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• Purchasing Insurance on Your Own
  There are several reasons that you may purchase insurance on your own. Perhaps you are self-employed.. that you may purchase insurance on your own. Perhaps you are self-employed. Perhaps you just graduated and are no longer eligible to be covered under the policy you had during school. (se
• Personal Insurance Options for the Self-Employed
  Increasingly Americans are viewing self-employment as a work solution to meet their financial needs, their family life needs or both. However one of the most commonly cited concerns about self-employment is insurance.. Increasingly Americans are viewing self-employment as a work solution to me
• Insurance
  Health Insurance While the exact type of health insurance varies across federal, state and local governments, every public employer offers health insurance coverage and benefits to full-time workers and often to part-time workers as well. The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) offers h
• Insurance
  Insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. It will ensure that you can maintain your income, your assets and keep you on track with your financial plan.. Insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. It will ensure that you can maint
• Obtaining and Paying for Coverage
  Some private insurance companies offer separate windstorm, or “wind and hail, insurance policies. In some states where no private windstorm insurance is available, the state has created a high-risk insurance pool to provide wind and hail coverage to residents living in specifically designated high-r
• Where You Can Buy Life Insurance
  As with other forms of insurance (car, health, etc. there are several ways that you can purchase a life insurance policy: A life insurance company agent An insurance broker A financial advisor Your employer Online Let’s consider each option: An insurance company agent. Insurance company agents work
• Things to Consider When Evaluating Policy Options
  Purchasing homeowners or renters insurance is a financial investment. So just like anything else that you pay money for, you’ll want to take your time to do a little research, ask the right people the right questions and feel confident in the answers before making a commitment..
• Finding an Insurance Company
  It’s wise to shop for car insurance the same way you would shop to compare prices on any major purchase. Following are some suggestions for how and where you can locate a potential insurance company: A good first place to start is your state commissioner’s website to learn what type of coverage you
• Earthquake Insurance for California Residents
  In addition to obtaining standard earthquake insurance through private insurance companies, California residents also have the option of obtaining California Earthquake Authority (CEA) sponsored earthquake insurance. The CEA is a state-sponsored public-private partnership to provide earthquake insur
• Insurance Benefits
  It can be easy to think that it’s not financially possible for your family to afford insurance. But with some work and help from the staff in your family support center you may be able to find affordable forms of insurance to provide for and protect your family’s future.. hat it’s not financially
• Insurance Policies and Individual Annuities with AIG
  AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government is stepping in to make sure AIG’s parent company would not go bankrupt. The government made an 85 billion bridge loan (charging 11.. AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government is stepping in to make sure AIG’s paren
• Insurance Policies and Individual Annuities with AIG
  AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government made an 85 billion bridge loan (charging 11.5% interest) to provide the liquidity that the company needs to keep functioning.. AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government made an 85 billion bridge loan (chargi
• If You Already Have Homeowners or Renters Insurance
  Over time the value of your home and personal possessions can change. If you already have homeowners or renters insurance you might want to take a few minutes to review your policy and evaluate your current coverage by answering the following questions: How much would it cost to rebuild your home to
• Paying for (and Lowering) Your Car Insurance
  Once you have identified a company (or companies) that you like, and a policy that you want, you will sign a contract to purchase the insurance. To get and keep the insurance you will have to pay something called a premium.. Once you have identified a company (or companies) that you like, and a poli
• If You Can't Afford Coverage
  If you can’t afford to purchase a full health insurance policy, don’t give up yet. There may be some partial solutions that will still help you protect yourself and your family against the financial and health dangers of having no health insurance at all.. rchase a full health insurance policy, don’t give
• Evaluating a Potential Agent
  When looking for an insurance agent or broker, ask friends, relatives and financial professionals you work with (such as your banker, lawyer, etc. for recommendations.. When looking for an insurance agent or broker, ask friends, relatives and financial professionals you work with (such as your
• Perils You Can Insure Your Property Against
  There are three main categories of “perils” that you will want to consider insuring your home and property against: accidents, natural disasters and theft: Accidents: Have you ever come home from a trip to find that your water pipes have frozen…and burst?  Ever had a tree limb land on your home durin
• The 4 Types of Car Insurance Coverage
  What is Car Insurance? Car insurance is actually one policy that can provide four different types of coverage. Let’s look at the four types of coverage you can get with auto insurance.. What is Car Insurance? Car insurance is actually one policy that can provide four different types of
• Questions to Ask When Considering a Windstorm Insurance Policy
  When considering a windstorm insurance policy – whether you are thinking about purchasing a policy from a private insurance company or from a state insurance pool – you should gather as much information as you can before making any formal, written commitment. Following is a list of questions you may
• Permanent Life Insurance
  Permanent life insurance is known by many names such as whole life, universal life, cash-value insurance, and variable universal life insurance. It is considered “permanent” because unlike term life insurance, there is no time limit to the policy.. Permanent life insurance is known by many names su
• Closing on a Loan
  Closing, sometimes called “going to settlement, on a home is like the part of the wedding ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows. It’s where you and the seller seal the deal! Closing on a home loan is when you sign all the papers transferring ownership of the property from the seller to th
• Special Circumstances
  Pre-Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods Under the Heath Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) if you have a pre-existing condition (meaning a medical condition you had prior to applying for new health insurance) you cannot be turned down for coverage or made to wait for coverage i
• Health Insurance
  When you were a child, you probably didn’t think about health insurance. If you needed to go to a doctor, the adults in your life took you.. When you were a child, you probably didn’t think about health insurance. If you needed to go to a doctor, the adults in your life took you. They helpe
• Car Insurance
  If you have ever been in a car accident, you may already know the value of car insurance. Buying car insurance is about buying protection.. If you have ever been in a car accident, you may already know the value of car insurance. Buying car insurance is about buying protection. It provides
• Before leaving your job
  Roll over any 401(k) savings you have accumulated into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) An IRA is an investment account you can open through a local bank branch, financial services company or mutual fund.. Roll over any 401(k) savings you have accumulated into an Individual Retire
• All About Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit Payouts
  If you need to use your long-term care insurance to pay for needed care and services, it’s important that you know when your policy will begin paying for care, how it will pay for services, and for how long. Let’s look at each component: What Your Insurance Will Pay We’ve already discussed what type
• Term Life Insurance
  Term life insurance is so named because it offers a set coverage amount for a limited “term” or period of time, typically between 1 and 30 years. That means that if you keep current on your policy premiums and you die within the term of the policy, your beneficiaries will receive the set death benef
• Where to Get Insurance
  Most people get their health insurance coverage through their employer, their spouse’s employer or through membership in an association, union or group that offers health insurance coverage as a benefit. Typically employers will offer you the choice to select health insurance as a benefit when y
• What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover and What Does It Cost?
  This is very important to clarify. Earthquake insurance policies typically cover major property damage or loss due to earth movement – sinking, rising or shifting.. This is very important to clarify. Earthquake insurance policies typically cover major property damage or loss due to earth m
• Trip Insurance
  Imagine that for you have been saving and planning for a special family reunion at a wonderful location but at the last minute your spouse or child becomes so ill your family cannot go. Or an approaching hurricane or forest fire forces the event to be cancelled.. Imagine that for you have
• Life Insurance: A Key Consideration for Unmarried Couples
  Considering life insurance is an important part of every person’s financial plan however it should be an even higher priority for unmarried couples because they typically do not have the ability to enjoy all the same financial benefits as opposite. Considering life insurance is an important part of
• Transferring Military Homeowners to Get Expanded Assistance
  Military service members, their families, and federal Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who stand to lose a lot of money on the sale of their home as a result of a transfer order may be able to get some much- needed financial assistance. The U..
• The FHA Secure Mortgage Loan Refinancing Program: What Is It and Could It Help You?
  An estimated 60,000 qualified homeowners with strong credit histories who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments because of rising interest rates initially offered on their adjustable-rate mortgages (called “teaser rates” will now be able to refinance into a government-insured “FHASecure” mor
• Some Questions to Ask
  When working through the decision about whether or not to purchase flood insurance, consider asking an agent the following questions: Is my home eligible to purchase flood insurance through the NFIP program? Not every home is located in an area that participates in the NFIP program, and therefore yo
• Who Will Be Helped Under the Making Home More Affordable Program
  The Obama Administration’s 75 billion “Making Home Affordable” housing plan is designed to help approximately 9 million people who are at-risk for either defaulting on their mortgage loans or going into foreclosure. The plan is part of the 400 billion “bailout” package approved by Congress in Fall
• Life Insurance
  Does anyone depend on your ability to work and make money? What financial resources would they have if you died and suddenly weren't there to support them? Are you married? In the U.S.. Does anyone depend on your ability to work and make money? What financial resources would they have
• Where You Can Obtain Long-Term Care Insurance
  There are a variety of places where you can obtain long-term care insurance: Through your employer. Your employer may offer long-term care insurance coverage as an optional benefit you can select (and pay for, possibly with pre-tax money from your paycheck.. There are a variety of pl
• Standard Homeowners Policy Coverage
  A standard homeowners policy offers coverage for four major areas: your house’s physical structure, your personal belongings, liability (financial protection) for you as a homeowner, and expenses in the event that you are unable to live in your home following damage or theft. Your home’s physical st
• Health Insurance Issues
  Health insurance is a vital part of your, and your family’s, medical and physical health. Unfortunately too many Americans currently don’t have health insurance.. al part of your, and your family’s, medical and physical health. Unfortunately too many Americans currently don’t have health insurance. If you don’t
• What the New Healthcare Law May Mean for You
  With the passage of the healthcare reform law affecting the U.S. Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, a lot of things about your health insurance may be changing over the next several months and years. What could it mean for you, your spouse and family? . With the passage of the h
• Disibility Insurance
  When Valerie fell down the staircase at her son’s school she knew she was in pain. What she didn’t know is that she broke her hip…and that the recovery would mean she would be out of work for 12 weeks.. When Valerie fell down the staircase at her son’s school she knew she was in pain. What she didn’t k
• Basics of Flood Insurance
  Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through a program called the . Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through a program called the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) In order to obtain this federally-backed flood insur
• Evaluating Healthcare Insurance Options
  According to the U.S.. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 45 million Americans do not have health insurance. Not having health insurance can take a tremendous toll on individuals and families. Harvard Professor Elizabeth Warren found that medical bills contributed to half of all personal
• What Long-Term Care Insurance Pays For
  When Henry was in a severe car accident he had to get regular physical therapy for 9 months and needed regular in-home help with bathing, dressing and transportation. This 47-year old divorced teacher purchased long-term care insurance thinking that it would help ease the potential financial burden
• Types of Policies
  There are several types of homeowners’ insurance. What follows is an overview of the types of policies and what conditions they insure against: Type Coverage Offered HO1 This is a very limited coverage policy that has been discontinued in most states. HO2 This is the most basic policy and offers cov
• Working with Your Doctor’s Office Manager and Billing Department
  All doctor’s offices have some type of office manager and/or billing department that handles the financial aspects of their practice. When you first choose and visit a doctor you will have to fill out several forms to give their office personal contact, health and financial information including if
• How Much Coverage Do I Need?
