How Can People on Government Assistance Save for Retirement?
“Where are the best places for people on state assistance to start saving for retirement? I’m looking for something with low starting balances and low monthly transfers to the account. Do you recommend any financial companies, savings accounts, government-issue bonds, stock market?? I am so confused!” Submitted by Jessica L. I want to acknowledge your…
Read MoreHow to Prepare for Tax Season with Tax-Savvy Financial Moves
It’s the beginning of the year, which means (among other things) that tax season is approaching. This year especially brings a lot of uncertainty with new tax regulations. Here are a few things you can do now to make tax season a breeze. Check how changes in tax laws will affect you Tax law changes…
Read MoreAre you ready for tax time? The scammers are too!
The end of the year often feels hectic. We’re spending time with family, celebrating the holidays, and planning for the coming year. This is exactly what scammers rely on to separate you from your hard-earned money. What to do with a possible scam The first step to staying ahead of scammers is to be very…
Read MoreShould I use money in a mutual fund to fix my basement?
“I have some money in a mutual account that I transferred from an IRA account. I want to use some of this money to fix my basement. Should I?” Submitted by Pauline B. I’m going to have to make a few assumptions here to respond to your question. It seems you transferred funds from an…
Read MoreHow do you know if life insurance is a good choice?
“How do you know which life insurance is good for you?” Submitted by Migdalia C. Life (and other) insurance policies are a way to protect your assets. If you think about your decision this way, you’ll have the information you need to make the best decision for you. What are your needs? Consider these questions:…
Read MoreHow will filing for bankruptcy affect my retirement?
What is your perspective about filing for bankruptcy in regards to saving for retirement? Submitted by Chris C. When it comes to any financial decision, everything affects everything. Kudos for thinking about the impact of bankruptcy on retirement planning. The decision to file bankruptcy is a big one, as it will impact your financial life…
Read MoreHow to Be a Holiday Hero while Sticking to a Budget
Holidays can be filled with both joy and stress. As a starting point, think about the end of the holiday season. How do you want to feel? What experiences are important to you? And of course, what do you want your credit card balance to look like? What are the holidays about? As you go…
Read MoreHow to Negotiate a Raise
I always like to say that there are only three things you can do to change your financial situation: make more, spend less, or a combination of the two. But making more money can be easier said than done. It could mean finding a new job, gaining additional skills, or working more hours. Let’s dive…
Read MoreInvesting 101: Stocks, Bonds, and More
One of the most common questions I get asked is about investing. How should I start investing? What investment options do you recommend? What is a low-risk investing option? Don’t worry, we’re going to get there. But first, let’s start with something more basic. Investing is a means to an end, not an end itself…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know about Unemployment Benefits
If you lose your job, there are resources out there to help you stay afloat financially as you plan your next steps forward. Eligibility and Applications Unemployment benefits and eligibility requirements vary state-to-state, so choose your state to start the process of checking your eligibility and applying for benefits. Generally, unemployment benefits are available to…
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