We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
File Income Taxes Free
The state of Illinois has several places for those who qualify to file their taxes for free. If you make $35,000 a year or less, you can file your taxes for free through a variety of programs coordinated by the City of Chicago’s Tax Assistance Center and the Center for Economic Progress. Check out the locations throughout Chicago and the state where you can file your taxes for free.
Trading Commodities Like Soybeans, Gold And Pork Belly
Bored with stocks and bonds? Maybe it's time to try your hand at trading commodities. It's not for everyone but Ilyce Glink's conversation with Jim Rogers, author of Hot Commodities, just might pique your interest in commodities, commodity index funds and commodity mutual funds.
The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need
Personal-finance guru Andrew Tobias slams online trading and praises the Roth IRA in his newly revised The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need. Thi...
Fiancee Wants to Assume Half-Share of Mortgage
To assume a mortgage, certain conditions must apply. Generally, only FHA loans can be assumed. In other cases, you must refinance, or figure out another way to make the payments. However, when assuming a mortgage or purchasing someone else's share, make sure you don't trigger a "due on sale" clause.
Refinancing Small Loans
Lenders typically don't like to refinance low-cost mortgages because they take just as long but the lenders make a fraction of the money on them. If you still have time left to pay off the loan, taking out a home equity loan to pay off the balance of the loan might be a better option than refinancing. If there isn't much time left on the loan, it may not be worthwhile to refinance it.
Ways To Save Money
Here's a sample family budget. How can this hypothetical family save more money? Here are five great ways to save money that should help all of us.
Financing New Home After Retirement
There are several options for financing a new home after retirement. If you are looking to finance a new home after retirement, try not to withdraw from accounts where you will be forced to pay a large tax. If you can afford it, the best way to finance a new home after retirement, is to take out a mortgage, rather than withdrawing from retirement accounts.
Receive Social Security Via Direct Deposit
Getting your paycheck or Social Security check electronically through direct deposit has many benefits including safety. Hear the story of one senior who now receives her Social Security money electronically and really likes it. In addition, if all Social Security recipients received their cash directly into bank accounts it would save the federal government a lot of money in postage and printing expenses.
Seniors and Reverse Mortgages
Many seniors are living only on social security and each month are worried that they'll run out of cash before their next social security check arrives. Your retirement years shouldn't be the time that you wonder whether you can make it financially. Tapping into the equity of your home can help support you financially during your retirement years.
Talk Personal Finances Before Marriage
Getting married? Congrats! But before you take the plunge into marriage, it's smart to have a little talk about personal finances. Remember, most couples divorce because of money issues, so if you start talking about money before marriage, you'll be way ahead of the game.