Retirement, When and When NOT too

Q: How will you know when you're ready to retire? Do you regret retiring too early? A: When I finish paying off my student loans. —Jane Haigh When I cannot do my job well and/or stop having fun doing it. —George Parkins When I have enough to live comfortably, travel when I want to and my kids' futures are as secure as I can make them through education. My goal is 55 -- before my 60s, which is too late to enjoy life while I still have the health to do it. —Jim Klein Retired at 52. Should have...

Too Busy to earn more?

Are your investments diversified? Some investments perform better than others in certain situations. For example, when interest rates go up, bond prices tend to go down. One industry may struggle while another prospers. Putting your money in a variety of investment options can help to reduce your ri...

Business Planning

What can you expect to earn on your money? While bonds generally promise a fixed return, earnings on most other securities go up and down with market changes. Also, keep in mind that just because an investment has done well in the past, there is no guarantee it will do well in the future. What type of earnings can you expect? Will you get income in the form of interest, dividends or rent? Some investments, such as stocks and real estate, have the potential for earnings and growth in value. What...

The College Fund(s)!!!

Guide to college savings plans Creating a plan for college ahead of time will save you both time and money. In Lesson 11 How much will you need for college? Glossary Take the test Top things to know Getting started What's the best way to invest? Tax-savvy savings options What kind of aid is out there? Want free money from the IRS? For grads only: Payback time Money 101 Lessons Setting priorities Making a budget Basics of banking and saving Basics of investing Investing in stocks Investing in...

Are Credit Cards Evil?

Just because many Americans have overdosed on debt doesn't mean using credit cards is a bad idea. In fact, there are times when a credit card is clearly the best choice. - advertisement - For starters, you usually get far more purchase protection with a credit card than you do with cash or check. That helps when you buy a $1,000 laptop that suddenly has a damaged screen a week after you walk out of the store and the store manager and the manufacturer insist it's your fault. Save-the-day features...

Tips to Avoid Foreclosure

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment: 1. Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house. 2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times. 3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure...

Planning your Daily Finances

Define your goals. Ask yourself "Why am I investing money?" Maybe you want to save money to purchase a house or to save for retirement. Maybe you would like to have money to pay for your child's education, or just to have a financial cushion to handle unexpected expenses or a loss of inco...