  As with other forms of insurance a key question you probably have is “How much life insurance coverage do I need?  The answer is…it depends. While life insurance professionals advise that a good rule of thumb is to purchase at least 5-8 times your current income in life insurance coverage, the answer
• How Much Coverage Do You Want for Your Home?
  Let’s start at the beginning. Imagine that your home was completely destroyed.. Let’s start at the beginning. Imagine that your home was completely destroyed. What it would cost to rebuild your home entirely?  What would it cost to replace the possessions inside?  Beginning to thin
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
  A long-term disability can be financially devastating. While you may be able to use personal savings to cover your expenses temporarily while not working, most people are financially unprepared to be suddenly out of work for an extended period of time, or be permanently unemployable..
• Money Deposited in Bank Accounts and Credit Union Accounts
  Up to 250,000 of money you deposit in an FDIC-insured individual bank account, up to 500,000 for joint accounts and up to 250,000 for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are guaranteed safe by the federal government. If you have more than that amount in a particular bank, it is not guaranteed t
• Long-Term Care Insurance
  John never felt comfortable talking about financial or health matters with his father. He assumed that his father, a widower, had insurance or savings that would pay for any long-term care he would need as he aged.. John never felt comfortable talking about financial or health matters with
• Flood Insurance
  Do you have insurance that would cover or help offset some of your losses in the event of a flood? Look at your policy. Most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies specifically do not provide financial protection in the event of a flood.. Do you have insurance tha
• First Steps to Understanding Your Health Insurance Benefits
  If you, or your spouse, have health insurance do you know what your health insurance plan benefits are? According to CIGNA HealthCare, nearly 50 percent of all Americans give themselves only a “C” grade, or lower, when it comes to understanding their health benefits and programs available to them th
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
  A temporary disability can put you out of work, and without income, for a longer time then you may have savings for. Short-term disability insurance pays a percentage of your salary if you become temporarily disabled.. A temporary disability can put you out of work, and without income, for a l
• A New Family Budget and New Financial Decisions
  In many ways, your newborn’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to make and action steps to take as well.. n’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to
• Medical Coverage
  If, after reviewing your health insurance policies and decide that it makes more financial sense to switch and get coverage under your spouse’s plan check to make sure that the new insurance plan will cover pre-existing conditions before your drop your current coverage. If you and/or your spouse do
• Questions to Ask About a Policy
  When you are ready to begin comparing policies there are some basic questions you will want to ask, including: What do you require for me to qualify for your policy (i.e.. When you are ready to begin comparing policies the
• Questions to Ask
  When considering whether to purchase earthquake insurance, consider asking an agent the following questions: If you are a California homeowner, ask if the insurance company participates in the CEA program or if the policy they offer is not affiliated with the CEA. Ask how their policy compares with
• Who sells annuities?
  Only people who hold a license to sell insurance and mutual funds can legally sell annuities. These people may work for different financial institutions—banks, brokerage firms, financial planning companies—or they may be independent licensed financial advisors.. Only people who hold a li
• Insurance
  What forms of insurance do you have that you could tap into or could help with the costs of a move? Long-term care insurance is designed to help people pay for extended or occasional care by a home health aide or licensed medical professional either in-home or at an assisted living facility, senior
• Money Deposited in Credit Union Accounts
  All federally chartered and most state-chartered credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) which is a federal fund that is backed - like the FDIC - by the full faith and credit of the U.S.. All federally chartered and most state-chartered c
• Finding an Agent and Purchasing a Policy
  If you currently hold homeowners or renters insurance and losses due to flooding are not covered, you may want to first contact your insurance agent to learn more about flood insurance and to see if he or she can sell you a flood insurance policy. You can also visit the .
• Boat Insurance
  If you are a boater you know the fun – but also the financial reality – of owning a boat. If you have homeowners or renters insurance and have a small-sized boat (i.. If you are a boater you know the fun – but also the financial reality – of owning a boat. If you have homeowners or renters i
• Specialty Insurance
  When most people think about insurance they immediately think of car insurance, life insurance, and health insurance. You can obtain other, additional forms of “specialty insurance” that protects the value and will reimburse you all, or a portion of, the replacement or repair cost of items..
• Distressed Homeowners May Get Foreclosure Postponement Help from Project Lifeline
  Homeowners at risk for losing their homes may be eligible to receive help through a “Project Lifeline” program. Through the program six major lenders – . Homeowners at risk for losing their homes may be eligible to receive help through a “Project Lifelin
• Help for Subprime Mortgage Holders
  If you obtained a subprime mortgage between January 1, 2005 and January 31, 2007 and you are either having difficulty paying the mortgage now, or think you will have difficulty paying it when the interest rate "resets" you may be able to qualify for help. The federal government has worked with mortg
• The Bottom Line on Health Insurance
  The bottom line is that health insurance doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. There are significant financial risks and physical health costs to living without health insurance—it only takes one major uninsured injury, accident or illness to leave you with big bills that can take a long time to pay of
• Who to Work With to Maintain Your Coverage and Get Answers to Your Questions
  If you obtain your health insurance through your, or your spouse’s, employer, you will most likely interact with the Human Resources (HR) staff/benefits managers to get questions answered regarding your plan. They will give you a booklet detailing your plan information and a coverage card with conta
• Open Enrollment
  Tara and Erik are a two-income family. Tara works as a paralegal and Erik works as a family counselor at a nonprofit for troubled youth.. Tara and Erik are a two-income family. Tara works as a paralegal and Erik works as a family counselor at a nonprofit for troubled youth. They have a t
• Disability Insurance
  If you suffer an accident or illness and become disabled (either temporarily or permanently) and have a disability insurance policy you can use your benefits to pay for the medical care and supportive services you require. .
• Levels of Coverage Available
  With flood insurance, homeowners can insure their homes for up to 250,000 and contents (possessions inside the home) for up to 100,000. Renters can purchase flood insurance coverage for up to 100,000 for their personal possessions.. With flood insurance, homeowners can insure their
• What Happens if I Can’t Get Coverage?
  If you can’t find any car insurance that you can afford, or if you have been turned down for coverage, there are options. Consider checking to see if your employer or any associations you belong to offer reduced-rate policies.. If you can’t find any car
• Figuring Out the “What Ifs”
  Although this is a very exciting, hopeful time for you as a couple it’s important to talk about, and make contingency plans for, things that none of us particularly want to consider but need to be discussed. These include… Thinking about a prenuptial agreement. While it can seem extremely unromantic
• Tips for Maintaining Specialty Insurance Coverage
  As with any insurance, once you have obtained coverage it’s important that you do everything you need to in order to maintain coverage. Here are some tips to do so: Whether you are purchasing an annual policy or a single-time/one-use policy (i.. As with any insurance, on
• When Income Exceeds Expenses
  Congratulations! You have savings potential. Are you currently saving money or are you spending your excess? If you aren’t currently saving money, the good news is that you have the most important thing to become a saver - -money! Instead of thinking about your excess income as money to play with (a..
• Assisted Living Facilities
  Assisted living facilities may be an ideal alternative if you would prefer some assistance with daily activities and the companionship of other residents. Assisted living facilities are not intended for people with significant medical needs or disabilities - conditions that would be better cared for
• Medigap
  because Medicare does not cover all healthcare costs you can purchase a separate Medigap policy (also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance) to cover those “gaps” in Parts A and B. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies.. because Medicare does not
• Evaluating Your Need for Coverage
  Once you have determined what your home's flood risk is, and if you live in an NFIP community, you will want to evaluate your sense of the need for flood insurance coverage. If you are not required to carry it, then it really is your choice.. Once you have determined what your home's flood ri
• Using Life Insurance as an Asset
  While the primary benefit of life insurance is to provide your dependents with income after your death, consumers with permanent life insurance policies are increasingly viewing, and using, life insurance as an asset. That means that they are using the money they have built up in the policy for othe
• Paying for Health Insurance Coverage
  If you have employer-sponsored insurance through your or your spouse’s work, you are still likely to have to pay some portion of the premium. Most likely premium payments will be deducted from your paycheck on a regular basis.. sored insurance through your or your spouse’s work, you are still likely to
• Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  In addition to simply putting money aside for future medical or healthcare costs in a checking or savings account you may also be able to use something called Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs can only be used by people that have high-deductible health insurance policies.. ting money aside for futu
• Employer-Based Health Insurance
  If you are not married you may still be able to obtain health insurance for one another through your workplace. Check with your human resources department to see if they extend domestic partner privileges to unmarried couples for benefits such. If you are not married you may still be able to ob
• Purchase Insurance to Protect your Blended Families’ Assets
  It is important to talk with your spouse about how you will financially and legally protect your family. While it can be easy for insurance to seem like another “to do” on a long list of to dos for your new family, purchasing insurance can be critical to ensure that you don’t run into financial
• Work and Child Care
  Perhaps the biggest question facing soon-to-be parents is what they will do regarding their current employment and caring for their newborn. If both you and your spouse are working to earn an income, you’ll need to figure out how you will care for your child until s/he is school-age..
• What are the costs and risks involved in annuities?
