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Practical Money Matters

When I was a kid, Christmas club savings accounts were quite common. Like their close cousin, the layaway plan, these accounts encouraged people to start saving far in advance for expenses they knew were coming.

Previous Practical Money Matters

Act now on expiring 2009 tax breaks

In the depths of the recession the government passed the 2009 economic stimulus bill and tweaked the federal tax code to help boost consumer spending and assist people who were losing their jobs, homes and benefits.

chose employee benefits carefully

Many employers will soon be offering open enrollment for next year's employee benefit coverage. Wading through all that paperwork is a sure-fire cure for insomnia, but considering how much is at stake, you may want to pour another cup of coffee and dive in.

be cautious posting personal information online

I have friends who swear by online social and professional networks such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. Where else can you reconnect with long-lost former classmates, post vacation photos for friends around the world, share your resume with potential employers and perhaps even find love - all, without leaving your couch?

'Saving' is the new 'spending'

One small silver lining from the recent economic downturn is that people have begun saving again. For decades personal savings rates hovered around 10 percent of after-tax income, but beginning in the late 1980s, rates steadily declined. . .

Give Yourself a Financial Tune-Up

As we move through one of the most financially tumultuous years in many decades, some economists feel the worst may be over. But today’s continuing high unemployment rates, troubled housing market and tight credit conditions leave many people feeling anxious about the future.

Protecting Your Money

Many folks plan summer vacations that involve a lot of driving. For those sticking close to home, gas and maintenance are usually the biggest car-related expenses. But if you're planning to rent a car at your destination, many other factors can influence the overall impact . . .

Protecting Your Money

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

How many times have you heard that expression? Even in favorable economic times, otherwise cautious people can be duped . . .

Read Contracts Before Signing

When people hear the word “contract,” some start daydreaming about signing a multimillion dollar deal with the NFL while others recall how their knees shook the day . . .

Stimulus plan provides energy efficiency tax credits

One way the government hopes its 2009 economic stimulus plan will help jumpstart the economy is by investing billions of dollars in industries that support energy efficiency . . .

Financial advice for new fathers

People often say mothers have the hardest job in the world – and I wouldn't dispute that. But being a father might be the second hardest job in the world. And becoming a dad for the first time . . .

hard times embolden identity thieves

Unfortunately, as people become increasingly desperate during tough economic times, crime rates rise. What’s worse – those being targeted are often in dire financial straits themselves . . .

New credit scoring formula rolls out

In the old days, if you paid cash for everything and carried no debt, you were considered a great prospect for a mortgage or car loan. Fast forward a few decades and the rules have changed considerably.

Stimulus bill helps pay for college

Financing college is becoming a little easier, thanks to the 2009 economic stimulus bill. For 2009 and 2010 – perhaps longer, pending Congressional approval – several education assistance . . .

Military families targets of predatory lending

You've got to hand it to our military personnel: Not only are they often put in harm's way, but they must contend with a host of issues that would be tough under the best of circumstances, including low pay scales and frequent moves to new assignments that trigger relocation costs.

avoid costly penalties for late tax filing

Be forewarned: Income tax season is upon us. Procrastination is probably never a good thing, but when it comes to the IRS, it can be downright expensive. To help keep you on track, I've compiled a few suggestions that can save you last-minute grief – and money: