The in-state tax break you get for opening that college savings plan may not be worthwhile if high plan costs are devouring your cash. More than 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, offer state tax breaks to residents for contributions to a 529 plan — the college savings account families use to save and […]
Have you ever pulled out of your driveway only to see your “check engine” light start flashing? Or woken up to the sound of a water leak that’s been wreaking havoc on your home for the past 30 minutes? Scenarios like these arise all the time, and they’re not only inconvenient, but expensive. In fact, […]
In the course of your career, you’re apt to land in situations where you’re choosing between two jobs, and two distinct salaries. Most people will naturally gravitate toward the higher income, because, well, money is important, and there’s no such thing as having too much of it. But before you jump at that higher number, […]
We’re told we’re supposed to save for retirement, which generally means setting money aside each month in an IRA or 401(k). But if there’s one mistake you don’t want to make with regard to your retirement savings, it’s accessing that money early. The reason? If you take funds out of a traditional IRA or 401(k) […]
Outsourcing is a common practice both at home and in business. But whereas you may not hesitate to pay someone to unclog your house’s drains or clear out its gutters, when it comes to outsourcing business tasks, the decision becomes trickier. Now the good news is that thanks to the growing number of workers who […]
It is hardly news that the student loan crisis has reached epic proportions in the United States. College loans are now the second largest category of personal debt after mortgages, having eclipsed credit cards in 2010 at $830 billion. Today, the total has reached a staggering $1.5 trillion, an 80 percent increase in eight years. […]
The average cost of a wedding in 2017 was $33,391, and based on the past few decades, that number is only going to rise. The expense has turned what should be a happy time for the engaged couple and their families into a time of stress and penny-pinching. Fortunately, there are many things you can […]
The difference between the produce at farmers markets and supermarkets is more than “tomayto” versus “tomahto.” And buying fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets offers opportunities to save money… The difference between the produce at farmers markets and supermarkets is more than “tomayto” versus “tomahto.” And buying fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets […]
If your child going to college this year, now is the time to start stocking up on needed supplies. Here are 9 tips to save you some money because when it comes to college, every little bit helps! Please share any others you have, as well. 9 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Moving Into […]
Millions of seniors rely on Medicare to cover their healthcare needs. And while Medicare Part A, which covers hospital visits, is generally free to seniors, Part B, which covers doctor visits and diagnostics, comes at a premium that enrollees must pay. And make no mistake about it: Those premiums have been going nowhere but up, […]
Adhering to a strict financial plan is a lot like following a healthy diet. You do it because you know it’ll help you feel good now and set yourself up for the best possible future. But, and let’s be honest, being “responsible” with your money is often hard and boring, especially when you’re trying to […]
The gray-haired couple sipping champagne on a beach at sunset. Grandpa teaching the grandkids how to fish at the family lake house. Are these scenes of carefree times in retirement based on financial reality? According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which is based on 2016 figures, “older households” — defined as those […]
