During the early days of your courtship and marriage, Valentine’s Day may have been full of gorgeous red roses, glittering glasses of expensive wine, and ooey-gooey proclamations of love. Now, even the thought of Valentine’s Day may sting your already-hurting heart. If you’ve recently gotten divorced – even if it was definitely the right thing […]
Ten Ways to Fall in Love With Valentine’s Day After a Divorce Read More »
Question: Last year my divorce with my husband became final and he started paying me child support for our two daughters. I’m going back to school, and the child support and alimony make up a lot of the money I get (I also work part-time). This is the first year I’m filing my taxes as
Do I Have to Claim Child Support Income on My Taxes? Read More »
It’s, that time of the year is here. I love new beginnings, but I sure don’t love dwelling on last year’s mess. Unfortunately, this time of year we all must sort through last year’s transactions so that we can render taxes unto Caesar (also known as Uncle Sam). Here are some tips for organizing your
Preparing for Tax Time Read More »
New Year’s resolutions have a well-deserved reputation for failure. Instead of making resolutions, why not consider a New Year’s Affirmation this year? By repeating a positive affirmation over and over, you internalize your goal, and train your subconscious mind to transmute those thoughts into actualities. If you believe it, you can achieve it – it’s
New Year’s Affirmations Read More »
The holiday season is fast approaching. Just as it’s easy to overeat during the holidays, it’s easy to overspend, especially if you buy on credit. Research shows that people spend about 15 percent more on purchases paid with a credit card. (So easy when you can just swipe and forget about a purchase.) To help
Seven Tips to Help You Afford the Holidays Read More »
Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers, was a very savvy guy. He said that a penny saved is a penny earned, but he proved that it really can be worth millions. In his will, Franklin left the cities of Boston and Philadelphia 1,000 pounds each (the equivalent of $4,444). He asked that the funds
What Ben Franklin Can Teach You About the Power of Compound Interest Read More »
Love it or hate it, chances are you have a thing or two to learn about Valentine’s Day, Here is some unexpected information about the holiday. 1. How Valentine’s Day began. Valentine’s Day probably originated as a combination of two Roman happenings. The first was Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrated each February 15, when
Things You Might Not Know About the Day of Love Read More »
With romance in the air, what couple could imagine that they would ever fight about money? Yet disagreements over money are a couple’s most common source of conflict. Finance is as fundamental to married life as the birds and the bees—but nothing can be more damaging to marital bliss. What’s a couple to do? Check
Does Money Harmony Equal Marriage Harmony? Read More »
Every year, Valentine’s Day, along with its epic run-up of love-soaked commercials and ads, is dreaded by singles everywhere. But what if you are struggling in an unhappy or even abusive marriage? You may feel like a bad marriage is breaking your heart, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches…and you might be right! Bad Marriage…Bad Heart
A Bad Marriage May Literally Be Breaking Your Heart Read More »
Sometimes money woes can seem simply overwhelming. Maybe you have so much debt that you simply cannot imagine any feasible way of climbing out of that hole. In these situations, bankruptcy may seem like the only option left. Is it really your best solution? While bankruptcy can help you discharge some (though not all!) of
Should You File for Bankruptcy? Read More »
Question My husband and I are talking about getting a divorce after six years of marriage. We don’t have any children, and he thinks we can do it ourselves. What do you think? Answer Doing your own divorce makes can make sense and save you money in certain circumstance. For example, if your divorce meets
Can You Do Your Own Divorce? Read More »
You can’t predict how your spouse will react when you announce that you want a divorce. If your spouse is in charge of your family’s finances or has access to joint accounts, you could find yourself suddenly cut off from your money! Do not put yourself in a position where you will need to rely
Thinking of a Divorce? Make Sure You Can Access Cash! Read More »
Think that you might be on the hook for alimony or spousal support after your divorce? The new tax bill that was signed into law at the end of 2017 states that the spouse paying alimony won’t get a tax deduction for the payments. This change applies to all support agreements made after December 31st,
Will You Have to Pay Alimony to Your Ex-Husband? Read More »
There are volumes written about how to become a successful investor, and the advice is often quite complex. Here are some common-sense tips that will improve your investment success, no matter what your level of financial sophistication. 1. Come early to the party, and stay late. Begin investing as soon as you can, be patient,
Top 10 Tips for Successful Investors Read More »
If you are actively saving for your retirement, then good job! You’re actually further along than a good proportion of your compatriots. (According to a report released by the Federal Reserve, one in five people in the U.S. nearing retirement age has saved nothing at all.) But before you break your arm patting yourself on
How to Check Your Retirement Progress Read More »
Is retirement truly dead? Perhaps not, but it seems increasingly out of reach for the middle and lower classes. Once upon a time, an entire generation was able to count on the retirement golden trifecta: pensions, social security, and savings to see them through the twilight years of their lives. These days, with pensions on
Is Retirement As We Know It Over? Read More »
“Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow.” —Yiddish Proverb Habits start out like cobwebs but end up as strong as steel cables. In his classic book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey describes the good habits that keep us on track in our life endeavors. In working with many successful investors, we’ve
Change Your Habits, Change Your Life Read More »
If you’re a woman who has reached mid-life a bit dazed and crazed by the passage of time, you are not alone. No one would disagree that women experience a dizzying array of life transitions. From getting a job to getting married to having children to being divorced or widowed, a woman needs strength and
This Is the Time of Your Life Read More »
Separating your life from another person can seem like an endless journey requiring a million steps. Many articles focus on the big picture tasks related to divorce, but you also need to know about all the nitty-gritty things, too, like how to close down joint checking accounts. With that in mind, here are some things
How to Close Down Joint Accounts During a Divorce Read More »
Wow, you are going to be a mother! How exciting, and perhaps slightly terrifying. If you’ve talked to other new parents, then you know that the miracle of life also has a way of turning into the miracle of the disappearing paycheck. Babies are wonderful…and expensive. That’s why it is so important to plan now,
You’ve probably heard that over half of Americans don’t have $1,000 in savings. That’s truly scary because life throws all sorts of financial curve balls at us all the time. If you ever, ever, ever, ever (ever, ever) want to be financially independent, step one is to build a rainy-day fund. This is your safety
These Ten Reasons Are Exactly Why You Need a Rainy-Day Fund Read More »
Just as no one can tell you how to feel about a beautiful sunset, no one can tell you how to live your life. You are the artist…and must shape your experiences with your own hand. — Susan Staszewski As you, the artist, shape your future, here are 10 attitudes that can help you create
