Financial Planning: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
asic Budget Worksheet
Budget worksheet form for setting up your personal budget
Budget worksheet form for setting up your personal budget
How To Create a Budget
Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do but it is vital in keeping your financial house in order. Before you begin to create your budget it is important to realize that in order to be successful you have to provide as much detailed information as possible. Ultimately the end result will be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going.
Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do but it is vital in keeping your financial house in order. Before you begin to create your budget it is important to realize that in order to be successful you have to provide as much detailed information as possible. Ultimately the end result will be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going.
How to Establish Credit
When you don’t have a credit history, it can be difficult and frustrating when trying to obtain a credit card or other type of loan. Establishing your initial credit history can be a Catch-22. If you don’t have credit, not many places are willing to give you credit, yet how can you ever establish credit if nobody is willing to give you any?
When you don’t have a credit history, it can be difficult and frustrating when trying to obtain a credit card or other type of loan. Establishing your initial credit history can be a Catch-22. If you don’t have credit, not many places are willing to give you credit, yet how can you ever establish credit if nobody is willing to give you any?
All About Personal Budgets
A One-stop Guide to Budgeting Advice and Budget Worksheets
A One-stop Guide to Budgeting Advice and Budget Worksheets
Buying Diamond Engagement Ring
What You Need to Know When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
What You Need to Know When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
Your FICO Credit Score
Your FICO credit score determines your ability to borrow money and affects you in other ways that may surprise you
Your FICO credit score determines your ability to borrow money and affects you in other ways that may surprise you
How to Get Out of 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.
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.
Plan an Affordable Wedding
Plan an affordable, memorable wedding without going into debt or breaking the bank
Plan an affordable, memorable wedding without going into debt or breaking the bank
Budget Worksheet for College Students
BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Click here for a printer-friendly version of the College Budget
BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Click here for a printer-friendly version of the College Budget
Top Personal Finance Software
Top picks for personal finance software programs
Top picks for personal finance software programs
Your Debt To Income Ratio
Do you have too much debt? Calculate your debt to income ratio to find out.
Do you have too much debt? Calculate your debt to income ratio to find out.
How To Calculate Net Worth
Your net worth can be a useful tool to measure your financial progress from year to year. Your net worth is essentially a grand total of all your assets minus your liabilities.
Your net worth can be a useful tool to measure your financial progress from year to year. Your net worth is essentially a grand total of all your assets minus your liabilities.
The Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit - what you need to know to claim it properly.
The Child Tax Credit - what you need to know to claim it properly.
How To Balance Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Balancing Your Checkbook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Wedding Budget Worksheet
Click here for a printer-friendly version WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET Item Budgeted Cost Actual Cost PRINTING:
Click here for a printer-friendly version WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET Item Budgeted Cost Actual Cost PRINTING:
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments: Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Your Mortgage But Avoid the Scams
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments: Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Your Mortgage But Avoid the Scams
Debt Snowball
The Debt Snowball is the fastest method of paying of credit debt. Here's how to do it.
The Debt Snowball is the fastest method of paying of credit debt. Here's how to do it.
Budget Basics
A budget is nothing more than a breakdown and plan of how much money you have coming in and where it goes. Could you imagine a business becoming successful if it didn’t keep track of its income and expenses? The same holds true when it comes to your personal finances. If you don’t know how much money you have coming in and where it goes, your road to financial success will be a difficult one.
A budget is nothing more than a breakdown and plan of how much money you have coming in and where it goes. Could you imagine a business becoming successful if it didn’t keep track of its income and expenses? The same holds true when it comes to your personal finances. If you don’t know how much money you have coming in and where it goes, your road to financial success will be a difficult one.
U.S. Savings Bonds
If you’re tired of the pitiful interest rate on your savings account at the bank, you may want to look into U.S. savings bonds for an equally safe place to keep some of your savings. With most bank accounts, the safety of your money comes from being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This provides insurance on up to $100,000 per depositor. Unfortunately, while your money may be safe, there is a good chance the interest rate on the account is quite low.
If you’re tired of the pitiful interest rate on your savings account at the bank, you may want to look into U.S. savings bonds for an equally safe place to keep some of your savings. With most bank accounts, the safety of your money comes from being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This provides insurance on up to $100,000 per depositor. Unfortunately, while your money may be safe, there is a good chance the interest rate on the account is quite low.
Seeking Credit Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling Services: Should You Use Them?
Consumer Credit Counseling Services: Should You Use Them?
