Every human resources department in the country has a story about a happy former spouse who finds out that she or he has inherited money from the ex.  Make sure that your benefits go to the right people.  Check your designations at least yearly.  Since it’s the start of a new year, why not now? 

[Read more →]

Ever wondered why that family down the street always seems to be in such good shape financially?  Chances are, it has nothing to do with how much they earn.  It’s much more likely that they agree on spending, have a budget and stick to it.  There’s lots of computer software available for budgeting, and this […]

[Read more →]

Is buying a house always your best financial option? It depends on you and your life.
Does this sound like you?

I’m much more likely to pay a mortgage than I am to put money aside for saving and investing
I like working on a house and think renovations should be made with esale value in mind
I plan […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]

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 […]

[Read more →]