10 New Attitudes for Re-creating Your Life This Year Read More »
Every year now seems to be the “Year of the Data Breach.” In the past, we’ve seen massive breaches at Target (110 million customer records hacked), Neiman Marcus (1.1 customers compromised), Michaels (3 million customers compromised), Home Depot (as many as 56 million cards compromised) and many others, including smaller retailers. As you gear up
Is Your Credit Card Safe This Holiday Season? Read More »
Want to hear the most obvious statement in the universe? Credit card companies want you to sign up for their credit cards. Yep, we said it was obvious. In fact, credit card companies want your business so bad, that they are often willing to shell out some nice rewards right out of the gate in
Three Credit Card Tricks to Help During the Holidays Read More »
Buying a home is a huge life accomplishment. It symbolizes success, security, and maturity. It can also serve as an important asset that grows in value over time. As the earliest millennials hit their 30s, start climbing the career ladder, and walk down the aisle, a whole new generation is beginning to dream of home
Buying a Home is Way More Expensive Than You Think. Can You Really Afford it? Read More »
Can You and Your Spouse Cut it as Business Partners? When you married your spouse, you promised to create and share a life together, but does that mean you can also create and share a business? Many couples successfully helm a business together, but they also face many unique challenges. Below are a few important
Partners in Love … and in the Boardroom Read More »
The biggest mistake women make when they decide to get divorced (and most divorces are instigated by women) is that they fail to plan for their post-divorce life. This is understandable. The decision to separate from a marriage is highly emotional, and it can be difficult to focus on practical questions, such as how you
How Understanding the Four Walls Strategy Can Keep You Afloat After a Divorce Read More »
When it comes to negotiation, women often get a bad rep as weak, insecure, and not confident. Most research on the topic of gender and negotiation deals with salary negotiation, where surveys do find that women are less likely to negotiate for a higher salary than their male counterparts. Do women really face a crisis
Are Women Bad Divorce Negotiators? Read More »
When you think about your finances, what keeps you awake at night? For most women, it’s the fear they will outlive their money and become a “bag lady.” The transition from regular paychecks to full-blown retirement can be downright scary. With traditional pensions going the way of the Model T, and the Social Security platform
Want to Protect Your Income in Retirement? It’s Time to Learn About Variable Annuities Read More »
A prenuptial agreement (or prenup) is often more important in a second marriage than in a first. Because of obligations to children, existing assets, and prior legal commitments, a written agreement assures that everyone’s needs are clear and their financial interests protected. If your future spouse feels uncomfortable about the idea, reassure him that the
To Prenup or Not To Prenup Read More »
Graduation is a time for new beginnings. As you join the world of work, realize that you have a tremendous power to shape your financial future. That’s because you hold the greatest of all assets—time! The ability to set goals and know what needs to be done to reach them begins the exciting journey toward
Finance 101 for New Graduates Read More »
Summer is a great time for taking a deep breath and a good look around. If you cast your eyes on the old homestead—the yard, the garage, the closets, and the cupboards—and see way too much stuff, you’re not alone. Americans have more stuff than they can handle. Think about those self-storage facilities appearing everywhere.
The All-American Yard Sale Read More »
It’s hard to stay on budget when planning your wedding-expenses can get away from you as you strive for the “perfect day.” Use the following savings secrets to keep your best laid wedding plans from going awry. Try not to make quick decisions. Impulsive decisions can lead to canceled contracts and returned items which in
The Best-Laid Wedding Plans Read More »
We create our lives each day by choosing what we focus on. But too often what we focus on doesn’t advance our lives or accomplish our goals. We are too caught up in our daily living to even figure out our goals, never mind taking steps to accomplish them. Let us illustrate this with a
What Your Kids Can Learn from a Trip to the Beach Read More »
The Help Wanted sign has practically disappeared for today’s teens. Too many young job seekers are likely to spend the summer on social media or watching TV instead of scooping ice cream or serving pizza. Some experts also blame higher minimum wage laws for squeezing out entry-level workers. Teens face competition from laid-off adults, seniors,
Help Wanted for Teens: How to Work the Job Market Read More »
Are your vacations so hectic that you need to get back to work to relax once you return? Are you still paying off your last vacation while booking your next one? Here’s a way to abandon the stressful vacation payment treadmill, and relax on the cheap this summer. Get away without going away Whenever my
Save Money This Summer with a Staycation Read More »
Isn’t it amazing how you’ll spend an entire back-breaking day cleaning your garage every few years and promise yourself that you’ll never, ever let it revert back into the cluttered mess that it was? Then, come next spring, your beautiful, spic-and-span garage has somehow de-evolved once again into something that looks suspiciously like a landfill.
Spring Clean Your Budget in Five Easy Steps Read More »
How to prioritize in your divorce negotiation It’s common enough for people to go a “bit crazy” during their divorce proceedings, but the case of a San Diego pointer-greyhound mix named Gigi was so outlandish that it managed to make national headlines. Gigi belonged to Dr. Stanley Perkins and his wife, Linda. When the couple
Would You Pay $150,000 to Keep Your Pet in a Divorce? Read More »
I have a friend, and I’m completely jealous of him. Financially jealous, that is. You’ll probably be jealous of him too. This is a guy who made it through college and grad school without a cent of debt through a combination of scholarships, working, and some support from his parents. Now, only in his late
Here’s the Worst Credit Mistake You Can Make Read More »
Your little baby is growing up. Now that she’s driving and started her first part-time job, is she ready to handle all of the privileges and risks associated with owning a credit card? Heck, is she even old enough? You may wonder when is the right time is for your teen to get his or
When Should Your Teen Get Their First Credit Card? Read More »
Aside from your home, it is likely that the retirement accounts you and your husband hold make up a large portion of your shared assets. Divorce accounts, like 401(k) plans, IRAs, and pension funds come with a lot of rules and regulations, which makes them a little tricky to tackle in divorce. However, retirement accounts
Are You Entitled to Some of Your Husband’s Retirement Savings In Your Divorce? Read More »
Popular culture would have us believe that retirement is a grand reward earned after a long and productive career, but more and more women in their 60s and 70s are rejecting that notion. They continue to work, not because they have to, but oftentimes because they’re just having too much fun. As Claire Cain Miller
Are You Having Too Much Fun to Retire? Read More »
Tax Quotes “I’m proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.” — Arthur Godfrey “The trouble with the profession of tax collecting is that 90% of its members give the rest a bad name.” — anonymous “Day in and day out, your
Funny Tax Quotes and Facts Read More »
