Jason Alderman's Practical Money Matters http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:39:32 -0700 Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:39:15 -0700 Nothing erases the glow of a honeymoon faster than money woes. In their haste to live happily ever after, many couples don't do their homework before the ceremony and then are unpleasantly surprised to learn they're starting out their next life chapter deeply in debt - or married to a spouse who has very different financial priorities. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/marriage_051608.php Fri, 16 May 2008 13:38:20 -0700 If you're among the 45 percent of Americans who've already written a will, you may think you’ve done everything necessary to ensure a smooth transition of your assets to your heirs. Not necessarily. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/assets_050908.php Fri, 9 May 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Anyone who's graduated from college understands the relief of leaving behind years of cramming for exams and living on dorm food. With the next chapter of their lives now at hand, this year's grads deserve kudos for successfully negotiating the twists and turns of higher education. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/graduating_050208.php Fri, 2 May 2008 13:38:20 -0700 As Mother's Day approaches, it's worth noting that most women still face significantly more hurdles to achieving financial security than do men, especially at retirement. A few statistics say it all. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/finSecurity_042508.php Fri, 25 April 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Have you ever wasted precious weekend hours searching for tax-related documents? If the television died, could you locate the warranty to see if it's still covered? Ever forgotten an online account password? These are all good arguments for setting up a proper filing system. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/springClean_041808.php Fri, 18 April 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Each year, roughly 70 percent of Americans get an income tax refund. Thanks to the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, beginning in early May most also will receive an additional tax rebate check of up to $600 (up to $1,200 for joint filers) - even those who don't earn enough to owe federal income tax. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/smartTaxes_041108.php Wed, 11 April 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Children growing up during the Great Depression watched their parents struggle against extreme hardships. But the "scrimp and save" mentality they learned slowly waned as Baby Boomers and Generation Xers found it easier than their parents to purchase homes, buy cars and go to college. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/sos_040908.php Wed, 09 April 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Start checking your mailbox in early May. That's when more than 130 million Americans should begin receiving big checks from Uncle Sam, thanks to the $168 billion Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 passed by Congress and signed by the president. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/rebates_032808.php Fri, 28 March 2008 13:38:20 -0700 If you're a parent looking forward to having an empty nest, you may need to adjust your expectations. Faced with burgeoning student loan balances, high rents and a stagnant job market, increasing numbers of adult children are opting to move back in with their parents to get a financial leg up. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/boomerang_032108.php Fri, 21 March 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Paying bills used to be pretty cut-and-dried: Each month, you'd sit down with your checkbook, write a bunch of checks and drop them in the mail. Once in awhile you might accidentally bounce a check because of a math error - or in hopes that a deposit would clear first. The bank would deny payment; then you'd pay a fee and learn your lesson. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/bankfees_031408.php Fri, 14 March 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Between skyrocketing prescription drug prices, rising insurance copayments and an aging population, it's not surprising more and more people are having difficulty paying for their medications. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/medications_030708.php Fri, 07 March 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Aside from getting a root canal or visiting the DMV, few activities are more unpleasant than filing income taxes. It gets more complicated every year and what's worse, if you've put off organizing your paperwork until the last minute, you risk missing deadlines and making costly mistakes. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/taxes_022908.php Fri, 29 February 2008 13:38:20 -0700 More and more seniors unable to keep up with escalating living expenses have begun exploring reverse mortgages, where they draw equity from their paid-off homes and continue living there with no monthly payments. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/reverseMortgages_022208.php Fri, 22 February 2008 13:38:20 -0700 The days when most folks joined a company right out of school and remained until retirement are long gone. Today, people intentionally change jobs numerous times during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, such changes aren't always voluntary, as anyone who's been laid off knows. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/layoff_021508.php Fri, 15 February 2008 13:38:20 -0700 If you're a renter and there's an accident or burglary, the landlord's insurance will pick up the tab, right? Not true. Landlords usually only insure the building structure itself, so you're responsible for any lost or damaged possessions. And, if someone falls in your apartment or gets bitten by your dog, guess who they might sue? You. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/rentersInsurance_020808.php Fri, 07 February 2008 13:38:20 -0700 Anyone who’s retired or living on a fixed income knows how difficult it is to keep up with skyrocketing health care, fuel and food costs. And, with today’s longer lifespans, many of us will need to keep our eye on the ball for much longer than our parents’ generation did. