Did you leave behind a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 governmental deferred compensation plan at a former job–or are you about to? These are a few things to consider for your investments, but before making any moves, contact your plan administrator and, if necessary, a financial or tax adviser for complete information about the rules and … Continue reading “Did You Leave a Retirement Plan at a Former Job?”
Category: Budgeting / Expenses
Suffocating student loan debt is one of the most serious financial problems facing a generation of Americans, and the holiday spending doesn’t seem to help many. This financial position makes student loan borrowers a tempting target for unscrupulous companies. According to consumer advocates, complaints and suits filed against companies offering dubious student-debt relief programs are on … Continue reading “Student Debt-Relief Companies Are Often a Sham”
Working part time during retirement is about getting the best of both worlds: an opportunity to continue earning along with the flexibility to pursue personal goals. Opportunities to work part-time are becoming more plentiful as employers scramble to replace the large number of baby boomers now reaching retirement age. Fortunately for employers, many “retired” workers … Continue reading “Part-Time Work Proves Rewarding for Retirees”
It’s that time of the year where holiday shopping kicks into high gear–meaning more and more people spend with credit cards and do online shopping. Even beyond shopping, identity theft can happen any time of the year. Every two seconds an American becomes a victim of identity theft. If the thought of having to clean up … Continue reading “7 Tips to Avoid Identity Theft”
How do you define wealth? The dictionary says wealth is “a large amount of money and possessions.” But I propose the following, straight-forward definition: wealth is the difference between what you are earning and what you are spending. If you have never been “rich,” you’ve probably never defined yourself as wealthy, but no matter what … Continue reading “Get Wealthy, Not Rich: Change How You Think About Money”
I don’t remember much about my high school civics class, but I do remember the day during the last week of my senior year when my teacher spent class giving us his “life tips.” These tips have stuck with me, even when a solid understanding of the political system has not. Here is a list … Continue reading “10 Car Buying Tips From a Credit Union Member”
The impending disappearance of two popular Social Security filing strategies in May 2016–“file and suspend” and “restricted application”–could force big changes to the retirement plans of potentially millions of retirement-age married couples and divorcees. If you’re currently receiving Social Security benefits, you likely will not be affected by the prospective changes to rules. However, when … Continue reading “4 Strategies for Navigating New Social Security Rules”
It’s back to school time again! For many that means kids off on busses and to carpools, but for others that means tuition stress, or possibly holding off further education until they feel they can afford it. The good news is, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to go back to … Continue reading “7 Ways You Can Afford to Go Back to School”
Can you believe we’re about halfway through the summer? While you’re continuing to enjoy relaxing vacation days and sunny weekends, here are a few easy tips to keep your finances in shape this summer and for years to come! 1. Put your money on autopilot Set up direct deposit, authorize electronic payments, and automate routine savings. Streamlining … Continue reading “6 Tips for Getting in Financial Shape This Summer”
Kids love summer vacation because it means no school, but what do you do with them day after day? Activities, camps and vacations are a fun way to go, but in between those times you can also give them the chance to earn some cash (and learn how to save). Finding them a summer job might not … Continue reading “Summer Sun, Fun…and Earning Money!”