is an important part of your retirement planning and can be dependent on whether you or your spouse are covered by an employer’s insurance plan.... more
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• Things to Consider When Determining When to Begin Taking Social Security...
When to retire and take social security is an important personal decision dependent on various factors, including your financial and physical health, and the year you were born.... more
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• Things to Consider If Moving Is Part of Your Retirement Plan
Keep in mind location, size, proximity to family, healthcare resources, and overall costs if you are thinking about moving after retirement.... more
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• Self Employed? Consider a Solo 401(k)
If you are self-employed, with no employees other than a spouse, you can contribute to a Solo 401(k) plan, allowing you to defer current income while saving for retirement.... more
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• The Importance of Proactively Ensuring Your Cybersecurity
Taking proactive steps, such as using stronger passwords and adding two-factor authentication, can pay off in the long run with increased security for your personal information.... more
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• How to Improve Your Child’s Financial Aid Situation
College is an expensive proposition, so it is important to know the rules and time frames for qualifying and applying for financial aid in order to maximize your child’s amount.... more
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• Why You Should Consolidate Your Holdings and Periodically Review Beneficiaries
The named beneficiaries on your financial accounts will inherit those accounts at the time of your death, despite what your will states, so a periodic review is important.... more
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• What to Look for in a Financial Advisor
When choosing a financial advisor, take into account the difference between a registered investment advisor and a wealth manager, the fees charged, and the products offered.... more
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• What to Think About When Budgeting for a Wedding
The high costs of weddings require careful planning and budgeting, such as considering loans, lower-cost venues, event insurance, and perhaps even longer engagement periods.... more
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• Make Sure Fees Aren’t Eating Away at Your Retirement Savings
401(K) plans are a great way to save for retirement, but pay attention to the fees that are charged on your managed investment portfolio to ensure they are not excessive.... more
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• Why You May Want to Think Twice Before Purchasing Long-Term Care...
Despite the longer life-spans and increase in chronic illnesses for older Americans, the high costs of long-term care insurance need to be carefully weighed against the benefits.... more
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• Simple Ways to Profit from Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to tidy up, review financial papers, throw out unneeded items, and make some money by holding a yard sale or selling items online.... more
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• Tax Benefits of 529 Savings Plans
State-sponsored 529 Savings plans, offering federal and state income tax benefits, can help parents maximize savings in preparation for paying for their children’s education.... more
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• The Importance of Continuing to Save for Retirement Even When You’re...
Spousal IRAs permit non-working spouses a way to continue to save and receive tax benefits even when taking a break from employment.... more
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• How Reverse Mortgages Work
Senior homeowners can defer interest payments and access the equity in their home through these types of mortgages that provide a source of cash after retirement.... more
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• The Importance of Maintaining a Low Credit Utilization Ratio
The percentage of revolving credit you use can impact your credit score just as much as paying on time, even if you pay all of your balances in full each month.... more
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• How Taking Inventory of Your Finances Now Can Pay Off in...
Now is the time to review your tax filing situation and make adjustments, such as maximizing your retirement plan contributions, in view of changes enacted at the end of 2017.... more
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• Be Aware of the Latest Fraud Tactics
The newest cybercrime tactic, used to impersonate the IRS and defraud individuals and organizations, involves using tax transcripts that are infected with malware.... more
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• Ways to Use Your Credit Cards Wisely
Whether it is building up airline miles or lowering interest rates, choosing and using your credit cards wisely can positively impact your debt management and your credit rating.... more
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• Why Stay at Home Parents Should Consider Spousal IRAs
Spousal IRAs allow someone who is working to contribute retirement savings on behalf of a non-working spouse, or a spouse whose income is minimal.... more
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• Be Careful What You Share on Social Media
Cybercriminals are utilizing surveys and quizzes on social media to obtain your personal information, such as passwords, that could lead to hacked accounts or identity theft.... more
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• Basics About Charge-Offs and Why You Want to Avoid Them
Charge-offs can affect your good credit rating, and remain on your credit report for up to seven years, even if your debt is ultimately paid off by a collection agency.... more
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• Why You May Want to Consider Exchange Traded Funds
One major benefit of investing in Exchange Traded Funds is they provide a less expensive and lower risk way to invest in diversified stocks.... more
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• A Look at Some Popular Types of Trusts
Various types of trusts are available to assist you in maintaining control of your assets during your lifetime, shielding them from probate, or reducing estate and gift taxes.... more
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• The Impact of Divorce on Financial Aid
Did you know that a parent's divorce, separation, custodial status, or remarriage may impact the amount of financial aid your college student can qualify for?... more
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• Are You Saving Enough for Retirement?
