Many families feel pressured socially and financially to have two incomes, but often parents in dual-income households wish they had more time with their children and a less hectic lifestyle. If you’re trying to determine the right work and family-life balance for your household, start by evaluating the real costs of working. Add up how [...]
You may find that your unease about financing your retirement is beginning to increase as the outlook on our economy stays gloomy, and according to a study commissioned by Ameriprise Financial, you are not alone. The New Retirement Mindscape 2011 City Pulse index examined the 30 largest U.S. metropolitan areas to determine where consumers are [...]
With the New Year comes new rules, and after two years with no inflation adjustments for Social Security, changes are afoot for 2012. Most notably, those who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will see their monthly checks increase by 3.6 percent. Though this is good news for those on the receiving end, [...]
Energy costs and unanticipated home damages can take a sizable bite out of family budgets as the seasons change. With cooler weather on the horizon, and as energy costs continue to climb, now is the time to take money saving steps that can take the chill out of winter in any climate — and potentially [...]
It’s time for that annual rite of passage into the New Year: making your resolutions. In addition to vowing to lose 10 pounds or organize your photo drawer, perhaps 2012 should be the year to focus on your finances. Regardless of your age or financial status, the following ideas might help make 2012 more financially [...]
We regularly hear news reports about a decision by the Federal Reserve (the Fed) to raise or lower interest rates or to leave them unchanged. Recently, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the Fed would hold the line on interest rates it controls until the middle of 2013. The announcement of the Fed’s interest [...]
If you pay attention to the news, you’ve seen governments around the world struggling to balance their budget and stay afloat. Ironically, the basics of balancing the income and expenses of a country are not that different from what you do with your own finances — and it can be just as much of a [...]
The holiday season can really press on our schedules — shopping, making travel arrangements, work parties and school concerts fill our nights well before the holidays and into the final days of December. That busyness can also be a source of unexpected financial strain. Multiple trips to the mall don’t just take time and gas [...]