Q: My husband left three years ago and is continuing to pay the mortgage. I want to sell [the house] so I can move, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t have enough money to buy me out or the credit to refinance it on his own. What do I do? ~ Brenda Brenda, we are sorry
What If One Spouse Wants to Sell the House After the Divorce and the Other Doesn’t? Read More »
Not every person listens to their better angels, and unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the world who are dedicated to separating you from your money. Tax season, in particular, is like scam-artist Christmas. The combination of confusing tax forms, fear of the IRS, and juicy tax refunds is just too much for
Three Tax Scams to Avoid this Tax Season Read More »
Monthly child support payments can be a financial life saver after a divorce, especially if you earn far less than your husband. After a divorce, you will need to learn how to make do on a single income while raising children who seem always to be emptying your refrigerator, growing out of their clothes, and
What Can I Do If My Ex-Husband Won’t Pay Child Support? Read More »
After a divorce, your financial life is likely going to take a big hit. According to a study by the Government Accountability Office, men will, on average, see a 23% reduction in their household income. Unsurprisingly, that number is much higher for women. They will see an average drop of 41% in household income after
How to Afford the Education You Need After a Divorce Read More »
In your life, you’ve had to face some difficult questions. Do you take the job you love but that pays a pittance or the dull job with the juicy paycheck? Do you marry the boring guy you’ve been dating for three years or cut him loose in the hope of finding your Prince Charming? Do
The Age-Old Question – Should You Rent or Buy a Home? Read More »
Being in debt feels kind of icky, doesn’t it? It itches in the back of your mind, constantly reminding you that you’re on the hook. You probably dream of the day when you can make that last payment on your mortgage, your car loan, your student loans, or your credit cards, but should you really
Does It Ever Make Sense to Invest When You’re in Debt? Read More »
Say it ain’t so! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are getting divorced. Maybe you were originally on Team Jennifer when Pitt and Jolie got together, but you’ve got to admit the two Hollywood superstars seemed like a match made in gorgeous person heaven. After 10 years of dating (possibly a world record in Hollywood), Pitt
What Brangelina’s Divorce Can Teach You About the Value of a Prenup Read More »
Pets bring their humans companionship, love, and lots of joy…but they also bring costs. That monster-sized bag of dog kibble isn’t going to buy itself, and that trendy new cat condo doesn’t exactly grow on trees. Adopting a new pet is a financial decision — and one that will impact your budget for the length
Can You Really Afford a New Pet? Read More »
Getting a job is hard, especially if you happen to have a ten-year gap in your resume and skills rustier than a bike left out all winter. Yet, this is the reality that many women in our country face when they are ready to rejoin the workforce after leaving their careers to raise a family
Returning to the Workforce? It Might Be Time to Consider an Adult Internship. Read More »
Not every marriage ends with an epic fight and an eternal hatred for one another that can never be quenched. In certain cases, a marriage can just quietly wither until one spouse (usually the woman) simply decides that she would be happier on her own. This is especially true of “gray divorces,” divorces that take
Should You Consider a Separation Instead of a Divorce? Read More »
Life happens, and life can be expensive. Maybe the radiator of your car blew out and you suddenly find yourself handing over your credit card to cover a $2,000 mechanic bill. Or you have to suddenly fly across the country for a week to take care of a sick parent. Or, perhaps you lost your
Never Pay Interest on a Credit Card Again – Credit Card Balance Transfers Read More »
Going through a divorce is a huge emotional blow and will undoubtedly be a pretty big financial blow, too. Even though we ladies are climbing up the rungs of the corporate ladder, we still earn less than men. We are also still more likely to drop out of the workforce in order to care for
Q. My husband left me three months ago and now wants a divorce. Should I keep paying the mortgage on my house even though he could get half of it? A. It can certainly be financially difficult to carry the full cost of a monthly mortgage payment on your own! We definitely understand why it
If You Know That You Are Getting a Divorce, Should You Still Pay the Mortgage? Read More »
Many divorces are downright nasty, especially if a lot of money is on the line. A high-earning spouse isn’t exactly happy to hand over his assets to his soon-to-be ex, especially if they live in a Community Property State that requires couples to equally split their marital estate. Hiding assets during a divorce is more
What to Do If You Find Out that Your Spouse Hid Money From You During Your Divorce Read More »
If you either want to feel extremely inspired or extremely terrible about your own financial habits, head on over to the Washington Post and read the story of the Fatzinger family. Rob and Sam Fatzinger are devout Catholics with thirteen children. Sam is a stay-at-home mom who homeschools her children. Rob, a software tester, earns
Trying to save money on the things you already buy or want to buy is a smart idea, especially considering that according to NerdWallet.com, the average household with credit card debt is carrying $15,310 on its cards. Ouch! Sure, every penny you save counts, but there are smart ways to save and then there are
Are You Spending Too Much Time Trying to Save Money? Read More »
Even though you know that cheating is surprisingly common in marriage (just grab the latest People Magazine if you need a reminder), you never think that it will happen to you…until it does. According to TruthAboutDeception.com, estimates peg infidelity rates in the United States at between 30% – 60%. It may be nice to know
Can You Get a Better Divorce Settlement If Your Spouse Cheated? Read More »
We’d like to believe that when it comes to life, work, and family that men and women have reached something nearing equality. Not so. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2012, 84% of stay-at-home parents were women. Likewise, women are far more likely not to work or to work part-time than men even if
Divorce Preparation Guide – Now Is the Time to Start Preparing for a New/Better Job Read More »
Hear those sleigh bells ringing? Nope, neither do we, and that’s the point! The holidays may feel like a long way off, but that’s exactly why you should start saving for them right now. Every year, the vast majority of us refuse to remember how expensive the holidays are until right around November when we look
It’s Time to Start Saving for the Holidays Read More »
If your grandmother was born in the year 1900, her life expectancy wasn’t much higher than 50, according to the National Institute on Aging. However, if you are 65 years old today, the Social Security Administration predicts that you will be able to blow the candles out on your 86th birthday cake if you are
Should You Invest in Long-Term Care Insurance? Read More »
Have you been dreaming of remodeling your cramped and outdated kitchen forever? The cost of even a small remodel can quickly reach five digits, and it isn’t uncommon for larger remodels, especially whole home remodels, to reach six or even seven digits in price. Most of us don’t have $10,000 just sitting around, much less
Should You Refinance to Remodel Your Home? Read More »
Divorce can shake you to your very foundations. Everything changes and many women want to cling to the house as the only stability they can find in a shifting world. Whether keeping the house is your best option depends on many different factors. Here are six things you need to consider in making that important decision.
