The decorations, the shopping mall and, of course, all those screaming retail deals mean it is time for consumers to start their holiday shopping. One of the few good things about a sluggish economy at holiday time is that it underscores the need to consider what’s really essential. It’s not just about being frugal; it’s […]
Web-Only Banking – Advantages and Disadvantages
Most American banks offer online banking services, but now there are banks that exist only online, and you get a good many of the services offered by traditional brick-and-mortar banks. You can scan and deposit checks and transfer funds at any time, and on any day of the year. There are savings, checking, and money […]
Insurance Coverage for College Students
Be sure to contact your insurance agents for a review of coverage for your college student. If your student goes to a college more than 100 miles away and doesn’t take a car, your auto insurance premiums can drop significantly (20% on average), and he or she will still have coverage when home for the […]
The Stock Market Correction of 2015
Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence Investors were in sell mode ahead of the weekend, and again on Monday, as the major US stock markets sold off substantial amounts and officially entered the technical definition of a market correction (which means dropping 10% from the stock market’s previous high water mark). This was the first stock […]
Leaving A Different Kind Of Legacy
As you prepare your estate documents, along with the usual gifts of personal property and financial assets, there is another bequest you may consider that can be just a valuable. One of the most loving gifts you can give to your family is a clear and comprehensive written “Legacy”; specifically a life’s narrative to be […]
Retiring to a College Town
Retirees are flocking to university towns, drawn by the intellectual life, health care, culture, and youthful vibes. They are looking to some of the nation’s most dynamic college towns for intellectual stimulation, top-shelf medical care, and new homes. According to one Oregon couple, “Why not move to Austin, Texas?”, and spend the time enjoying the “cultural […]
Money “Wasters”
Nearly everyone has holes in their budgets… And as with other kinds of leaks, you may have hardly noticed some of them. But those small drips can quickly add up to big bucks. The trick is to find the leaks and stop them so you can keep more money in your pocket. Here are a […]
Rethinking the Tax Refund
Everybody loves a tax refund. But as good as it can feel to get a fat check from Uncle Sam; the best strategy for maximizing your dollars in many cases is to minimize your tax refund. A tax refund typically means you have been paying more than the appropriate amount of income tax to the […]
Helping Grandkids Pay for College – A Quick Course for Grandparents
With college tuition costs continuing to escalate, grandparents are taking a more active role in helping to fund a college education for their grandchildren via vehicles such as a tax-favored 529 savings plan. More than half (53%) of grandparents are saving or plan to start saving to help pay for college costs, Fidelity reports in […]
Retired, But Not the Retiring Type
For today’s generation of people who are nearing retirement or already there, the decision about whether to keep working isn’t as clear-cut as with prior generations. We live in an era where working during retirement is a viable option for people into their 60s, 70s and beyond, as findings from a 2013 study conducted by […]