  The costs of owning an annuity can include: annual fees for the insurance company’s guarantees and administrative services annual or periodic management fee charged by the mutual funds or other underlying investments and the sales commission paid to the salesperson. These fees will usually be quoted
• Earning
  You may have one sole source of income or you may have many different “streams” of income – such as part-time jobs, seasonal work, alimony, settlement income, etc. In large part your financial security will depend on your ability to obtain jobs that will provide you with adequate income and benefits
• Budgeting for Your Policy
  Once you have an idea of how much life insurance would be optimal to carry, you’ll need to decide if you can realistically afford to budget the premium cost for that policy out of your existing income. In other words, “How much do I need to budget out of my current income to be able to afford the pr
• The Difference Between Long-Term Care Insurance and Disability Insurance
  It’s important to note that long-term care insurance is NOT disability insurance. Long-term care insurance helps people pay for assistance with daily living activities (i.. It’s important to note that long-term care insurance is NOT disability insurance. Long-term care insurance helps people pay f
• The Financial Side of Homeownership
  Buying a home is the single largest financial commitment that most people ever make. By taking some time to think about and plan how you will maintain your investment and stay current on your mortgage, you can create some good financial habits at the outset of homeownership that will pay off for yea
• Your New Community
  When you buy a home you’re not just buying a piece of property – you’re moving into a community with new people, stores, schools, services, traditions and more. Enjoy the process of getting to know your community and figuring out where and how you’d like to get involved.. When you buy a home you’r
• Collectibles and Valuables Insurance
  Did you inherit family china or jewelry? Do you collect antiques or artwork? Are you a hobbyist with a valuable collection of baseball cards, dolls, stamps or books? It’s important to know that most standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover the repair, restoration or replacement costs of collect
• Earthquake Insurance
  If you live in an earthquake zone, where you’ve felt the tremors of small quakes, or been through a big earthquake, you know that few things can be more frightening. Earthquakes have caused damage in all 50 states and approximately 90 percent of all Americans live in seismically-active areas..
• Windstorm Insurance
  Most standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies cover damage or loss created by wind-related weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes. However, some private insurance companies have removed wind damage from homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies for residents living in high-risk coasta
• Homeowners’ and Renter’s Insurance
  Your home and your belongings are probably your largest financial asset.  So how do you protect them? If you own a home and have a mortgage (loan that you are paying off to own the home outright) then your lender will require that you carry home insurance.. Your home and your belong
• A Baby on the Way
  Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living in Connecticut. They bought Ellen’s grandmother’s house when she decided to downsize.. Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living
• Filing an Insurance Claim
  When you purchase health insurance your employer or the health insurance company should give you a benefit booklet that outlines what they will and won’t cover (pay for) how they will pay for your medical bills, how to file a claim requesting that they pay a bill and how to file a complaint or an ap
• Questions to Ask When Comparing Plans
  Health insurance is an important financial tool that can help preserve your family’s physical and financial health. Make sure that you know exactly what services and benefits you are purchasing.. portant financial tool that can help preserve your family’s physical and financial health. Make
• FDIC Bank Deposit Insurance – What It Is and What You Should Know
  With the recent news of a handful of banks failing people are increasingly concerned about the safety of their bank deposits. How can you know if your money is safe when you deposit it into a bank and if your bank does fail, how much of your money does the FDIC insure? The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insu
• Preserving the Value of Your Home and Community When the Housing Market Changes
  With the increased rate of home foreclosures nationwide, many homeowners, and home sellers, are facing tough questions about how to maintain as much of their home's value as possible, how to sell a home in a slowing real estate market, and how to ensure that their community remains a desirable place
• Questions To Ask When Evaluating Long-Term Care Insurance Policies
  When evaluating long-term care insurance, consider asking a provider the following questions: Are you licensed to sell long-term care insurance in this state?  Make sure from the start that the person you’re talking with is legally able to sell this insurance product to you. What is your company’s ra
• In Your 50s
  What should you do now to ensure that your quickly-approaching retirement is an event you look forward to with confidence rather than anticipate with fear? In addition to building on the steps outlined for your 20s, 30s, and 40s there are specific actions you can take now to build a more secure fina
• Medicare
  Medicare is a federal health insurance program which will pay all or a portion of medical care costs for qualified patients under very specific conditions. There are two parts to Medicare coverage - Part A which covers hospital insurance and Part B which covers medical insurance..
• Financial Advisor-Related Questions
  Once you have a grasp on your basic financial picture, you may decide to look for some outside help in managing your finances or making decisions involving your finances. To find the right financial professional, it's important to first ask what type of help you're looking for..
• Additional Sources of Information and Help
  There are numerous agencies and online internet sites that can help as you consider long-term care insurance including: The federal . There are numerous agencies and online internet sites that can help as you consider long-term care i
• What is an annuity?
  Annuities are investments that you can use to turn savings into a dependable income stream for retirement or to provide financial support for your loved ones after your death. An annuity is a contract between you and a life insurance company.. Annuities are investments
• Starting Out in Your 20s
  When you’re just entering the workforce it’s a great time to develop some financial disciplines that will become financially-rewarding habits for your future such as: Establishing some short- medium- and long-term financial and life goals Creating, and sticking to, a realistic budget Keeping a tight
• Brokerage Accounts
  With the sale of Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, many investors are concerned about the safety of the money they invested in brokerage accounts. How can you know if the money in your investment brokerage accounts is safe? First, if you had a brokerage account at
• What do titles like CPA, PFA and others mean?
  There’s a veritable alphabet soup in the financial services industry. Here’s a list of common abbreviated financial credentials: CFA - chartered financial analyst CFP - certified financial planner CFS – certified fund specialist ChFC – chartered financial consultant CIC – chartered investment counse
• Setting Goals
  List your goals and then decide how long a period you have before you want to achieve the financial ability to meet this goal. For example, if you want to buy a home and you want to invest your savings to create a significant down payment amount, when would you want to become a homeowner?  If you wan
• What Long-Term Care Insurance Will Cost You
  The premium for long-term care insurance, or the amount of money that you will have to pay yearly to maintain coverage, is usually higher than for other forms of insurance – anywhere between 2,000 - 8,000 per year. The cost of your premium will depend on several factors, including: The cost of car
• Medical Expenses and Taxes
  You may not be aware, but the IRS allows you to deduct medical costs from your federal income tax as long as they total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.. You may not be aware, but the IRS allows you to deduct medical costs from your federal income tax as long as they total more
• Disputing a Claim Denial
  If you have a complaint about your claim or you would like to appeal a denied claim (meaning the company refused to pay on the claim) put your complaint/appeal in writing, make a copy to keep, and send it certified mail to your insurance company. Ask that they respond in writing..
• You and Your Doctor
  The doctors that you choose to work with can have an enormous impact on your physical and mental health. It is important to have a positive, trusting, ongoing relationship with your medical care providers.. The doctors that you choose to work with can have an enormous impact on you
• Brokerage Accounts
  How can you know if the money in your investment brokerage accounts is safe? When one firm acquires another (as Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch) brokerage accounts are simply transferred from one company to the otherOver time you might see a change in your financial advisor or broker or in co
• Wedding Insurance
  Dresses, tuxedos, photographers, flowers, cakes and limousines…weddings are exciting, and expensive, events. But after all the planning, deposits and down payments, what happens if a weather emergency cancels your plans? Or what if the bride or groom becomes injured or ill? What if one of your key v
• Additional Forms of Coverage & Features
  In addition to standard forms of insurance there are a few optional forms of coverage available, including: Uninsured Motorist Insurance Uninsured motorist insurance pays for accident expenses when the other driver has NO liability coverage that would otherwise cover your expenses if they are found
• Questions to Ask about a Potential Policy
  Once you have identified a company and/or broker that you would consider doing business with, you want to ask a series of questions about the policy you are considering: What coverage does this policy include? What is my premium for this policy? What are the minimum insurance requirements in my stat
• How Do You Think You and Your Family Might Use Health Insurance
  Once you have found some online options or an insurance agent or broker that you feel comfortable with, next you will want to consider under what conditions you and your family use health insurance. For example, Your and your family’s health.. Once you have found some
• Types of Health Insurance Policies
  There are four major types of health insurance policies – indemnity plans, HMOs, PPOs, and POSs. Indemnity or “Fee-for-Service” Plan – Indemnity plans are pay-for-service “coinsurance” plans.. There are four major types of health insurance policies – indemnity plans,
• Tips to Lowering and Managing Your Healthcare Costs
  There are some preventive measures you can take to lower your health care costs or keep them in check: Avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. Most doctors’ offices have an off-hours answering service that can put you in touch with a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner if you need a
• What to Do When the Deployment is Extended
  Imagine learning that your spouse has 24 hours to report for duty and be deployed for combat. Now imagine that the day before the scheduled homecoming, you are notified that he/she won't be coming home for another 12-15 months.. Imagine learning that your spouse has 24 hours to report for duty and be de
• Next Steps: Recovering from a Service Member’s Death
  As you work through the initial grief of losing your loved one it is important to know what resources the military provides: Legal Assistance Your casualty affairs officer will accompany you to a meeting with a Department of Defense legal assistance officer where you will learn about the benefits an
• Refinancing Your Mortgage as an Option to Hold onto Your Home
  For many homeowners who obtained an adjustable rate mortgage over the past few years to buy a home, both time and the economy have not been on their side. Millions of homeowners holding adjustable-rate mortgages are trying to determine if they can refinance their current home loan to be able to affo
• Benefits
  Self-employed people have to provide their own benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans that may once have been provided by employers. If you have other employees, you may need to offer benefit plans to them as well.. Self-employed people have to provide their own ben
• Silent Generation (Born between 1926-1945)
  Most members of the silent generation are already in some form of retirement (i.e. fully retired or working part-time, occasionally or seasonally to bring in some additional income) So what happens if you realize that you need to go back to work after you have already left the workplace? . t generation are already
• When You Lose Retiree Benefits
  Karen was enjoying retirement after 32 years of work as a registered nurse. Her Social Security and savings provided a modest, but adequate, income and she was grateful for a generous retiree benefits package from her former employer which included a pension and health insurance.. ment after 32 years of wo
• How Work May Affect Your Benefits
  If you are already retired and considering re-entering the workforce you’ll want to make sure you understand if, and how, your current retirement benefits could be affected including your Social Security, pension, Medicare and retiree health benefits. Social Security If you have already begun receiv
• Long-Term Care Insurance
  Medicare, Medigap, disability and most health insurance policies do not cover most long-term care costs. Medicaid will only pay for long-term care costs if you have very limited assets and income.. Medicare, Medigap, disability and most health insurance policies do not cover most long-term care co
• Identifying the Factors Creating the Current Financial Crunch
  Sometimes the reason for a financial crisis is obvious – a wage-earner in a family was laid-off, or a family member got sick and there was no health insurance to cover mounting medical bills, etc. But often even just one obvious issue (i.. Sometimes the reason for a financial crisis is obv
• Mortgage Loans
  The housing market’s decline has triggered the bankruptcy of several banks and mortgage lenders. If the bank or mortgage lender that currently holds your loan files for bankruptcy, it will first sell or transfer your mortgage to another firm.. The housing market’s decline has triggered the ban
• Benefits
  Self-employed people have to provide their own benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans that may once have been provided by employers. If you have other employees, you may need to offer benefit plans to them as well.. Self-employed people have to provide their own ben
• If You Live in California, Connecticut, Indiana or New York
  If you are a resident of one of these four states you may benefit from something called a “Partnership for Long-Term Care” program. When you: purchase long-term care insurance that meets certain basic Program requirements in these states; receive care in that same state; AND use all the benefits ava
• Social Security Disability Income: What It Is and How It May Affect Your Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance Benefits
  One common reason that many people give for not purchasing disability insurance is that they believe they will receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) It is important to realize that private disability insur
• What Happens to Homeowners Holding Interest-Only Mortgages When Interest Rates Rise
  Starting in early  2001 millions of Americans took advantage of record low interest rates and bought a home. But the down side of that good news is that while interest rates were at record lows, housing prices soared to record highs.. Starting in early 2001 millions of Americans took
• Ongoing Homeownership Responsibilities
  In addition to paying your mortgage there are other financially-related items to keep track of and take advantage of such as deducting the interest on your mortgage from your taxes, considering a home warranty, and keeping home records. Claiming the Mortgage Interest Deduction on Your Taxes There is
• What Damage Qualifies for Coverage
  In order for your claim to be approved under your windstorm insurance policy, typically it must be caused by a “trigger” event. Trigger events vary by insurer and state, but in coastal areas the events are typically one or more of three conditions: An official “hurricane watch” issued by the Nationa
• Motor Home or Recreational Vehicle (RV) Insurance
  Motor homes and RVs are larger, more difficult to maneuver and require different insurance than standard auto insurance that you can carry for a car. When looking into purchasing motor home or RV insurance, or comparing potential policies, look at the policy and/or ask an agent: What types of motor homes or RVs.