Should I Keep the House? Read More »
What were you up to in 2005? Maybe you spent your days humming the new Brittney Spears song Poison, standing in line to grab a ticket to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, or checking out an odd new video website called YouTube. In 2005 George W. Bush started his second term in office,
How Much Did a House Cost Ten Years Ago? Read More »
According to the United States Department of Labor, in 2010, women comprised 47% of the total U.S. labor force. Though women still earn 82.5% of the salary of our male co-workers, we’re bringing home some nice paychecks every month, an average of $39,157 a year in 2013 for those of us who work full-time! In
Why Every Woman Needs a WIFE Read More »
The decision to get divorced should never depend on whether you think you can afford it; however, it is important that during this emotional time you prepare yourself for the potential costs involved. One of the most popular articles on WIFE.org is The Twelve Financial Pitfalls of Divorce. The very first pitfall we wrote about
Divorce is Probably Way More Expensive Than You Realize Read More »
Want to give your kids a wonderful gift that will last a lifetime and help them achieve their dreams? No doubt you’ve guessed that it’s not the latest video game or computer gizmo at the mall. Those are fleeting contributions to a young person’s happiness. Give them a healthy, positive, self-confident attitude toward money and
Positive Money Messages for Kids Read More »
College. That single word can lift a parent’s spirits and send an icy jolt of fear down their spine at the same time. A college education can play a huge role in a child’s chance for career and financial success, but the price tag can be breathtaking (and not in a good way). According to
Take a Deep Breath – It’s Time to Talk About Saving for Your Child’s College Costs Read More »
A house can mean a lot of different things to different people. For you, your home may mean stability. It can also represent an important asset, or consistency for your children during a difficult time. You may love your house for its proximity to your work, your family, or your children’s school. There are many
How to Keep Your House During a Divorce Read More »
Spring has sprung. If you are coming out of the winter of divorce, consider this season as your chance to clean your home and your soul of the emotional burdens. Back by popular demand is this useful and uplifting article. The season of spring is all about renewal, which is why it is the perfect
Spring Cleaning After Divorce: Cleaning Out Your Closet and Your Life Read More »
Life insurance is one of the most common types of insurance that people buy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 62% of Americans had at least some life insurance coverage in 2013. (That’s a big drop from the 78% of Americans who had life insurance in 2004!) Yet life insurance is also one of the
The Truth Behind Five Life Insurance Myths Read More »
How to Compute Your Net Worth You may have heard someone at a party brag about their “net worth” (usually after a few drinks). At its most basic level, a person’s net worth is simply the amount of their assets (the things they own) minus their liabilities (how much they owe). The fair value of
Do You Know Your Net Worth…And Does It Matter? Read More »
For many Americans, the idea of “life insurance” only brings to mind a simple term life insurance policy. Term life insurance is the most popular form of life insurance, but it is far from the only option on the market. In fact, insurance companies offer a wide array of life insurance products in order to
Did You Know That You Can Use Whole Life Insurance for Risk Management? Read More »
Life insurance is that great safety net that will help take care of the ones you love after you pass away. How much life insurance you need to have will depend in large part on who is dependent on your income and what type of legacy you want to leave after you pass away. Though
When Life Changes…Change Your Life Insurance! Read More »
When you invest in an actively managed mutual fund, you are investing in expertise. In exchange for an industry average yearly fee of 1.24% of the money you invest, you get a fund manager and a group of analysts who spend their days trying to pick the investments that will earn you the most money
Should You Invest Your Retirement Savings in Indexed Mutual Funds? Read More »
Part One in Our Retirement for a Lifetime Series You are fresh out of college with a degree clutched in your hand. Get ready world, you are going to do big things…eventually. First, you have to find a job, figure out a living situation, somehow replace the muffler on your car AND come up with enough
First Steps – Planning for Retirement In Your 20s Read More »
We all know the process. Estimate how much money you will need in retirement (which can range anywhere from 70% to over 100% of your pre-retirement income), determine your available income sources (like pensions and Social Security payments), and then calculate how much you will need to save annually so that you can retire on
What Do You Want Your Retirement to Look Like? Read More »
Many women assume that they must have a hefty bank account before a professional investment advisor will even look in their direction. Others worry about big fees and commissions cutting into the investment portfolio the advisor was hired to grow. So, is it financially smarter to hire an investment manager or read up on investing
DIY Investing or Hire an Investment Pro? Read More »
Why You Must Have the Money Conversation Before Marriage If you are in a serious relationship, you probably know your partner’s favorite color, his dream car, and at least a few embarrassing stories from his childhood. But do you know his credit score? If not, then you don’t really know your partner at all, and
I’ll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Your…Credit Report Read More »
A college education is almost a requirement these days in order to break into most well-paying jobs (unless your child is itching to start the next great tech company). However, the cost is steep! According to Collegedata.com, the average cost for a public, in-state college was $23,410 for the 2014-2015 year and $46,272 for a
Four Tips to Slay the Monster Cost of College Read More »
When you invest, it is a good idea to allocate specific percentages of your portfolio to different types of investments depending on your age, goals, and tolerance for risk. For instance, a 30-year-old professional saving for retirement may want to invest 70% of her savings in stocks, 25% in bonds, and 5% in cash. Even
Is It Time For A Portfolio Tune-Up? Read More »
If this March finds you wondering where to get a little more of the green stuff to cover life’s expenses, you’re not alone. Stories of rising prices and falling income fill the news—as if we hadn’t noticed.
The Growing of the Green Read More »
When it comes to your financial plan, it is important to maintain enough flexibility so that your plan can accommodate unexpected events that are out of your control. On the other hand, a sound financial plan needs to be firmly grounded by factors you can control so that even in the face of unexpected events,
How Much Flexibility Is Too Much In Your Financial Plan? Read More »
In his latest bestseller, Money Master The Game, Tony Robbins encourages his readers to create a dream bucket for themselves. This is basically a piggy bank for your dreams where you save the money that will finance that things you’ve secretly been holding inside your heart. Maybe it’s money to go back to school and
Why You Deserve a Dream Bucket Even If You’re Just Making Ends Meet Read More »
In the book, Unleash the Power of the Female Brain, Dr. Daniel G. Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging expert, imaged the brains of 46,000 men and women. He compared the blood flow and activity patterns between male and female brains and found significant differences. In summarizing his finding, Dr. Amen reported that female brains
How Understanding the Female Brain Can Make You a More Savvy Investor Read More »
When Amber walked down the aisle eight years ago, she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with Marcus. After their second child came along four years ago, they decided that Amber should leave her job as a product manager to take care of the children full time while Marcus continued
Are You Eligible for Alimony After Your Divorce? Read More »
Think You Get The Best Deals During The Holidays? Think Again! It’s holiday season, a time of carols, decorations, and cut-rate deals. Black Friday is infamous for the deep discounts retailers are willing to offer to entice holiday shoppers through their doors. These deals may be tempting, but savvy shoppers can save even more on
Here are Five Big-Ticket Items You Shouldn’t Buy During the Holidays. Read More »
Think of all the things you own, from the money in your retirement account, to your home, your car, and your beloved stamp collection. Where will they go after you die? If you are like 61% of Americans who have not created a will, then you are leaving that question up to your home state
Over Half of Americans “Haven’t Got Around” To Making a Will Read More »
This Thanksgiving, families and friends across the country will sit around the dinner table and consider the things they are thankful for. In a world that pushes us to want more than we have, it’s nice to actually appreciate the abundance already in our lives. Still, there is always a place for dreams in Thanksgiving.