Do you have enough saved for the retirement lifestyle you will want? Learn what to factor in and how to calculate the savings you will need when the time comes.... more
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• The Importance of a Rainy Day Fund
Do you have a six-month emergency savings fund? Most Americans don't, but financial advisors recommend that you prepare for the unexpected.... more
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• Maximizing Social Security Benefits for Married Couples
Determining when to take Social Security is an important financial decision, impacting not only how much your benefit will be, but also the amount of your spouse's benefit.... more
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• Why You May Want to Consider Establishing a Trust
No longer just for wealthy families, trusts can be utilized to transfer assets without the delays of probate, and to reduce estate and gift taxes.... more
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• The Importance of Planning for the Worst
The importance of having a will cannot be over emphasized, particularly for anyone who is married or a parent.... more
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• Why You May Want to Increase Your Insurance Coverage
There are so many different types of insurance and so many various plans and coverage for each. Researching for the best plan that suits you and your needs is important.... more
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• Things to Consider if You Have Student Debt
Got student debt? Here are a few things to consider when trying and pay your student debt down quicker.... more
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• Why ETFs Can be an Appealing Way of Accessing Stocks
If your goal is access to a diversified portfolio of stocks, ETFs can be a good way to achieve this.... more
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• Why You Should Access an Industry Specific FICO Score Before Borrowing
Do you know about your multiple different credit scores? A lot of people do not realize that you have different credit scores that are specific to different types of loans.... more
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• What You Should Know About Medical Savings Accounts for Medicare Holders
A Medical Savings Account could be the answer for Medicare holders.... more
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• Proactively Manage Your Credit
It is important to take steps to proactively manage your credit. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help improve your credit.... more
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• The Importance of Teaching Kids to Save Money
Teaching your children about money at an early age is very important. That includes cash, credit and debit cards and how they work.... more
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• A Few Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
You need decent credit for pretty much everything. Learning how to improve and boost your credit score is a responsible thing to do.... more
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• What You Should Know About Self-Directed IRAs Besides the Fact That...
Are Self-Directed IRA's right for you? Learn some of the facts about them and see if they would be beneficial to your investing portfolio.... more
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• Watch Out for Automatic Renewals
One major way to save some extra money is canceling your automatic renewals. There are probably a handful of subscriptions that were once free that you now are paying for without realizing.... more
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• A Few Things to Consider on the Financial Front Before Getting...
If divorce is in your future, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your finances before splitting up.... more
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• Whom Should You Name as a Trustee?
Who will you name as your trustee?... more
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• What are Digital IRAs and Should You Use One?
If you are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies then doing so through digital IRAs is the safest choice. Buying shares through that creates a tax shield for profits earned on an investment as well.... more
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• What is Bitcoin and Should You Invest in It?
Bitcoin is a digital alternative to cash. Now with its increasing popularity, it can be used as a method of payment and can purchase certain goods or even to make investments.... more
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• The 411 on 401(k) Plans
When it comes to retirement savings, it doesn't get any simpler than a 401(k).... more
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• Why You May Want to Consider a Roth IRA for Your...
you can jumpstart your child's retirement savings by contributing to a Roth IRA beginning in their childhood.... more
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• Simple Ways to Boost Your Savings
There are several things you can do to help increase the amount you are able to save for the future without going to crazy extremes to make it happen.... more
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• Why Younger Americans Shouldn’t Count on Social Security When Planning for...
The Social Security program has declined so much. The younger generations should not be counting on any significant payouts down the road.... more
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• Does Your Homeowners Policy Adequately Cover Your Personal Property?
