Budgeting & Spending - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Cost-of-Living Adjustments: What They Are and Why They Matter

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:12:47 EDT

I'm going on a cruise--do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:34:31 EST

I'm going on a cruise--do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Real-life Financial Tips for Different Generations

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:51:14 EST

Do you remember The Game of Life®? In Milton Bradley's popular board game, players progress through life stages making decisions that affect their prosperity. Like those players, today's generations face financial decisions with lasting effects. Here are some tips for staying focused despite life's ups and downs.

How to Give Wisely and Well

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:36:54 EST

Giving to charity has never been easier. You can donate the old-fashioned way--by mail--but you can also donate online, by text, or through social networking sites. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, over 1.4 million nonprofit organizations are registered with the IRS. With so many charities to choose from, it's more important than ever to ensure that your donation is well spent. Here are some tips that can help you become both a generous and wise donor.

Healthy Personal Finance Resolutions for the New Year

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:14:40 EST

The new year is the time when many individuals start making resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. And while resolving to eat better and exercise more is a good thing, you should be sure to make resolutions that pertain to the overall health of your personal finances as well.

Should You Make Large Gifts in 2012?

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:28:07 EDT

Currently, the exemptions for federal gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax are at historic highs, and the gift, estate, and GST tax rates are at historic lows. But, in 2013, the exemptions are scheduled to substantially decrease, and the tax rates are scheduled to substantially increase. This raises the question of whether 2012 might be a good time to make large gifts that take advantage of the current exemptions while they are still available.

How to Plan a Last-Minute Vacation

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:09:57 EDT

Everyone's had their vacation planned for months ... everyone but you, that is. Fortunately, you can still have your adventure in paradise, if you're willing to put in just a little time and effort.

Pay Down Debt or Save and Invest?

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:57:03 EDT

There are certainly a variety of strategies for paying off debt, many of which can reduce how long it will take to pay off the debt and the total interest paid. But should you pay off the debt? Or should you save and invest? To find out, compare what rate of return you can earn on your investments versus the interest rate on the debt. There may be other factors that you should consider as well.

Four Money Mistakes You Might Be Making

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:48:54 EDT

Three years after the economic crisis led many Americans to re-evaluate their financial picture, economic uncertainty is still the norm. While there's little you can do about the shaky economy, you can help stabilize your own finances over the long term by evaluating what you're doing right, and wrong. There's no guarantee, but avoiding these four money mistakes may help you survive and ultimately thrive in any turbulent economy.

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.