Money is really tight, and you’re struggling just to survive. Then you remember that you’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in your retirement accounts. Can’t you somehow access that cash? The short answer is yes. But should you? Probably not. “If they’re going to do so, they really should be … [Read more...] about When is it OK to take money from retirement accounts?
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How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
With home values rising, more Americans have equity in their homes. That has generated plenty of cheers from homeowners, and it has also brought back the home equity line of credit as a popular option for the first time since before the Great Recession.Americans took out $23.4 billion in home … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
How to choose a travel rewards credit card
For years, I've had a credit card affiliated with Delta Airlines and been happy with it. Each year, I earned thousands of frequent flier miles and a free companion certificate (basically a FREE ticket). Plus, I could check one bag per person in my party for free when flying and received discounts on … [Read more...] about How to choose a travel rewards credit card
When it pays to refinance your mortgage
Mortgage rates have been hovering near historic lows for five years. While the current average rate of 4.19% for a fixed, 30-year mortgage is not the lowest it has ever been – that was 3.35% in December 2012 – it’s still lower than at any time between 2010 and 1971, when Freddie Mac started keeping … [Read more...] about When it pays to refinance your mortgage
14 moves to get your home sold faster
The peak home buying season is over, but you still want to sell your house before the first snow falls. Even in a slow season, there are steps you can take to sell your home quickly. How can you make it happen?First, of course, you want to make sure your home looks its best. “Curb appeal is … [Read more...] about 14 moves to get your home sold faster
Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
The TV pitchmen make it sound like the easiest thing: Use your home equity to finance your retirement through a reverse mortgage, and stay in your home without ever making a payment. What they forget to mention is a reverse mortgage is not nearly that simple. While it is a great way for some older … [Read more...] about Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
18 ways to get free stuff
You don’t have to pay a cent to feel like a valued customer or boost your buying power. Getting freebies is as easy as going online, joining a loyalty program, or, in some cases, simply walking into a business and asking for a service. Here are some freebies you may have overlooked.Ease your … [Read more...] about 18 ways to get free stuff
28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
Want to shine a spotlight on good times? Family fun takes center stage with these no-cost options. Here are a variety of ways to watch movies and TV shows, take a class, earn gift cards or find movies, music and more, all for free!Movies & TV Get a chance at passes to free movie … [Read more...] about 28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
When to claim Social Security
As retirement approaches, you’re going to face a big decision: At what age should you claim Social Security benefits?Do you start drawing Social Security at age 62, as soon as you can, or do you wait until you reach your full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 for people born after 1942? Or … [Read more...] about When to claim Social Security
How to maximize credit card rewards
When it comes to credit cards, if you’re pretty good at paying your bill on time and keeping your debt load manageable, you’re ahead of the game. But are you really getting the most from your perks and rewards programs? If the answer is no, you’re like most card users, says Matthew Goldman, CEO of … [Read more...] about How to maximize credit card rewards
7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money. But you can waste money, too, if you don’t plan your purchases and buy what your family will use. Here are seven tips for maximizing your savings and avoiding pitfalls when it comes to buying large quantities of product.1. Plan your list and your … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
How to organize an estate sale
An estate sale, estate auction or tag sale is an efficient way to break up a household. An estate liquidation company runs the sale in exchange for a percentage of the proceeds. Depending on the area of the country and the number of items in the house, the commission may range from 25% to 45% of … [Read more...] about How to organize an estate sale
How to choose the right place to retire
A generation ago, retirement was more defined. You had a last day of work, collected your gold watch and headed for a planned community in Florida or Arizona. But the baby boomer generation is heading into a much different kind of retirement. Modern technology has made it easier to move to another … [Read more...] about How to choose the right place to retire
How to save money on plumbing repairs
Leaking pipes won't just run up your water bill, but can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in water damage to floors, walls and ceilings. Fixing running toilets and dripping faucets can cut your water bills considerably. But, how do you know when to tackle repairs yourself and when to … [Read more...] about How to save money on plumbing repairs
Where to get a free car seat inspection
You read the manual and installed your baby’s car seat, but how do you know it’s safe? According to the CDC, child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. One study showed 72% of 3,500 observed car and booster seats were misused in a way that could increase risk of injury. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Where to get a free car seat inspection
