We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Saving money is always a popular New Year's resolution, especially after spending so much during the holidays. It feels so good to give, but after the holidays are over, it’s time to rein in your spending and set some new financial goals. I always make some New Year’s financial resolutions, and then at the end [...]
What is a Blind Trust? Why Won’t Donald Trump Use One?
I received this email from a long-time reader of my nationally-syndicated column, which she reads in the Columbus dispatch every Sunday. I think it's a question a lot of readers have, so I'm answering it here. Q: I have a question for you. Since Donald Trump won the election and became president-elect, I hear a [...]
How to Build a Black Friday, Holiday Shopping Budget Plan
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and it’s the time of year when your budget (and your pantry) is most strained. But you can limit the damage by building a Black Friday/holiday shopping budget plan. You’ll need to keep your gift list tight and decide in advance how much you’ll spend on each person. [...]
Holiday Spending Sends Financial Stress Soaring
Even though you haven’t set the Thanksgiving table, some consumers are already stressing about how much money they’ll spend this holiday season. According to a new survey from Experian, holiday spending is expected to go through the roof – along with consumers’ financial stress levels. The survey found that most stress comes from unexpected expenses consumers [...]
4 Scary Credit Stories You Can’t Afford to Believe
Everyone wants a great credit score, but it turns out there are some persistent scary credit stories going around that could turn this goal - and your finances - into a nightmare. According to a recent survey by Capital One on Americans’ credit confidence, plenty of respondents describe their credit history favorably, or at least [...]
Starting a Home-Based Business? 4 Things You Must Know
If you’ve ever thought about starting a home-based business, you know what an attractive idea it is. Plenty of profitable companies start out this way, but it’s not as simple as just having a great product or service. Even if you’re only using your home (or maybe even the garage) to launch the company, you’ll [...]
Managing Mortgage Payments in Retirement
If you’re nearing retirement and still carrying a mortgage you’re probably worried about managing your mortgage payments in retirement. And, who could blame you? A new survey by the American Institute of CPAs found that retirees’ biggest concern is running out of money, and your monthly mortgage payment, which typically includes your real estate taxes [...]
Paying too much for auto insurance? Here’s why
Are you paying too much for auto insurance? It may feel that, based on your accident history or driving record, what you’re being charged isn’t fair. Well, it turns out you might be right. A new report from the Consumer Federation of America shows that your income has a much bigger impact on your auto [...]
4 Ways To Benefit From an Empty Nest
This month, I’m sending my youngest son, Michael, off to college. (For those of you playing along at home, you may remember I have two sons, but my oldest is now a junior in college.) Sam and I are going to have an empty nest. That makes this post very personal. Back to school season is always [...]
Before You Retire: 30 Days Away
Retirement is just 30 days away. You’ve reached the final stretch of days before retirement, and while your years of financially saving and mentally preparing are about to pay off, a few areas might still need your attention before you ride off into the sunset. To help prevent your retirement activities from derailing your budget, [...]