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.
Estate Planning: No Will Means Following State Laws
When someone dies, who inherits the contents of the estate? Does it go to the person's spouse or children, or both? It depends on the state where the deceased lives and whether that person had a will. To ensure that your estate planning wishes get executed make sure to have a valid will.
The Ilyce Glink Show Sunday November 9, 2008
With the big national election behind us (with just a few runoffs scheduled in states like Georgia ahead), it's time to turn our full attention to the...
Track Expenses To Create A Household Budget
As the economy tightens, more Americans may be thinking about their household budgets. Household budgets include major expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, but also smaller costs such as cable television. How can you set up a household budget? Track daily expenses to see what you're spending. Use a money tracking software program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money to make tracking expenses throughout the seasons easier.
Book Review: Moving, Scams and Teacher’s Salary
If your budget is tight, the last thing your personal finances need is a scam, a bad move or out of control spending. Three new books provide a lift for those who are trying to do more with their money, and provide much-needed advice for avoiding common traps and potholes. These books can benefit you and your finances as well as other sources, such as MovingScam.com, where you can get additional information.
Extra $500: Invest or Pay Off Mortgage?
This homeowner has an extra $500 a month and can't decide if he should pay down his mortgage or invest in the stock market. What's the better investment for his $500? Some investment advisors tell people nearing retirement to put money in a safer investment, but the stock market could also bring greater returns.
ETF Book Review: iMoney
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are mutual funds that are traded like stocks. ETFs run the gamut from general funds based on indexes to highly specialized ETFs, such as those that focus on narrow slices of medicine. If you are familiar with investing and want to learn more about ETF funds and ETF portfolios, read "iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor."
ETFs And Investment Risk
As with any investment, exchange-traded funds come with some risk. Can ETFs help you get rich quick? How risky are ETFs? What can you do to mitigate risk when investing in ETFs? John Wasik, coauthor of "iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor," shares his insights on ETFs and risk.
Investing: ETFs And Taxes
Can investing in exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, help you with taxes? ETFs are often based on a stock or another index and so are not actively managed. With passive management, an ETF has less trading activity, so there are fewer taxable events. ETF investors benefit from this approach because they may pay fewer taxes.
ETF Investment Advice for Beginners
Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are among the newer investment options. ETF investing is useful for diversifying your portfolio, according to John Wasik, coauthor of "iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor." You can buy ETFs that are index funds, bond funds or sector funds. Wasik recommends some ETFs for the beginning ETF investor.
Reverse Mortgage Information
Our first call today was from Howard. He's 75 and his wife is 65. Their house (he said) is worth about $170,000. He has a $20,000 mortgage and they ar...