• Motorcycle Insurance
  Motorcyclists can find it difficult to insure themselves (as a motorcycle rider) and their bike. Most standard auto insurance will not provide coverage for motorcycles.. Motorcyclists can find it difficult to insure themselves (as a motorcycle rider) and their bike. Most standard auto insurance
• Insurance and Protection
  Insurance is an important component of every personal financial plan. Insurance provides you with financial protection for your assets and your loved ones.. Insurance is an important component of every personal financial plan. Insurance provides you with financial protection for yo
• Create or Update Your Wills
  While no one particularly likes to think about their eventual death, it is incredibly important that both you and your spouse have wills drawn up to specify what you want to happen when you pass away. It is estimated that nearly 70% of all adults die without a will.. While no one particularly
• Help for Homeowners Mortgage Center
  Millions of American homeowners are facing tough financial choices created by a tightening economy and rising interest rates which are sending monthly payment rates up for many adjustable-rate mortgage holders. If your or a friend or loved one is struggling to hold on to your home this section can h
• Questions to Ask When Considering Disability Insurance
  Whether you are evaluating a short or long-term disability insurance policy offered through your employer or purchasing an individual plan through an insurance company or agent, consider asking the following questions before making a commitment: How do you define disabled?  In other words, when am I
• Mortgage Loans
  The 2007 – 2008 housing market decline triggered the bankruptcy of several banks and mortgage lenders. If the bank or mortgage lender that currently holds your loan files for bankruptcy, it will first sell or transfer your mortgage to another firm.. The 2007 – 2008 housing market decline triggered t
• Borrowing Against Your Life Insurance
  If you have a cash value life insurance policy you may be able to either take money out of the policy or taking a loan out against the policy to help pay for your child’s college tuition. Typically you can withdraw or borrow a percentage of the cash value you have built up in the policy – limits var
• Before You Switch Policies
  If you already have a life insurance policy, at some point you may consider whether or not you should consider getting a new policy. For example, perhaps you have term life insurance and the term is about to expire.. If you already have a life insurance policy, at some point you may consider
• Healthcare Concerns and Needs
  One of the most common reasons that family members move in with one another is that an older loved one becomes no longer able or physically safe to live on his or her own, or a family member needs to recover from a medical condition or accident. If that describes your situation, sit down together to
• Start Out Smart! 7 Money Moves to Make Now
  Congratulations – you have a job! Your first full or part-time job can be exciting, overwhelming and scary…all at the same time. The biggest benefit is of course having a real paycheck! Before you run out and spend that entire first paycheck, there are a few wise financial “first moves” you should c
• 10 Smart Ways to Make a Little Extra Savings Go a Long Way
  Regardless of your age, how much or how little you already have saved, or how little you feel like you can save, it's never too late to start saving for your future Every little bit - at every stage - can add up to a significant amount.. Regardless of your age, h
• When Your Parents’ Retirement Plans Change
  What do you do when you parents’ retirement plans change? When their finances, benefits and insurance no longer enable them to maintain the lifestyle they envisioned in their older years or to meet their current financial and personal needs? . arents’ retirement plans change? When their finances, benefits and insuranc
• Stretching Your Retirement Spending Dollar
  During retirement you are going to have to make your income and savings stretch further than before to reduce the risk of outliving your financial reserve. To do that you will need to start with a plan for how to strategically draw down your retirement savings and investments , and then mindfully ma
• Important Considerations for Saving and Investing: In Your 30s
  While retirement may still feel like a lifetime away this decade is critical for saving and investing. You still have plenty of time to save and invest and reap the benefits of compounding interest and long-term gains.. l feel like a lifetime away this decade is critical for saving and investin
• 10 Simple Steps to Start Saving Money Now
  Develop a simple, easy to implement plan with Tomorrow's Money “Personal Savings Schedule” Click here to link directly to the site’s . Develop a simple, easy to implement plan with Tomorrow's Money “Personal Savings Schedule” Click her
• What the Housing Recovery Bill Could Mean for You
  The housing recovery bill that went into effect on October 1, 2008 has the potential to help millions of American homeowners and homebuyers. There are several ways that you or a loved one may be able to qualify for financial assistance through the bill.. The housing recovery bill
• Your Home Mortgage - A Financial Tool
  As you pay off your mortgage you are building up equity, or savings, in your home. As your savings accumulate and your needs change, or outside economic factors change, you may want to make changes to your mortgage.. As you pay off your mortgage you are building up equity, or savings, in you
• Comparing Mortgage Costs
  There are several costs associated with borrowing money to buy a home including the interest rate you’ll be charged to borrow the principal (loan amount) points, mortgage insurance closing costs and the down payment. Interest Rate One of the most important pieces of information you need from a lende
• Story File
  The SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education seeks to provide you with the best information, tools and resources available to help your followers become more financially literate. We have compiled this story file based on year-round evergreen topics.. Investor Education seeks to provide you with the b
• Rising Interest Rates and the Mortgage Crunch and What It May Mean to You
  The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows.. The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows. A surge of homebuyers eager to take advantage of the low interest rates on mortgages began pushing ho
• What's New
  This section will list new articles, features and tools to the Tomorrowsmoney.org suite of sites as they are posted. Refer back to this section regularly to see what new information we have to share to help your audiences gain control over their personal financial planning to create a more financial
• Baby Boomers (Born between 1946-1967)
  Baby boomers that already were planning and ready to celebrate retirement were perhaps the hardest hit by the recent recession, and now are the most disillusioned about when they will be able to exit the workforce. The MetLife Mature Market Survey found that of the 11% of boomers born in 1946 who pl
• Choosing The Best Health Plan
  AS EMPLOYERS CONTINUE TO shift more of the financial burden to their employees, the cost of health care is projected to rise at a double-digit pace (10.1% for the average worker from 2007 to 2008, according to benefits-consultant Hewitt Associates.. AS EMPLOYERS CONTINUE TO shift more of the financi
• Managing Maternity/Paternity Leave
  You may need, or want to, take leave before the baby is born – due to medical or other reasons, and you will certainly want to take at least some time off after delivering your child. You’ll want to check with your employer to learn about their maternity/paternity leave program.. take leave before the ba
• Handling Your Finances
  Handling money matters is intimidating for a lot of people. Maybe it is for you.. Handling money matters is intimidating for a lot of people. Maybe it is for you. You may be overwhelmed or uncertain as to how to start facing your finances. Money matters can seem like a bottomless p
• How Much Coverage Do You Want for Your Possessions?
  In addition to insuring your home’s physical structure, you’ll want to consider how much to insure your physical possessions for. You can insure your possessions for either the items’ actual cost (how much it would cost today to buy the same item) or the cost it would take to replace them..
• Money is tight... what I can afford?
  You might be like millions of Americans who dread opening up their monthly credit card statements, or who haven't actually balanced their checkbook for months…or longer. If you feel like you don't have any control over your money, the reality is it's controlling you.. You might be like million
• Financial Topics in Difficult Times
  When Debt Is Overwhelming You: Difficult Financial Decisions for Difficult Times Today a rapidly increasing number of people find themselves having to stretch their incomes and take on larger amounts of debt to afford everyday expenses and fixed expenses like affordable housing and health insurance.
• Your Family’s Military Pay
  If you have worked both as a civilian and as a member of the military you know that there are some very significant differences between military and civilian income, including paychecks. Let’s look at some of the unique factors of a military income.. If you have worked both a
• Seeking Potential Income
  If the person you are helping has learned that he/she is going to lose a job, or has recently lost a job, the first step is to look into getting any earned benefits from his or her employer such as: severance pay money for paid time off (i.e. vacations) that was not taken compensation for unused sic
• Budgeting and Reducing Variable Expenses
  Budgeting is an important financial discipline to help plan spending, and create and invest savings. Encourage the person you are helping to . Budgeting is an important financial discipline to help plan spending, and c
• Financial Tools
  In addition to insurance benefits your employer will likely offer various financial tools that you can use to reduce your taxable income and save for your short-term needs and long-term goals. Health Spending Accounts Healthcare spending accounts provide you with a way to pay for health care expense
• Topics to Discuss
  As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to discuss every financial topic and reach an agreement on all of your priorities in one discussion.. As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to d
• Steps to Take in Your 30s and 40s
  At this stage of your life you have probably settled into a career and have a few thoughts about where you would like to be personally, professionally and financially in your future. This is also a stage where you may begin making some significant choices and investments such as returning to school
• Questions to ask when considering buying an annuity
  Does buying an annuity fit in well with my overall retirement savings plan that includes IRAs and employer-sponsored 401(k) plans first? Am I maximizing my contributions to other tax-free retirement investment options first? Unless you have a special need that only an annuity can fill, such as a dea
• Who are annuities good for?
