Prosperity

Little by Little

admin — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 08:56:00 -0500

Are you looking to invest now so you can save for the future?

Great idea!

But jumping into the stock market can seem costly, not to mention intimidating, if you don't have much cash to spare. Good news: There's a way to invest in the market that costs you nothing in broker or investment manager fees.

Start Saving!

mcherkezian — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:14:29 -0600

Are you worried it’s too late to save for retirement? Think you’re doomed because of recent downturns in the economy? Stop worrying; start saving! You’ll be amazed by how much can be done now to improve your future and enrich your golden years. Here’s how to get on track:

Dive in.
Forget about past mistakes and dive into saving! Focus on the years ahead. Set up a savings account now. If your employer offers retirement benefits, sign up for them. Take advantage of every program that can boost your savings.

Dollars and Sense

admin — Mon, 01 May 2006 12:36:00 -0500

Kids want to learn about everything. That includes money. Why not take advantage of that natural curiosity and teach them how to spend and save wisely? Give your children a clear understanding of what their money is worth, and you'll be helping them develop financially healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

The Prayer That Paid Off—for All of Us

admin — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:49:03 -0600

As we scramble to get tax returns completed, many of us take something for granted—our 401(k) accounts, the payroll savings plan whereby workers automatically set aside a percentage of tax-deferred income for retirement. It may surprise you to learn how this innovation came about.

Fiscal Fitness

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 10:42:00 -0600

You don't want to start the New Year off with a financial hangover, right? That makes now the perfect time to put your money maters in order. Here are five easy ways to get in good fiscal shape for 2006.

1. Pay off a chunk of your credit card debt before the gift-giving season begins.
Credit cards with the highest interest rate should be paid first. You'll feel much more generous during the holidays. (Just be sure not to charge yourself deeper into debt!)

The Good Life

admin — Mon, 01 May 2006 08:04:00 -0500

Nowadays, people call me "the Ann Landers of personal finance." Back in 1982, if anyone had told me that someday I'd write a newsletter—and a book!—to teach people how to get out of debt, I wouldn't have known whether to laugh or to cry. The only thing I was an expert on was getting into debt. My family was on the brink of financial ruin. We had run out of credit. We had no savings. No income. Nothing.

Not All Charities Are Created Equal

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:49:00 -0500

So you're thinking of donating to a charity? Good for you! But before you give, get your facts straight. How reputable or effective is this charity? How much of your money actually go to the organization's mission? Fortunately, numerous charity watchdog sites can assist you in making informed donations.

The following assess the effectiveness of various charitable groups and grade them from deficient to superb. Remember, if you stay informed, your contributions can make a world of difference.

News Hound

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 12:27:00 -0500

John Meyers isn't your typical teenager. He'll take Frank Sinatra over Josh Groban and Grace Kelly over Hilary Duff. He knows so much about World War II, you'd think he was a member of the Greatest Generation. No question, the kid is old school. That doesn't mean he's afraid to jump in and tackle something new, though.

90 Tons of Can-Do Equals One Town Pool

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2005 10:09:00 -0500

Nothing sounds better to 84-year-old Maisie DeVore than kids hollering and splashing in the town pool across the street from her house. Except maybe the satisfying crunch of a soda can being crushed. For Maisie and the 600 other residents of Eskridge, Kansas, cans and pools go hand in hand.

I (Almost) Like Tax Time

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:43:15 -0600

It's tax time again. Like millions of other Americans, my wife and I are in the throes of itemizing our deductions, sorting through stacks of bills and canceled checks. For years I dreaded this chore, putting it off till the last possible moment, grousing about the cost in time and money.

Then I stumbled on a way to ease the pain—just slightly, to be sure, but I welcome any relief from the annual attack of tax forms.