I was pleased to see in a recent Vanguard survey that more than 70% of women say they feel confident about saving money. I’d be thrilled if it was 100%, but the fact that most women feel confident is great progress. But then came the less-great news: Nearly half of those same women are holding…
There’s been some chatter on social media lately about Social Security that I think is bad advice. The message is that you are better off claiming as early as possible — at age 62 — rather than waiting to collect a larger benefit by starting your checks later. That’s just not good advice. Let’s review…
If you have a child or grandchild considering grad school, I want you all to understand that new loan rules can make borrowing for an advanced degree even more expensive. I need you and your studious loved one to understand the potential costs and risks before anyone commits to this big financial obligation. Starting July…
Cars have become a financial danger zone. The average price of a new car is around $50,000, and about half of that for a used car. And car loan rates are a lot higher than they were a few years ago. That’s pushed the average monthly payment to more than $750 a new car and…
Summertime is often when teens land their first meaningful jobs, and recent college grads head into the permanent workforce. That means they become eligible to save for retirement in a Roth IRA. Now you and I both know that retirement savings may not be at the top of their to-do list. Can’t really blame them,…
If you have a newly minted college graduate in the family, I want to say: Congratulations! That is a tremendous accomplishment. For them, and for you. Yes, I know it is a tough job market for young adults right now. But I hope your family will take a beat and celebrate what has been accomplished,…
With the April 15th tax deadline just passed, I know many of you are now eagerly awaiting a federal tax refund. And it could be a big chunk of money. The average federal refund this year is about $3,500, which is more than 10% higher than the average for the previous year. So what is…
There is a lot of unsettling news right now, and so much of it can hurt us financially. Higher gas prices and lower stock prices are a challenge to even the calmest among us. And what makes the stress even more troubling is that academic research has documented that we’re all emotionally wired to feel…
I need to have a frank chat with those of you at least 65 or so years old, who are married to a man, or in a long-term relationship where your finances are intertwined. I wish you continued years of a loving partnership, but I also need you to focus on the probability that you…
