Budgeting and Financial Planning

In response to the fiscal cliff and the push to increase revenue, politicians in and out of the White House have offered proposals that would limit or eliminate the itemized deductions for the wealthy. This could be problematic as both upper and middle class taxpayers use charitable contribution deductions to reduce their tax bills. The… Read More

This New York Times article of a woman trying to take the reins on her finances after the sudden death of her husband highlights the importance of estate planning and being financially literate. Chanel Reynolds faced many difficulties coming from the lack of a signed will and little information about her insurance, retirement account, and… Read More

Though used interchangeably in conversation, there are stark differences between stockbrokers, investment advisors, and financial advisors. These differences become crucial when seeking to hire a professional for financial or investment advice. This handy Forbes article outlines the differences between the three in a clear manner, listing the functions and qualifications behind each title. Click here… Read More

This article paints a comprehensive picture of the problem with payday lenders: these quick cash advances are a short term solution to a long term money issue. Most people are familiar with the 20,000 storefront locations in over 33 states offering payday loans, but now payday loans are even available from banks in the majority… Read More

New research from the PewResearchCenter indicates that people under 35 in the U.S. are carrying lower levels of debt. According to their data, young people have pared debt more aggressively than older households since the 2008 crisis. This marks a paradigm shift from years prior, when debt-to-income ratios among that group were at record levels…. Read More

Many individuals have already surmised the problems that will arise as a result of losing the Saturday post. The article to be found here iterates a few more. While it seems to jokingly set forward the idea that Netflix subscribers will have less opportunities to ship DVDs back, it does make the case that for people who continue… Read More

Individuals around the country are creating new forms of social infrastructure to solve problems collectively that they could not solve as individuals. They are coming together in “Villages” to meet common needs at reasonable prices that members may not be able to manage alone such as transportation, financial planning and entertainment. Some also serve as… Read More

There are a number of new and free online tools to get your financial house in order, writes Anne Tergesen of the Wall Street Journal. With a growing number of Americans headed to retirement with a mortgage, there are now several resources that consumers can use to reduce and consolidate their debt. Click here for… Read More

Sam Knight at Bloomberg reviews a new book on financial literacy that debunks the ideas of some of America’s most renowned financial experts. Despite the vast increase in financial advisers and planning resources, author Helaine Olen contends that many widespread ideas are simply false. For example, her book dispels the famous notion that forgoing that… Read More

Each stage in one’s life presents a different set of circumstances for estate planning. This detailed article outlines exactly what steps should be taken at each of life’s major turns—from being young and carefree and leaving the major financial or medical decisions to parents or guardians—to life as a retiree and naming a power of… Read More