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.
Filing Bankruptcy vs Debt Consolidation: Which Is Better?
Filing bankruptcy or choosing debt consolidation is something to consider when you're far in debt. Decide which is better to start paying your debt. Q: I am over $20,000 in credit card debt, and I make $24,000 a year, net. My question is would debt consolidation be the right choice through one of the many [...]
What Low Interest Rates Mean for Your Retirement Savings Plan
Low interest rates are a double-edged sword: They are great for your mortgage payments but they are bad for your retirement savings. The truth is that when rates are low, the economy is not in good shape. The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates to increase spending and encourage short-term investments. These lower interest rates result [...]
Tax Tips: Tax Deductions Available for Your Wedding
This post was written by guest blogger Eva Rosenberg. I’ve had the privilege of attending some amazing weddings in my life: a beautiful, fun evening in New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina; a magnificent wedding at the elegant Ambassador Hotel and an expensive affair that took over the bar and all the rooms on an [...]
Flood Insurance 101: What’s Covered—and What’s Not
You do not need to live near a body of water to consider purchasing flood insurance. Even homeowners who do not live near oceans, rivers, lakes or streams may be at risk for flood-related damage to their properties and may want to consider a flood insurance policy. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a [...]
Four Ways Technology Can Help Your Small Business
Technology is a huge part of our daily lives, but small business owners may find it difficult to navigate all the online opportunities, gadgets, software, and tools geared to help increase profit margins. So how do today’s entrepreneurs best utilize technology to help grow their businesses? At Count Me In For Women’s Economic Independence, a [...]
Five Tips for Hiring Seasonal Employees
If you are expecting increased business this summer, you may be looking to hire seasonal help in order to meet the heightened demand. Before you go on a hiring spree, however, you may want to talk to your small business insurance representative about how seasonal employees might create year-round risk for your small business. According [...]
Ilyce Glink Show – Unemployment Rate In Today’s Economy – August 4, 2013
Ilyce Glink Show on WSB Radio: The unemployment rate in today's economy has come down a little bit, but it is still not great. On this week’s Ilyce Glink Show on WSB Radio, Ilyce discussed unemployment numbers and whether or not they represent a strong economy. The unemployment rate is officially at 7.4 percent and [...]
Issues With Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors
What if there are issues with property tax exemptions for seniors? Senior homeowners are typically entitled to take an extra exemption. Q: When my mother died some years ago, her senior exemption was not removed from her property, which I inherited and now live in. How do I correct this tax problem? It has gone [...]
Using a Self-Directed IRA to Invest in Real Estate
Using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate will allow you to lend yourself the money to buy real estate. Q: My partner and I are considering rolling over his 401k into a self-directed IRA in order to purchase rental property. I was wondering if you have any information on how to vet this [...]
Budget-Friendly Summer Fun for Tweens and Teens
This post was written by guest blogger Teri Cettina. You’re probably not paying for summer childcare for your tween or teen, but the warm-weather months can still be hard on your budget. The costs of camps, trips to the mall and outings to water parks and festivals can really add up. Luckily, there are fun [...]