As parents, we want our children to be successful and happy in life, but teaching them financial independence often gets put on the back burner. Many parents wait until their children are graduating from high school or leaving for college to begin talking about money management. Here are three tips to help your children forge [...]
First, there’s the school wrapping paper sale. Then Girl Scout cookie sales. Then the big spring gala. They are all worthy causes, of course, but how do you budget for seemingly constant school fundraisers, especially if you have multiple kids in different schools? As shrinking state and federal budgets take their toll on schools, parents [...]
Sometimes we find ourselves with a little extra cash through a tax refund, a bonus at work, or some other unexpected windfall. What are you going to do with all of that money burning a hole in your pocket? Treating yourself is sometimes nice, but there are often smarter ideas for money management. Those who [...]
Taking financial advice from someone takes a lot of trust—trust you shouldn’t give someone just because he or she has a business degree. There are plenty of financial planners that don’t make the grade. These red flags will help you decide whether you can trust your planner or whether it’s time to move on to someone else [...]
When wondering how to plan for the future financially, always remember to spend less than you earn and pay down your debt. Q: My wife and I have been married more than 30 years, but we don’t have any kids. In our adult lifetimes we have owned 11 homes in the United States and United [...]
If you haven’t been to a thrift store or garage sale lately, now’s a great time to explore one. Why? Many families de-clutter after Christmas, so they donate or consign items to local second-hand shops in the spring. As the weather improves, garage sales also start popping up like spring crocuses. If you’re a little [...]
When you decide to share your life with someone, there’s a lot to get used to. However, there are few things that upset your life more than the disagreements that can come along with money management. Whether you decide to combine finances or keep things separate, it’s smart to come up with a shared household [...]
Your best friend faces an unexpected car repair and just needs some “floater money” until her next paycheck arrives. Your nephew is still building his credit and needs someone to co-sign his application for a new phone. Would you help either of them out? Both are seemingly innocent requests, but they can lead to big [...]
Is there another recession ahead? We're dealing with weak growth, but there are some positive signs the economy is turning around. Not according to Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects and a senior research fellow with the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard. To the contrary, he believes positive signs [...]
Ten simple and easy ways to save money. Money-saving tips to show you how to save money and reduce your debt. It’s America Saves week - the perfect time to get on track financially and jump-start your savings. The easiest way to do that is to go back to money-saving basics. Use these 10 simple and easy [...]
