5 Ways to Save Money to Buy a House
February 28, 2013
Saving money to buy a house can be difficult if you are not a saver by nature. And it’s usually not a small amount of money either. Unfortunately, down payment requirements are higher now than they were a few years ago. If you’re purchasing a house for $200,000, a 5% down payment will mean $10,000. […]
4 Investment Alternatives to Equities
February 27, 2013
In general, many investors are reactionary. They tend to pull out of investments after the bottom has dropped out of them, or buy into something that has already had a pretty good run. These last six months are perfect example. Pre-election, many investors felt skittish and moved to cash with part or all of their […]
Can Shopping Really Help You Alleviate Sadness?
February 26, 2013
We hear a lot about “retail therapy,” and how shopping can help you alleviate feelings of sadness and even stress. But does retail therapy really work? A recent study from the University of Michigan indicates that retail therapy may be a real thing – and looks at why retail therapy is effective. Reducing Sadness with […]
5 Investing Mistakes to Avoid with Your Retirement Portfolio
February 25, 2013
For most “regular” folks, investing is done through a retirement account. Investments in a tax-advantaged retirement account like a 401(k) or an IRA can be a smart move. You see your money grow with the help of compound interest, and it grows even more efficiently since there is a tax break involved. When your retirement […]
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Green
February 22, 2013
Does it make good sense to have a credit card with a high annual fee? For many people, it can. If the card offers rewards and benefits that far outweigh its annual fee, than it is a good strategy to hold such a card. Both Chase and American Express offer cards aimed at travelers with […]
Dwolla Review: A PayPal Alternative?
February 21, 2013
Have you ever been ripped off by eBay or PayPal? Or simply tried to resolve an issue after using one of their services? For many the experience is a nightmare that results in account freezes, lost funds, or outright fraud that results in you shipping an item and never being paid for it. Even if […]
6 Things You Can Learn From Your 401(k) Statement
February 20, 2013
Your 401(k) statement is an incredibly useful document that can be confusing when you first look at it. It is several pages long, is full of tiny print, and has percentages and basic charts on it. If you take the time to look at it before you file it away with the rest of your […]
The IRA vs 401(k): Which is Right for You?
February 19, 2013
Every day adults are realizing more and more that they need to take control of their own retirement savings. Regardless of political affiliation, most can agree that the sand is running out of the social security system hourglass, and many of us will never see a dime for our efforts. Those of us that will, […]
Tax Time: What’s Your Filing Status?
February 18, 2013
One of the most basic items you need to tackle at tax time is your filing status. Your filing status dictates your tax bracket, as well as whether or not you are eligible for certain tax deductions and credits that are based on income. Your tax filing status depends on your marriage situation, as well […]
How to Spend Using Google Wallet
February 14, 2013
For the last couple of years, we’ve been hearing about the advent of the digital wallet. Coupons can be downloaded to phones, and the barcodes scanned at the register. Lately, though, the buzz has been about near-field communication (NFC) technology that allows you to tap your phone – or wave it – in front of […]
