Articles Index
5 Tips to Maintain Financial Momentum This Summer
When something is going well, you want to keep it going, right? So if you’ve started to seriously tackle you debt problem or started to funnel more money into your savings or retirement accounts you obviously want it to continue. But things can change in the summer.
Finding Individual Health Insurance
Finding health insurance when you're unemployed or self-employed can be a daunting task, but it's a necessity.
Mutual Fund Distributions Explained
Distributions from a mutual fund are earnings from the fund's operation. Unlike individual company who can chose either to retain the profit, or return it to shareholders in the form of dividend or through share buyback, a mutual fund is required by law to be passed on profits to investors.
Watch Out for Penalties for Cashing a CD Out Early
The biggest risks with certificates of deposit is inflation and interest rate risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the interest you earn won't overcome the loss in purchasing power because of rising inflation.
Getting Your Financial House in Order
One of the easiest things you can do to help keep your financial house in order is to get organized. Having your financial information stored and processed in a systematic manner will go a long way in helping maintain your finances.
Home Improvements – Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve either thought about or already made some home improvements. For some, this was part of the plan all along. They bought a house that was in need of some improvements so they were able to purchase at a bit of a discount and then put money into the upgrades they wanted. For others, the idea of home improvements came up as a way to increase the value of their home upon resale.
Building a Financial Safety Net - Emergency Fund, Disability, and Life Insurance
Where do you turn when you're faced with a financial emergency? Do you have money set aside to cover the unexpected expenses? Is there some sort of insurance in place? Without the right financial safety net you could find yourself in financial ruin. What good is it to earn, save, and invest money if it isn't protected in the event of a financial crisis? Learn how to create your financial safety net so you can protect what you have.
2009 First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended and Expanded
Homebuyers who purchased a home in 2008 or 2009 may be able to claim a generous tax credit. Initially, this tax credit was to expire on November 30, 2009, but it has since been extended and expanded by Congress. The tax credit extends the deadline to purchase and close on a new home to June 30, 2010. In addition, a provision has been added that offers a tax credit to some homebuyers who may be upgrading to a new home even if they previously owned a home.
Private Mortgage Insurance - How to Eliminate PMI
Private mortgage insurance, often referred to as PMI, is insurance that lenders require borrowers to pay for when they get a mortgage and don’t have enough equity in the home.
How the Housing Bill Can Help You – The Tax Credit for New Home Buyers
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a number of items meant to stimulate the economy, and the tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers may be the most beneficial to individuals. Although this is a significant tax benefit, not everyone will qualify, and there is only a relatively small window in which you can take advantage.
How to Make Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
Chances are that if you have a mortgage currently you’re making monthly payments. The typical mortgage is structured so that you make a single payment each month for a total of twelve payments per year. The good thing about this is that it means you pay the same amount at the same time each month so there are no surprises and it’s easy to budget for.
If You’re Addicted to Spending and Accumulating Debt, Debtors Anonymous Can Help
Even with all of the advice and information available to help people break their overspending habits, for some, this desire to spend and rack up insurmountable debt becomes a serious problem that overtakes other aspects of their lives. As with any addiction, this can negatively affect your performance at work, quality of life, and relationships with family and friends.
Understanding the Alternative Minimum Tax
When it comes to taxes, there is a three-letter abbreviation that is feared, yet it’s still a mystery to most people. AMT stands for the Alternative Minimum Tax, and while it doesn't sound too harmful, if you’ve ever been hit with it you know that it can be quite painful.
How to Eliminate Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is a major problem in this country. While not everyone has a credit card, those that do typically carry a balance. The interest rate on a credit card balance is usually between 10-30% APR. These high interest rates make it difficult for people to pay down their debt -- especially if only making the minimum payments each month.
Putting Your Investment Performance in Perspective
We all know that investing typically requires a long-term approach, but when the markets are in turmoil and we’re in the midst of a recession, it’s easy to lose that perspective and focus on what’s happening right now instead.
Save Money When Banking - Reduce Bank Fees
When it comes to saving money, you probably focus on things that you can directly cut out of your budget. Whether discretionary expenses, eating out, or other expenses, you typically can clearly cut these from your monthly spending. But what you may not realize is the impact that small bank fees can have on your budget.
Find Money to Pay Down Credit Card Debt
Are you struggling to come up with enough money to pay more than the minimum on your credit card debt? It can certainly seem as if there is never enough money to go around, but you might be surprised where you can find a few extra dollars to apply towards that debt and accelerate the payoff.
COBRA Premium Reduction of 2009
What happens if you lose your job which also provided your health insurance benefits? This is not an uncommon problem as health insurance in this country is largely tied to employment. So, what can you do? Luckily, there is some assistance available. It’s called COBRA.
Determining Whether or Not You Should Refinance Your Mortgage
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage and mortgage rates are falling, it only makes sense to consider trying to refinance at a lower rate. But as with most things in finance, it isn’t always a simple answer. Refinancing can certainly make sense, but it also costs money to refinance a mortgage. Depending on your specific situation, a refinance may actually end up costing you more money instead of saving money.
Make the Most of Your Income Tax Refund
If you’re expecting an income tax refund this year, you’ll want to make sure you put that money to good use. While it can feel like you’re receiving a windfall, remember that this is just excess money that you paid the government. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, but this money can also provide a great boost to your other financial goals.
Tax-Equivalent Yield – Understanding Your Real Rate of Return
When investors are looking for safer investments that generate income, most think about bonds. There are many types of bonds, from corporate, government, and municipal bonds.
Using the Rule of 72 to Estimate Investment Returns
Compound interest is an amazing thing, and the Rule of 72 is a simple way to quickly estimate how long it will take your investment to double.
5 Tips to Cut Spending Leaks
Sometimes it is the little things that add up. Stopping the little spending leaks in your life may amount to significant savings over time.
Get Your Tax Questions Answered by Calling 1-800-829-1040
Are you looking for help with your taxes? Try calling 1-800-829-1040. This is the toll-free number for the IRS tax question line. With this number, you will be put in touch with someone right at the IRS who can assist you with your own personal tax situation if you have any questions.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Homeowners Protection
If you own a home, you probably have homeowners insurance. For most homeowners, this insurance was something that was purchased at the same time as the home, and little thought has gone into it since. This is certainly an area that you want to have adequate protection, because your home is probably one of your greatest assets. But, do you know what your policy actually covers?