Emergency fund
Act Your Age: A Decade-by-Decade Guide to Saving
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve prepared for your retirement so far? Noooo, not you, right? But maybe you’ve heard from friends that they’d be in better shape if only they had remembered to set up that 401k their 20s…or continued to save... ➡
Ask an Advisor: Which Debt Should I Pay Off First?
You’ve probably heard student and mortgage debt referred to as “good debt.” That’s because some interest you pay on these loans can be tax-deductible, and the debts are presumably incurred for the purpose of ultimately increasing your net worth.... ➡
Be Ready for the Worst-Case Scenario
Suppose the first thing your boss says to you tomorrow is, “Clean out your desk.” Any idea how you’d manage? Time for a financial fire drill: Imagine paring down your current expenses and creating a plan to cover just the basics. “Basic” means... ➡
Three Smart Ways to Earn More, Save More
Today’s “It’s an Emergency!” saving tip: Stop scrimping and score yourself a mini windfall. Here are a few fun ideas for a $100 savings bump this weekend: Get paid to run to the post office, organize a closet, or buy and cook groceries for an... ➡
Think Now, Save Later
Tip #3 in the It’s An Emergency! savings challenge is sneaky: Avoid having emergencies. Step 1: Sit down and have a scary brainstorming session with yourself or your partner. What things could possibly go wrong that you can predict? Think: car,... ➡
Tax Refund Allocation Dilemma
Meet TRAD What is TRAD? TRAD is the Tax Refund Allocation Dilemma, and it's a hazard this time of year. Here's one reader's puzzle: Q: I'm getting about $1,200 back for my tax refund. There are three things that I would like to do. What is the... ➡
A Penny Saved
Expecting a refund check from the IRS? Most Americans do, and the average refund is over $2,000. Don't use it toward paying bills, buying a new wardrobe or a down payment for a new car or a house. Start an emergency fund. Financial planners think... ➡
