Can you increase investment returns in a low-rate environment?

The Federal Reserve has lately been focused on keeping interest rates low. With the strength of the economic recovery still uncertain, the Fed hopes that continued low interest rates will help stimulate economic growth. While low interest rates tend to be good news if you carry consumer debt or if you're shopping for a mortgage, they're not so great if you're a fixed-income investor seeking a steady stream of income to meet your living expenses during retirement. Read More

Step one in your car-buying adventure: Shape up your credit

It's likely you'll need to finance your vehicle purchase, especially if you're buying new. A good credit score can help reassure potential lenders that you'll be a good credit risk - and make them more inclined to offer you a lower interest rate for your auto loan. Read More

Save money on your spring travel plans

The long winter months have everyone itching to get out and do something new. For many Americans, this means planning a much-needed vacation - away from winter, work and school. Read More

Bulk bin bargains: How to make cents of buying in bulk

Does the phrase "buying in bulk" make you think of club stores, duffel-bag-sized packages of potato chips and 5-gallon jars of mayo? Think again. Buying in bulk isn't just for big families or those with a lot of storage space. It's for anyone who wants to save money. What's the secret? "Bulk" refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy. You can purchase a pinch or a pound - however much you need - and save yourself money while reducing packaging waste. Read More

Tips to help seniors avoid identity thieves

Tommy and Susie aren't the only ones who love Grandmom and Grandpop. Identity thieves love seniors too. Fortunately, taking precautions - including monitoring one's identity and credit - can help seniors reduce their risk of identity theft. Read More

Experts' shopping secret: Use online reviews to be a smarter shopper

As a shopper, sometimes being first isn't the best idea. With all the easy access to online information, it's better to benefit from the advice of others before making purchase decisions. Read More

A beginner's guide for understanding the role of gold in your financial future

Throughout these past several turbulent years, you have likely heard about investing in gold. Even with the increased exposure gold investments have received - as well as its place as one of the oldest ways people have accumulated and protected wealth - many Americans are still in the dark about the basic reasons why investing in this precious metal is important to their future. Read More

Putting real, human faces on the hottest election issues

Whether the issue that interests you most is job creation or tax fairness, affordable health care or renewable energy, chances are you'll be watching what happens in the presidential campaign over the next several months. The outcome of the 2012 presidential race - like every other one before it - will directly affect the lives of all Americans. Read More

Save time and money by learning IRA rollover basics

The two things that everyone could use more of are time and money. One way to help free up some of both is by rolling over your existing retirement assets into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). An IRA rollover may give you greater control of assets spread across multiple accounts and potentially offers improved diversification, flexibility, guidance and service. This could save you money in fees and other costs from different accounts as well as cut down on financial paperwork and other headaches from dealing with multiple assets. Read More

What efficient fuel heats your home and saves you money?

Cold days are here to stay, and the lower the temperature goes, the higher the utility costs are to heat your home. What if there was a way to heat your house for significantly less? Biomass fuels - natural, clean-burning, inexpensive fuels - offer a smart solution that can lower your heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Read More

How to understand credit scores

Even if you review your credit report every year - and you should view it more frequently than once every 12 months - it's easy to be confused by credit scoring. To help you better understand credit scoring and how it affects your financial wellbeing here are answers to six basic credit score questions. Read More

Essential insurance you can't live without

Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move to help ride out a recovering economy, but don't be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet. Here are tips on which insurance protections you can't do without. Read More

Small-scale renovation projects continue to provide the best return for homeowners

Even as spring approaches, the residential real estate market continues to be rough on American homeowners more than three years after the start of the nationwide housing crisis. Although sales of existing homes are up slightly from 2010 levels, the median home price is still down throughout most of the country, according to the National Association of Realtors. This means that many homeowners are continuing to sit tight and are looking for ways to make their current houses work for them just a little bit longer, until the real estate market improves. Read More

