It is prudent to have insurance, but it is also smart to have the right amount of insurance for your needs. If your car is over-insured, you are simply giving away money to the insurance company, and regardless of how nice your insurance agent is, you can probably find a better use for that cash. […]
Category: Personal Finance
What Is a 403(b)?
Most everyone has heard of a 401(k), but few people are familiar with its lesser-known cousin, the 403(b). The two accounts are similar, but there are a few key differences in eligibility requirements and contribution limits that it pays to understand. Here’s a quick look at what a 403(b) is and how to use it […]
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Firing Someone
Getting fired is pretty much every employee’s worst nightmare, but if you’re the person responsible for the decision, it’s a tough spot for you as well. Firing a worker can result in a host of repercussions, so before you make that termination official, ask yourself these questions first. 1. Am I doing this for the […]
2 Out of 3 Americans Aren’t Prioritizing This Major Expense
Many working Americans understand the importance of building a nest egg to pay the numerous bills they’ll face in retirement. And make no mistake about it: Postcareer seniors often wind up spending as much as they did during their working years, and it’s because many of life’s expenses inevitably end up staying the same. But […]
Which Debt Should I Pay Off First?
It started with a student loan for college. Then you bought a car and a home. Then you had some unexpected expenses that you charged to your credit card. Now you’re staring down a mountain of debt and not sure which one you should tackle first. It would be nice if there were a simple […]
Men Are More Confident in Salary Talks, Data Shows
If asking for a raise were a less daunting prospect, perhaps more people would do it. But it takes guts to talk money with your boss, which explains why 56% of employees have never done so. Still, when it comes to braving the salary boost discussion, men seem to have an advantage over women. In […]
2 Ways Social Security’s COLA Is Failing Seniors
This has been a pivotal month for the more than 62 million people receiving a Social Security benefit check. Less than two weeks ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released September’s inflation data, giving the Social Security Administration the final data point needed to calculate the 2019 cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. Think of COLA […]
3 Reasons to Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2019
Millions of seniors rely on Medicare to cover their health-related needs. But Medicare isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, the program has several distinct parts that enrollees can sign up for or opt out of. Those who enroll in original Medicare will generally get free coverage under Part A, which pays for hospital visits. They’ll […]
Here’s the Maximum Social Security Benefit in 2019
Social Security has announced changes for 2019 that include an increase to the maximum Social Security benefit payable to recipients who retire next year. In 2018, new retirees could pocket as much as $3,698 per month, but in 2019, they’ll be able to collect up to $3,770 per month. Your chances of qualifying for that […]
4 Things Every Good Boss Should Do
Many people become the boss without having any specific management training. Sometimes you get promoted for reasons that have nothing to do with being in charge or directing the work of other people. That’s not an excuse to be a bad boss. You can learn how to manage, and it’s possible to become a good […]
This Valuable Retirement Savings Hack Just Disappeared Forever
It’s tough to save for retirement, and savers have to work hard in order to take full advantage of all the resources at their disposal. Tax-favored accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are useful tools in helping you build retirement savings, and Roth IRAs, in particular, offer unparalleled benefits like tax-free growth and withdrawals after you […]
5 personal finance tips you should implement by age 25
If you’ve just graduated from college and are new to the workforce, now is the best time to lay the groundwork that will set you on the path to financial independence. If you’re in your 20s, chances are you’re new to the working world and still trying to find your bearings amid other big changes, […]