Mistake to Avoid Holding US Savings Bonds After Interest Has Stopped
United States Savings Bonds have been one of the most popular ways for Americans to save for over 75 years. As a result of purchases or gifts, more than 55…
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Financial Test Q&A: General Questions
Financial Test Questions and Answers General Questions The inflation rate for the past 10 years has averaged: a. less than 3% b. about 5% c. about 7% d. about 10%…
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Personal Financial Life Skills: Preparing for a financially secure future
Click here to download the Personal Finance Skills PDF Personal Financial Life Skills Preparing for a financially secure future Slide # Introduction 1 Objectives Discuss some of the…
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Top 10 Tips to Financial Freedom
Spend less than you earn. Develop a savings plan and pay yourself first. Understand the power of compounding interest. Be mindful of the future. Save and invest regularly for the…
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What Does “Probate” Mean?
The term “probate” is associated with estate planning and describes the legal process by which a decedent’s will is processed by a special court. An executor of the estate is…
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Today’s Low Interest Rates
Interest rates are at historic lows. In many cases, savings account rates and short-term certificates of deposit rates are below 1%. Rates for borrowing, such as for long term mortgages…
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The Wonder of Compound Interest
The Wonder of Compound Interest Compound interest is sometimes called one of the wonders of the financial world. Very simply, compound interest just means you earn interest on your interest.…
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The Federal Reserve and Interest Rates
Few financial issues receive more attention in the press than the Federal Reserve Board’s actions with interest rates. It seems there is always some mention of what the Fed’s chair,…
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Human Nature Versus Rational Financial Decision Making
Behavioral economics or understanding how consumers make financial decisions has become a very popular topic recently. Companies as varied as brokerages, auto manufacturers and fast food restaurants are all trying…
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Financial Actions to Consider in an Unsettled Environment
The financial environment can be confusing, even in the best of times. It seems even more so today in light of the financial crisis of 2008, the recession, the housing…
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Putting Financial Risks into Perspective
It seems that changes in the financial markets happen more often, and that market swings are larger than they were a few years ago. Risk is the term often…
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Positioning Your Financial Future
It is easy to procrastinate when it comes to your finances. However, low interest rates, uncertain financial markets and geo-political tensions make now an ideal, if not critical, time to…
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Planning for Major Purchases or Expenses
There are always things you want to buy in addition to your normal living expenses. It may be a new computer, a gift for a special person, some clothes, a…
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No Summer Vacation for Your Finances
Summers can be relaxing with family activities, travel and vacations. While you may be looking forward to enjoying a slower pace this summer, it is not a time to neglect…
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Mistake to Avoid: Not Monitoring Your Financial Progress and Measuring Results
Taking control of your financial future is a process. As with any process, it is important to monitor your progress and measure results. Doing so will help you to understand…
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Inventory Your Belongings
Few individuals take the time to adequately prepare a list of household items. If there is a fire, flood, or theft, having an inventory is essential in making an insurance claim.
Interest Rates and Other Measurements
Interest rates play an important role in our financial lives and our financial decision making. Having a better understanding of what different rates mean can help you make better…
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Keeping Track of Important People and Information
Being prepared for the unexpected is part of a sound financial plan. Insurance can help protect your home, health, auto and life. But what about having a list of important…
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How Long Will My Money Last?
Most financial and retirement planning efforts focus on analyzing how much money you will need at retirement or want to accumulate by a particular date. If you save enough on…
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Handling Your Finances in Volatile Times
It seems that the financial world has become more sensitive to international events. Terrorism, the war in the Mideast, higher energy prices and politics in general all seem to be…
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Financial Services Industry Consolidation
What does it mean? Over the past few years there has been a growing trend for consolidation in the financial services industry. Banks are buying other banks. Banks are buying…
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Establishing Good Financial Habits
We all tend to develop habits that provide a rhythm or structure to our daily lives. Once these habits are developed, they can be hard to break. Building good financial…
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Building Your Financial Literacy
Starting your financial life and making the decisions that go with your independence can be intimidating. The issues can be complex, the consequences of your decisions can be profound and…
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Deposit Insurance from NCUA
Properly established share accounts at a credit union are insured. In recent years the insurance limit was $100,000. In October 2008, the insurance limit was raised to $250,000. (These higher…
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Deposit Insurance from FDIC
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures properly established accounts at a bank or savings and loan. In recent years the insurance limit was $100,000. In October 2008, the insurance…
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Certificates of Deposit for Your Cash Reserves
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) can be ideal vehicles for investing funds that you do not need in the near term. CDs are promissory notes issued by banks, credit unions or…
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Building a Savings Nest-Egg
Saving doesn’t have to be impossible.
Unexpected expenses or the temptations of shopping can make even the best plans unsuccessful. Yet having a financial cushion is one of the most important things you can do to feel financially secure. Learn some key ideas to help.
Interest Rate Risk
The changing interest rate environment has prompted many individuals to examine their borrowing and take advantage of lower rates. The affect of the current lower rates has also been felt…
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Getting Out of Debt
For many, using credit is a normal part of handling their finances. For others, using credit can lead to uncontrolled spending, anxiety, unpleasantness or even bankruptcy. If you want (or…
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Be Interest Rate Wise
Interest rates have become a highly visible issue with news stories about rate changes almost everyday. Much of the press coverage concerns the Federal Reserve and its chairperson, Jerome Powell.…
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Use Automatic Savings Programs to Reach Your Financial Goals
One of the simplest and most effective tools you can use for almost any saving goal is an automatic savings plan. Automatic saving programs generally come in two forms –…
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