Budgeting
Budgeting - The First Step to Financial Success
Budgeting - The First Step to Financial Success
Cut Air Conditioning Costs
Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
Top Ten Financial Tips
Top Ten Financial Tips: Keys to Financial Success
Top Ten Financial Tips: Keys to Financial Success
Ways to Improve Credit Score
Your credit score is a very important number that lenders use in order to determine whether or not to extend credit to you, and what the interest rate and terms of the credit or loan are.
Your credit score is a very important number that lenders use in order to determine whether or not to extend credit to you, and what the interest rate and terms of the credit or loan are.
You Can Get Out of Debt
You Can Get Out of Debt, But Not by Paying the Minimum Balance on Your Credit Cards
You Can Get Out of Debt, But Not by Paying the Minimum Balance on Your Credit Cards
Where to Keep Your Savings
So, you’ve set up an automatic savings program and you’re finally building up that emergency fund, but where should you keep your savings so that it earns the most interest for you? Luckily, there are many different savings vehicles available, but not all of them are appropriate for every situation.
So, you’ve set up an automatic savings program and you’re finally building up that emergency fund, but where should you keep your savings so that it earns the most interest for you? Luckily, there are many different savings vehicles available, but not all of them are appropriate for every situation.
Secret to Budgeting
The secret to budgeting successfully
The secret to budgeting successfully
Guilt-free Budgeting
How to Achieve Guilt-free Budgeting and Take Control of Your Finances
How to Achieve Guilt-free Budgeting and Take Control of Your Finances
How Much to Budget by Category
What Percentage of Our Income Should We Budget for Each Expense Category?
What Percentage of Our Income Should We Budget for Each Expense Category?
Why You Need an Emergency Fund
In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. The best you can do is to prepare for emergencies that require access to additional money and having an emergency fund is the ideal solution. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of.
In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. The best you can do is to prepare for emergencies that require access to additional money and having an emergency fund is the ideal solution. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of.
Co-signing a Loan
Co-signing a Loan: What You Need To Know
Co-signing a Loan: What You Need To Know
Tweak Your Tax Withholding
Tweak Your Income Tax Withholding and Avoid Paying More or Less Than You Owe
Tweak Your Income Tax Withholding and Avoid Paying More or Less Than You Owe
Ways for Teens to Make Money
Jobs for Teens and Other Ways to Make Money
Jobs for Teens and Other Ways to Make Money
Choosing a Planner
With a little knowledge and willingness to create and follow a financial plan, most people can adequately manage their own finances. Even so, there are many instances where you just don’t have the time or have a complicated situation that may need the assistance of a finance professional.
With a little knowledge and willingness to create and follow a financial plan, most people can adequately manage their own finances. Even so, there are many instances where you just don’t have the time or have a complicated situation that may need the assistance of a finance professional.
Maximize Your Benefits
Maximize Your Employment Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts
Maximize Your Employment Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts
Balancing Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Four Reasons You Should Do It and Step-by-Step Instructions
Balancing Your Checkbook: Four Reasons You Should Do It and Step-by-Step Instructions
Money and the College Student
Money Advice for College Students. Leave College Without Credit Card Debt.
Money Advice for College Students. Leave College Without Credit Card Debt.
Setting Financial Goals
Setting Financial Goals - The Second Step in Personal Financial Planning
Setting Financial Goals - The Second Step in Personal Financial Planning
Checkbook Balancing Form
Click here for a printable version of this checkbook balancing form. Checkbook Balancing Form 1. Outstanding
Click here for a printable version of this checkbook balancing form. Checkbook Balancing Form 1. Outstanding
Contacting the IRS
Have questions on your tax return, refund status, or need help? The IRS makes itself quite accessible. You don’t have to fear the IRS. While nobody wants to talk to them about an audit, they are there to help you with your taxes.
Have questions on your tax return, refund status, or need help? The IRS makes itself quite accessible. You don’t have to fear the IRS. While nobody wants to talk to them about an audit, they are there to help you with your taxes.
Save $ on Home Expenses
Tips on how to save money on your home expenses, including your mortgage and utilities.
Tips on how to save money on your home expenses, including your mortgage and utilities.
