Category Archives: Finance

If you’re receiving a raise or a bonus this year, you may feel a little bit wealthier when you see your suddenly inflated bank account or paycheck. But it’s no secret that this money can disappear quickly. Resolve to take extra care with your bonus or raise this year and make sure to get the most of it. This requires you to think beyond the new flat screen TV or summer vacation, and consider how … Continue reading →

There are few topics of conversation that are less romantic than finances, but if your relationship is getting serious this Valentine’s Day, consider planning a date in the near future to discuss money. Understanding your own and your partner’s financial history and habits before you make a formal commitment, such as marriage, cohabitation or a big joint purchase, can help alleviate a host of unpleasant surprises — and maybe some heartache — over the long … Continue reading →

As the boomers and their parents age, more and more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. The emotional, physical and financial demands of caring for aging parents can be extensive. What’s more, the healthcare needs of aging parents can become overwhelmingly expensive — and may include costs that affect their family members in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money … Continue reading →

Retirement is one of the most emotional and stressful life changes a person can face. The events that may come with retirement – selling your home and re-locating, managing health issues and living on a fixed income – can produce behaviors that defy logic. But as you near retirement, making a snap decision is the last thing you want to do. Here are a few strategies to help you prepare for retirement in the midst … Continue reading →

As we settle into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to think about self improvement. Losing a few pounds, reaching a personal goal and getting the financial house in order are all great ideas. If you’re looking to reach a financial goal in the next few years, there are many “financial diets” you can adopt to better manage your household budget and allocate more of your income for savings. Consider doing a few – … Continue reading →

Much has been written about health and wellness, and we can anticipate even more information on this topic as the Affordable Care Act reforms health care in the United States. The primary message provided by physicians and other health experts is simple: taking care of your health is crucial. Doing so often involves lifestyle choices that have associated expenses like buying fresh produce and maintaining a gym membership. But overall, making smart financial investments in … Continue reading →

The 2012 growing season was severely impacted by a drought that covered most of the Midwest. This has led the U.S. Department of Agriculture1 to report that food prices are likely to increase up to four percent in 2013. Much of the anticipated cost increase for food is driven by the country’s corn and soybean prices, which have risen to an all time high. With corn yields below expected levels, and the demand increasing to … Continue reading →

A review of your finances before the end of the year is always a good practice, and often assessing tax-saving strategies is part of the process. This year is a particularly challenging year to do this because of the last-minute negotiations taking place around the “fiscal cliff.” This is the combination of tax increases and spending cuts at the federal level set to kick in on January 1, 2013. We usually know how tax laws … Continue reading →

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with all of the planning, celebrations, family dinners, seasonal events and – of course – gift shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do. Saving time and money throughout the holidays is a smart strategy and will help make the season more enjoyable. When it comes to shopping, the key is to make sure you shop safely and securely – especially when buying gifts online. As more and … Continue reading →