  Any investment choice depends on many factors including your personal circumstances, your age, the amount of risk you feel comfortable taking, the amount of time you have before you need the money, and your other assets, investments and financial realities. When you are young, it’s typically better
• Help! I don't know how to get a handle on my finances.
  No matter how lost you feel, or how behind in your bills you are, there are a few simple things you can do to begin getting a handle on your finances: Step 1: Identify your income. Don't overlook all your potential sources of income: Paycheck from your full-time job Income from a part-time job or oc
• Private Health Insurance
  Depending on what type of Medicare coverage you elect you may also want to purchase a private health insurance policy. It’s critical to know what benefits you have under the policy and how much it will cost you to maintain the policy.. Depending on what type of Medicare coverage you el
• Money Market Funds
  Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market funds and money market accounts are different.. Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market
• What to do when Downsizing?
  Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" as one of their top financial priorities. If your finances are tight, you might want to do a little math to figure out how your current monthly mortgage compares to your current income.. Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" a
• Check Your Progress and Readjust as Necessary
  When Seth left his job at a graphic design firm to work as a freelance graphic artist he loved the flexibility that self-employment offered and the idea that he could be his own boss. He also enjoyed being able to set his own schedule and take on jobs that really interested him..
• Benefits You May Be Entitled to as a Public Employee
  As a public employee you will most likely be able to take advantage of significant benefits. After accepting a job with a government agency or organization, you should receive a package of benefits that outlines your salary, your work requirements (i.. As a public employee you
• Financial “Things to Do” Before the Year’s End
  With the holiday season officially underway it can be easy to spend most of your “financial thinking” on all of the holiday gift-giving, traveling and entertaining you will, or would like to be able to, do. But there are five simple things that you may want to consider doing to tie up some financial
• Naming Beneficiaries
  When you purchase a life insurance policy you will be asked to name a beneficiary or beneficiaries. A beneficiary is someone (or something – i.. When you purchase a life insurance policy you will be asked to name a beneficiary or beneficiaries. A beneficiary is someone (or something – i.e. an i
• Warranties and Insurance
  If you are buying a new or used car from a dealership they will likely offer you a warranty. There are two main types of warranties – factory warranties and extended warranties.. If you are buying a new or used car from a dealership they will likely offer you a warranty. There a
• The Retirees
  Scenario: Roy and Helen are both 67, retired, and live in West Virginia in the same house they raised their kids. Their kids and 4 grandchildren just live down the road from them.. Scenario: Roy and Helen are both 67, retired, and live in West Virginia in the same house they raise
• Caring for Dad
  Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago and had to be moved to a nursing home.. Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago
• 10 Things Every Public Worker Should Do
  Read your benefits package carefully and attend any new employee orientation meetings or review resources through your organization’s internal website. Make sure you know the deadline for selecting or signing-up for benefits and when the next open enrollment period is. Talk with someone in your HR d
• Medicaid
  Medicaid is a federal-state insurance program that provides health insurance and health-related care for seniors with very limited income and assets. If you qualify for care and the facility or location that you are choosing to move to is certified, Medicaid will pay the facility directly for your c
• Signs that It May Be Time to Move
  If you or your aging loved one, live independently - whether it's in a single-family home, apartment, condominium, townhome or mobile home - how can you best determine when and if it may be time to explore different housing options? Desire This is the best situation - when you, or a parent or family
• Retiree Health Benefits
  If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance coverage through a former employer as part of your retirement benefits package you are one of the lucky ones. According to a 2008 Kaiser Family Foundation report less than 33% of all companies with 200 or more workers offer retiree health benefits
• How much home can I afford?
  Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing and overwhelming processes you've ever navigated.. Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing
• Types of Life Insurance Policies
  As with any investment, you will want to carefully consider and understand your options before you invest in life insurance. All types of life insurance policies can be categorized into one of two categories - “term” or “permanent”. As with any investment, you will want to carefully
• Prescriptions
  Prescription drugs are an important tool that doctors use to help their patients heal and achieve optimal health. However prescription drugs can also be very expensive, particularly for people with long-term chronic conditions or illnesses.. Prescription drugs are an important tool that doct
• Money Market Funds
  Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market funds and money market accounts are different.. Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market
• Additional Features to Consider
  As with any insurance policy, there are several types of features that you will want to consider. Additional features (such as those listed below) will likely increase your premium (the amount you pay for the policy) because you are selecting expanded coverage or benefits.. As with any insurance pol
• Disputing a Bill
  If you find an error on your medical bill you should contact the hospital, doctor’s office or lab that sent you the bill and ask for an account supervisor or someone in the billing department. Let them know of the error, ask them to make the correction and to send you a copy of the correct statement
• Doing Your Homework
  Just as with any home purchase – and perhaps even more importantly when you’re buying a foreclosed property – you need to do your homework so that you make a well informed decision. That means that you should View the. Just as with any home purchase – and perhaps even more importantly when you
• Buying a Foreclosed Property from the Government
  When homeowners default on their Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans’ Administration (VA) mortgage loans the federal government repays the lender for the unpaid balance on the mortgage, assumes the title, and then seeks to resell the property. Several government.
• Buying a Property from a Distressed Owner
  Once an owner receives a Notice of Default (NOD) the lender can begin the foreclosure process. When a borrower is late on payments but the home has not yet been foreclosed upon the lender will also list the notice of. Once an owner receives a Notice of Default (NOD) the lender can begin the f
• Buying a Foreclosed Property
  In a difficult economy – when people are losing jobs and losing income – an increased number of homeowners have difficulty making their mortgage payments. If they can’t work something out with their lender to get current on their mortgage,. In a difficult economy – when people are losing jo
• Adapting to an Unplanned Retirement
  Most of us have a vague idea of how our work life will progress – we’ll spend a few years deciding what we really want to do, get established in our careers, move companies or organizations a few times, progress up the pay scale and then - at a point of our choosing in our sixties or seventies - we
• Reverse Mortgages
  If you are 62 or older and own your home you have access to a special type of financing that can help you turn your greatest asset – your home – into supplemental income, enabling you to meet your other financial obligations and reach important life goals. A reverse mortgage is a financial tool that
• Home-Buying 101
  Owning a home. It's the American dream.. Owning a home. It's the American dream. But maybe you feel like that's all it will ever be - a dream. The good news is that with some time, and a little work, you may very well be able to turn that dream into reality. Buying a home is not a one-time
• Mortgage Counseling If You're Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage
  If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payment or even facing foreclosure you cannot afford to wait and hope that you can resolve the issue later. If you are behind on your mortgage you can be faced with foreclosure, and sooner than you may realize.. If you are having difficu
• Healthcare and Health Insurance
  The military healthcare system is called TRICARE. It is an enormous system that provides healthcare for servicemembers, activated Guard and Reservists, retired members of the military and military spouses and dependents.. The military healthcare system is called TRICARE. It is an enormous system
• Can I afford to stay in my current home?