Everyone should have homeowners insurance, which usually covers everything you keep inside of your home.... more
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• What You Should Know About Social Security Benefits and Taxes
A common misconception is that when you retire, taxes go away. Unfortunately, they don't. Factoring taxes into your retirement plan is a necessity.... more
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• Few Americans' College Savings Match Their Goals
The majority of Americans plan to cover a good portion of the cost of their child's college education. Most will fall short of their goals if they do not seriously step it up... more
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• Reasons to Consider Setting Up a Trust
A Trust can make it much easier for your heirs to redeem the assets left to them once you pass. Check with your financial advisor if a Trust will be beneficial to you.... more
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• The Importance of Good Credit
Learning about and managing your credit score will be extremely beneficial.... more
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• Reverse Mortgages - What They Are and How They Work
A reverse mortgage can be an attractive option for older individuals. If you have a lot of equity built up in your home but not much money saved to live off of this could be your answer.... more
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• How to Avoid Spending Too Much of Your Salary
Creating a budget based on your income, routine expenses, and any money left over can be very useful.... more
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• What You Should Know About Long-Term Care Insurance
Americans are living longer than any other point in history which means that you should give serious consideration to purchasing long-term health care insurance well before reaching retirement age.... more
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• Why You Should Consider a Financial Advisor to Map Out Your...
Seeking help from a financial advisor can offer you a peace of mind for your retirement.... more
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• Long-Term Planning for Special Needs Children
Long-term planning for a special needs child leaves a lot to be considered. Plan ahead accordingly to solidify the needs of your child long after you're gone.... more
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• The Benefits of Knowing Lending Rates Before Buying a Car
. By making a quick stop to your bank you can find out your options for a better interest rate and ultimately save you money.... more
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• What is Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Do You Need it?
While Medicare will cover many of your medical expenses, the odds are pretty good that it won't cover all of them so you may want to consider Medicare Supplement Insurance.... more
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• The Importance of Reviewing Your Financial Plan Each Year
Finical planning is something that needs to be checked and reviewed often, don't make the mistake of forgetting about it.... more
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• How to Teach Kids About Credit
Children are like sponges, so take advantage of their willingness to learn and start to teach them about how credit works while they are young.... more
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• Estate Planning for Single Parents
Estate planning is essential, however, when you are a single parent it is crucial. There are various tasks that are vital to your children's well being should you die unexpectedly before they are old enough to care for themselves.... more
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• Simple Ways to Protect Your Identity
Protecting online passwords, setting up alerts on credit and debit cards and updating your anti-virus software will help protect you from identity theft.... more
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• College Savings Alternatives
Careful planning for college tuition costs using 529 Plans and the Uniform Gift to Minors Act will maximize your savings in smart, tax efficient ways.... more
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• Your Next Financial Advisor Could be a Robot
Robo advisors can provide basic financial advice and are usually free of charge.... more
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• The Importance of Visualizing Your Retirement
Establishing a big picture plan for your retirement allows you to get a better idea of how much money you need to make those plans a reality.... more
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• Why You Should Consolidate Your Retirement Plans
It's important to consolidate your 401(k) plans before you end up paying more than they are worth.... more
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• Claiming Your Parents as Dependents
Should you find yourself taking care of your aging parents within your home, you may find some reprieve by being able to claim them as dependents. From medical expenses, home safety renovations, cost of food and living expenses all amount towards a tax break when caring for your parents.... more
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• The Middle of the Year is a Good Time to Determine...
Taking a few minutes to examine potential changes to your tax situation ahead of time could make next year's tax season far less painful when it finally arrives. If changes have occurred within your family you could end up owing much more than you thought so don't be surprised with a big tax bill co... more
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• Why You Need a Budget
Making and maintaining a budget is key to both business and personal finances. Without a budget, you could be losing money on unnecessary expenditures and not maximizing your savings and investments.... more
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• Why You Should Consider a Budgeting App
A budgeting app could be exactly what you need in order to stay true to your budget. Available on both Android and iPhone, a budgeting app can link directly to user banking accounts and retirement accounts with real-time information with monitoring systems and alerts when you go over budget.... more
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• Who Needs a Wallet?