DIY insulation projects make for a more comfortable home year round

Do-it-yourself home improvement projects are more popular than ever, as homeowners are looking for simple, low cost ways to update their household and increase overall home efficiency. Kitchen upgrades and a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference aesthetically, but sometimes the most effective DIY projects happen in areas not always visible. Read More

Protecting personal information extends beyond the Web, to mobile devices

Buying a car? Avoid these wrong turns

Buying a car is like an epic adventure. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help ensure your car buying experience is a great adventure that doesn't turn into a detour to financial disaster. Here are some common wrong turns and how to avoid them. Read More

Job outlook positive for diverse accounting-based careers

The need for well-educated accounting professionals will continue as long as business grows. From large to small, domestic or global, all businesses require financial guidance from professionals with accounting knowledge who can prepare, analyze and verify financial documents. Because this vital role comes in many forms, some colleges and universities offer multiple paths toward a specialization in the accounting field. Read More

How your credit score can impact the purchase of a home

Purchasing a home can be the most rewarding - and also the most frustrating - financial transaction of your life. Especially today, when the news is filled with stories about the great market conditions for buyers. One aspect of the home buying process that's often overlooked is the extra cost that interest from a home loan adds to the total price of the home. Read More

Why tax time is the perfect time to plan for retirement

Every year, tax time serves as a reminder of financial progress. Before the big April deadline rolls around, most of us spend time gathering documents, reviewing accounts and meeting with financial advisors, and all of that effort is centered around getting a firm grasp on what you earn, save and invest. What many don't realize is that tax time preparation can be beneficial for more than one reason. Consider this: Many of the same documents, papers and files you go through to complete your taxes are the same documents you need for assessing your retirement preparedness. Read More

Credit management tips for first-time professionals

Generally, people starting out in their careers have one of two experiences with credit: they've either never used it at all, or over used it (in the form of credit cards or student loans) to the extent that they're already deeply in debt. In either scenario, it can be difficult to know what you need to do monitor your credit. Here's what you should know. Read More

Want to get 200K miles out of your car? Tips to help

Slash college bills with tax benefits

Other than buying a home and automobile, a college education is one of the biggest investments Americans typically make. On average, in-state tuition and fees at a four-year public college increased by more than 8 percent to $8,244 for the 2011-2012 academic year, and room and board now averages more than $17,000 per year. Fortunately, you may be able to cut your college costs at income tax time with a variety of credits, deductions and savings plans. Read More

Financial steps millennials to baby boomers need to know to prepare for disability

Whether a severe disability progresses slowly or occurs suddenly, most people are not financially prepared for a health crisis that forces them to stop working. The results can be financially devastating, both to sidelined workers and their families. Read More

Love and relationships: Should you return the ring after a broken engagement?

A broken engagement can be a very painful and confusing experience. And in the fog of hurt feelings that accompany such a stressful moment, one question often arises: Should the engagement ring be returned? Read More

What everyone needs to know about estate planning, regardless of income

There's a common misconception among the American public that estate planning is only the domain of the elderly or the very wealthy. However, that's far from the truth. The fact is estate planning is something that can be done by people of any income level, and should be considered by everyone. Read More

Identity theft sweep brings attention to tax season security concerns

Tax time has a reputation for being almost universally stressful. As the looming April deadline closes in, Americans are concerned with getting their taxes done correctly and on time. As financial information starts to fly between individuals, tax preparers and the IRS, concerns about personal security are rising. Read More

Avoid becoming 'unscoreable' and maintain your credit history as you age

You've spent your whole life managing your money with flawless proficiency. You have a sparkling credit score and very little debt. But is it possible to get to a point where you have so little debt that you could actually fail to register a credit score? Read More

Why would you need legal assistance? You might be surprised

Based on what you see on TV, you might assume you'd only need legal help if you experienced some dramatic and life-altering event. But the truth is most people will have a legal need at some point in their lives - usually under fairly common circumstances. Read More