Be Prepared for Closing Costs When You Buy a Home
Here's what to expect for closing costs when you buy a home, and how to be prepared to identify inflated fees
Here's what to expect for closing costs when you buy a home, and how to be prepared to identify inflated fees
Credit Card Minimums Double
Your Monthly Credit Card Minimum Payments May Double
Your Monthly Credit Card Minimum Payments May Double
Cut Homeowner's Insurance
Ten Ways To Cut Your Homeowner's Insurance Premiums
Ten Ways To Cut Your Homeowner's Insurance Premiums
Save on Your Wedding
According to a recent survey, the average cost of an American wedding is just over $27,000. This can be a significant burden on those who need to foot the bill, but it doesn’t have to be so painful. There are many steps you can take to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when planning that special day.
According to a recent survey, the average cost of an American wedding is just over $27,000. This can be a significant burden on those who need to foot the bill, but it doesn’t have to be so painful. There are many steps you can take to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when planning that special day.
Top Picks: Personal Finance Books
Top picks for personal finance books
Top picks for personal finance books
Comparing Life Insurance
Navigating the life insurance landscape can be tricky. You are sure to encounter a number of different policies and terms such as whole life, term life, cash value, variable life, and much more. How can you make sense of all the different types of policies and know that you’re making the best choice?
Navigating the life insurance landscape can be tricky. You are sure to encounter a number of different policies and terms such as whole life, term life, cash value, variable life, and much more. How can you make sense of all the different types of policies and know that you’re making the best choice?
A Budget Can Improve Your Life
Twelve Reasons Budgeting Can Improve Your Life
Twelve Reasons Budgeting Can Improve Your Life
401(k) Loan
Many retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s allow participants to borrow money from their retirement savings, but there are many things you should consider before tapping into that retirement plan with a loan.
Many retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s allow participants to borrow money from their retirement savings, but there are many things you should consider before tapping into that retirement plan with a loan.
Joint or Separate Accounts?
Should You and Your Spouse Have Joint or Separate Checking Accounts? Tips on How to Decide and How to Make It Work
Should You and Your Spouse Have Joint or Separate Checking Accounts? Tips on How to Decide and How to Make It Work
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.
Sometimes it is the little things that add up. Stopping the little spending leaks in your life may amount to significant savings over time.
Roth vs. Traditional IRA
A common question many people have is what type of IRA is best. Both the Traditional and Roth IRAs have significant tax advantages, but in some situations one may be better than the other. Since we can't predict what taxes will be like 20 years from now, if you have the ability to contribute to both types of IRAs, that might be a good idea. By diversifying your tax liabilities, you can be prepared for any significant changes in tax rates by the time you reach retirement.
A common question many people have is what type of IRA is best. Both the Traditional and Roth IRAs have significant tax advantages, but in some situations one may be better than the other. Since we can't predict what taxes will be like 20 years from now, if you have the ability to contribute to both types of IRAs, that might be a good idea. By diversifying your tax liabilities, you can be prepared for any significant changes in tax rates by the time you reach retirement.
What Makes a Good Budget?
What Makes a Good Budget? Top Ten Features of a Successful Budget
What Makes a Good Budget? Top Ten Features of a Successful Budget
Make Saving Automatic
Do you have a savings account yet find it difficult to find money to deposit into it? This isn’t an uncommon problem and most people find it hard to save.
Do you have a savings account yet find it difficult to find money to deposit into it? This isn’t an uncommon problem and most people find it hard to save.
Saving for a Down Payment
In order to receive the best possible interest rates and to avoid private mortgage insurance it is still a wise decision to have a significant down payment, but how can you save tens of thousands of dollars for this purchase?
In order to receive the best possible interest rates and to avoid private mortgage insurance it is still a wise decision to have a significant down payment, but how can you save tens of thousands of dollars for this purchase?
Can You Afford to Have Kids?
Can You Afford to Have Kids? Financial Planning for a New Baby
Can You Afford to Have Kids? Financial Planning for a New Baby
How Much Home Can You Afford?
When the time is right to purchase a home, the first question you need to be able to answer is how of a home you can afford.
When the time is right to purchase a home, the first question you need to be able to answer is how of a home you can afford.
Top Money Management Software
Using software to assist in keeping your finances in order is a great way to stay on track. Most financial software will allow you to keep track of income, expenses, and even your investments. Some even have the option to automatically download or connect to your financial institutions via the Internet, which can simply the process even further.
Using software to assist in keeping your finances in order is a great way to stay on track. Most financial software will allow you to keep track of income, expenses, and even your investments. Some even have the option to automatically download or connect to your financial institutions via the Internet, which can simply the process even further.
Debt Warning Signs
Do you have debt that is bogging you down and keeping you from reaching your financial goals? Using credit and debt can be a powerful tool that allows you to buy a home, a vehicle, send children to college, and even provide leverage for other purchases, but when you accumulate too much debt, it can pose a serious problem.
Do you have debt that is bogging you down and keeping you from reaching your financial goals? Using credit and debt can be a powerful tool that allows you to buy a home, a vehicle, send children to college, and even provide leverage for other purchases, but when you accumulate too much debt, it can pose a serious problem.
Grocery Tips
Have you been shocked by your grocery shopping bills recently? You’re not alone. Inflation always has, and always will be around, but it is affecting food prices more than others. Most families find that when creating a budget, more effort is being made trying to save money on gas and groceries. Here are some tips that can help you keep your grocery budget under control.
Have you been shocked by your grocery shopping bills recently? You’re not alone. Inflation always has, and always will be around, but it is affecting food prices more than others. Most families find that when creating a budget, more effort is being made trying to save money on gas and groceries. Here are some tips that can help you keep your grocery budget under control.
Insuring Your Life
Understanding and Choosing Life Insurance - What Type of Insurance Is Best For You?
Understanding and Choosing Life Insurance - What Type of Insurance Is Best For You?
Budgeting Traits
Creating a budget is incredibly difficult, but where most people fail is trying to maintain the budget. It usually starts with good intentions, but just like dieting, it doesn’t take much to derail your entire plan. Here are three traits you must posses if you want to create and maintain a successful budget.
Creating a budget is incredibly difficult, but where most people fail is trying to maintain the budget. It usually starts with good intentions, but just like dieting, it doesn’t take much to derail your entire plan. Here are three traits you must posses if you want to create and maintain a successful budget.
Tying the Knot Financially
Tying the Knot: A Financial To Do List for Newlyweds
Tying the Knot: A Financial To Do List for Newlyweds
Five Worst Car Mistakes
Five Worst Money Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car
Five Worst Money Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car
Couples and Money
Couples and Money: How to Talk the Talk
Couples and Money: How to Talk the Talk
Summer Saving Tips
You can save money throughout the year, but the warm temperatures of summer provide a few additional tips that can help you save even more money. Here are some things to try during those warm months.
You can save money throughout the year, but the warm temperatures of summer provide a few additional tips that can help you save even more money. Here are some things to try during those warm months.
Get Out of Debt Guide
Get Out of Debt guide - What You Need To Know Before You Can Get Out of Debt
Get Out of Debt guide - What You Need To Know Before You Can Get Out of Debt
The Secret To Saving Money
One small and suprisingly simple secret can show you to save money.
One small and suprisingly simple secret can show you to save money.
Review W-4 Exemptions
If you work for an employer that automatically withholds taxes from each paycheck, then you have the ability to adjust how much is withheld by adjusting the exemptions on IRS Form W-4. This is important to review because many different changes in your life could impact the amount of money you should have withheld.
If you work for an employer that automatically withholds taxes from each paycheck, then you have the ability to adjust how much is withheld by adjusting the exemptions on IRS Form W-4. This is important to review because many different changes in your life could impact the amount of money you should have withheld.
Financial Advice for Your 20s
Financial Advice for Your Twenties or if You're Just Starting a Financial Plan, Regardless of Your Age
Financial Advice for Your Twenties or if You're Just Starting a Financial Plan, Regardless of Your Age
Personal Finance 101
Personal finance covers a wide variety of money topics including budgeting, expenses, debt, saving, retirement and insurance among others. Understanding how each of these topics work together and affect each other is important for laying the groundwork for a solid financial foundation for you and your family.
Personal finance covers a wide variety of money topics including budgeting, expenses, debt, saving, retirement and insurance among others. Understanding how each of these topics work together and affect each other is important for laying the groundwork for a solid financial foundation for you and your family.
Leasing a Car vs Buying
Should you lease your next car or buy it? Ten things you must know before buying orleasing your new car.
Should you lease your next car or buy it? Ten things you must know before buying orleasing your new car.
Itemizing Deductions
When it comes to reducing your tax burden, itemizing deductions may be the way to go. The standard deduction is certainly easier, and might be a better option if you have a simple tax situation or don’t own a home, but if you determine that itemizing is right for you, it could lead to substantial savings.
When it comes to reducing your tax burden, itemizing deductions may be the way to go. The standard deduction is certainly easier, and might be a better option if you have a simple tax situation or don’t own a home, but if you determine that itemizing is right for you, it could lead to substantial savings.