Tired of carrying your wallet? With wearable’s such as wristbands with radio-frequency identification chips and chip imbedded ceramic rings, the need to carry around a bulky wallet will be a thing of the past.... more
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• Why You Probably Want to Consider a Prenup
A Prenup should be considered by any couple where one or both partners are entering into the union with any kind of savings, investments or real estate in their name. Should things not turn out as planned you risk having to split everything you had prior to your relationship.... more
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• Certain Federal Employees Are Eligible For Loan Forgiveness
If you are a federal employee or work for a qualified public service organization, you may qualify to have your student loan debt forgiven. Check here to see if you qualify.... more
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• Why Buying a Home Isn't Necessarily Your Best Bet
There are several factors you should consider before rushing out and buying a house and taking on a mortgage.... more
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• Beware of the Grandparent Scam
The Grandparent Scam is finding its way back to the fraud books.... more
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• Not All IRAs are Created Equal
Check out the easy to use myRA and start saving for your retirement. With a low opening investment and the ability to deposit on your terms, myRA is changing the way we save for retirement.... more
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• Why Millennials Need to Focus on Saving for Retirement
It cannot be stressed enough that saving for retirement is a must. However, millennials are holding off due to high student loans and poor paying jobs. If your company offers a 401k plan, use it! Otherwise, start your own IRA. The sooner you start, the better off you will be.... more
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• How to Start Managing Your Debt
Take a hold of your debt and begin to manage it responsibly. Utilize strategies such as budgeting, refinancing, and account transfers for a lower interest rate. Maintaining a good credit rating is essential should you need a personal or business loan down the road. It is best to start now and begin ... more
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• Reasons to Think About Actively Managing Your 529 Investments
When investing in a 529 account, you may want to consider a more active approach than the typical age-based portfolio option.... more
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• Why Old Debts Could Come Back to Haunt You
Maybe you have got an old debt you never paid, but it is beyond the statute of limitations so why worry? Well, perhaps it IS time to worry. We have the reason why.... more
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• Don't Miss the Opportunity to Recoup College Costs Through Your Taxes
You may be able to recoup some of your college costs through a tax credit.... more
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• Yet Another Reason Why it Doesn’t Pay to Ignore Unpaid Taxes
Like it or not, there is no escaping taxes and the government's reach... more
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• Why EMV Chips Won’t Eliminate Credit Card Fraud
Your EMV chipped credit cards are still vulnerable to online fraud.... more
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• The IRS Will NEVER Call You
You are watching TV one night and the phone rings. Your caller ID says it is the IRS and the voice on the other end says the same thing, claiming you owe back taxes. Do not believe it for one second! It is a scam.... more
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• Don't Go into Debt for Holiday Shopping
Holiday shopping is inevitable, but going deeply into debt doesn't have to be part of it. We have some ways to help you get those presents without overspending.... more
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• Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early?
You would think paying off your student loans ASAP is a great idea. However, it may not be the best course of action for all graduates.... more
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• Should You Consider a Pension Buyout Option?
Which pension buyout option best fits your situation?... more
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• Credit Reports and Credit Scores Are Not the Same Thing
Credit reports and credit scores may sound like the same thing, but they are not and you need to understand the differences. Let's take a look.... more
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• You're Never Too Young to Learn the Value of Money
Teaching young children about the value of money is a lesson that will grow with them throughout life.... more
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• Email Scams
As technology evolves, so do the tricks used by scam artists to rob you. Email purchases are now one of the most dangerous places to make purchases. Here are some ideas to keep you safe.... more
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• Where to Save Your Rainy Day Funds
What is the best way to save for a rainy day?... more
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• Beware Of Companies That Promise to Eliminate Your Debt
You know about ads from outfits saying they can lower the interest rates you're paying on your credit cards? Well, Uncle Sam has spoken and he's saying don't believe it!... more
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• The Importance of a Rainy Day Fund
We rarely think about personal disasters. Reality, however, tells us we need to. That brings us to setting up a rainy day fund.... more
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• How to Improve A Poor Credit Score
Your credit score can be improved with some attention and diligence.... more
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• Why You Should Check All Your Options Before Signing Up For...
Sure, many companies offer life insurance as a benefit. While rates may be lower as a group participant, there are other points to consider before signing up.... more
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• Some Basic Facts Women Should Consider About Investing for the Future
Women need to think about saving and investing differently than men.... more
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• Why You Should Periodically Review Your Will
You should review your will periodically in order to make any necessary changes.... more
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• What Is COBRA and How Does It Work?
If you are laid off, healthcare coverage under the COBRA program is there for you. However, the costs are high and some do not qualify. So, let's examine COBRA.... more
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• What is a 403 B Plan?