Saving money top of mind for cloth-diapering families

Families across the U.S. are feeling a financial crunch. The financial pain can be especially hard when baby makes three. In fact, the average start-up cost for a new baby is more than $7,200 according to expert estimates. Read More

Celebrity status not required: Four simple tips to get boating

Flipping through a celebrity magazine, it's easy to spot stars on exotic getaways, enjoying the water aboard a megayacht. But, boating isn't just for the rich and famous - you don't have to be a millionaire to get out on the water. Read More

Achieve your ideal life, one goal at a time

Are you living your ideal life? If not, you're not alone. In fact, you are among the vast majority of people worldwide. Here are some proven strategies us that can help you plan and achieve more than you ever thought possible Read More

Singled out: 3 financial tips for Americans going solo

More and more people are choosing to live solo. While there are plenty of resources for home improvement, a new survey shows singles could use some help getting their financial house in order. Read More

Addressing the four most common post-retirement challenges

There are plenty of reasons to rejoice about retirement - more time to spend with your family, the ability to travel more and the opportunity to pursue your true passions. But that doesn't mean retirement comes without its challenges. Given these many challenges, most people find it difficult to save enough to guarantee financial security during retirement. Fortunately, there are new options that address these common issues. Read More

Retirement planning dos and don'ts

As with most things in life, it's never too early to plan. And even if you are not at the doorstep of retirement, there are some critical dos and don'ts related to retirement planning, that anyone could benefit from. Read More

Home organization for the busy household

Between work, school, children's activities, family obligations and travel plans, today's busy families are left with little time to keep their homes tidy and well-organized. With summer fast approaching, it is important for on-the-go families to realize that home organization does not have to be difficult or time consuming. Read More

Protecting your financial information from natural disasters

Disaster preparedness has become more common as a result of the increasing number of floods, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes in recent years. According to FEMA's website, there were 99 major disasters declared in 2011 alone. One area of disaster planning too often minimized or overlooked is financial data. Read More

Seven things to know before tackling your 2011 tax return

Individuals and businesses spend more than 7 billion hours a year complying with federal tax-filing requirements, according to the Internal Revenue Service. To reduce the amount of time you spend, and maybe how much you owe, follow these seven tips. Read More

Downshifting careers for a more fulfilling life

When 60-plus-hour weeks, expensive professional suits and excessive stress become too much, many high-power professionals trade in their high-paying careers for a more fulfilling life. Called "downshifting," the move allows former CEOs and company presidents to find more balance between work and life. Read More

Accountants the backbone of the business world

When you think about the backbone of a business, it's not the owner, CEO or board of directors who keep everything trucking along. Instead, it's the accountant who leads the finances of small and larger companies into the future. Read More

Taking care of yourself can help take care of your loved ones

Insider tips from party pros

As temperatures increase, so do the activities on your social calendar. From family reunions to graduations and weddings, warm weather means prime event season. If you're throwing a party of any kind, you likely need a few supplies. But you don't want to invest a lot of money in items you will only use once. So how do you host the party you envision without buying items you'll just have to store and maintain later? Read More

Eight secrets to safely buying a car online

The Internet has made it possible and practical to expand your car shopping search virtually across the country. Buying a new car online, however, is a lot different than other online purchases you might make, such as a book, music or movie. Buying a used car online is even more complex, because there can be far more unknowns to deal with. Read More

Do you know your child could be a target for identity theft?

Imagine that you've taught your child everything they need to know about personal finance. Then as he's getting ready to head off to college and applies for financial aid, he's unexpectedly rejected for financial aid due to poor credit. Yet he's never applied for credit in his life. Sounds outrageous, doesn't it? But this can happen to victims of child identity theft. Read More

The new real estate reality: To buy or not to buy?