  You can do a little math to figure out how your current monthly mortgage compares to your current income. If you're not sure what your monthly mortgage is (perhaps you're not the one who pays the bills) it's a good idea to contact the bank that holds your mortgage to find out.. You can do a little math
• Buying a Newly Built Home
  At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor plan, appliances, carpet and paint? It’s also nice to think that you could be the home’s first owner.. At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor
• Clarifying their Financial Commitments and Resources
  In stressful situations it is often difficult to think rationally, logically and methodically. Often the person you are trying to help will respond that they don’t have time to really figure things out financially, that they don’t know how or can’t or don’t want to or shouldn’t have to-for some reas
• Selling a Home
  If you are a homeowner and you're considering a move you will need to decide whether or not you want to sell your home, retain your home or keep your home and rent it to generate some income. If you choose to keep your home but not rent it out you will still need to maintain the property and possibl
• If a Servicemember Becomes Disabled
  It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It can be a physically and emotionally difficult time for the servicemember and his or her family.. It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It
• Making it a Home
  You have finished the hunt for a new home, signed the papers and moved in. Now what?  How can you begin to really make this new place a welcome home for you and your family?  Home Safety Owning your own home means that you are now financially and legally responsible for what happens to people while th
• Health Insurance Options During Retirement
  Health care is one of the biggest spending categories for seniors.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average American age 65 or older spends more than 4,100 out of pocket on health care costs annually.. Health care is one of the biggest spending categories for seniors. Accordin
• What Is Mortgage Foreclosure
  Sadly some people end up having their homes foreclosed upon simply because they were too embarrassed to contact their lender, or didn’t know what foreclosure is and what options are available to them to avoid foreclosure. Let’s start by getting clear on what foreclosure is: Foreclosure is a legal pr
• Rising Prices, Fewer Financial Choices
  It's not just families that have suffered an unexpected job loss that are using credit to make ends meet. More and more American families are finding that their income doesn't go as far as before.. It's not just families that have suffered an unexpected job loss that are using credit to make ends
• Mortgage Foreclosure Alternatives
  Once you contact your lender and let them know that you want to stay in your home, there are several alternatives that your lender may consider. These alternatives are also called a “mortgage workout.. Once you contact your lender and let them know that you want to stay in your home, there are several
• Tips to Maintain Financial Stability
  Life changes. And you, with a fluctuating income, probably know that better than most. There are some things to keep in mind that can help you stay on track with your plan to create more personal financial stability.. Life changes. And you, with a fluctuating income, probably know that better
• Your First Car
  Nothing spells freedom like having your own car, right?  If you’re thinking about buying a car, take some time to think through your needs and get educated on what’s involved in buying a car so you’re not the one being taken for a ride. It can be intoxicating to walk onto a new car lot – all that hor
• Overcoming Obstacle Number Two: Finding Money
  Unlike students who have not entered the workforce, adult students are often unsure about how – or if – they can afford to leave full-time work with its wage/salary, benefits (including insurance, paid vacation, etc. and career advancement possibilities.. Unlike students who have
• Dealing with Deployment
  Deployment is a stressful time for every member of the family. By taking time to talk together as a family, and separately as a couple, you can better manage both the emotional and logistical aspects of being apart from your servicemember.. Deployment is a stressful time for every member of
• Questions to ask a financial advisor
  Good for you. You want to be well prepared for meeting with a potential financial advisor.. Good for you. You want to be well prepared for meeting with a potential financial advisor. Even if you feel panicked about your financial situation and as tempting as it may be to walk into someone's
• A Widow
  Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, she had to return to the work force full-time.. Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, s
• 16 Warning Signs You Could Be Heading for Financial Trouble
  We’ve all done it before – forgotten to pay a bill on time, charged more on our credit cards than we should, etc. But there are some financial “red flags” you should pay attention to realize that without a course correction, you’re headed for financial trouble.. – forgotten to pay a bill on time, charged more on
• Tax Changes that Could Affect Your 2010 Tax Bill
  There are a few changes to the tax law that could affect your 2010 federal income tax bill. These changes are important to know about especially if you’re preparing your own taxes. The good news is that most of these changes have the potential to reduce or even eliminate the amount you owe the feder
• Managing Your Income During Retirement
  In retirement, perhaps more than any other time in life, you will need to take control of your personal finances.  If you are fully retired (meaning that you are not doing any type of paying work) you will not have a consistent income stream from work or employer-based benefits.. re than any other time in
• Short Sales: What They Are and Why a Homeowner Might Pursue One
  Homeowners who are pressed to make their mortgage payments – or are already behind – may consider trying a short sale as an option to letting the bank foreclose. A short sale is when a mortgage lender agrees to accept less money than the amount the homeowner owes on the loan.. d to make their mortgage
• What's New This Month
  July '09 : IOUs Issued by the State of California Strapped for cash, the state of California has started issuing more than 3 billion in IOUs to businesses, individual tax payers and county governments to whom it owes money. California state government officials have indicated that the IOUs – which
• The Inevitable Cashflow Crunch
  You will hear a lot about “feast or famine” in the world of self-employment. Some seasons are busier than others.. You will hear a lot about “feast or famine” in the world of self-employment. Some seasons are busier than others. Some customers pay sooner than others. Yet expenses usually r
• Scams to Avoid
  SIX-FIGURE INCOME WORKING PART TIME AT HOME! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Sound too good to be true? It probably is.. SIX-FIGURE INCOME WORKING PART TIME AT HOME! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Sound too good to be true?  It probably is. There are unfortunately too many operators who exploit vulnerab
• What Kind of Business?
  Your own business can be based around a product you make or a service you provide. You also have the choice of starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or franchising.. based around a product you make or a service you provide. You also have the choice of starting from scratch, buying an existi
• Services
  Do you have (or can you learn) a skill that others need?  Service businesses can spring up around bookkeeping, catering, typing, graphic design, petsitting, computer skills, insurance claims, organizing, tutoring, translating, gardening, you name it. As a general rule, the start up costs for a servic
• Planning Your Exit
  Setting clear goals for your business involves having some end in sight, even if that’s your own retirement. You may want to build a business that can someday be sold to a competitor or even taken public in a stock offering (in which case it has to be quite big and quite stable).
• Adapting to Long-Term Temporary or Independent Contract Work
  Since the recession of 2008 employers have been slow to re-hire people for positions that they cut. If you lost your job, you may have started working with a temporary staffing firm or working as an independent contractor, or freelancer, to help make ends meet.. 08 employers have been slow to re-hire people for
• When You Lose Control of Your Finances – How to Get Back on Track
  Jessica was scared. She had a full-time job and thought she made enough money to cover her bills. However after an unexpected car accident and subsequent repairs, a higher-than-expected insurance premium increase and a flurry of bills she began to worry that she wouldn’t have enough money in her che
• Resetting Your Retirement Clock
  With market volatility, economic downturn and financial uncertainty people are increasingly unsure of what they can expect from their employers and if their savings plans for retirement will produce what they need. Many workers are also rethinking how long they will need to work.. conomic downturn and fina
• Going it Alone or Together
  Even though you and your loved one have chosen to live together, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to choose to combine your finances. Instead of “falling” into the topic by default (i.e. a utility bill arrives in the. Even though you and your loved one have chosen to
• I don't know where to begin.
  The most important part about beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.. bout beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be
• Will They Need Help?
  IT'S ANYTHING BUT a sure bet. But before you help a parent or other elderly relative, sort through the long-term-care strategies.. IT'S ANYTHING BUT a sure bet. But before you help a parent or other elderly relative, sort through the long-term-care strategies. It's a good idea to
• First-Time Homebuyers Can Use Tax Credit for Down Payment, Closing Costs for FHA Mortgage
  If you, like many potential home buyers, are leaning toward buying a home in part due to the 8,000 federal tax credit you may be in for a very nice surprise. Instead of having to purchase a home, file a federal income tax return and only then get the tax credit, buyers who choose to apply for a.
• Questions to ask when considering Bridge housing or Congregate Housing, CCRCs, or Assisted Living Facilities
  How much of a security deposit do you require? Is there an entrance fee, and if so, how much? Is it refundable? What is the length of my contract? Can I leave at any point or would I incur penalties? What would my monthly fee be and what does that include? Could I see a typical meal plan? Can dietar
• How Unemployment Benefits are Calculated and What Happens When They Run Out
  When you lose a job you may be eligible for temporary unemployment benefits which can help you bridge the uncertain – and often financially worrisome period – between jobs. If you qualify, unemployment benefits will provide you with a percentage of your take-home pay for a specified period of time,
• Saving
  Saving money is not something that we, as Americans, are very good at. In fact the U.. hing that we, as Americans, are very good at. In fact the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that America’s personal savings rate is the lowest in the industrialized world. .Saving money is a critical habit to develop a
• Creating Financial Stability and Structure Without A Steady Paycheck
  As you begin to take charge of your finances, you may find that you need some professional help. For more information on available services, and how to work with financial professionals, . As you begin to take charge of your finances, you may find that you need some professional help. For
• Signing a Lease
  Depending on your timeframe and the market for rental properties in your area you may need to sign a lease quickly, in which case you need to understand what the lease outlines and what you’ll need to provide. If you’re renting from a large property management company (like those that own large apar
• A Guide to Using a Bank and Bank Services for the First Time
  If you don’t use a bank, credit union, or thrift/ savings and loan institution you are like nearly 10 percent of the American population. There are a wide variety of reasons that people don’t use banks.. If you don’t use a bank, credit union, or thrift/ savings and loan instituti
• How can I check on my financial advisor’s background and credibility?
  Before you sign any papers or give someone any money to invest on your behalf, check on their background. You want to make sure that he/she has a spotless record.. Before you sign any papers or give someone any money to invest on your behalf, check on their background. You want to make su
• When Debt is Overwhelming You
  As a single mother Dana is used to making her income stretch. But with the rising cost of basic necessities like gas, food and utilities, and her growing son's needs, her paycheck isn't stretching far enough.. As a single mother Dana is used to making her income stretch. But with the
• Tips for Keeping Your Credit Habits Under Control
  Try to have only 1 or 2 major credit cards Unless you're trying to establish credit for the first time, don't get cards for individual store accounts. Shop around for the best, lowest-cost credit card.. Try to have only 1 or 2 major credit cards Unless
• Getting a Credit Card for the First Time
  You probably get a credit card offer in the mail almost every day. Be careful before signing up.. You probably get a credit card offer in the mail almost every day. Be careful before signing up. You need to read the fine print carefully. Remember that what you're signing is a legally binding agree
• Helping People Who Are Having Trouble Making Ends Meet
  Dealing with finances can evoke numerous responses in people – anxiety, confidence, fear, panic, confusion, intense interest or disinterest, etc. When people are in financially turbulent times, their normal feelings and attitudes about money are intensified Recognize that when you are talking to som
• Social Security 101
  Once thought to provide enough income for a retirement lifestyle, today most people recognize that Social Security is just one part – but an important part – of an overall retirement savings package. It’s important to know how Social Security works, when you can begin receiving benefits, and factors
• A Special Note for Military Families
  In addition to all of the steps most families need to take (see above) if you or your spouse is in the military you may have special issues and unique concerns before starting a family. You will need to discuss issues such as: what your military health insurance (Tricare) will provide before and dur
• Seasonal Stories
  Fall Home Buying 101 Want to become a homeowner? Wonder what it will take to get there? Click here to check out our new series on "Home Buying 101" - a step-by-step monthly guide to turning the dream of homeownership into a reality . Open Enrollment It's fall - the "open enrollment" season for thous
• I am not sure how to help someone who is in financial trouble and is looking to me for assistance.
  Every day people find themselves facing sudden, unexpected or unwanted life changes that affect their ability to earn money, pay bills, and make choices to keep life working for themselves and their families. Young people, college graduates, seniors, single parents, middle-aged workers – none of us
• Investing
  Many of us do not think of ourselves as investors. We may have created a budget and watch our spending; we may have savings accounts—or even a checking account that earns interest – but we may not have begun investing our savings because we haven’t mentally crossed the line from being a saver to bei
• Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
  Buy Generic. Because prescriptions can be costly especially for people with no, limited or fixed incomes, each state has a law that lets pharmacists substitute less expensive generic drugs for many brand-name drugs.. Buy Generic. Because prescriptions can be costly e
• The Employment Offer
  The goal of all your hard job-searching work is to land a job. Eventually (and hopefully sooner rather than later! you will most likely receive an offer of employment.. The goal of all your hard job-searching work is to land a job. Eventually (and hopefully sooner rather than later! you will m
• How will I know who is right for me?
