Buying a home: Prepare by getting your finances in order For those considering buying a home, the current real estate market presents some unique opportunities. One of the side effects of the economic roller coaster ride of the past few years is that home prices have gone down and more homes have gone on the market. For buyers, that means more choices and better deals. However...
Five money-saving tips for boomers and seniors Many Americans are in the process of reassessing their spending patterns, and boomers and seniors are no exception. Seventy-three percent of adults over age 50 started saving more or cutting back on spending last year, compared to 2010, according to a November 2011 report by the AARP. In many cases, the new spirit of fru...
Emotions run high for today's pre-retirees Has the economy soured Americans' views on retirement? A wide range of emotions currently exist among different generations regarding retirement - spanning from positivity and contentment to anxiety and regret. Here are some tips to help Americans get their retirement plans back on track in 2012.
A recipe for security Have you ever tried making a new dish without the benefit of having the recipe? Knowing the ingredients in their right proportions makes creating a delicious, satisfying meal so much easier. Without the ingredient list and directions, preparing a new food can be hit or miss. Life can be like that, too. Having a recipe fo...
Get your credit score bikini ready The same principles that can help you look good can help your credit score be its best, too. Practice good diet and exercise habits and you'll look and feel better. Practice smart money management and your efforts will show in your high credit score.
College graduates: Six financial survival tips for the working world Despite a turbulent job market and economy, if you are a recent college graduate, there is much to be optimistic about as you leave campus and head out into the real world. No one ever says life on your own will be easy, but post-graduate financial bliss can be a reality. These six tips from Thrivent Financial offer a st...
Get your finances fit for summer For many of us, summer is a time of vacations, day trips across the state and family reunions with loved ones we haven't seen all year. It's also a time when we tend to overextend our budgets in order to do as much as possible and pay little attention to how it affects our overall financial plan.
Moving? Make sure your possessions are protected The average American makes 11.7 moves during a lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's about one in six people pulling up stakes each year. With so many on the move to new homes, new cities and new opportunities, it's important to protect household items while in transit or in storage before arrival at the ...
Expert advice on keeping your health care costs down Health care costs now make up approximately 6.6 percent of the average family's budget. It's true that the health care industry is immense and sometimes seems impossible to navigate but you are not powerless. Here are 10 tips for keeping health care costs manageable.
Most Americans don't have life insurance, but wish they did If you know you need life insurance, but still don't have individual coverage, you're not alone. According to the Life Insurance and Market Research Association, most Americans say life insurance is important, yet only one-third of them are covered by an individual policy. That's the lowest level in 50 years.
How women can take control of their financial future As women continue to break the glass ceiling in the working world, they also need to keep in mind their potential vulnerability in the financial world.For women in all stages of life, here are some financial aspects that should be reviewed and added to a retirement planning program.
Delaying treatment for minor health issues could cost more in the long run Many families go through a check and balance process when it comes to their health. They try to determine if avoiding the cost of medical bills as well as time off from work is worth the risk of delaying medical treatment for a problem - especially when they question how serious the problem is for their long term health....