Long gone are the days when Americans assumed home ownership could only have a positive impact on their finances, and that renting was equivalent to throwing money away. While the decision to rent or buy will depend on your personal circumstances, when you're considering the question some facts are universal. Read More

Countdown to all-electronic Social Security payments begins

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is encouraging recipients of Social Security and other federal benefits to switch from paper checks to electronic payments ahead of the March 1, 2013, deadline. Read More

How credit and debt fall between the generation gaps

Different tastes in music and varying perspectives on history aren't the only factors that define the gaps between the generations. A new credit trends study shows that the generations also differ on how they handle credit and debt. Read More

Five money-saving tips for family travel

The slow economy hasn't hindered travel plans for most families. Family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips each year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Savvy families are able to travel and build lasting memories by making trips more affordable with the help of simple money-saving solutions. Read More

Three tips for extreme home energy savings

Homeowners expect to get a bill from their utility company each month, but opening one for a particularly expensive month can be a real shocker. If your bills seem consistently higher than what they should be, it's time to look for hidden energy drains and consider some changes that can make a huge difference. Read More

In retirement, how will you use your nest egg?

Determining how to manage your nest egg during retirement can seem daunting without proper guidance. Here are some tips to get you thinking about your retirement income strategy. Read More

How to avoid scary heating bills this winter

This year's winter weather has been unpredictable, but homeowners can take a few simple steps now to ensure chilly temperatures and monthly heating bills don't take a bite out of their wallet. Read More

The secret to a great, low-cost summer vacation: Get outside

Fresh air, sunshine, activities for the whole family, and new sights to see: outdoor vacations offer many advantages, including the opportunity to do more for less money. Read More

Five expert tips for a five-star wedding experience

The average couple shells out nearly $27,000 just to say their "I do's," according to a recent survey. That doesn't include the cost of the honeymoon, either. If you're spending that kind of money, shouldn't your unforgettable wedding be a five-star event? Read More

Protecting your nest egg from virtual crows

Just as crows and other invaders can come along to rob a bird's nest, your nest egg can be at risk from predators like identity thieves and scammers. Read More

Financial tips for new graduates

If you are a new graduate, a college degree is just the first step in the new direction your life will be taking. A new career, potentially a new community to live in and a bit of cash in your pocket to spend - there are a lot of changes happening. Here are some financial tips to help grads get the most out of their new paychecks. Read More

Why offers to become a 'mystery shopper' require lots of scrutiny

Being paid to shop - a dream come true, right? Not so fast. While legitimate "mystery shopper" programs that pay people to shop and provide feedback on their experience exist, there are a number of scams out there that use "mystery shopping" as a cover. Therefore, it pays to be ultra-skeptical if you're ever approached with a mystery shopping offer. Read More

Should you retire or 'rewire'?

As we head into the second decade of the 21st century, the concept of retirement has taken on a whole new meaning for many Americans. Read More

Choose the right homeowner's insurance for your lifestyle

Are you a first-time home buyer? An established homeowner? An empty nester? Whatever stage of life you're in, it pays to make sure you have the right insurance - and you're not paying for coverage you don't need. Read More

Savings bonds: Give the gift of a bright future

They're the same bonds you remember getting as a child, but with a digital twist. U.S. Savings Bonds are making a comeback, just in time for the graduation and wedding gift-giving season. Read More

Seven ways to help jumpstart your retirement plan

Everyone knows that they should be putting away money for retirement, but for those who haven't started saving, it can seem like a daunting task. Even though you know you should be saving, it's possible that you haven't gotten around to contributing to your retirement plan because you don't think you have money to spare, or don't know where to start. Read More

Making sure your wedding day really is the best day of your life

You spend your life dreaming about your wedding day, so imagining it going any other way than perfect is not easy to think about. However, it doesn't hurt to do a little planning for potential setbacks as you continue to invest precious time and money into your big day. Read More

It's never too early or too late to take control of your finances

"Silly season" - the months of campaigning that lead up to a presidential election - is well under way, and it's a sure bet the country's money, finances and spending habits will be favorite issues for politicos of all persuasions. But while the debate and rhetoric is sure to be heated on both sides of the political fence, taking control of finances - specifically, your personal ones - is something worth considering this year. Remember, it's never too early or too late to take control of your finances. Read More

