The most maligned and under-utilized of the power pack is the budget KATHY GETTING STARTED If you’ve ever watched a home-improvement show, you’ve likely got at least a passing familiarity with a wide range of tools, from wrenches and bolts to hammers and levels that can fix the myriad…
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At one time or another, almost everyone has been approached by an employer or financial advisor, who has suggested that they buy life insurance. Do you need it? The answer depends on whether you have dependents — children, a spouse or other people who rely on you for financial support.…
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written by Kathy Kristof Everywhere you turn, it seems that somebody is telling you about your horrible retirement prospects. Expert after expert warns that Social Security won’t be around as long as you are; that your company pension — if you have one — will prove inadequate; and that Americans,…
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You’ve gotta have a goal. Is your goal to retire comfortably at age 55? A new home or car? A big college fund for the kids? Each of your financial goals are attainable — honest. The catch is that getting these things may require some trade-offs and sacrifices, so you…
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In those heady days when first out of college, many of my friends rented expensive beachfront apartments, bought BMWs, gorgeous clothing and spent every evening out at cool restaurants. I didn’t. While I joined them at a few happy hours, they were spending every dime they earned and then some.…
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Like you, I hate to budget. And, frankly, long ago I determined that if I played my cards right, I’d only have to budget once. But, that one-time process is worthwhile. What makes it worthwhile? Let me illustrate with a personal story. Many moons ago, when I was young and…
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Getting Started 12 key financial rules of thumb One of the biggest enemies of getting your financial life together is TMI. Financial experts want to tell you way too much information about how to invest; how to deal with your debt; how much you ought to have in savings and…
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Got a side hustle? Then you should know that the Tax Cut and Jobs Act created a new break that is likely to significantly cut the federal income taxes you pay on your self-employment income. “The new law takes 20% off the top of your business income,” says Gene Zaino,…
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They say it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. But when it comes to wedding dresses, changing your mind can be costly. What few brides realize until it’s too late is that the moment you say “yes” to a particular dress, a wedding consultant will whip out a purchase…
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If you were house-rich and cash-poor in your grandparent’s day, you had few good choices. You could sell you house and, hopefully, buy something cheaper. Or you could get a “reverse mortgage” — a costly and controversial financial product that allows you to borrow against the equity your home. Today,…