The pros and cons of a 403(b) plan.... more
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• The Risks of Borrowing from Your 401K
Borrowing from banks has become a nightmare for most of us. But before you start thinking of dipping into your own 401(k), think twice. Here is why.... more
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• Why You May Want to Consider a Safety Deposit Box
If you are seeking security in this high tech world, why not consider an old fashioned form of security. It is time to discuss safe deposit boxes.... more
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• Timing Matters for Big Ticket Purchases
There is an old saying that timing is everything. That is quite true when it comes to many big ticket items you are considering purchasing.... more
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• Why DIY Is Not Necessarily Your Best Bet
With all those television do it yourself shows, you would think it is the way to go. Maybe it is, and maybe not. Let's examine some pros and cons of DIY.... more
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• The Basis of Annuities
An Annuity is just one investment catered to saving for retirement. Do your homework and see which investment is right for you.... more
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• Steps You Can Take To Make Yourself a Less Likely Victim...
Credit card fraud is rampant, but by taking these few steps, you can improve your chance of staying safe.... more
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• Why Paying the Minimum on Credit Cards Can Cause Maximum Damage
Given the power of compounding interest and the damage it can wreak to your finances.... more
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• Know What Stock Gains Mean for Your Taxes
Taxes on capital gains will vary from state to state. Make sure to research your individual situation so you are aware of what taxes you are expected to pay.... more
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• What is the Homeowners Rebate?
A Homeowners Rebate program is used as a way of providing property owners a bit of tax relief by either exempting a portion of the taxes they owe.... more
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• Why You Should Take Advantage of Employee Stock Programs
Invest cautiously in your company's stock plan. Take advantage of the discounted rate available to employees. Also do your research to make a wise investment.... more
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• Identity Theft Alert: Why You Should Be Cautious When Shopping at...
Always keep track of your credit/debit card transactions and be cautious of any unfamiliar transactions, however minimal they might be.... more
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• IRS Scam: The IRS Will Probably NEVER Call You Directly
Do not ever give your information to anyone over the phone claiming to be from the IRS... more
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• Safeguarding Your Identity
Follow some simple rules to reduce your exposure to identity theft and having your credit card information compromised.... more
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• A Rough College Savings Guideline
How much and how soon should you start saving for your children's college education?... more
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• Paying a Little Extra Toward Your Mortgage Can Make a Big...
Any extra principal payments applied to your mortgage will make a difference in the end.... more
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• The Risks of Cheap Auto Insurance
We have seen the ads with cute lizards and online savings claims, but are those car insurance policies giving you the protection you really need?... more
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• Checking on Your Identity
Identity theft is running rampant and has ruined the lives of tens of thousands of people. We have a simple plan to help you protect yourself.... more
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• Life Insurance Trusts An Attractive Alternative to Estate Taxes
There are some serious death tax issues we would like to discuss with you, including life insurance trusts.... more
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• When Selecting Homeowners Insurance Low Cost Usually Means Poor Coverage
Fifteen minutes for a car insurance quote is one thing. When it comes to homeowner’s insurance, the best plan is to spend a lot of time and do a lot of homework. We have details.... more
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• Whole Life Insurance the Alternative to Term Life Insurance
To determine if whole life insurance is right for you, contact a qualified financial advisor or ask an insurance representative... more
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• Simplified Employee Pension IRAs: The 401(k) Alternative for the Self-Employed or...
there is still a tax-beneficial retirement savings option available to you: Simplified Employee Pension IRAs.... more
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• What to Know About Your FSA
FSAs, flexible spending accounts, are an easy way for you to set aside a set pre-tax amount from your paycheck each week to be used for family child care.... more
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• Should You Tap Your 401(k) for a Loan?
The point of putting money into your 401(k) is to make sure you do not touch it and that it continues to grow on your behalf.... more
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• What is a 401(k)?
401(k) plans are personal retirement investment plans offered by employers that carry tax benefits for the individual funding them.... more
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• Are Identity Protection Services Worth Their Costs?
Most identity protection services provide little more than monitoring of consumers’ credit reports. Something you can do yourself for free.... more
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• How Today's College Funding Vehicles Add Up
there is a ton of variables and funding options that need to be considered before even setting aside that first dollar.... more
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• Stocks & Bonds: The Basic Building Blocks for Any Retirement Portfolio
When you are putting together your pension plan, you need to remember that a combination of stocks and bonds is the smartest way to go.... more
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• College Funding
a ton of variables and funding options that need to be considered before even setting aside that first dollar.... more
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• Maintaining Your Identity
Maintain your identity by keeping an eye out for any questionable activity on your monthly statements, credit reports, and bank accounts.... more
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• Know the Basics When Choosing Life Insurance
Take all factors into consideration when determining how much life insurance you need.... more
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