Financial scams are more common than ever in the U.S., and IRS scams are affecting millions of Americans. Unfortunately, many victims of tax-related financial scams fall for these schemes because they mistakenly think they’re dealing with the IRS, some “government” department, or an “official” representative of a federal, state or local agency. Con men can […]
IRS Scam Shows 3 Key Differences Between G-Men and Con-Men Read More »
It’s great to have goals to help you get ahead in life. But setting totally unrealistic goals is one of the most common financial mistakes I see all the time. Maybe it’s human nature. But way too many individuals spend many years – sometimes even decades – getting themselves into financial trouble. Then they want
Are You Guilty of These Financial Mistakes? Read More »
Q: My husband is leaving after twenty years of marriage. He has been the primary bread winner. I make 25,000 a year doing job a love. I and my adult children will be living together for one year (hopefully). I do not know where to begin with spending, saving or anything and at times I can
Coping With Divorce When He Is The Primary Breadwinner Read More »
Paying kids an allowance for getting good grades is a controversial subject in some circles. Those who advocate it – like I do – have a variety of reasons for giving our children an academic allowance. Some say what’s the harm in paying kids for good grades? After all, isn’t that what’s done Corporate America
Here’s Why I Pay My Kids For Good Grades (And Maybe You Should Too) Read More »
If you to want to look good to anyone who’s watching you, it’s important to create a beautiful profile — a beautiful credit profile, that is! Who might be watching you? Lenders, credit card companies, even prospective employers all might want to see your credit report. So it’s important to keep that credit profile gorgeous.
Presenting Your Best Credit Profile Read More »
Being deep in debt isn’t just a threat to reaching your financial goals or having a happy personal relationship, free of arguments about money. Excessive debt can also seriously hold you back in the job market or pursuing a career that is your true passion. Here are 3 careers you can’t have if you’re deep
3 Careers You Can’t Have If You’re Deep In Debt Read More »
Many people say they want to get out of debt but they continue to make the same financial mistakes over and over again. In this video, I’ll tell you 4 of the dumbest things you can do if you want to get out of debt.
Video: Avoid These 4 Dumb Mistakes If You Want to Get Out of Debt Read More »
Detroit has become such a complicated financial mess – with its pension problems and the city’s bankruptcy filing – that many people don’t fully understand the nuts and bolts of the situation. Even more important: a lot of Americans are wondering: Could what happened in Detroit happen to me? Could I lose my pension? The short answer
Could You Lose Your Pension? Lessons From Detroit Read More »
Some credit score mistakes can be real credit killers. You might not think that seemingly innocent actions can cause your FICO score to plunge, but that can certainly happen. Here are two horrible credit mistakes you want to avoid at all costs – unless you want to send your credit score heading south. Watch this
Video: Credit Score Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs Read More »
In a previous column on planning for retirement, I explained the first 11 risks of 20 things that can ruin your retirement. That prior article highlighted a variety of investment risks, risks of outliving one’s resources, and risks associated with aging. As a follow-up to that guidance, below is the remaining list of 20 things
20 Things That Can Ruin Your Retirement – Part II Read More »
Planning for retirement often takes a backseat to today’s concerns – whether it’s paying current bills, dealing with immediate family issues or just trying to keep up with the Joneses. That’s why numerous studies show that most Americans are ill prepared for retirement: Many people in the U.S. have more credit card debt than savings.
20 Things That Can Ruin Your Retirement – Part I Read More »
Are you worried about an ex spouse or soon-to-be ex ruining your credit? Unfortunately, in the aftermath of divorce, financial sabotage — whether intentional or accidental — is all too common. One of the worst financial hits you can take is when your credit gets ruined by your previous mate. Here’s what you need to
Video: How to Stop a Divorce From Wrecking Your Finances Read More »
Do you constantly blow your budget month after month no matter how hard you try to stick to it? You’ve accounted for housing, utilities, groceries, dry cleaning, etc. But for some reason, you keep failing to meet your budget goals. You might think you blew your budget because of an unexpected expense like an
Video: Don’t Blow Your Budget by Overlooking This One Item Read More »
If you’re planning to buy a home or see a loan in the near future, or you just want to maintain good credit to improve your financial health, you need to start paying attention to your FICO credit scores. Although you probably think of yourself as having a single FICO credit score, you actually have
Easy Ways to Improve Your FICO Credit Scores Read More »
It’s no fun to deal with your kids if they’re constantly yelling “I’m bored!” during the times they’re on a school break. Some parents and families may take trips to Florida or even out of the country over Spring Break, the Winter holiday season or during the summer. But if you can’t afford such a
Video: Spend Time With Your Kids Without Spending Money Read More »