Get Started in Investing
How to Get Started in Investing With Small Amounts of Money
How to Get Started in Investing With Small Amounts of Money
Retirement Funds and Divorce
Protect your share of your spouse's retirement plan if you're getting a separation or divorce
Protect your share of your spouse's retirement plan if you're getting a separation or divorce
The Roots of Overspending
To build wealth and reach financial independence, you simply need to spend less than you earn. It is an easy concept to understand, but why is it so difficult? To answer this question, you need to examine the roots of overspending. When you know what factors drive your spending, you can fight back and save money so that you can spend less than you earn.
To build wealth and reach financial independence, you simply need to spend less than you earn. It is an easy concept to understand, but why is it so difficult? To answer this question, you need to examine the roots of overspending. When you know what factors drive your spending, you can fight back and save money so that you can spend less than you earn.
Money and Unmarried Couples
Single couples living together face unique money issues. Learn the three most critical personal finance issues facing unmarried couples.
Single couples living together face unique money issues. Learn the three most critical personal finance issues facing unmarried couples.
5 Mistakes When Buying a Car
For most people, a car is a necessity. We often depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work every day, transport children to events, and even for pleasure. Because they are such an important aspect of your life, you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
For most people, a car is a necessity. We often depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work every day, transport children to events, and even for pleasure. Because they are such an important aspect of your life, you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
Identity Theft Insurance
Should You Buy Identity Theft Insurance or Credit Monitoring Services?
Should You Buy Identity Theft Insurance or Credit Monitoring Services?
The Urge to Splurge
The Real Culprit Behind Your Urge to Splurge
The Real Culprit Behind Your Urge to Splurge
Marriage - Mingling Your Money
Marriage - Tying the Financial Knot. The Way You Mingle Your Money Can Mean the Difference Between Wedded Bliss and Divorce Court
Marriage - Tying the Financial Knot. The Way You Mingle Your Money Can Mean the Difference Between Wedded Bliss and Divorce Court
Financial Planning - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Financial Planning guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Financial Planning guide site.
How Much Do I Need to Retire?
This question is frequently asked, but rarely has a definitive answer. The problem is that everyone’s needs are different. What you might need in retirement will be completely different than your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. Even though your situation is unique, there are a few ways you can estimate how much money you will need to retire.
This question is frequently asked, but rarely has a definitive answer. The problem is that everyone’s needs are different. What you might need in retirement will be completely different than your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. Even though your situation is unique, there are a few ways you can estimate how much money you will need to retire.
15-year Mortgages
Best Financial Moves - 15-Year Mortgages. Save large sums of money by having a 15-year instead of a 30-year mortgage
Best Financial Moves - 15-Year Mortgages. Save large sums of money by having a 15-year instead of a 30-year mortgage
Private Mortgage Insurance
Save Thousands by Cancelling Private Mortgage Insurance
Save Thousands by Cancelling Private Mortgage Insurance
Check Your Tax Refund Status
Have you filed your tax return and are now awaiting a refund? The good news is that you don’t have to be left in the dark in regards to the status of your refund. The IRS has a great tool on their website that allows you to instantly check on your refund status.
Have you filed your tax return and are now awaiting a refund? The good news is that you don’t have to be left in the dark in regards to the status of your refund. The IRS has a great tool on their website that allows you to instantly check on your refund status.
The High Cost of Credit Cards
The High Cost of Using Credit Cards. If you buy with a credit card, how much is that purchase really costing you? Find out what the credit card companies don't want you to know
The High Cost of Using Credit Cards. If you buy with a credit card, how much is that purchase really costing you? Find out what the credit card companies don't want you to know
Tax-Equivalent Yield
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.
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.
Fees When Buying a Home
When buying a home, most people focus on how much it costs and what interest rate they can get on the loan. While that is certainly very important, the other fees that come with buying a home are often overlooked. Here is a list of the most common fees involved when buying a home.
When buying a home, most people focus on how much it costs and what interest rate they can get on the loan. While that is certainly very important, the other fees that come with buying a home are often overlooked. Here is a list of the most common fees involved when buying a home.
Financial Issues of Divorce
Financial Issues of Divorce: Dividing Property and Debt, Child Support, Alimony, Taxes, Retirement Funds, and More. Protect yourself financially.