  The bottom line is that you want to work with a financial professional that is competent; is in compliance with all laws regulating their industry; is someone that you "click" with; and is someone you can afford. First, professional competence.. The bottom line is that y
• What Credit Unions Offer
  Credit unions offer their members a wide variety of financial products and services. At a minimum, credit unions accept deposits for savings accounts.. Credit unions offer their members a wide variety of financial products and services. At a minimum, credit unions accept d
• Reviewing their Financial Priorities
  When people are in a financially stressful situation they often immediately focus on their financial shortfall. And while it’s important for them to know their financial needs, after identifying the initial root cause of their current situation, it is often more helpful to help them begin by clearly
• Nursing Home Checklist
  Print out . Print out the Nursing Home Compare website assessment results for any facilities you are considering. Once you have done some research on potential nursing homes, call and ask for an appointment to tour the home and meet with an administrator. When m
• Sources of Financial Assistance for Healthcare Costs
  If healthcare costs are putting a pinch on your budget you may want to consider looking into assistance through the following organizations: . If healthcare costs are putting a pinch on your bu
• Your Home as a Source of Retirement Funds
  If you own your home you may have another option for creating a stream of income during retirement: a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a financial tool that allows you to tap into the equity you have built up in your home to help with one-time or everyday living expenses once you reach the ag
• Rethinking How You Plan, Save and Invest for Retirement
  You commit yourself to saving for retirement. You take steps to understand how long your financial resources must last in retirement years so you don’t outlive your savings; you test guideline amounts needed to retire using an online calculator; you start contributing to 401(k) or IRA or SEP or othe
• Planning for Retirement While You’re in the Military
  Whether or not you, or your spouse, are considering a full career in the military, it is important to think about, prepare and plan for your retirement years. While it can seem like it is very far off and your everyday needs and wants are more important, starting to save for retirement now – even in
• Dealing with a Dependence on Credit when Life Changes
  While using a credit card can be more convenient than writing a check or taking time to stop at an ATM to get cash, using credit as a supplemental source of cash can become an expensive habit which can create an even tighter squeeze on an individual or family budget if life circumstances-or larger e
• Money Deposited in Bank Accounts
  Up to 100,000 of money you deposit in an FDIC-insured individual bank account, up to 200,000 for joint accounts and up to 250,000 for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are guaranteed safe by the federal government. If you have more than that amount in a particular bank, it is not guaranteed t
• Your Savings and Investments in Turbulent Financial Times
  Tomorrowsmoney.org visitors are asking “what might recent events mean for my savings and investments? This article addresses concerns about some of the most common areas of concern for people who have saved and/or invested money, including: Money Deposited in Bank Accounts Money Deposited in Credit
• Investing is just another word for saving.
  FALSE. Both saving and investing are about putting money aside rather than spending it, but with two different goals.. FALSE. Both saving and investing are about putting money aside rather than spending it, but with two different goals. The goal of saving is to be sure
• Financial services companies
  Financial services companies are licensed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to sell securities to investors. These companies may be full-service, discount or on-line broker/dealers (also known as wirehouses) banks or insurance compani
• CDs
  No, “CD” doesn't refer to the small round disc…it stands for “certificate of deposit. Here's what you need to know about CDs: It's a deposit you make with a bank for a certain amount of time,between 1 month and 5 years.. No, “CD” doesn't refer to
• Differences between Saving and Investing
  Saving is the process of putting money aside now—rather than spending it—so you have it when you need it later. When you deposit money in savings accounts, checking accounts, and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) in a bank or credit union, your deposits are likely to be insured by the Federal Deposit In
• Required Credit Counseling If You are Filing for Bankruptcy
  As part of the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act if you want to file for bankruptcy you will have to complete two credit counseling courses. The first course you will need to complete before you file your petition to claim bankruptcy.. As part of the 2005 Bankr
• Searching for a Service or “Blue Collar” Job
  According to the U.S.. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics nearly 15 percent of all Americans work in what are considered “blue collar” or service jobs. Who are “blue collar” workers?  They are the people who provide valuable service work for us everyday – they are electricians, plumbe
• Grandparent with Grandchild
  Scenario: Olivia is 72 year old retired widow living in Nevada on her Social Security benefit and her husband’s pension. She has always lived modestly and was sure she would be okay in retirement.. Scenario: Olivia is 72 year old retired widow living in Nevada on her Social Security benefit and he
• Set a Course for Where You Want to Go
  Once you have evaluated where you are financially – what income, savings, expenses and debt you have – you are now able to begin setting a course for where you want to go financially in the future, and take steps in that direction. Following are a few tips for thinking about your financial goals: Ac
• I can't do anything different financially for the future because I need every penny I make now for my kids.
  While it’s true that most families feel financially stretched, there are ways to make simple changes in your everyday spending and budget to create savings. It can be very encouraging to realize that small changes can create significant savings.. While it’s true that most families feel financiall
• Our family is drowning in debt and bills due to a medical situation. Any type of future financial planning is pointless.
  It’s understandable that dealing with the financial fallout from an emergency and/or significant medical condition can be stressful and make “financial planning” seem beyond your reach. However, financial planning simply means to be intentionally aware of how you are making actively choices about yo
• If a Servicemember Dies
  It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan for what would happen if your, or your spouse, die during military service. The military provides assistance and benefits for survivors.. It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan fo
• Dental Benefits
  Servicemembers get free dental care on base and are required to have regular dental checkups. Military families can purchase inexpensive dental insurance through . Servicemembers get free dental care on base and are required to have regula
• Create a New Budget
  A budget provides a commonly-agreed upon set of priorities from which you and your new spouse can make decisions. Be patient – it may take a while to learn how you each view and use money.. A budget provides a commonly-agreed upon set of priorities from which you and your new spouse can ma
• Places to Avoid Turning to for Financial Help If Possible
  It is not uncommon for single moms to feel panicked about how they will be able to meet normal living expenses, especially if they do not have adequate savings, insurance or access to credit. If you are considering the following sources of funds, instead think through the previous suggestions as the
• Preventing Identity Theft
  According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than half a million Americans become victims of identity theft every year. As a single woman it is critically important that you take all necessary precautions to protect your identity.. According to the Federal
• What to Do When It Becomes Difficult to Pay Your Mortgage
  Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment.. Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment. But ma
• Moving Day
  The big day is almost here. Moving day.. The big day is almost here. Moving day. Before you get to enjoy the excitement of moving into your new home, you’ve got to make it through the tedium and trial of actually boxing up and moving all your possessions. Having your tools and materials rea
• Selecting a Lender
  Congratulations. You invested some real time last month to educate yourself about the not-so-simple-to-understand mortgage.. Congratulations. You invested some real time last month to educate yourself about the not-so-simple-to-understand mortgage. Now that you know the basics about what a mortgage
• Integrating Your Student Loan into Your Financial Lifestyle
  Getting out of school can be an exciting time. Perhaps for the first time you are living on your own, earning your own money and choosing what to spend your income on.. Getting out of school can be an exciting time. Perhaps for the first time you are living on your own, earning your own money
• The Benefits of Using a Bank Instead of a Check-Cashing Store
  Besides paying less overall for services, you can get a variety of benefits and services from a bank that you can’t get when using a check-cashing store: Your money can earn interest. Unlike when using a check-cashing store for a one-time transaction (i..
• Getting Married
  Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 25-year-old teacher earning 28,000 a year.. Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 2
• A Divorcee
  Scenario: Jill is a 30 year old public relations assistant living in Massachusetts. She is in the process of getting a divorce from her husband of 4 years.. Scenario: Jill is a 30 year old public relations assistant living in Massachusetts. She is in the process of getting a divorc
• Moving in with Family
  At some point most people and/ or their loved ones consider whether or not it would be feasible and/ or desirable to move in with other family members. While you may be interested in moving in with a family member (or having a parent or loved one move in with you) be aware that it's an option that has
• Questions to Ask when Considering Age-Restricted or Age-Targeted Housing Options
  How much of a security deposit do you require? Is there an entrance fee, and if so, how much? Is it refundable? What is the length of my contract? Can I leave at any point or would I incur penalties? What would my monthly fee be and what does that include? Rent or mortgage only? Utilities? Meal pack
• Age-Restricted or Age-Targeted Housing Options
  Active adult or active lifestyle communities can be comprised of single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, mobile or motor homes or apartments; however they are all age-restricted or age-targeted . Age-restricted communities are open only to residents who meet a designated age (usually
• Medicare
  Once you reach 65 you are eligible for Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program. While Medicare ensures that you are able to access health care services, it will not cover all of your health care needs or expenses.. Once you reach 65 you are eligible for Medicare, t
• Why Do You Want to Work
  Knowing why you need or want to go back to work can help you make more informed employment decisions. For example if… you want to find less expensive health insurance then you may want to be more flexible on the type of position you’re looking for, which industry you work in, and focus only on full-
• Key Considerations for Withdrawing Money from Retirement Savings and Investments
  Gone are the days when experts encouraged retirees that they could safely withdraw 10% of their personal savings and investments each year to bankroll their post-work lifestyle. Most financial planners now suggest withdrawing no more than between 3-5% of your total retirement portfolio each year and
• Benefits
  Because military work can be so demanding, there are numerous perks and benefits for service members and families alike. One of the most attractive benefits of working in the military is guaranteed, free healthcare and other, related health benefits.. Because military work can be so demanding, there a
• Drawing Financial Boundaries with Ex-Spouses
  Whether you had a good relationship with your ex-spouse before your new marriage or not, remarrying will certainly create a new relationship dynamic with him or her. Remarrying can certainly change some financial dynamics with an ex-spouse, for example it will most likely end alimony payments and it
• Why Money Matters in Marriage
  There are few topics that can so quickly divide people as money. And while it is perfectly fine to disagree with friends, co-workers, and even family members about money, when it comes to your marriage, it’s important to be on the same page; if you can’t agree on everything related to finances you n
• Protecting Your Assets as a Single Woman
  As a single woman you have to create your own “fall-back” plan in the event that something unexpected occurs. You do not have a husband’s or partner’s income, resources and assets to rely upon if something goes wrong.. As a single woman you have to create your own “fall-back” plan in the event
• Single Women Managing Money
  For the first time in American history more women are single than married. Single women are earning more money than ever before, are making more financially-related decisions than ever before and yet most single women still do not feel adequate or empowered to successfully navigate their own financi
• Medical Bills
  Millions of families, every year, have difficulty paying their medical bills. However paying your medical bills is as important as paying any other bill.. Millions of families, every year, have difficulty paying their medical bills. However paying your medical bills is as importa
• Determining Your Down Payment Amount
  How much money do I have to save to have enough for a down payment?  The amount of money that you will need to save for a down payment on a home varies by: (1) how much the home costs and (2) the type of loan you qualify for. While most people begin looking at home sale prices first, it’s actually be
• What are Check-Cashing Stores and What Services Do They Offer?