Make a Wish This Thanksgiving and Then Make It Come True Read More »
In case you haven’t heard, women’s financial stars are on the rise. Women now hold almost 50% of all corporate management positions and control more than half of the private wealth in America. Are you a working woman ready to step up your progress toward greater prosperity and accomplishment? Start with your own definition of
How Do You Spell Success? Read More »
Here are some smart planning tips courtesy of Bills.com that can help you save $500 or more before the holidays. Budget Before employing any other savings tactics, create a holiday budget. Calculate the amount available to spend on holiday festivities, including gifts, cards, postage, decorations, entertaining, tips and travel costs. Break up with the barista Breaking
Holiday Shopping Tips to Keep You from Breaking the Bank Read More »
May to December relationships used to be about the younger woman marrying the older man, but more and more often we see a younger man marrying the older woman . Marriage between contemporaries is tough, but a 20-to-30-year age difference can make it a whole new ballgame. For couples far apart in age considering a
Financial Planning for a May-December Relationship Read More »
With unemployment still a problem in many locales and occupations, many people fear the possibility of being laid off. Here are some tips for coping with that prospect, courtesy of Ethan Ewing, president of free online consumer portal Bills.com. Negotiate well. If you are laid off, negotiate for a layoff package just as you would for a
What To Do If You Are Laid Off Read More »
Infidelity. Most couples think it’s a relationship breaker. But in many relationships a surprisingly amount of infidelity goes on every day without a word. Financial infidelity, rampant in many relationships, may go unnoticed at first. It could be as little as hiding small purchases from a spouse or as large as blatant disregard for a
Financial Infidelity Read More »
Take our marriage money skills quiz to improve your joint understanding and communication about money. You and your partner should answer the questions separately and then compare the notes. The results may surprise you! Download this Quiz (PDF) 1. My partner handles money: a. Like a bull in a china shop. b. According to our mutually
Test Your Marriage Money Skills Read More »
Marriage is an enormous commitment. Before you take the big plunge, do a quick check to see if there is water in the pool. The following quiz can help you and your beloved assess your readiness for the responsibility of marriage and help you communicate about important issues from the beginning. Print out two copies
Are You Really Ready for Marriage? Read More »
“When people argue over money, the argument is likely to have little to do with money. It almost always has to do with issues of control, security, self-esteem, and, above all, love.” –Grace Weinstein, author In our lives, we are pulled in many directions. We both desire and fear the power of money, and most
How to Manage Money — Together Read More »
Women today are in the sandwich generation, trying to balance the needs of their own families as well as their parents. But not much has changed over the years. When my grandmother became ill years ago, it was my mother who took care of her. In her late 60s herself, mom put her own needs
The Love Letter: Talking to Parents About Financial Concerns Read More »
Education isn’t just for the young – it’s also for the young at heart. In the future, the changing world of work will send many mid-life adults back to school for better career options. And surveys show that retirement-minded Baby Boomers want to continue working after retirement, often in a new career, or round out
529 Plans—Not Just for Kids Read More »
Who had a prenup when they married, Britney Spears or Paul McCartney? Score one if you chose the blonde bubblehead over the savvy billionaire Brit. Paul McCartney lost $50 million to his ex-wife Heather Mills in their March 2008 divorce court battle. But Britney’s preplanning paid off: she paid just $300,000 to shed Kevin, leaving
Prenups Aren’t Just for the Rich and Famous Read More »
Home sale prices dropped during the past few years, and in many communities the market is starting to move up, with buyers outnumbering sellers. But even so, if you are divorcing, selling your home can be a challenge in dividing up your assets. Your home likely is the largest asset that you and your spouse own, and
Is Your Home Keeping You Together? Read More »
“All marriages are happy. It’s living together afterward that’s difficult.” Anonymous Flags, parades, picnics, and fireworks. July is the month we celebrate those traditions and institutions that make our society strong and free. Before the Founding Fathers wrote their plan for “a more perfect union,” they did a lot of thinking, discussing, and a fair
A More Perfect Union Read More »
As most parents agree, financial education for children is a great idea. In fact, many parents wish that they had learned more about money management way back when. Children are happy asking for and spending the money — until the day when Mom or Dad says, “That’s too expensive” or “We can’t afford that right
Money Camps and Other Ways to Inspire Your Budding Tycoons Read More »
The best thing you can do is start saving for college while your kids are in diapers. But it’s never too late to begin. Even if you don’t implement your strategy until your kids are in high school, you can make great strides toward meeting your savings goals. Here’s how to get started. Start a
It’s Never Too Late to Get Started Saving for College Read More »
When it comes to money and marriage, do you and your honey talk through issues? Or scream about them? Or just ignore them? Communicating clearly about money is critical, so take this quiz to see how you score on the money conflict scale. Quiz Instructions Write the numbers 1 through 10 on a sheet of
How Do You Rate on the Money Conflict Scale? Read More »
Giving your children the gift of a financial education will pay off year after year. Of course, teaching your children about money goes beyond practicing their math skills with your change purse. There are 10 basic areas in which your children can learn about money, and how it works in their lives. Teaching Children Responsibility
Teach Your Children Well Read More »
Until recently, the world of finances has been pretty much male dominated. And men and women think and learn very differently. For the most part, men don’t enjoy group interaction and sharing. Men are more likely to go it alone, prizing independence and autonomy, while women seek interaction and chemistry. There are a number of
The Difference Between Men and Women Read More »
Managing money with your significant other is difficult enough. Don’t burden your relationship with half-truths that can make it even harder. Make sure these five money myths aren’t keeping you apart. The partner who earns more, knows more. Your earnings are only a measure of how much you earn right now, period. They don’t represent
Five Money Myths That Can Keep You Apart Read More »
Use these ten sweet ways to say I love you without breaking the bank. They will improve your relationship more. Leave him a love note in his lunch box. Leave her wildflowers at the breakfast table. Call him at work and tell him to come home for an emergency-you. Show up at her work with
10 Sweet Ways to Say “I Love You” — on the Cheap Read More »
Give your abundant life a hearty boost this fall—find a giving opportunity! Shelve books for the library, work the community health fair, bake cupcakes for the nursing home’s monthly birthday party. Choose a way to give back that pleases you—and see how good doing good can make you feel. Amazing new research shows a direct
Helping Creates Happiness and Health Read More »
Attention, ladies! Don’t let yesterday’s negative perceptions dim your financial hopes. In case you haven’t heard, financial stars are on the rise for today’s woman. Almost half of Americans with assets greater than $500,000 are women, and women control more than half of the private wealth in America. Women hold almost 50% of all corporate
Success Is Contagious – Catch Some Today! Read More »
Sometimes a job just isn’t enough. Your career should reflect your passions and your deepest values. The following worksheet can help you get started identifying the passions that can lead to a fulfilling career. Finding Your Passion Worksheet To figure out what you like to do and get someone to pay you for doing
Finding Your Passion Read More »
