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| How to manage your money in the new year |
| As a new year unfolds, many people resolve to kick bad habits and take better care of their health and their finances. After a few late payments, messy receipt folders and carefree budgeting, it's time to make your personal finances a priority. It may feel like you don't have enough time in your hectic life to sit down and manage your money, but with a few secret weapons you can organize your personal finances like a professional in no time at all, from wherever your busy day may take you. |
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| Get back to basics with your business technology |
| Technology can do a lot for home offices as well as small and medium-size businesses, but choosing and investing in the appropriate level of technology can sometimes feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Business owners and consumers alike sometimes overspend on technology rather than selecting the right tools to help them improve their productivity while keeping their costs at a minimum. |
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| New credit score myths and why you shouldn't believe them |
| Myths and folklore endlessly evolve as cultures change, technologies emerge and societies grow. Some myths - like the one that warns against washing Pop Rocks down with Coke - are chuckle-worthy. Others, such as fallacies about how credit scores work, can be downright detrimental. Here are five new credit scoring myths and the truths that debunk them. |
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| How to stick to your New Year's resolutions all year long |
| With the holidays past and a new year upon us, now is the time for Americans to focus on their 2014 resolutions. And while fitness goals often top the list of New Year's resolutions, diet and exercise aren't the only ways to get back into shape. This year, do yourself and your loved ones a favor by getting financially fit as well. |
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| What is the generation gap on credit? |
| Whether you're wrapping up end-of-year paperwork, getting ready to create your 2014 budget, or preparing for tax season, something about this time of year inspires financial introspection. While you're evaluating your own financial well-being - including your credit status - it may be helpful to know how other Americans are doing. |
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| 10 simple ways to instantly improve your finances in 2014 |
| Do you wonder how you could better manage finances? You're not alone. When it comes to money, most people are far from perfect. Whether you make $20,000 a year or $200,000, some simple steps can start you on the right financial path, and some of them only take a few minutes to complete. |
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| Using your Health Insurance Marketplace coverage on Jan. 1, 2014 |
| With the start of the new year, millions of Americans will have access to health coverage for the first time or have improved coverage because of the health care law. There are steps you can take now to ensure you have access to coverage beginning Jan. 1. |
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| Give the gift of hope this holiday season |
| For most, childhood is a time of innocence. It is a time when wonder and excitement exist around every corner. Children view the world as an open book of infinite possibilities where they can be or do anything they want, limited only by their imagination.For children battling a life-threatening illness, childhood takes on a very different feel. Hospital stays, doctor visits and intrusive procedures replace playgrounds, activities and field trips. The usually carefree approach to each day gets tainted by concerns about health and the future. Learn how you can make a difference. |
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| Financially fit: five steps to get a handle on your credit |
| After countless hours spent holiday shopping, you finally finished. Now, you're faced with the credit card payments as you roll into the new year. While it may have been difficult to keep your finances - particularly your credit cards - top of mind amid the dash from store to store, those payments aren't going anywhere. |
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| Stretching your ski vacation dollar |
| With the Olympics right around the corner, skiing is on a lot of people's minds. While ski trips can get pricey quickly, there are ways to give your budget a lift. |
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| Tips for managing your year-end taxes |
| The close of every year seems to bring its own uncertainty from a tax-planning perspective. Last year featured the expiration of certain temporary tax provisions and the commencement of automatic federal government spending cuts. In October the President and Congress temporarily agreed on funding the government and increasing the national debt limit. But these issues may reappear in 2014 and could result in tax law changes that affect income-tax and financial planning. |
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| Key tax law changes that could impact your return |
| The majority of this year's key tax law changes were the result of two acts - the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The easiest way to navigate all the tax law changes and determine if you qualify for hundreds of tax benefits, is to use an online or mobile tax preparation solution. |
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| Three big ways small-business owners can save on taxes |
| If you own a small business, every dollar matters - especially when it comes to taxes. Whether your business is a partnership or corporation, Uncle Sam offers some sizeable deductions to lower your liability, allowing you to put those dollars toward capital and employees. |
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| Doing your own taxes? Here's what you need to know |
| More than 43.6 million Americans prepared and e-filed their own income tax returns in 2013, up 4 percent from the year before, according to the IRS. In addition to being more affordable than a storefront or accountant, online and mobile solutions have made doing your own taxes exceptionally easy and fast. |
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| Practical strategies to help you stay on budget this holiday season |
| Whether you're hosting guests, traveling to family or simply purchasing gifts, the holidays can put household finances to the test. This year, Americans aren't letting short-term stresses like the holidays affect their long-term financial aspirations. According to the latest Merrill Edge Report, many Americans now rank saving for retirement as their top priority and short-term concerns like paying off debt are falling lower on the to-do list. To enjoy the season of giving without sacrificing your financial goals, it's time to make a plan. |
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| Who needs a 1099 or a W-2? |
| As the year winds down, it is time to start thinking about recent tax changes and how they affect you, especially if you run a small business. But keeping tax details straight is tough - even for those who live and breathe the industry. One of the most common questions during this time of year is "who needs a 1099 or a W-2?" |
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| 10 year-end financial ideas to consider |
| With the economic ups and downs of the last several years, many Americans are more motivated than ever to get their finances on track. With some financial alternatives expiring before the year's end, there's no better time than the present to start. Here are 10 year-end contributions to help you start 2014 on the right financial path. |
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| To tip or not to tip: that is the holiday question |
| When the holiday season arrives, so too does the enigma of holiday tipping. What's supposed to be a sign of gratitude for great service, can quickly turn into stress as you try to decide if and how much you should tip the handyman, mail carrier, babysitter and many more. Here is the ultimate guide to holiday tipping from etiquette experts. |
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| Protect your new purchases over the holiday season |
| Let the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season begin. Sales in November and December are expected to increase 3.9 percent over last year to $602.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. However, with holiday purchases comes the risk of theft. |
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| Don't bust your budget: Tips and tricks to stretch those holiday dollars |
| Creating lists, checking them twice - it's a tradition for many families across the country this time of year as they plan and shop for gifts for friends and family. Even with the economy starting to recover, many people will set a budget before tackling their holiday shopping, but two-thirds of those that set a budget will likely go over. Here are some ways to save. |
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| Use your rewards credit card wisely over the holidays to get the most out of your spending |
| Festive decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal foods and the company of loved ones - everyone has that special something they enjoy most about the holiday season. Avoiding sticker shock when you see your January credit card bill might be one of them. It can be a challenge to keep costs down, however, when you have a lengthy gift list to get through. One easy option you may not have thought of is probably already waiting in your wallet - if you use a credit card that offers a rewards program. |
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| Check your tax forms for errors and avoid fines for 2013 |
| Tax season will be here before you know it and businesses everywhere want to handle their reporting quickly, efficiently and on time in order to avoid the penalties and fines associated with missed deadlines. In recent years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has increased its penalties for misfiled or late tax forms. As a result, it's more important than ever for leaders of small- to mid-sized businesses to stay on top of changes and be doubly vigilant in assembling and reviewing their reporting documents. |
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| Warm up to budget-friendly winter travel in Europe |
| Traveling Europe may seem like a distant dream; tourists inundate cities during peak season, driving prices up. But your European dreams are attainable - if you travel during winter months. Europe can be much more affordable in winter and the quiet cities offer a more intimate and authentic experience. |
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| Straight talk: Some lenders lead marketplace in simplified customer agreements |
| If one universal lesson emerged from the economic meltdown of the Great Recession, it's that ignorance is not bliss when it comes to financial matters. Before the recession, many Americans made financial decisions without fully understanding the impact of their choices - despite detailed financial disclosure statements intended to educate consumers on just what they were agreeing to when entering a credit contract with lenders. |
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| Tips to help you shop smarter this holiday season |
| The holiday season is all about celebrating with family and friends, which means more merry-making, staying organized and enjoying the time spent shopping for the perfect gifts. A smart shopper is able to access and keep organized great deals and discounts, reduce time with online shopping and check for last-minute opinions if absolutely necessary. |
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| Finding the true cost of a college education |
| A college education is a lifelong investment. College graduates are more likely to be employed and earn more throughout the course of their lives, according to a recent report by the College Board. While the benefits of a college education may be clear, figuring out the true cost and how to pay for it isn't always as obvious. |
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| Five savings resolutions for the new year |
| Is saving on your New Year's resolution list this year? The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Ready.Save.Grow. campaign offers five saving strategies that will have you moving toward your long-term savings goals and toasting along the way. |
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| Five key deadlines to help small businesses avoid IRS headaches |
| The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure still rings true - especially for businesses preparing for tax season. If you oversee your company's filing requirements, knowing what is due and when can save you and your employee's penalties, time and stress. |
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| How to keep your new valuables safe |
| U.S. retail sales rose 3.5 percent during the 2013 holiday season, according to the MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse report. So whether you received some fun gifts from friends or put that holiday bonus to good use to buy something nice for yourself, you may have some new, expensive items in your home. If you have jewelry, electronics or other big ticket items, it's important to make sure you're protected through 2014 and beyond. |
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| Small businesses go leaner, more effective with technology tools |
| While the Great Recession convinced many big corporations to improve efficiency and reduce spending, small businesses have historically known the value of operating "lean and mean." Many have never had another option, and have always had to accomplish more with less. Fortunately, technology is making it easier than ever for small-business owners to work smarter and more efficiently - and continue growing their businesses. |
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| Three easy holiday shopping strategies |
| Thanksgiving comes late this year, which means a shorter-than-usual holiday shopping season. If you're not the type to buy gifts throughout the year, getting an early start on holiday shopping can help ensure you have enough time to find gifts for everyone on your list - and perhaps, most importantly, save money. Here are three things to do now to save money and time this holiday season. |
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| In a do-it-yourself world, we still need professionals |
| We live in a world that encourages us to DIY - "do it yourself" - in everything from remodeling our houses to building our own websites. While smart, dedicated people can certainly accomplish a lot, professional expertise is still extremely valuable, especially when it comes to investing. |
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| Tips for parents on how, and why, to talk to kids about insurance |
| When it comes to financial literacy, parents know it's important to give kids the knowledge and skills they need to manage money. While you're teaching children about smart spending, saving and credit management, don't forget to discuss another important aspect of financial health: insurance. |
