If you have reviewed your household budget lately, you might have been amazed by how many recurring monthly charges have added up over the years. One that jumped out at me recently was the amount we spend for my home security system's alarm monitoring.ADT service starts at about $30 a month. … [Read more...] about Save money with your own home security system
Money
How to say ‘no’ and teach your kids about money
We’ve all seen it, and if you’re a parent, you’ve certainly experienced a similar scene: Kid melts down, whining in the store that he must have a candy bar, toy or whatever is important in the moment. As the noise escalates, the parent gives in to avoid embarrassment. That’s no way to teach your … [Read more...] about How to say ‘no’ and teach your kids about money
Get tax savings with solar or wind energy systems
With today's available tax credits, this is a good time to install renewable energy upgrades, such as a solar power system, solar water heater, wind energy system (turbine) or geothermal heat pump. Through 2016, homeowners can take advantage of tax credits for residential systems. Additionally, … [Read more...] about Get tax savings with solar or wind energy systems
4 ways to stop old collection calls to your new phone
No one likes to get calls from debt collectors, because it means you’re behind on your bills. But getting calls to your new phone number all day because it used to belong to someone who didn’t pay their bills can be a total nuisance. With more and more phones in use, carriers now recycle old numbers … [Read more...] about 4 ways to stop old collection calls to your new phone
How to handle money when traveling the world
I love to travel, and I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to do a lot of it. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot of things about how to handle money abroad. If your summer plans include travel to another country or two, these tips may help your trip be a little smoother – and a little less … [Read more...] about How to handle money when traveling the world
What happens when she makes more? An interview with Farnoosh Torabi
For a lot of historic and cultural reasons, men on average make more money than women. But averages are just that, and in many families, the wife earns more money than the husband. This shakes up traditional relationships, and not always for the better. How should people deal with that?Farnoosh … [Read more...] about What happens when she makes more? An interview with Farnoosh Torabi
Who needs long-term care insurance?
Long-term care insurance is a complicated topic. If your assets are low, you may not need it because you will qualify for Medicaid with little fuss and you probably need the money you would spend on premiums to live. If you are wealthy, you're probably better off spending your own money on long-term … [Read more...] about Who needs long-term care insurance?
How and when to sign up for Medicare
Think of it as a birthday with benefits. You turn 65 and you are finally eligible for Medicare. Signing up can be a breeze – under the right circumstances. Or it can be a confusing hassle.Lori McGinnis, a counselor with SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs), a federally funded program that … [Read more...] about How and when to sign up for Medicare
How to buy and sell a house at the same time
Now that the real estate market is climbing out of the doldrums (or now that your family has grown by a member or even a few), you may be ready to buy a new home.But do you sell your old home first? Or do you buy and then sell?“It’s always a tough choice to make,” says Anthony Vitale, senior … [Read more...] about How to buy and sell a house at the same time
Free and low-cost consumer advice publications
Did you know our tax dollars support the Consumer Information Catalog? The government offers hundreds of FREE and low-cost (as low as $1.50) publications. However, most are FREE. The focus is to help consumers make informed decisions on many topics, including cars, computers, education, employment, … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost consumer advice publications
Changing careers? Know the income potential
If you’re thinking of going back to school, or have a college-bound senior in high school, you should know the opportunity for financial payback from the career you choose. PayScale's 2013-2014 College Salary report is out, and the fiscal news is good for some careers (not so much for others).If … [Read more...] about Changing careers? Know the income potential
New rules for buying a house in a sellers’ market
It wasn’t so long ago that you could shop for homes at your leisure, offer significantly below asking price and end up with a bargain.No more.In many parts of the country, buyers outnumber sellers, and homes listed for sale in the morning may be under contract by lunch. Homes in good … [Read more...] about New rules for buying a house in a sellers’ market
10 ways to get your retirement plan back on track
Back in 2001, David Raether was a comedy writer for the TV sitcom "Roseanne," earning $300,000 a year. He and his wife and their eight children lived comfortably in a big house in an upscale suburb of Los Angeles.That was before the recession, before Raether lost his career, his home and his … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your retirement plan back on track
‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
Although the true tightwad saves up money before buying anything, that doesn't work for most of us all the time. Sometimes, a refrigerator breaks down before we have time to save for a new one, the couch of our dreams goes on sale two months before the bonus check arrives, or a retailer is offering … [Read more...] about ‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
3 tips for repaying private student loans
By Reyna Gobel, Wise BreadRepaying private student loans can be confusing. Most of what you hear in the news applies to federal student loans. So where can private loan borrowers get information on repayment? From their lenders.Since private student loans are essentially bank loans, it’s up … [Read more...] about 3 tips for repaying private student loans