Financial Issues of Divorce: Dividing Property and Debt, Child Support, Alimony, Taxes, Retirement Funds, and More. Protect yourself financially.
Dealing With Divorce
Dealing with the financial impact of divorce. Know your obligations and how to protect yourself financially
Dealing with the financial impact of divorce. Know your obligations and how to protect yourself financially
Insurance You Do Need
You can find an insurance policy to cover almost anything imaginable but only a handful of policies are actually ones that you need to have. You work hard throughout your life to build wealth and live a happy and comfortable life, so some types of insurance can protect your possessions, income and even provide for a loved one when you are gone.
You can find an insurance policy to cover almost anything imaginable but only a handful of policies are actually ones that you need to have. You work hard throughout your life to build wealth and live a happy and comfortable life, so some types of insurance can protect your possessions, income and even provide for a loved one when you are gone.
Reduce Your Rates With a Call
As you are probably aware, credit card interest rates can be quite high with rates upwards of 30% annually. This staggering rate can make it nearly impossible to pay off your debt if you can only afford to pay close to the minimum each month. One way to get out of debt even faster is to reduce your current interest rates.
As you are probably aware, credit card interest rates can be quite high with rates upwards of 30% annually. This staggering rate can make it nearly impossible to pay off your debt if you can only afford to pay close to the minimum each month. One way to get out of debt even faster is to reduce your current interest rates.
Should You Refinance?
How to Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage Interest Rates
How to Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage Interest Rates
Top Online $ Calculators
Top Ten Online Money Calculators - Manage Your Finances More Easily
Top Ten Online Money Calculators - Manage Your Finances More Easily
How To Become a Millionaire
How To Become a Millionaire - Becoming a millionaire is not out of reach for many Americans
How To Become a Millionaire - Becoming a millionaire is not out of reach for many Americans
Dumb Ways to Pay Debt
Debt Payment Methods You Should Avoid
Debt Payment Methods You Should Avoid
Collecting Child Support
Collecting Child Support. Unpaid Child Support plunges millions into poverty. Don't be one of them.
Collecting Child Support. Unpaid Child Support plunges millions into poverty. Don't be one of them.
Laddering CDs
Laddering Certificates of Deposit (CDs)to Maximize Your Earnings and Balance Risk and Reward
Laddering Certificates of Deposit (CDs)to Maximize Your Earnings and Balance Risk and Reward
Stay Away From Payday Loans
Quick and easy cash? There's nothing easy about payday loans.
Quick and easy cash? There's nothing easy about payday loans.
Credit Score Criteria
Your credit score is a number that is calculated with a formula that lenders use to predict how much risk you are as a borrower. This score is one of the most important factors used when determining whether or not to lend you money and at what interest rate.
Your credit score is a number that is calculated with a formula that lenders use to predict how much risk you are as a borrower. This score is one of the most important factors used when determining whether or not to lend you money and at what interest rate.
A Financial Emergency
Have you just been blindsided by an unexpected financial emergency and don’t know what to do? Whether it’s a job loss, medical expenses, or an emergency home repair, an unexpected change in your financial situation can be incredibly stressful. The bills still need to be paid, the utilities need to stay on, and you need to put food on the table, so how should you cope with a financial crisis?
Have you just been blindsided by an unexpected financial emergency and don’t know what to do? Whether it’s a job loss, medical expenses, or an emergency home repair, an unexpected change in your financial situation can be incredibly stressful. The bills still need to be paid, the utilities need to stay on, and you need to put food on the table, so how should you cope with a financial crisis?
Invest Small Amounts of Money
Start Investing With Very Small Amounts of Money Using Direct Purchase Plans
Start Investing With Very Small Amounts of Money Using Direct Purchase Plans
You Can Afford to Stay Home
You Can Afford to Stay Home With Your Kids. How to Calculate What That Second Income is Really Costing You and What It's Really Worth.
You Can Afford to Stay Home With Your Kids. How to Calculate What That Second Income is Really Costing You and What It's Really Worth.
Financial Planning - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Financial Planning guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Financial Planning guide site.
Beware Payday Loans
Beware of Payday Loans: Dangerous Consumer Rip-Off
Beware of Payday Loans: Dangerous Consumer Rip-Off
Budget Isn't a Bad Word
When you hear the word “budget”, what does it mean do you? If you’re like most people, you probably think of it as an unpleasant activity that means you have to financially deprive yourself. This couldn’t be further from the truth, yet this is the typical reason that most budgets fail.