You keep hitting the snooze button because don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. You wonder if why you didn’t join the Peace Corps when you had the chance. You wish you were someone else. You have bad dreams about work. You over-eat, over-drink, over-exercise, or over-analyze to escape. You have frequent
Top Ten Signs that it’s Time for a Career Change Read More »
Whether or not you have children, you need to strike a balance between pursuing your professional goals and feeling fulfilled on an emotional level. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that women are balancing their career pursuits with their personal lives. Flex-Time Because so many women are in the workplace, employers
Tailor Your Career To Your Lifestyle Read More »
What can you do to make a difference? How can you use your time, talents and money most effectively? When we started WIFE twentythree years ago, we developed five guiding principles to make sure that we were using our resources in the most effective way. We continue to use these principles today. And so can
Make a Difference: Capture the Power of the Three E’s Read More »
What would you do if you won a million dollars in the lottery? Never mind that your chances of winning are just slightly better than the chances of being abducted by aliens. But still, winning the lottery is a favorite daydream for a lot of us. So what would you do? The answer depends on
If I Had A Million Dollars Read More »
There are thousands of worthy causes that could benefit from a donation of your time or money. In fact, there are more than 800,000 charities in the United States alone. So how do you decide which organizations to support? Think about two or three areas or causes you want to assist, and make this your
Feeling Philanthropic? Read This First Read More »
What matters most to you? Is it having the best, the shiniest, the most expensive new-fangled thing? Having it before everybody else? Or is it… To awaken each day relaxed and happy and not dreading the day to come, to have the time to enjoy your children, to watch your garden grow, to be free
What do women like more than chocolate? Lots of ideas might be coming to mind, but the surprising answer is that women like cooperation even more than chocolate! A recent study at Emory University used an MRI brain scan during an experiment that involved alternating cooperation and conflict. The (male) scientists thought that conflict would
What Do Women Like More Than Chocolate? Read More »
Here’s the good news you’ve been waiting for. You have a Magic Wand, and when you wave it you can have anything you truly want. Do you dream about winning the lottery? You’ve got it. Now what? The luxury cars and magnificent life-styles are nice, but what lottery winners relish most is the financial security
Magic Wands and Roadblocks Read More »
An excerpt from the seminar “Investing in the Future: What Every Woman Needs to Know” by Gail Buckner, Senior Vice President of Putnam Mutual Funds. Men think more about sex than money. Women think more about money than sex. Those were the surprising results found by Money Magazine in its 1996 survey. Why do men
Is Money More Important Than Sex? Most Women Think So Read More »
Mutual funds are supposed to make inventing easy, but picking and managing mutual funds is bewildering for most novice investors. Fortunately, you don’t have to know a great deal about investments to make money in mutual funds. All you need is a reasonable knowledge of your own financial situation and goals, and some basic guidelines
A Five-Step Blueprint for Growing Your Money Read More »
The Utility Scam A member tells us that she was recently contacted by a utility company about an overdue electric bill. Her estranged husband had agreed to pay the utility bills, and she was surprised to learn that he had not. The caller threatened immediate disconnection and pressured her to send a check right away,
The Utility Scam and Three Days to Cool Off Read More »
Your financial future is up to you. No matter what your past financial history has been, you can begin today to build a solid financial foundation. With a healthy approach toward money you can cultivate sound financial management. How many of these traits do you have? You feel in control of money rather than being
Signs of a Healthy Approach Toward Money Read More »
Writing your money history can be helpful in identifying which money issues from your past were most important to shaping your attitudes today. Use these questions to begin exploring your relationship with money. Take one page and don’t worry about making it perfect. Write what you think and feel and get it down on paper
Your Relationship with Money Read More »
Printer Friendly Format 1. You lucky devil! Upon arriving in Las Vegas for a week-long vacation, you win $1,000 on your first bet. What do you do? a. Wire the money to your tax-free bond fund immediately and stick to your pre-arranged spending plan for the rest of the trip. b. Put it all on
Your Money Style Quiz Read More »
1. When the surf’s up, ride the waves. Dramatic fluctuations in the stock market allow you to “buy the dips”. With stock prices so volatile, prices may be down next payday when you contribute to your 401(k) plan. This means that you’ll be getting more shares for your money. Let’s say that you contribute $500
Five Financial Fixes for Tough Times Read More »
How we feel about money-whether fearful and constricted or open and generous-greatly affects how we approach our financial lives. Use this exercise to identify your money attitudes and develop a positive approach toward your financial life. Circle the words that best describe your feelings about money and finances at the moment. Circle as many as
How Do You Really Feel About Money? Read More »
Let’s clean out the old subconscious, shall we? People hang onto their money fears long after the danger has passed, and they worry about things that will never, ever come to pass. How much of what you worry about actually happens? For this one, you’ll need some paper and a timer. Set the timer for 15
Facing Your Money Fears Read More »
When it comes to budgeting, one size does not fit all. A detailed budget will help you control every expense. But if you tend to overspend in just one or two categories, you may not need an elaborate budget. Here are five different types of budgets, one of which is right for you: A Comprehensive
Choose Your Budget Read More »
Women! Hear us! We know you don’t need anything else to worry about, what with working, caring for children, and being the only one who replaces the toilet paper roll when it’s empty. But there is a crisis in long-term care coming to America that will affect you and your family profoundly. According to US
Long-Term Care is a Woman’s Issue Read More »
Spring is a good time to check your credit report and clean up any problems. But don’t sweep any dirt under the rug. That’s what Katherine learned the hard way. Katherine is an ambitious, intelligent business woman who had never missed a payment in her life. But when she reviewed her free credit report, available
Clean Up Your Credit Read More »
If you start your tax planning early you’ll have plenty of time to work on strategies to lower your tax “bite” for the coming year. Review your investments If you have taxable income from investments, consider investments that are tax-deferred (retirement plans and deferred annuities) or tax-free (municipal bonds, Roth IRAs, 529 education plans). Match
Start Your Tax Planning Early Read More »
When it comes to federal income taxes, it doesn’t matter where in the country you live – everyone is taxed the same. But state taxes, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, excise taxes, gasoline tax, and licensing fees, can be vastly different depending on where you choose to live. Most people select a community
The Taxing Aspects of Moving Read More »
Going back to school or taking courses to enhance your knowledge for your job may be tax deductible. You may deduct the cost of all education you acquire to maintain or improve your existing job skills or to meet the express requirements of your employer to keep your job. But you can’t deduct the educational
Improving Your Knowledge May Be Tax-Deductible Read More »
Avoid these pitfalls when investing for retirement. As a financial planner for over 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of money mistakes in my time. But the worst seem to come with retirement plans. Something about them just makes people do silly things I guess. One of the biggest mistakes is simply investing too conservatively.