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| Why Americans are cutting the cord and saving money |
| Frugal Americans know how to save money, not only by keeping it in their pocket but by making wise purchasing decisions. As many have found, a frugal lifestyle does not mean going without. One way many people have saved money is by cutting the cord and eliminating cable or satellite TV from the household budget. By taking that step, frugal consumers can save up to $1,200 per year. |
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| Farmers: Three planning considerations for 2014 |
| As farmers begin harvest and approach the end of 2013 production, many are assessing the year and looking forward to 2014. For row-crop farmers, the 2013 harvest is expected to be a good one. However, prices are lower than last year, and some are delaying their decision to go to market in hopes that the price will improve early next year. Low commodity prices may also persuade farmers to consider prepaying for at least some of next season's inputs before the end of the year. Here's what you need to know for now and the future. |
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| Overcoming the top 5 challenges of being retirement ready in 3 simple steps |
| It's no secret that Americans aren't saving enough for retirement. Many people are coming up short when it comes to funding their nest egg. But why is the problem so wide-spread? Insight can be found in the human behaviors that tend to get in the way of saving adequately. Now is the perfect time to learn more about the most common hurdles of retirement savings. |
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| Protect your home against hidden dangers |
| A broken sewer pipe is no small nuisance. A homeowner may be faced with system backups, foul odor, property damage, and sometimes even health hazards. Review your home insurance plans and take extra measures to prevent one of these disasters from hitting your home. |
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| Financial aid for college in 5 steps |
| The majority of parents of high school students know that the future will very likely hold a college education for their child. But what is often uncertain is how they will pay for that education. About 60 percent of high school graduates enroll in a college or university for advanced studies according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. |
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| Raise your hand: 3 questions every investor should ask |
| Here are three questions every person who invests should ask to determine how involved they are with their investments and if they're getting the level of engagement they want from their current investment professional. |
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| Are there any investment 'bargains' left? |
| Although everyone loves a bargain, they are often very hard to find. Usually, the best time to find a bargain is when a product is out of favor with buyers. In retailing, when an item is the wrong color, style or size, it is thrown into the bargain bin. Its price is then successively marked down until the product is finally cleared out. Astute buyers willing to take a chance on an unwanted item may discover that they snagged a great deal when it returns to favor the next season. |
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| Five tips to help chart a path toward financial success |
| A strong credit profile can help you qualify for credit at the lowest rates possible. Yet, consumers often wait until they need credit to think about their credit situation. In fact, 62 percent of people have not reviewed their report in the past year, according to a recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey. |
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| DIY tips to check windows and doors and save on utility costs year-round |
| With temperatures dropping, now is a good time to improve your home's energy efficiency. Drafty windows and doors can dramatically increase heating and cooling costs. That's why it's important to perform a walk-around now, to verify that your windows are in working order, or if they need replacing. |
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| Be wary of credit and loan scams this holiday season |
| While economists are reporting signs of improvement in the economy, it's still tough out there for families trying to make ends meet. The fall and winter months can be even more financially challenging, between balancing the expensive holiday season and needing extra cash for repairs and replacements of everyday objects. This can set many families up to be victims of lending scams. |
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| Protect your credit while shopping this holiday season |
| The holiday season is a great time for merriment - finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones and gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season. However, the holidays can cause a strain on your credit if you don't take certain precautions. Don't let this year's celebration leave you with the credit blues come January. |
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| Behind in saving for retirement? Approaches to catching up |
| Does the pace of your busy personal and professional life leave you feeling like you're always playing catch up? If you were among the millions whose retirement savings and investments suffered during the recession, there's good news: you can start to catch up with a few simple steps. |
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| HARP changes put refinancing in reach of more homeowners |
| When the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) launched in 2009, millions took advantage, but many other homeowners found they couldn't qualify to refinance their underwater mortgages. Today, significant enhancements have made the program more accessible for homeowners and a great opportunity to lower payments or build equity faster. |
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| Hard water: bad for your home and wallet |
| Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water - water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, according to The U.S. Geological Survey. Hard water on its own is bad enough, making it difficult to wash clothes and dishes and leaving scaling on your pipes and showerheads as well as nasty brown rings in your sinks and toilets. However, it is also costing you money. Here's what you need to know. |
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| Tips on how to finance a college education |
| For many college-bound students, savings, family contributions, scholarships, grants and a part-time job won't be enough to pay for college. For these students, borrowing may be the only way to make up the difference between available funds and college expenses. Here's what everyone should know about financing a college education. |
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| Five tips to help prevent medical identity theft |
| Every fall, many people review their employer health care options during "open enrollment." As you start to focus on your health care decisions, you may also want to consider the safety of information you routinely provide, such as your address, Social Security number and insurance provider. With new private and public health insurance exchanges becoming available, you may face a greater risk for medical identity theft. |
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