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/spending_020108.php Fri, 01 February 2008 13:38:20 -0700 We’ve all felt first-hand the painful impact that record oil prices have had on home heating and driving expenses this winter. You’ve also likely seen price hikes on just about everything else as fuel-related shipping and manufacturing cost increases get passed along to consumers. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/winterize_012508.php Fri, 25 January 2008 13:38:20 -0700 If you've procrastinated about signing up for your company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, you're not alone: About one-third of eligible employees haven't enrolled, even when their employer offers matching contributions and a variety of investment options. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/autoEnroll_011808.php Fri, 18 January 2008 13:38:20 -0700 It's no secret that the bubble has fully burst in the real estate market and that millions of homeowners are facing severe financial hardships as home values drop and adjustable mortgage rates shoot upward. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/tipsHomebuyers_011108.php Fri, 11 January 2008 13:38:20 -0700 You'd never want to compound your loved ones' misery should you become seriously ill or die, but that's exactly what might happen if you haven't adequately planned for your future care and the distribution of your possessions. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/will_010408.php Fri, 04 January 2008 13:38:20 -0700 People choose self employment for a variety of reasons: To escape corporate bureaucracy, flex their entrepreneurial spirit or simply put food on the table after being laid off. Nearly 11 million Americans work for themselves, which means they and their families quite possibly are living without the safety net of employer-provided benefits and insurance. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/selfEmployed_122107.php Fri, 21 December 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Few things bug me more than unsolicited telemarketing calls - especially on the weekend. That's why my family registered our home and cell phone numbers with the national Do Not Call list administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) when it became available in 2003, joining 149 million others. As promised, the volume of annoying calls dropped significantly. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/donotcall_121407.php Fri, 14 December 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Maybe it's a sign of approaching middle age, but as the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, I instinctively seek out security for my family wherever I can; not just physical safety, but financial protection as well. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/financialResolutions_120707.php Fri, 07 December 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Are you stumped for ideas on what to get your children for holiday gifts? Join the club. When I was a kid, my folks had far fewer gift choices for me: board games, a bicycle, or maybe the dreaded long underwear. Today, doing a search for "toys" on Amazon.com reveals more than 400,000 listings. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/holidayShopping_113007.php Fri, 30 November 2007 13:38:20 -0700 At this time of year, most people fall into two types: Those who look forward to the holiday season, and those who dread it. Many people end up in the latter camp because of money worries. You know how easy it is to overspend on holiday gifts, travel and entertainment and how long it can take your wallet to recover. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/holidayShopping_112307.php Fri, 23 November 2007 13:38:20 -0700 If you could save hundreds of dollars on your taxes with just a few minutes' work, would you? I thought so. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/yearend_111607.php Fri, 16 November 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Americans lead the world in charitable giving. In 2006 alone, we gave a record $295 billion, of which 76 percent came from individuals. That doesn't even count time spent volunteering, which some sources value at $150 billion or more. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/giving_110907.php Fri, 09 November 2007 13:38:20 -0700 America’s once red-hot housing market has cooled off considerably. Prices are down, unsold housing inventory is up and mortgage lenders have tightened credit standards. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/mortage_110207.php Fri, 02 November 2007 13:38:20 -0700 We all know we should set aside money for a rainy day, a house down payment or retirement, but there are always a million reasons why we can't. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/spendless_102607.php Fri, 26 October 2007 13:38:20 -0700 In the 1970s-era spy thriller “The Day of the Jackal,” a would-be assassin steals the identities of several dead people to further his plan to kill French President Charles DeGaulle. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/identity_101907.php Fri, 19 October 2007 13:38:20 -0700 As we prepare to honor our armed forces on Veterans Day, it's appropriate to address the financial challenges often faced by those who defend our country. Far too often, military families face daunting financial difficulties. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/helping_101207.php Fri, 12 October 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Like death and taxes, rising health care costs are unavoidable. In fact, you've probably seen your medical insurance premiums increase several times in the past few years. A little careful planning can help you ease your bottom line by choosing coverage that best matches your needs – not to mention save hundreds of dollars on taxes. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/open_100507.php Fri, 05 October 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Boosting your credit score by “piggybacking” on someone else's good credit is about to get much more difficult. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/credithistory_092807.php Fri, 28 September 2007 13:38:20 -0700 If you're among the nearly 44 million Americans eligible for an employer-provided pension plan, consider yourself lucky: Since 1980, such plans have decreased by nearly 80 percent. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/get_the_most_092107.php Fri, 21 September 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Not to sound like Dear Abby, but the key to maintaining any sound relationship, whether friendship, business or marriage, is open and honest communication. This becomes doubly important when finances are involved – ask any divorce lawyer. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/open_communication_091407.php Fri, 14 September 2007 13:38:20 -0700 That anguished roar you hear is the sound of millions of students returning to school after summer break. As a parent, you might feel relief that teachers are taking over the reins, but hold on: School may be the best place for kids to learn the three R's, but you're probably still the best source for the fourth R – financial Responsibility. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/getyourkids_090707.php Fri, 07 September 2007 13:38:20 -0700 I lived paycheck to paycheck during my early twenties. Saving didn't seem feasible – there were just too many expenses. And, like many, during my early workforce years I neglected to have a portion of my paycheck automatically put into a retirement account. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/earlysavings_083107.php Fri, 31 August 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Raising a family is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life, but also one of the most expensive. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey, a typical middle-income family will spend nearly $200,000 raising a child to age 18 – not including college costs or lost wages for a stay-at-home parent. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/babyBudget_082407.php Fri, 24 August 2007 13:38:20 -0700 For 77 million baby boomers rapidly approaching retirement, long-term elder care is no longer an academic concept – it's becoming a reality. Many of us already deal with elder-care issues for our parents. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/elderCare_081707.php Fri, 17 August 2007 13:38:20 -0700 If you've got a freshman heading off to college, you're probably scrambling to teach him or her how to cook macaroni and cheese and do laundry without turning everything pink. But there are other important lessons you can share that will have a much longer-lasting effect on their financial future. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/freshmanFundamentals_081007.php Fri, 10 August 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Few phrases inspire greater dread for my seven-year old than, "back to school shopping."No doubt the same holds true for many other parents who must spend precious summer hours – and hundreds of dollars – on shopping excursions for clothes that will be outgrown (or worse, uncool) in six months. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/backtoschool_080307.php Fri, 03 August 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Shortly after our first child was born, my wife and I realized we needed to remodel our kitchen and family room to accommodate our new family focused lifestyle and our new arrival. But, like most first-time remodelers, we had no idea what we were up against. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/homeImprovement_072707.php Fri, 27 July 2007 13:38:20 -0700 You can hardly watch or read the news without hearing about the latest scam to separate folks from their hard-earned money. As criminals become increasingly more sophisticated, their schemes are more difficult to spot. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/foilScams_072007.php Fri, 20 July 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Statisticians say the odds of winning the lottery are about the same as being struck by lightning. There are many other, smaller financial windfalls you're much more likely to experience – everything from tax refunds to inheritances to a raise or bonus at work. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/windfall_071307.php Fri, 13 July 2007 13:38:20 -0700 You probably get numerous credit card offers every month. Many list terms that sound too good to be true, which often means they are: 0 percent interest, huge credit limits, free rewards - the list goes on. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/card_070706.php Fri, 6 July 2007 13:38:20 -0700 If you can remember when the Beatles first sang "When I'm 64," you're probably fast approaching retirement or already there. When Paul McCartney wrote, "We shall scrimp and save," however, he may have been wishful thinking: Nearly half of U.S. workers report having less than $25,000 in retirement savings. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/retirement_062907.php Fri, 29 June 2007 13:38:20 -0700 It used to be that only the wealthy consulted financial planners for advice on estate planning, investments and tax shelters. But with tax laws becoming increasingly complex, more people investing in the stock market through 401(k) plans and millions of baby boomers approaching retirement, people at all income levels now seek professional help to plan their financial future. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/finPlanner_062207.php Fri, 22 June 2007 13:38:20 -0700 When it comes to getting a new car, many people wrestle with whether to lease or buy. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand your needs and payment habits before signing on the dotted line. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/leasevsBuy_061507.php Fri, 15 June 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Nothing strikes more fear in an unorganized person's heart than tax season, when you pay dearly for a year's worth of stashing bills, receipts and other papers in a shoebox. I know, because I'm a recovering file-o-phobe. I used to think it took too long to organize my paperwork as it came in, until I realized just how much time I later wasted trying to find misplaced records. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/clutter_060807.php Fri, 08 June 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Probably the last thing college students want to do during summer break is absorb any new information. But if you can prevail on your kids, I've got a subject that'll provide a lifetime of A's for their financial future: Credit scores. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/kidiq_060107.php Fri, 01 June 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Father's Day is almost upon us. This year, along with the traditional necktie or dozen golf balls, why not give your dad something that will make him feel like he's truly taking care of his family and watching out for their future – a financial and medical planning check-up. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/fathersDay_052507.php Fri, 25 May 2007 13:38:20 -0700 During graduation season millions of college (and high school) seniors will march on stage in graduation caps and gowns to the relieved cheers of parents and friends. Many have already lined up a job in their chosen field, while others stand at a crossroads, wondering what to do in the next chapter of their lives. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/grad_051807.php Fri, 18 May 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Many people recall their wedding day as one of their happiest, filled with cherished memories and promises of a bright future. But at an average cost of more than $27,000, it's not surprising that some weddings start couples off on the wrong financial footing, setting the stage for future money problems. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/wedding_051107.php Fri, 04 May 2007 13:38:20 -0700 It seems like everyone I know works longer hours and has more responsibilities than ever before. Some people say the only thing that keeps them sane is thinking about their vacation. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/stress_050407.php Fri, 04 May 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Mother's Day has been around in one form or another since ancient Greece. Mothers (and wives and grandmothers) deserve heartfelt thanks for tackling one of the hardest jobs on the planet. But rather than simply taking them out for Sunday brunch, why not give the moms in your life a present with more lasting meaning: the gift of financial security. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/mothersGift_042707.php Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:38:20 -0700 You may have heard people refer to "good debt" and "bad debt." Ideally, we'd have no debt at all because we'd be rich enough to never need a loan. But few of us belong to that exclusive club, so sometimes we take on debt out of necessity. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/goodDebt_042007.php Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Like many people, I often take my health for granted. I plan to work for many more years, but you never know: Studies have shown that Americans of all ages are more likely to become disabled in a given year than to die, and that nearly a third are likely to suffer a serious disability between the ages of 35 and 65. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/disability_041307.php Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:38:20 -0700 For many of us, the agony of filing taxes each April is partially offset by knowing that a few weeks later we'll get a nice refund from Uncle Sam (assuming you don't have to write him a check). Last year, nearly 70 percent of the nearly 123 million U.S. taxpayers received refunds averaging $2,237. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/taxRefund_040607.php Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:38:20 -0700 I hate writing checks for automobile insurance. It always seems like money down the drain – that is, until you need it; then, insurance can be a lifesaver. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get the best deal possible. You wouldn't buy a new television without comparison shopping, nor should you automatically reenroll in the same policy year after year – at least not without considering your other options. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/carInsurance_032307.php Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Like most Americans, you're probably reeling from your winter heating bills and hoping spring comes soon. I spoke with some insiders at a major utility company about ways consumers can conserve energy – and cut utility bills. Here are some of their money-saving tips. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/diet_031607.php Fri, 16 Mar2007 13:38:20 -0700 When it comes to filing taxes, some of us are ants and some are grasshoppers. Ants methodically file receipts all year in color-coded folders and on January 2 they calculate their refund; grasshoppers shove everything into a shoebox and pull it out, panic-stricken, the night before the tax-filing deadline. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/taxes_030907.php Fri, 09 Mar2007 13:38:20 -0700 Unless you pay cash for everything, you're impacted by interest – either as a lender or as a borrower. Understanding the different types of interest can give you a clearer picture of how your money accumulates and what things really cost when financing is factored in. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/interstRates_030207.php Fri, 02 Mar2007 13:38:20 -0700 I don't want to date myself, but when I went to college, tuition was much more affordable and it was nearly impossible for students to qualify for credit cards and car loans. What hasn't changed since then, however, is that many young adults still don't realize the impact a few bounced checks or late payments can have on their future ability to borrow money, rent an apartment or even get a job. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/youthCredit_022307.php Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:38:20 -0700 My friend Carol recently turned 50. Along with birthday cards she also received an invitation to join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). After simmering down, Carol visited their Website, www.aarp.org, out of curiosity. In addition to health tips and financial advice, she also found something her parents have known about for years: senior discounts. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/seniorDiscounts_021607.php Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:38:20 -0700 One of the hardest parts of parenting is allowing your children the freedom to learn from their own mistakes. We all want to protect our kids from harm, but if sheltered too much, they won't be ready to deal with real-world challenges when they leave the nest. This is true for managing money just as with avoiding physically dangerous situations. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/allowances_020907.php Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:38:20 -0700 It used to be, you'd work hard your whole life, then retire with a gold watch and a few good years left to visit the Grand Canyon, spoil your grandchildren and get hooked on daytime TV. Pension plans were the rule not the exception, Social Security was healthy and employers encouraged early retirement to make room for younger workers. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/retirementOptions_020207.php Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:38:20 -0700 You'll likely face many major decisions to make when you're ready to take the homeownership plunge, not the least of which is choosing the right kind of mortgage for your needs. Mortgage options used to be fairly limited, but in recent years new varieties have abounded. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/choosingmortgage_0126007.php Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:38:20 -0700 There's a lot of confusion around credit reports and credit scores – what they're used for, how they're calculated and why they're so important if you want to buy a car or house. Lenders, insurers and even employers review your credit history to decide if you're a worthwhile risk, so here's some background information that may help demystify the whole credit scoring process. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/creditScore_011907.php Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Many American teenagers seem to have a cell phone permanently glued to their ear. With more than 200 million U.S. cell phones now in use, they're clearly not going away, especially as cell phone manufacturers and service operators target younger audiences with ever-increasing features, including games. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/cellPhone_011207.php Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:38:20 -0700 Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Although I don't have any updates on the former, at least where taxes are concerned I do have some positive news. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/retirementPlan_010807.php Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:38:20 -0700 I know people who love their careers and can't wait to go to work each day. And I know others who hate their jobs and feel underemployed, underpaid or overworked. No matter where you fall in that spectrum today, someday you may want to test the waters for new opportunities. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/findJob_122906.php Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:38:20 -0700 I'd rather get a root canal than go car shopping. How to choose among so many models, options and financing alternatives? But it's worth a little homework to make sure you get a car you like and can truly afford; plus, you can save you thousands of dollars over the car's life. Here are a few tips: http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/buyingCar_122206.php Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:38:20 -0700 I've learned the hard way that although New Year's resolutions can be a great way to make a fresh start, if you set unrealistic goals they'll likely fizzle out after a few months. Sometimes small steps are the answer, building momentum as you go. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/debt_121806.php Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:38:20 -0700 When my wife and I signed our first mortgage in 1999, we had to keep convincing ourselves we were doing the right thing. Renting was safe, but buying a home was a major commitment with many big risks. We had long weighed the pros and cons of buying a home and ultimately decided to take the plunge. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/homeOwnership_121106.php Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:38:20 -0700 As hectic as life is at this time of year, if you can spare a few minutes I have a few suggestions that could save you a lot of money if you act quickly before the 2006 tax year ends. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/lastMinute_120406.php Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Now that the leftover turkey is gone, you've probably moved on to the next seasonal event – holiday spending. Between gifts, entertaining and travel, many of us spend considerably more than we'd planned, let alone budgeted for. Add the inevitable 10-pound weight gain and it's not hard to understand why for many, December is the most stressful month. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/holidayShopping_112706.php Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:38:20 -0700 In my family, the holiday season is more than just a time for gift-giving and elaborate meals. It's also when we make charitable contributions to help others who are less fortunate. My kids get in on the act and we all vote on where to donate our money. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/tisseason_112006.php Mon, 20 Nov 2006 13:38:20 -0700 I hate paying bills. It's not just saying goodbye to my money that hurts, but the tedious routine of writing and mailing checks. I've also experienced a few late fees when payments got stuck at the post office and didn't arrive in time. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/directPayments_111306.php Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Many people are so accustomed to frequent credit offers that when an application is denied, they're shocked. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/repair_110606.php Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Many people are so accustomed to frequent credit offers that when an application is denied, they're shocked. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/repair_110606.php Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:38:20 -0700 For women, it's a classic "good news, bad news" scenario: The good news is, on average women live seven years longer than men; the bad news is, there's a strong possibility they may have less money to live on during those extra years. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/womenChallenges_102706.php Fri, 27 Oct 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Many people will go out of their way to avoid talking about illness, death and money, especially when aging parents are concerned. But the reality is, we all get older and eventually need help from others. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/parentsHelp_102006.php Fri, 20 Oct 2006 13:38:20 -0700 College students have many sound reasons for getting a credit card: It's a good way to start building a solid credit history, safer than carrying large amounts of cash and can be a lifesaver in an emergency. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/crashcourse_101606.php Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Managing your personal finances can be a constant juggling act where car payments, a mortgage and college savings all compete with daily expenses. Despite today's pressing needs, don't lose site of tomorrow's top financial priority: your retirement. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/401k_100906.php Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:38:20 -0700 For millions of Americans, workplace benefits open enrollment for 2007 is just weeks away. Consider this: By simply checking "same as last year" on your enrollment form, you may miss an opportunity to save hundreds of dollars on your taxes. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/save_100206.php Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Forty billion dollars. That's how much crooked telemarketers steal from Americans each year, according to the National Consumers League; and 56 percent of those victims are over age 50, says the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/pro_9262006.php Mon, 26 Sept 2006 13:38:20 -0700 We've all been haunted by images of people who lost everything to a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster. All too often, though, people's lives are overturned by more commonplace events – either because they're uninsured, or they find out too late that their coverage was insufficient. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/icf_9182006.php Mon, 18 Sept 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Like most new parents, my wife and I felt a full range of emotions while she was pregnant: joy, relief, and anticipation combined with nervousness, anxiety, and downright fear. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/bb_9112006.php Mon, 11 Sept 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Sometimes the easiest way to interest your children in something is to turn it into a game - whether it's getting a toddler to eat breakfast or entertaining a carload of third-graders. But when the topic is even remotely "educational," you may face additional hurdles. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/ff_8312006.php Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:38:20 -0700 As parents, what we say and do regarding money can profoundly influence our children's future financial habits. That's a sobering thought for those of us who may not have always made the best financial decisions in our own lives. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/gallo_8282006.php Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:38:20 -0700 One of today's fastest-growing and most ominous crimes is identity theft, where someone steals your personal information and uses it to open a bank account or loan, make purchases, secure false identification, or commit other offenses. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/idtheft_8212006.php Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:38:20 -0700 It's hard to believe "back to school" season is right around the corner, but that's what store displays have been telling us for weeks. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/back2school_08142006.php Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:38:20 -0700 It's hard to fathom how much the financial industry has changed in the past several decades. Before the first charge card was introduced in 1950, "cash and carry" was pretty much the rule for most purchases. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/debit101_08072006.php Mon, 7 Aug 2006 13:38:20 -0700 My grandparents used to tell us, “Always put something aside for a rainy day.” It looks like a lot of people haven't called their grandma and grandpa lately. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/grandma_07312006.php Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:38:20 -0700 My parents never talked about money at home and like so many of us, I had to learn about it on my own, often making youthful mistakes along the way. Take this opportunity with the kids home from school this summer to instill in them your knowledge and values about money. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/summer_07242006.php Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Getting a college education just got more expensive. That's because on July 1, interest rates for federal education loans to students and parents increased by 1.84 percentage points and now range from 6.54 percent to 8.5 percent. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/college_0717006.php Fri, 14 Jul 2006 13:38:20 -0700 By the summer, many of us have forgotten about our New Year's Resolutions. We've either successfully lost those 10 pounds, or given up until next January. But you still have several months to make good on your pledges, and a whole lifetime to reap the rewards. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/resolution_07072006.php Fri, 7 Jul 2006 13:38:20 -0700 Summer is here and millions of Americans will be taking their annual vacations. There are some simple steps you can take to make sure your vacation lives up to your dreams and doesn't devolve into a fiscal nightmare. http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/columns/vacation_06302006.php Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:38:20 -0700