When you hear the word “budget”, what does it mean do you? If you’re like most people, you probably think of it as an unpleasant activity that means you have to financially deprive yourself. This couldn’t be further from the truth, yet this is the typical reason that most budgets fail.
Rules of Thumb
Everyone has a unique situation, and there are no concrete financial numbers that define success, but there are some rules of thumb that can help you gauge your progress.
Everyone has a unique situation, and there are no concrete financial numbers that define success, but there are some rules of thumb that can help you gauge your progress.
Save Money on Heating Costs
Save money by reducing heating costs
Save money by reducing heating costs
Monthly Budget Worksheet for College Students
MONTHLY BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (Printer friendly version of this worksheet) CATEGORY MONTHLY
MONTHLY BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (Printer friendly version of this worksheet) CATEGORY MONTHLY
Choosing the Best Mortgage
Choosing the Best Mortgage for You. Why It's Important and How To Do It
Choosing the Best Mortgage for You. Why It's Important and How To Do It
Student Loans vs Mortgage
Don't Let Student Loans Prevent You From Qualifying for a Mortgage - Advice for Students and College Graduates
Don't Let Student Loans Prevent You From Qualifying for a Mortgage - Advice for Students and College Graduates
Introduction to Saving Money
The ability to save money is the cornerstone of building wealth. In order to save money, you need to spend less than you earn. This is often easier said than done, but there are plenty of ways to help you begin saving money on even the tightest budget.
The ability to save money is the cornerstone of building wealth. In order to save money, you need to spend less than you earn. This is often easier said than done, but there are plenty of ways to help you begin saving money on even the tightest budget.
Top Personal Finance Magazines
Top Personal Finance Magazines for the average person
Top Personal Finance Magazines for the average person
The Minimum Payment Habit
One of the most costly mistakes you can make with credit cards is getting into the habit of only paying the minimum amount due each month. While the minimum amount may be affordable; it will also cost you more money in the long run.
One of the most costly mistakes you can make with credit cards is getting into the habit of only paying the minimum amount due each month. While the minimum amount may be affordable; it will also cost you more money in the long run.
Get Money You're Entitled To
Find out if you're one of millions of Americans entitled to receive unclaimed money or property
Find out if you're one of millions of Americans entitled to receive unclaimed money or property
401(k) Plans
Don’t let the cryptic name of the plan confuse you, these plans are actually fairly easy to understand. A 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by some employers in the United States. The plan received the name from the section of Internal Revenue Code it was named after.
Don’t let the cryptic name of the plan confuse you, these plans are actually fairly easy to understand. A 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by some employers in the United States. The plan received the name from the section of Internal Revenue Code it was named after.
Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey, One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts
Dave Ramsey, One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts
How Bankruptcy Works
Bankruptcy - How It Works and How to Prevent It
Bankruptcy - How It Works and How to Prevent It
Money for Couples
Money Guide for Married Couples
Money Guide for Married Couples
Difference Between APR and APY
Both APR (annual percentage rate) and APY (annual percentage yield) are commonly used to reflect the interest rate paid on something, but what is the difference between the two? Understanding the difference will help you understand exactly how hard your money is working for you.
Both APR (annual percentage rate) and APY (annual percentage yield) are commonly used to reflect the interest rate paid on something, but what is the difference between the two? Understanding the difference will help you understand exactly how hard your money is working for you.
Retirement Savings Late Start
Ten Tips for Late Starters To Boost Their Retirement Savings
Ten Tips for Late Starters To Boost Their Retirement Savings
Personal Financial Plan
Step by step instructions for creating your own personal basic financial plan.
Step by step instructions for creating your own personal basic financial plan.
Find Money to Pay Off 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.
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.
Smart Moves for College Grads
Five Smart Money Moves for New College Graduates
Five Smart Money Moves for New College Graduates
6 Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but learning from our mistakes and identifying what mistakes to avoid can make a big difference. Here are six common mistakes people make with retirement planning that you should avoid.
We all make mistakes, but learning from our mistakes and identifying what mistakes to avoid can make a big difference. Here are six common mistakes people make with retirement planning that you should avoid.
Bear Market Strategies
Bear markets present a challenge to even the savviest investors. It doesn’t matter if you have $1,000 in the market or $1 million, losing money hurts. It is during these declining markets your patience will be tested. If fear sets in, you might consider bailing out on your investment plan completely, which can do more damage than anything else.
Bear markets present a challenge to even the savviest investors. It doesn’t matter if you have $1,000 in the market or $1 million, losing money hurts. It is during these declining markets your patience will be tested. If fear sets in, you might consider bailing out on your investment plan completely, which can do more damage than anything else.
EE Savings Bond Changes
The federal government has changed Series EE savings bonds, and it's not for the better. Find out about the changes and alternatives to Series EE bonds.
The federal government has changed Series EE savings bonds, and it's not for the better. Find out about the changes and alternatives to Series EE bonds.
Should Teens Have Credit Cards
Should Teens Have Credit Cards?
Should Teens Have Credit Cards?
Choosing a Roth IRA
Choosing a Roth vs a Traditional IRA
Choosing a Roth vs a Traditional IRA
Can't Pay Your Income Taxes?
What To Do When You Can't Pay Your Income Taxes Due: The Worst Thing You Can Do Is To Do Nothing
What To Do When You Can't Pay Your Income Taxes Due: The Worst Thing You Can Do Is To Do Nothing
Personal Finance 20s and 30s
Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
5 Ways to Save on Gas
Make no bones about it, gasoline is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. You don’t need to switch to public transportation to cut costs at the pump. There are a few basic things you can do that could considerably save money on gas.
Make no bones about it, gasoline is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. You don’t need to switch to public transportation to cut costs at the pump. There are a few basic things you can do that could considerably save money on gas.
Why You Need a Will
Do You Need a Will? The Answer is Probably Yes.
Do You Need a Will? The Answer is Probably Yes.
What Are Bonds?
What are bonds? A simple explanation of bonds and how they work.
What are bonds? A simple explanation of bonds and how they work.
Are Budgets for Sissies?
Do budgets really work? Find out how an average family with kids and debt amassed a fortune
Do budgets really work? Find out how an average family with kids and debt amassed a fortune
Biggest Money Mistakes
Examples of Saving Big Money On Your Mortgage
Examples of Saving Big Money On Your Mortgage
Save Money on Credit Cards
Save money on your credit card expenses with these money-saving tips
Save money on your credit card expenses with these money-saving tips
Net Worth Worksheet
Net worth worksheet for calculating how much you're worth financially
Net worth worksheet for calculating how much you're worth financially
All About Financial Planning
One-stop resource for financial planning information
One-stop resource for financial planning information
Can't Pay Taxes
The realization that you can’t afford to pay your taxes can make you feel uneasy, but don’t worry, there are some actions you can take to remedy the situation.
The realization that you can’t afford to pay your taxes can make you feel uneasy, but don’t worry, there are some actions you can take to remedy the situation.
Before Buying a Home
For many people, owning a home brings a sense of pride and freedom that cannot be matched by renting. When you own your own home, you aren’t bound by a landlord’s rules, and your monthly payments are actually building equity. Although buying a home may be the first step you take toward building long-term wealth, it is important to understand the pros and cons of home ownership before taking the plunge.
For many people, owning a home brings a sense of pride and freedom that cannot be matched by renting. When you own your own home, you aren’t bound by a landlord’s rules, and your monthly payments are actually building equity. Although buying a home may be the first step you take toward building long-term wealth, it is important to understand the pros and cons of home ownership before taking the plunge.
Guide Picks for Tax Software
Top Picks - Tax Preparation Software Reviews
Top Picks - Tax Preparation Software Reviews
Suddenly Single
Suddenly Single: Dealing With the Financial Issues of Death and Divorce
Suddenly Single: Dealing With the Financial Issues of Death and Divorce
Free Credit Reports
In 2004, an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act was made that states that you can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting bureaus once every 12 months. Your credit report contains the following information:
In 2004, an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act was made that states that you can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting bureaus once every 12 months. Your credit report contains the following information:
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.
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.
One-Stop Income Tax Guide
All About Income Taxes - Your One-Stop Income Tax Guide
All About Income Taxes - Your One-Stop Income Tax Guide
How Much to Save for College?
How much money you are saving is less important than how soon you begin saving. Compound interest is a wonderful thing and the longer your money has to grow, the more it will grow.
How much money you are saving is less important than how soon you begin saving. Compound interest is a wonderful thing and the longer your money has to grow, the more it will grow.
Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Erase your debt, personalize your budget, and plan now to secure your future with Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Erase your debt, personalize your budget, and plan now to secure your future with Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Build a Financial Safety Net
Building a Financial Safety Net
Building a Financial Safety Net