  The concept of check cashing originated in the 1930s as a way for employees who didn’t have bank accounts to cash their payroll checks at local bars and stores. Today check cashing stores provide services for people who are reluctant to, or unaware of how to, use a bank..
• What Bankruptcy Does and Doesn’t Fix
  Filing for bankruptcy won’t fix any underlying financial strains that could have contributed to you declaring bankruptcy in the first place. For example, if you don’t have enough income to cover your regular expenses, declaring bankruptcy won’t help you bring in additional income..
• Questions to Ask When Seeking Professional Help with Debt
  By the time you get to the point where you may consider getting professional help you may feel overwhelmed and unable to even begin sorting through stacks of bills that are piling up. Remember that getting the help you need and getting out of serious debt is something that happens one step at a time..
• How Your Credit Score Can Be Used
  You may be surprised to know how many types of businesses can use your credit score, and what they may use your score for. Once a lender pulls a copy of your credit report and views, or calculates, your credit score, they will use that score to determine their risk in making you a loan or extending
• Subprime Loans
  "Subprime" loans carry a higher than average interest rate and typically charge more fees than traditional loans. You can get a subprime loan when applying, for example, for a home mortgage or a car loan.. Subprime" loans carry a higher than average interest rate and typically cha
• Borrowing Against Your Retirement Savings
  While experts don’t recommend tapping into your retirement savings for any reason- because you are putting savings and potential interest and growth opportunities at risk- you may be considering this as one of your only options. Before you do anything, let’s look at what’s involved in borrowing agai
• How Thieves Can Steal Your Identity and What Happens When They Do
  It’s frighteningly simple for someone to obtain your personal information. Think about how many times a day you purchase something online, fill out an application or throw out a credit card receipt or piece of mail.. It’s frighteningly simple for someone to obtain your personal information.
• Special Features
  Life insurance policies may offer several special features such as: Accelerated death (or “living” benefit. When a policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness they may be allowed to take out a portion of the policy’s death benefit (usually up to 75% of the death benefit amount) to use as they
• Housing Issues and Concerns
  For both young families and senior adults the cost of maintaining a home – including mortgage or rent, property tax, insurance, home maintenance, renovations, utilities and more – can become too expensive given existing resources. Before you move in together, be aware that there may be local zoning
• Pharmacy Benefits
  TRICARE plans all include a pharmacy benefit component to lower the cost or, and increase the ease with which you can get, prescription drugs. There are three ways to get your prescription drugs through your TRICARE plan: Have your prescription filled at a military facility. By choosing this option
• Estate Planning
  One of the results of divorcing and then remarrying when you have children is that both you and your new spouse will need to make some important decisions about how your assets and possessions will be handled and managed after your death(s) You will need to decide upon and “name” beneficiaries (mean
• Spending and Saving Decisions
  As you work through your financial goals and priorities it will become easier to reach agreement about how you will spend and save money. It seems obvious but the only way to save money is to find ways to not spend all the money you’re bringing in.. As you work through your financial goals and prior
• Paperwork to Get Together
  As you begin talking and making decisions about your finances you should begin to get some of your financial paperwork together including: copies of your most recent income taxes your checkbook bank account statements most recent credit card statements insurance policies copy of your will (if you ha
• Review Your Income
  Once you have an idea of your regular expenses and what your income scenario is, evaluate if you have any regular, predictable income that you can dedicate to meeting your expenses. For example, do you receive alimony or child support that you can use for fixed expenses such as housing (rent or mort
• The Young Couple
  Scenario: Marcus and Julie, both 27, live in Tennessee and have been married for a year. Julie is in nursing school and also works part-time as a nursing assistant at a local hospital.. Scenario: Marcus and Julie, both 27, live in Tennessee and have been married for a year. Julie is in
• Scams to Avoid
  SIX-FIGURE INCOME WORKING PART TIME AT HOME! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Sound too good to be true? It probably is.. SIX-FIGURE INCOME WORKING PART TIME AT HOME! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Sound too good to be true?  It probably is. There are unfortunately too many operators who exploit vulnerab
• The Inevitable Cashflow Crunch
  You will hear a lot about “feast or famine” in the world of self-employment. Some seasons are busier than others.. You will hear a lot about “feast or famine” in the world of self-employment. Some seasons are busier than others. Some customers pay sooner than others. Yet expenses usually r
• Seeking Professional Advice
  An important aspect of succeeding in your own business is knowing your limitations and when to ask for help. Just about every business owner will eventually need the services of a bookkeeper, an accountant for help with taxes, and an attorney for assistance on business structure and contracts..
• Keeping Copies of Your Personal Medical Files
  Every time you see a doctor he/ she will make notes in your file. That files is not the sole private property of your doctor – it’s your information and you have the right to know what’s in there and in fact you should request copies.. Every time you see a doctor he/ she will make notes
• Help If You are Concerned about Being Able to Pay Your Mortgage
  If you own your own home but still have a monthly mortgage payment that is probably one of your highest financial priorities. If you find yourself in a situation where your finances are so tight or that you have such quickly mounting debt that you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment i
• Making Home Improvements
  Whether you have purchased a real “fixer-upper” or you are considering modest “cosmetic” changes, making home improvements can be a way to make your home better fit your family, lifestyle and/or financial goals when re-selling. Deciding on Improvements and Setting Your Budget Making home improvement
• Mortgage Center: Frequently Asked Questions
  What is an ARM? An ARM is an acronym for "adjustable rate mortgage. That refers to a home loan where the interest rate charged on the amount of money you're borrowing to purchase the home adjusts, or changes, over time as the government raises or lowers the rate of interest that banks charge each ot
• To Buy or to Lease?
  SHOULD YOU lease or buy? Conventional wisdom says if you lease you'll have nothing to show for your money when the term is up. But that ignores the opportunity cost inherent in buying: after all, the money you pay up front for the car could be invested instead..
• Finding Money to Pay Down Your Debt
  After you have listed all your debts – credit cards, medical bills, department store bills, mortgages, car loans, etc. - you may be tempted to panic and say “But I just don’t have any money to even begin paying my debt off! Realize that you may have options you’re not aware of..
• Selling Your Home Part 1
  Every year millions of Americans sell their homes. Some of the most common reasons for selling a home are: Relocating for a job Needing or wanting more room for a growing family Moving after retirement Downsizing Moving to a more desirable or convenient neighborhood for work or school This month we’
• Condos and Co-ops
  Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the country. In some markets, including large cities such as New York, Boston and San Francisco, cooperatives, or co-ops, are popular housing options.. Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the cou
• What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Agreeing to a Mortgage
  Are you or a loved one considering becoming a homeowner? Taking on a mortgage loan to purchase a home can be an intimidating and confusing process. A Federal Reserve study for the Federal Trade Commission found that a significant percentage of homebuyers did not understand key features and costs of
• Living on Less: What to Do When Your Pay is Cut
  Every day workers of all types, across all industries, get the bad news from their boss that their pay is going to be cut. Whether it’s because your company is going through a tough financial stretch, or because the economy at large is making it impossible for your employer to make payroll, or becau
• Eleven Steps Single Moms Need to Take
  Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and taking them places, responding to emails …. Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and ta
• When Things Change
  They say that the one thing that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home.. ng that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home. Things can change over time. Utility costs can increase. The interest rate on your mortgage can change. You need a n
• Finding the Right Home
  What words come to mind when you think about finding a new home? Exciting? Scary? Overwhelming? The truth is that finding a new home can be all of those things. The way you feel about finding a new home can depend on why you're moving and how much time you have to find a home.. What words come to mind w
• To Rent or to Buy?
  THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest.. THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you bu
• Where to Buy a Car
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• Alternatives to Using a Check-Cashing Store
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• In Your 40s
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• When Work Changes or Jobs Go Away
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• Common Financial Myths Single Women May Believe
  Most women heard or sensed certain negative messages about money growing up such as: men should or will earn more money than women; men are better in math and therefore in understanding how to work with money than women; a woman’s income will most likely as be a “second income” within a family’s fin
• Immigration Issues for Multigenerational Families
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• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
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• 10 Great Things to Do with Your Tax Refund
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• Similarities between Health and Money
  Let’s consider some of the similarities between your health and your money, and then address small ways that you can begin making positive steps in both areas. Barbara O’Neill and Karen Ensle at Rutgers University have identified some interesting, practical similarities between money and health and
• Recovering From Bankruptcy and Re-Establishing Your Credit
  If you have filed for bankruptcy you have been through a very stressful, and probably humiliating, time in your life. It can be traumatizing to realize that you have hit rock bottom financially and you may feel panicked or shaky about what this means for your future.. If you have filed for ban
• Refinancing
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• Pros, Cons and Options for Location-Independent Jobs
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• Shopping for a Mortgage
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• Staying in Financial Control While You’re in College
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• Financial Pressures and Your Health
  Stress is an accumulation of mental and physical tension. Stress can: distract your mental focus drain your energy impair your immune system and increase susceptibility to illness or disease create real physical reactions such as heart palpitations, panic attacks, nausea, headaches and sleepiness ca
• Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Elder Financial Abuse
  What is elder financial abuse? Simply put, it’s a crime. It is when someone – an individual, company or organization – wrongfully takes a senior citizen’s money, property or other financial resources.. What is elder financial abuse?  Simply put, it’s a crime. It is when someone
• 13 Things Your Family Can Do Today
  All parents want their children to grow up knowing how to responsibly handle money – how to earn money, how to most wisely spend it, and how to invest it well for future needs. But how does that happen?  Here are 13 things that every family can do together to take control of your finances to reach im
• When There is a Gap Between Income and Expense
  That’s another way of saying that you’re spending more than you’re earning! Instead of feeling automatically overwhelmed or fearful, consider it just as a piece of information that can help you determine what you’re fearful of or concerned about. Even though the thought of having more debt/expenses
• Parents Dealing with their Single Adult Child’s Deployment
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• Offers & Counteroffers
  When you've found the home you want the next step is decide whether or not you want to make an offer, meaning that you want to tell the seller that you want to purchase the home. Making an offer is where you put pen to paper and outline exactly how much money you're willing to pay for the home and u