Planning for retirement is overwhelming, and figuring out how to manage your retirement investments can be the most daunting part of it all. The days of companies offering full pensions and reliable Social Security support are, unfortunately, a thing of the past. The cost of living is higher, and with continued advances in healthcare, people’s [...]
The economy is continuing to improve, and many people who saved diligently during the recession to pay off debt are now feeling comfortable enough to borrow again for homes, cars, and other big purchases. As a result, U.S. household debt is climbing at its fastest pace in five years. Consumer household debt rose 1.1 percent [...]
The final home walk-through before closing is an important time for homebuyers and sellers. To make the most of it, it’s helpful for both parties to know what they should look for ahead of time. A walk-through before closing can help homebuyers avoid getting burned if sellers leave the home in worse condition than it [...]
Choosing the right health insurance plan can be a daunting task. In addition to deciding which coverage best suits your needs, you also have to cut through the jargon to ensure you’re accurately comparing health plans. As you shop for insurance, you’ll likely see four terms over and over again: premium, copay, coinsurance, and deductible. [...]
An anonymous Silicon Valley billionaire has purchased the world’s most valuable life insurance policy for $201 million, and I think his reasoning behind it is fascinating. He bought the insurance to help his heirs avoid paying a 45 percent inheritance tax after his death. This life insurance policy will pay out twice as much, and [...]
Want to make smarter financial decisions? Wear heels when you go shopping. If heels aren’t your thing, then you can try shopping right after yoga class or after a session of escalator riding, or standing on one foot when deciding which big-screen TV you want to buy. What do all these activities accomplish? These actions [...]
When you’re saving money, “splurge” is a bad word. Splurges are often perceived as impulse purchases made outside the confines of a household budget—and that’s something savers are told they should avoid. Not every splurge is bad, however. There are times when it makes sense to spend a little more than you would like. The [...]
When you’re shopping for insurance, it’s important to consider your current stage of life. The coverage you had in your teens may be different from the coverage you require as a senior, so you’ll want to choose an insurance policy that fits your needs. Below are policies you should consider in the different stages of [...]
After a grueling winter, it’s important to prepare your home for spring. These 10 home maintenance tips will help you repair any cold weather damage, since snow and ice can wreak havoc on your home’s infrastructure. Begin prepping your home for spring as soon as the snow melts “Spring is an ideal time to inspect [...]
There are four key times during new construction when homebuyers should schedule a home inspection to protect their investment. Building a new home does not guarantee that everything will be perfect the first time, and with so much at stake it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Homebuyers can ease some of their concerns by [...]
