When it comes to your financial health, one important factor can affect your short-term and long-term finances: the emergency fund. An emergency fund is something that most people probably know they should have, but many don’t actually have one. In fact, 7 in 10 baby boomers say they have less than $5,000 stashed in an […]
There’s a lot to know about your money. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t know some of the basics that are important to making sound financial decisions. In fact, the Federal Reserve reported recently on how well Americans did when answering four basic financial literacy questions — and there were a surprising number of incorrect answers. Can […]
IT’S OPEN ENROLLMENT season – the period when Medicare beneficiaries across the country can change their health insurance plan through Dec. 7. While making smart choices and comparison-shopping is key to maximize benefits and savings, the process of reviewing new coverage options and existing policies can be daunting. “A lot of seniors tell us it’s […]
IN 2016, MORE THAN 1 million Medicare beneficiaries died while receiving hospice care, according to data compiled by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Few people know that hospice is not just for the patient, but for the family,” says Edo Banach, president and CEO of NHPCO, a nonprofit representing hospice and palliative care […]
While it’s always smart to invest money you’re not using in the stock market, the best place for your near-term or emergency savings is none other than the bank. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to snag the highest possible interest rate on your savings. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t do enough research when […]
If it seems like everyone you know has a side hustle these days, you’re not crazy. As of last year, an estimated 44 million Americans of all ages were holding down a second job. Now, there are plenty of good reasons to get a side hustle. First, the obvious: Having a second gig means getting […]
Retirement can reduce or eliminate a number of line items in your budget. But many retirees are surprised to discover that their tax bill may not be one of them. Almost half (46 percent) of recent retirees wish they had planned better for handling taxes in retirement, according to a new survey from the Nationwide […]
Bankruptcy is the worst black mark you can have on your credit report. It can make it impossible to get new loans or lines of credit for several years, and it may even affect your chances of landing a new job. Recovering from bankruptcy isn’t easy, but if you’re determined to turn over a new […]
“You only get one shot — do not miss your chance to blow.” Eminem may have been referring to rap battles when he dropped this lyric back in 2002, but he just as easily could have been talking about resumes and the job search. Resumes, after all, are your first chance to show a company […]
It’s rare that a celebrity engagement or secret marriage passes through the tabloid headlines without some speculation as to whether the couple is getting a prenuptial agreement. For many, the idea of a prenuptial agreement — essentially a contract to hash out the division of assets in the event of a divorce — is reserved […]
With a number of written and unwritten rules for how to handle your personal finances, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know which rules to follow or which ones will work best for you. When it comes to your managing your money, it’s important to remember that one size does not fit all, and […]
Most consumers know that credit cards can come with fees other than interest charges applied to balances. Annual fees, late payment fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees … the list goes on. Did you know that debit cards could have fees as well? If not, don’t feel bad. In a recent […]
