Budgeting & Spending - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Making Financial Resolutions: Look Back at Last Year

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:05:25 EST

Each new year brings the chance for a fresh start, and the opportunity to improve your financial picture. As you make financial resolutions for 2012, looking back at what happened last year can help you make some positive changes this year.

New Year's Financial Resolutions

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:38:48 EST

Should old finances be forgot, and never brought to mind? It may be a new year, but your financial decisions of the past are still here. The beginning of the year is a great time to sit down and evaluate your spending: past , present and future. Here are a few tips and tools to help you start 2012 on the right financial foot.

Open Sesame: Strong Passwords Key to Account Security

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:10:43 EST

Most of us have significant financial and personal information that's readily accessible through the Web, in most cases protected by nothing more than a username and password. Given the damage that can result from unauthorized access to this treasure trove of information, it makes sense to pay attention to a few simple common-sense rules that apply to online passwords.

Gift Tax Strategies

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:41:46 EST

Now may be a great time to make gifts that take advantage of the current large gift tax applicable exclusion amount, low gift tax rates, depressed property values, and low interest rates. The first gifts you consider should generally be annual exclusion and qualified transfer gifts.

Holiday Poll

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:04:34 EST

Can You Get to a Million Dollars?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:12:49 EST

Often in life, you have investment goals that you hope to reach. Say, for example, you have determined that you would like to have $1 million in your investment portfolio by the time you retire. But will you be able to get to a million dollars?

Understanding Your Personal Automobile Policy

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:35:51 EDT

Get to know your auto insurance policy. Its Declarations Page identifies information about the policy's term and coverage, the vehicle(s) covered under the policy, and the named insured, which is probably you. Your lender, if you have one, is also listed, as are endorsements, the amount of your premium, and any exclusions. Your policy may include Parts A through F of the Insurance Services Office's Personal Auto Policy Form, which cover liability, medical payments, uninsured motorists, damage, duties after an accident or loss, and general provisions. Any optional coverage you selected is part of the policy, too.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:35:51 EDT

Many people drive without the auto insurance required by state law. Fortunately, in some states you can purchase uninsured motorist coverage that will protect you if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. Uninsured motorist insurance covers bodily injury claims, but read your policy to find out what's covered and what's not. You may also be able to buy underinsured motorist coverage that protects you if you are in an accident with a negligent driver whose bodily injury liability limits are not high enough.

Tax Planning Tips: Auto Insurance

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:47:21 EDT

If you use your car only for personal purposes, you won't be able to deduct the premiums on your tax return, but you may be able to claim a theft or casualty loss deduction. If you use your car for business purposes, though, you may be able to deduct several expenses, including insurance premiums. If you're reimbursed for those expenses, you can't deduct them. If you use the car for both personal and business use, you can deduct only the business-use portion of expenses, and the IRS requires careful record keeping.

State-by-State Minimum Coverage Requirements

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:46:38 EDT

All states have financial responsibility laws that either explicitly or in effect require you to purchase at least some auto insurance. This discussion presents an up-to-date listing of each state's minimum liability numbers, covering bodily injury liability limits and the property damage liability limit. Check your state to find its minimum requirements and decide if it isn't in your best interest to buy coverage beyond just the minimum.