A round button with red, white, and blue colors, stars, and the text "Election 2012" celebrating Obama's campaign.

Obama vs Romney: How Each May Impact Your Money and Finances

Experts say the economy is the biggest factor in the 2012 presidential election. If you’re voting with your wallet on Nov. 6, here’s a snapshot of how your finances will be impacted under a Barack Obama Presidency or a Mitt Romney Presidency.

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hurricane sandy

4 Financial Lessons Learned From Hurricane Sandy

My family – like millions of others along the East Coast – has had to tough it out this past week in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. We’ve been without power for more than seven days. We still have no lights or phone service; cell phone coverage has been mostly non-existent; and needless to say

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A graduation cap with a red price tag displaying dollar signs hangs off one corner, hinting at the significance of a Pell Grant.

Do I Qualify for a Pell Grant for College?

Unlike a student loan, a federal Pell Grant for college does not have to be repaid. A Pell Grant is a need–based grant that is provided to low-income students. Pell Grant award amounts change every year, but the amount you can receive will depend on several factors including your financial need and the cost of

Do I Qualify for a Pell Grant for College? Read More »

private-vs-public-school

What to Do if You Can’t Afford Private School Anymore

As parents, we drive ourselves nuts – and often into the poorhouse, too – when it comes to the trying to afford private school for our children. I know – because I was one of those parents. When my two oldest children – who are now in 10th and 7th grades, were just five and

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tax debts

Will Your Tax Debts Be Reported to Credit Bureaus?

With each passing day, I’m starting to believe that Elizabeth Warren was right: the financial system is rigged against the average middle-class American. Here’s the latest proof of this fact: Congress is considering an ill-advised proposal that would severely hurt millions of Americans’ credit scores.

Will Your Tax Debts Be Reported to Credit Bureaus? Read More »

An egg with "401 K" written on it sits on a newspaper against a yellow background, symbolizing the importance of careful financial planning.

401(k) Contribution Limits Increase for 2013; What You Must Know

If you’ve got a 401(k) or a similar retirement plan, you can start socking away more money for your Golden Years starting in 2013. The IRS says it’s increasing the tax-free contribution limit for retirement plans to $17,500 for 2013; that’s up $500 from a limit of $17,000 in 2012.

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Wooden block letters arranged to spell "CREDIT score" against a white background, inviting inquiry into your financial standing.

Will a Credit Inquiry Hurt My Credit Score?

It is possible – very likely, in fact – that applying for a loan or seeking a new credit card will indeed lower your credit score. Here’s why. Anytime you apply for credit — such as a mortgage, a student loan, credit card or auto financing — a lender pulls your credit file and that

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A graduate in a cap and gown looks thoughtfully at a large pink piggy bank, contemplating student loans, against a white background.

College Grads: Get the 411 on Federal & Private Loans Here

The average U.S. college graduate comes out of school with more than $25,000 in student loan debt, according to the College Board. And collectively, student loan debt in the U.S. now tops $1 trillion – surpassing the amount of credit card debt Americans owe. So paying off student loans is one of the most daunting

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identity theft to file taxes

Social Security Number Lost or Stolen? You Must Read This!

If someone steals your Social Security card or misuses your Social Security number without your permission, it’s one of the worst forms of identity theft you can suffer. Crooks can use your Social Security number to file taxes in your name, illegally snatching away a federal tax refund to which you’re legitimately entitled. Then you

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