IRA and 401(k) Mistakes Read More »
With the real estate market in the slump and interest rates falling, many people are refinancing their homes or buying new ones at bargain prices. If you have taken out a new home loan recently, you can deduct points that you pay on your new loan, and possibly points that you paid in the past
Tax Deductions for Refinancing or New Home Purchase Read More »
Wanted: Compatible computers for online communication. Objective: electronic transfer of tax data and refunds. That’s the lonely hearts message being sent by the IRS, which wants your computer to cuddle up to its computer for electronic filing. The IRS is gung-ho about encouraging taxpayers to file electronically, but some taxpayers aren’t sure, and so far
Get Wired, Says IRS Read More »
Your e-mails tell me time and again that one of the most daunting tasks you face is picking mutual funds and monitoring their progress. I’m so busy, you say – how can I make this task easier and less overwhelming? People often take a hodgepodge approach to their investments – even those who read the
Picking The Right Mutual Fund Read More »
It’s harvest time –for most of us that conjures thoughts of picking apples and nuts, but if you are an investor, the final months of the year are the time to harvest investment losses to offset capital gains and minimize income taxes. It will take a little effort, but you’ll thank yourself come tax time.
It’s Harvest Time for Tax Losses Read More »
Making changes to your home can disrupt your life, and it can be harmful to your finances as well. Before you decide on your next home improvement project, check out how much it will improve your home’s value. According to figures from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is
Home Improvements — A Good Investment or Not? Read More »
Once you have a mortgage, you’re set, right? Not really—though your parents might have kept the same mortgage for 30 years, today’s fluctuating mortgage rates keep you on your toes. So when should you refinance? If you can get a no-cost loan at a rate that’s lower than you are presently paying, why not refinance?
Should You Refinance? Read More »
Is it time to go house hunting? If so, here are eight great tips to help you get the best deal: Start with the basics. Read the classifieds, visit open houses, and let brokers know what kind of housing you’re seeking. Apply to a lender for preapproval so you’ll know exactly how much home you can
Shopping for a House Read More »
Home ownership has many benefits, but figuring out financing can be tricky. Many people are turning to interest only loans, touted as a way to buy more house for less monthly outlay. Interest only loans come in many variations, but in general you pay a fixed rate of interest but no principal for the first
Do Interest-Only Loan Pique Your Interest? Read More »
From what we’ve seen over the past 20 years, women are more likely to be better investors than men. Here’s why: They tend to research their investments more thoroughly and invest to meet specific long-term goals. They are inclined to hold onto their investments longer than their male counterparts, and panic less easily, even when
The One, Two, Three of Investing Read More »
To help you figure out your relationship to risk, we’ve created a short quiz. Take a few moments to complete it, choosing the answer that best describes you. The results should give you a good idea of how much comfortable you are (or aren’t) with taking risks. When taking this quiz: Answer all questions (guess if you’re not sure) Only check ONE box for
What’s Your Risk Factor? Read More »
We have now reached a milestone – the Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached 13,000, and prosperity continues. But economic indicators are mixed, and eventually the economy will slide into recession. Here’s how future economic developments may affect you. Q: If we have a recession, does it mean the stock market boom is over for
Will the Bull Market End? Read More »
Perhaps it was Confucius who said, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Investing for the future is always a game of chance and risk-taking is part of the game plan. The goal is to make your money grow—keeping ahead of inflation, using interest rates to your advantage in saving and borrowing, riding safely through the ups and
A Wise Risk Today Brings Good Fortune Tomorrow Read More »
In the springtime a person’s thoughts turn to — spring cleaning! We have to admit that spring cleaning is one of our favorite chores. Why?
Spring Cleaning Can Uncover Tax Deductions Read More »
If you are married, should you file a joint return with your spouse? Most couples do file a joint return that combines their income and deductions. But before you join that majority, you might want to re-examine your situation.
Together in life – in taxes too? Read More »
To make choosing easier, begin by grouping the available funds. Stock funds include large-company stocks (including ”growth and income” funds), small-company stocks (including ”aggressive growth” funds) and international stocks. Bond funds are categorized by length of the bond — such as short-term, intermediate or long-term — and by the kind of bond, such as government,
Choosing the Best Investments for Your 401(k) Read More »
To Roth or not to Roth, that is the question. At least, that is the question on many people’s minds this year. Beginning in 2010, Uncle Sam lifted the income limits on Roth IRA conversions. Here are the answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking about the Roth IRAs. Why are Roth IRAs
To Roth Or Not To Roth Read More »
What do you think is the most important factor for making your investments grow? Is it what you buy, or when you buy, or when you sell? In truth, it’s none of these. The most important factor for wealth-building is the steadiness with which you invest, year after year, starting right now. Let’s say your
Saving For Retirement On $5 A Day Read More »
Almost 60% of Baby Boomers admit being behind in saving for retirement, and there are untold others who don’t even know where they stand. So if you’ve procrastinated you are not alone, but there’s hope. Here are some tips for catching up, even if you are off to a late start. Save MoreWould you really
Making up for Lost Time Read More »
Have you noticed that more and more advertising is aimed at you lately? In Marti Barletta’s book, she says that’s because PrimeTime Women™ stand at the intersection of the two most powerful and prosperous consumer segments in the world today: 1. The so-called “Mature Market” whose numbers are growing exponentially and who enjoy above average income, wealth, and spending power.
We inherit many things from our mothers. Mom our first source of nourishment, love, and security, and she’s also a role model for many of the values and beliefs that shape our lives. Knowingly or not, Moms influence their children’s feelings about money, abundance, and prosperity—their sense of whether the glass of life is half-empty
Rich Mom, Poor Mom Read More »
If you’re looking for a “Rich Dad” role model, you can’t do much better than the popular motivational speaker and best-selling author, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Wayne is rich in every sense of the word—in funds, in family, in friends and fans, and in fantastic life experiences. Father of eight and grandfather of five, Wayne
A Famous Father’s Money Model for Kids Read More »
THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES Six married men will be dropped on an island with 1 car and 4 kids each, for 6 weeks. * * * Each kid plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes. There is no access to fast food. Each man must take care of his 4 kids,
The Next Survivor Series Read More »
Today’s investments are steps toward tomorrow’s dreams. Whether it’s real estate, stocks, bonds, or another financial product, we buy in hopes that our investments will prosper and help us reach our financial goals. But all investments carry risk. It’s risk that provides the opportunity for money to grow. We as consumers have rights and responsibilities
Your Investment Rights and Responsibilities Read More »
Bring on the picnics, parades, and fireworks—it’s time for our nation’s annual celebration of faith! July Fourth marks one of the world’s great acts of faith when a bold group of American patriots signed their names to the Declaration of Independence and risked everything for the dream of a free and just society. Of course,
Words of Wisdom from the Founding Fathers Read More »
Are we heading into a Great Depression? Probably not. “While today’s situation does not necessarily imply another Great Depression, the economic downturn and those comparisons can encourage us to turn worry into a positive,” said Ethan Ewing of Bills.com. “Consider the lessons learned from the Great Depression and apply some of your grandparents’ financial knowledge
9 Things Your Great Depression Grandparents Knew About Saving Read More »
Foreclosure proceedings threatened over two million Americans last year, and almost 900,000 homes were repossessed in 2008. If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, here are seven options to consider, courtesy of Bills.com. 1. Determine if you Qualify for Hope for Homeowners HUD’s Hope for Homeowners program may be able to help you refinance
Mortgage Troubles: Options to consider Read More »
If you vowed to lose weight and get more exercise this year, you aren’t alone. But how about extending that fitness regime to your finances? Here are some financial workouts tips to get your finances in shape. 1. Put Your Spending On A Diet Carrying too much debt is as exhausting as carrying extra weight.
Financial Workout Tips Read More »
It isn’t hard to find financial advice on how to save money. But have you ever thought about why saving money matters so much? Sure, it’s important to set aside money for retirement, for the kids’ college education and for those unexpected life expenses, but there’s another reason why it’s more blessed to save than
Financial Advice: Four Good Reasons To Save Money This Year Read More »
Most money wisdom is pretty straightforward. You simply have to use your common sense to figure out that it’s good to save for a rainy day, spend wisely on things you really need, and keep a hopeful outlook for your financial future. Sometimes, though, a money rule comes along that calls upon your “uncommon sense”
Uncommon Sense: Some Money Rules That Might Surprise You Read More »
When Janice’s husband died suddenly at age 56, she was left with overwhelming shock and grief plus mounds of paperwork. We helped her deal with the paperwork as she made decisions, such as rolling over and investing the proceeds of her husband’s retirement plan into an IRA in her own name. But then her situation
Stretch Your Legacy Read More »
When it comes to retirement, people have some peculiar ideas, some of them just plain dangerous. Here’s what two recent surveys by Met Life and Employee Benefits Research Institute found. A full 43% of those surveyed think they can withdraw at least 10% of their retirement savings each year. That might work if you plan
Retirement Truths and Myths Read More »
When you lose your job or have unexpected expenses, unless you have a substantial emergency funds you are left scrambling for funds to cover life’s emergencies, and money in IRAs is an obvious target. Funds withdrawn from an IRA are taxable, and if you are under 59-1/2, you also will pay a federal penalty of
Eight ways to get Money from an IRA penalty-free Read More »
Hey, tax procrastinators! With just a short white left until taxes are due, take a deep breath, read this article, and then get to work! 1. Don’t Rush Just because you are filing at the last minute, don’t get flustered and overlook deductions. Take time to review last year’s activity to be sure you claim
Ten Last Minute Tax Tips That Can Help You Save Even More! Read More »
How old are your kids? How much have you saved for their education? If your answer is “not enough,” you are not alone. Most people don’t really start to save for college until their kids are teenagers, and a third of parents who intend to send their kids to college have saved less than $5,000.
Where to Stash Cash For College Read More »
The good news for women: they live longer, so they will have longer to enjoy their retirement. The bad news: they live longer, and so their retirement will be much more expensive than for their male counterparts. Women tend to outlive their husbands. Only one-third of women over sixty-five are married, and on average women
Why Women Need Retirement Planning More Than Men Do Read More »
If you’re a woman who has reached mid-life a bit dazed and crazed by the passage of time, you are not alone. No one would disagree that women experience a dizzying array of life transitions. From getting a job to getting married to having children to being divorced or widowed, a woman needs strength and
This Is the Time of Your Life Read More »
My husband just told me he wants a divorce, and he says he’s been thinking about it for quite a while. I’m afraid that he’s taken steps to hide money so that I won’t receive a fair share of our property. Where can I look to try to find any hidden money? It’s smart of
Where to Search for Hidden Assets During Divorce Read More »
In the old days, widows were forced to live with their companions rather than get married, because if they married, they would lose their survivor Social Security benefits. But under current law, women can keep their widow’s benefits at long as they are at least 60 years old when they remarry. But marriage still has
Benefits for Widows a Tad Confusing Read More »
When Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in 1843, he was driven as much by financial desperation as inspiration. The story met with instant success, selling six thousand copies within a week, and it has never been out of print since it was written. Dickens wrote and published the classic tale to pay off crippling
Financial Advice: Lessons from Scrooge Read More »
My husband and I are discussing divorce, but we are both afraid that once we get involved in the legal system, it will be very costly and we will lose control of the process. Do you think that mediation would work for us? We asked Genell Greenberg, MSW, who is an experienced divorce mediator and
Divorce Mediation: An Alternative to High-Cost Litigation Read More »
It’s been more than 50 years since Dr. Seuss penned the beloved tale about that mean-spirited, cranky pessimist—the Grinch, a bitter creature with a heart two sizes too small. From his high mountaintop home near Whoville, he hears the happy Christmas festivities of the Whos. Envious, he steals their Christmas presents and decorations to prevent
Mr. Grinch Meets Mr. Claus Read More »
Here’s some good news about divorce, for a change. If your marriage lasted at least ten years, you can claim social security benefits on the entire earnings history of your ex-spouse.
What You Need to Know About Social Security After Divorce Read More »
With almost a million people visiting our WIFE.org and MoneyClubs each year, it is not unusual to get emails from people like Sharon, who contacted us last year. She wrote, “I am interested in changing my mind about money, and attracting it to me effortlessly. I want to live a life filled with wealth and prosperity, a life of
