1. Business & Finance

Updated Articles and Resources

From Jeremy Vohwinkle, Former About.com Guide

Updated Articles and Resources
  • Putting Your Investment Performance in Perspective Created: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    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 foc...
  • Money Tips for Singles - Saving Money When You’re Single Created: Friday, April 10, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    Being single presents some unique financial planning challenges. Whether you’re single by choice, or as a result of a recent breakup or divorce, there are a few things you need to keep in min...
  • Find Money to Pay Down Credit Card Debt - Hidden Money Can Save You Thousands Created: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    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 surpris...
  • Create a Budget - How To Create a Budget Created: Sunday, May 06, 2007 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    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 r...
  • Easy Budget Cuts Created: Monday, November 15, 2010 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    Most of us have one or more costly indulgence that's weighing on our budget -- from dinners out at fine restaurants to the morning latte. What is the one thing you could easily cut from your budget...
  • How Are You Coping With the Recession? Created: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    The recession is hitting everyone so we are all finding ways to get through it the best we can. What are some things that you are doing to help?
  • Where Do You Find Extra Money to Pay Off Debt? Created: Sunday, June 14, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    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 surpris...
  • How do you save money when you're single? Created: Saturday, April 25, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    How do you save money when you're single?
  • Saving Money on Groceries - What Are Your Best Grocery Shopping Tips? Created: Friday, April 10, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    Here are some tips that can help you keep your grocery budget under control.
  • Reader Stories: How I Save Money During the Holidays Created: Thursday, December 10, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    With the holidays right around the corner it's a time for spending money for many people. Between buying gifts, hosting parties, or traveling to visit family, the holiday budget can really start to...
  • How I'm Saving Money During the Holidays Created: Thursday, December 10, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    With the holidays right around the corner it's a time for spending money for many people. Between buying gifts, hosting parties, or traveling to visit family, the holiday budget can really start to...
  • Reader Stories: What Was Your Biggest Financial Mistake in 2009? Created: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    2009 was a year to remember in the world of finance. The economy was in the midst of a deep recession, unemployment reached new highs, over 100 banks were taken over by FDIC, real estate values con...
  • What Was Your Biggest Financial Mistake in 2009? Created: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
    2009 was a year to remember in the world of finance. The economy was in the midst of a deep recession, unemployment reached new highs, over 100 banks were taken over by FDIC, real estate values con...
  • Financing Your Child's Education Created: Monday, April 30, 2012 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
    As a parent of a young child, thoughts about them going off to college and how they will pay for it have probably crossed your mind. At the same time you’ve probably also thought that since t...
  • Spending Your Tax Refund Created: Thursday, March 29, 2012 Updated: Thursday, March 29, 2012
    This is that time of year when you may be anticipating a beefy tax refund that could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The next question you may be asking is what to do with the mo..
  • Predatory Lending: The Natural Order of Things Created: Monday, June 27, 2011 Updated: Thursday, March 29, 2012
    Not having enough money to cover daily expenses before payday is a situation that has probably been going on in human households since civilization began. For that same length of time lenders, from..
  • The Secret to Saving Money Created: Monday, March 01, 2010 Updated: Friday, March 16, 2012
    Would you be interested if I told you there’s a secret to saving money? Well, it’s true. There are a few secrets that can be used to save money, even if it doesn’t feel like you h..
  • Itemizing Deductions Can Reduce Your Taxes – Itemizing vs. Standard Deduction Created: Monday, October 20, 2008 Updated: Thursday, March 08, 2012
    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 ..
  • The College Credit Crisis Created: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
    College students today are getting into more debt than ever, and it goes far beyond just student loans. Yes, student loans play a big role and can mean racking up tens of thousands of dollars in de..
  • Should You Have Joint or Separate Bank Accounts? Created: Monday, February 27, 2012 Updated: Monday, February 27, 2012
    One of the main advantages of a joint bank account is that there is a smaller chance of encountering financial “surprises” when all money goes into and comes out of one account. Married..
  • Financial Considerations When Changing Jobs - Creating a Smooth Transition Into a New Career Created: Thursday, November 06, 2008 Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 2012
    Whether it’s a planned job change or a sudden job loss, planning ahead can save you from heading into a financial disaster. Changing jobs or your entire career is an exciting, and possibly fr..
  • Make the Most of Your Income Tax Refund - Putting Your Money to Work Created: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Updated: Thursday, January 26, 2012
    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...
  • Now’s the Time to Review Your W-4 Tax Exemptions Created: Monday, December 31, 2007 Updated: Thursday, January 26, 2012
    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 impo...
  • Budgeting 101 - Everything You Need to Know About Budgets Created: Thursday, July 23, 2009 Updated: Thursday, January 26, 2012
    Budgeting lies at the foundation of every financial plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or earning six-figures a year, you need to know where your money is goi...
  • Are You Ready to Buy a Home? Created: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Updated: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
    Home ownership is a traditional goal for many Americans. Having a place to call your own provides a sense of stability and community. You can establish roots and get to know your neighbors. Add a r..
  • Should You Take a 401(k) Loan? Created: Monday, September 10, 2007 Updated: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
    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..
  • Limit Spending - How to Use Cash to Limit Spending Video Created: Thursday, January 05, 2012 Updated: Thursday, January 05, 2012
    If you have a hard time saving money, or spend more than you can afford, using cash to limit your spending could work for you. Here are a few ways to use cash to limit your spending and save money...
  • How Bankruptcy Works Created: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
    Bankruptcy is a very complicated legal proceeding, though its prevalence today sometimes gives the impression otherwise. Though many commercials tout bankruptcy as a way to get a new start and solv..
  • Buying an Engagement Ring - What You Need to Know When Buying an Engagement Ring Video Created: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 Updated: Tuesday, December 06, 2011
    Buying an engagement ring can be intimidating for the uninitiated, and getting bullied by a jeweler into a big purchase isn't uncommon.
  • Job Hunting Tips for New College Grads Created: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Updated: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
    The job hunt for a college graduate begins long before she gets the sheepskin in her hand. College is an excellent place to prepare for life in the real world and offers a significant amount of res..
  • Be Prepared for Closing Costs Created: Friday, November 25, 2011 Updated: Friday, November 25, 2011
    Closing costs are funds, in addition to a loan down payment, paid at settlement. Costs vary among states, but cash transactions have fewer costs than financed purchases. Although many of the costs ..
  • How to Start Investing With a Small Amount of Money Created: Thursday, December 03, 2009 Updated: Monday, November 21, 2011
    Is trying to come up with hundreds or even thousands of dollars keeping you from opening an investment account? It shouldn’t. In the past it was almost a requirement to have quite a bit of mo..

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