Tips for choosing tax preparation software

Instead of paying a professional hundreds of dollars to do their taxes, an increasing number of U.S. taxpayers are doing it themselves. The IRS reports that 9.8 million tax returns were self-prepared and e-filed last year, a 14.2 percent increase over the previous year. Not only have more affordable do-it-yourself tax preparation software solutions become easy enough for tax novices to use, they allow consumers the luxury of doing their taxes at their leisure from the comforts of home. Read More

The top 5 ways you can stop wasting money

Protect your identity as you would other valuables

When is a dual-degree MBA worth it?

In the last two decades, more and more business schools have started to offer a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, in which a student can pair a traditional Master of Business Administration degree with another post-graduate (master's or doctoral) degree. Pursuing two degrees at once may mean more time, money and stress initially, but it can also lead to a graduate who is proficient in business concepts as well as being a subject-matter expert. How can potential students tell if a dual degree is right for them? Read More

Real estate: Tips on buying and financing your first home

For many younger Americans, the dream of owning their first home is alive and well. But for others, it's still an elusive dream. Whether you're ready now or will be down the road, buying your first home takes preparation. Here are some tips on how to get started. Read More

Eight red flags that could get you audited

The Internal Revenue Service audited almost 1.6 million individual taxpayers in 2010. Here are eight IRS attention-getters and eight survival tips if you catch the taxman's attention. Read More

Financial savings and more when shopping online

Saving money is a hot topic these days, from television shows about extreme coupon clipping to stores advertising huge savings for specially marked and bulk items. But you might be surprised to discover how much money you can save while shopping online. Read More

Five golden choices for investors

In the dark about how to invest in gold? Despite gold's increasing value and popularity, many folks don't know where to get started. If that includes you, you're not alone. Here are five options to get you started. Read More

Tips for a smooth military transition

Some 39,000 U.S. troops will be headed home from Iraq by year's end. Many will begin the difficult process of transitioning out of military life - including starting a second career. Some cities offer military veterans better employment opportunities than others. Read More

Truckin' toward economic recovery

Everyone, has an opinion or two on the economy and whether it will improve. Some cite stock market trends. Others point to consumer confidence numbers. Many crank out complex charts and colorful graphs to validate their claims. Rick Phillips studies the trends on the commercial trucks rolling down the road for his answer. Read More

Your money: Last-minute tax tips

Are you among the millions of Americans who scramble every year to meet Uncle Sam's income tax filing deadline? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that one-third of Americans wait until the last minute to file their personal income tax returns (for 2011 income tax returns, the deadline has been extended to April 17). If you count yourself among that group, it's important to realize the costs could be adding up - from missing important deductions that could affect the amount of your refund to incurring penalties from the IRS for not filing on time. Read More

Help for teaching kids money management skills

Even though financial education courses for children are proven to contribute to improved savings rates and other financial measures, only 12 states require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to the Council for Economic Education's 2011 Survey of the States. Read More

Spring cleaning: Dust off your shelves, summer clothes and paper savings bonds

Too much clutter in your life? As you clean and organize your home, don't forget to tidy up your financial affairs as well. Within those old files and shelves you may even find a hidden treasure - unredeemed savings bonds. Read More

Changing your name? What you should know to protect against identity theft

After the "I do's" are said, will you change your last name? Brides consider a host of factors when answering that question - everything from how a name change might affect a woman's sense of identity to how having the same last name can make a family feel more bonded. Our modern world has added a new element for brides to consider - the risk of identity theft. Read More

A small business owner's guide for choosing a fast, quality print vendor

Before the advent of digital printing, small business owners would be hard pressed to find a print vendor willing to take small orders, fast turnarounds or requests for customization. Now, print vendors are plentiful, and with so many of them vying for your business, it can be difficult to know which one offers the best services and the best deals. Read More

Meet your perfect (money) match