There are as many opinions about money as there are family members, and everyone has their own priorities about spending money.  Take some time to have a family meeting about money. 

Set a time
Pick someone to lead it
Set an agenda
Take notes
Set goals as a family
Be straight with your kids about the family finances.  If you have […]

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The following questions will help you and your partner get on the same page when it comes to the important lessons you want to teach your children about money. They will also help those of you raising children alone to clarify your beliefs and values.

What do we think is important for our child to know […]

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There are dozens of ads on TV, in magazines and on the radio about websites offering “free” credit reports, but most of these sites want to sell you services.  There is one site that’s the real deal, however.  That’s Annual Credit Report https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp , a website set up to comply with government regulations.  It is the only […]

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Are you taking full advantage of your spending accounts at work? If not, you should. Flex and qualified transportation accounts allow you to put aside pre-tax money to pay for qualified medical, dental, and dependent care expenses.
Let’s say you have a $20 co-pay for a doctor’s appointment and you’re in the 25% federal marginal tax […]

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It’s October 28th, and already there are holiday decorations in the stores.  Are you ready?  What happened to your wallet last year?  Did you spend more than you planned?  A few tips:

Think about non-cash gifts.  Does a family member need help more than a new sweater?  Give gift certificates for shoveling the driveway or shopping for […]

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My husband Joe and I are on vacation in Germany this week.  There’s a lot on the news here about “Energie Sparen” (saving energy).   With the price of oil near record highs, winter on its way, and the publicity about Al Gore’s winning the Nobel Peace Prize, it’s a subject on everyone’s mind.  Stacey and […]

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Stacey just sent me an article from the Wall Street Journal that talks about an increase in 401(k) loans.  401(k)s and their cousins, 403(b) and 457 plans, can offer loans to participants.  The cost of the loan is generally something like the prime rate plus a percentage or two.  Even better, the interest charged normally goes back […]

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For money you need quick access to - for emergency funds and other liquidity needs - you generally want the highest interest rate you can find with the least restrictions.  But since most savings accounts are taxable, your tax bracket should also be considered.  For people who are in high tax brackets or who live in areas […]

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Let’s say that you stop to buy a muffin at the health food store every morning on the way to work.  It’s a good muffin, and it costs $2.00.  If you buy that muffin 5 times per week, and 50 weeks per year, your annualized muffin cost (AMC) is $500.   How much would it cost […]

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If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me that… 
I don’t think the markets are predictable, except over the long term.  In the short term, I believe the ups and downs are more indicative of the psychology of investors than they are of global economic health. 
So, how are YOU reacting to the wild swings […]

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