Investing is a lifelong process. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be in the long run. It's best to start saving and investing as soon as you start earning money, even if it's only $10 a paycheck. The discipline and skills you learn will benefit you for the rest of your life. But no... Read More
Our Voice of Financial Reason
Tue, 11/22/2011
Home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. But before you start looking, there are a number of things you need to consider. First, you should determine what your needs are and whether owning your own home will meet those needs. Do you picture yourself mowing the lawn on Saturday,... Read More
Wed, 11/16/2011
Your credit score is a number that lenders use to gauge how likely you are to repay debts on time. It is derived from information compiled in a credit report, including your payment history (whether you have missed or been late with any payments for bills or loans), the amount you owe creditors... Read More
Wed, 11/16/2011
The Social Security Administration has stopped mailing out yearly statements, but you can estimate your retirement benefit online.
With growing uncertainty about the future of Social Security funding, the Social Security Administration (SSA) suspended mailings of its annual statements.... Read More
Thu, 11/10/2011
Many preretirees have unrealistic ideas about how much they will be able to withdraw for living expenses after entering retirement.
As retirees shift their focus from accumulating assets to creating an ongoing stream of income, many are not prepared to start planning from a new vantage... Read More
Thu, 11/10/2011
A 529 College Savings Plan may be an attractive vehicle for those looking to save for a child's education.1 If you have already committed college-earmarked assets to another type of financial vehicle, such as a Coverdell Education Savings Account or a custodial account for a minor... Read More
Wed, 10/12/2011
When it comes to preparing for retirement, the old rules about money have been thrown out. Baby Boomers and adults of all ages need a new framework to guide and motivate their preparation for long-term financial independence.
In the past, the goal of traditional retirement planning has... Read More
Mon, 10/10/2011
Individuals in mid-life and beyond are increasingly viewing retirement not as a time to relax, but as a time to explore their potential. It was Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, who gave us the term, "self actualization." He called it man's desire for fulfillment, "to become everything that one is... Read More
Wed, 09/28/2011
There are plenty of days when we want to “take that job and shove it.” But what happens when we’re sick of a job we’ve created for ourselves in a business we’ve founded?
The idea is to make a plan that allows you to get out before you tire of your company or... Read More
Wed, 09/28/2011
The strongest foundation for your financial plan is a growing awareness of the nature, influence, and importance of your values. Therefore, it is important to engage in thoughtful reflection in order to identify and clarify what is truly most important to you.
he next step is to allow... Read More
