Could a Gap Year After High School Make Financial Sense?
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Maybe it's a sign of approaching middle age, but as the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, I instinctively seek out security for my family wherever I can; not just physical safety, but financial protection as In that spirit - and with the...
Are you stumped for ideas on what to get your children for holiday gifts? Join the club. When I was a kid, my folks had far fewer gift choices for me: board games, a bicycle, or maybe the dreaded long underwear....
At this time of year, most people fall into two types: Those who look forward to the holiday season, and those who dread it. Many people end up in the latter camp because of money worries. You know how easy it...
If you could save hundreds of dollars on your taxes with just a few minutes' work, would you? I thought so. Before getting caught up in the holiday rush, take a moment to review your employer-provided benefits and see if these...
Americans lead the world in charitable giving. In 2006 alone, we gave a record $295 billion, of which 76 percent came from individuals. That doesn't even count time spent volunteering, which some sources value at $150 billion or more.Half of all...
America's once red-hot housing market has cooled off considerably. Prices are down, unsold housing inventory is up and mortgage lenders have tightened credit standards.What's worse, many borrowers who opted for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are in for a big shock when...
We all know we should set aside money for a rainy day, a house down payment or retirement, but there are always a million reasons why we If this sounds familiar, remember this: To get ahead, you either need to earn...
In the 1970s-era spy thriller "The Day of the Jackal," a would-be assassin steals the identities of several dead people to further his plan to kill French President Charles Unfortunately, this once-shocking plot device has become all too common in real...
As we prepare to honor our armed forces on Veterans Day, it's appropriate to address the financial challenges often faced by those who defend our country. Far too often, military families face daunting financial difficulties.Here are a few considerations – and...
Like death and taxes, rising health care costs are unavoidable. In fact, you've probably seen your medical insurance premiums increase several times in the past few years. A little careful planning can help you ease your bottom line by choosing coverage...
Boosting your credit score by "piggybacking" on someone else's good credit is about to get much more difficult.People have long added their children, relatives or friends to their credit accounts as "authorized users" as a way to help them establish a...
If you're among the nearly 44 million Americans eligible for an employer-provided pension plan, consider yourself lucky: Since 1980, such plans have decreased by nearly 80 percent. And, while more companies now offer 401(k) or other plans, where employees themselves fund...
Not to sound like Dear Abby, but the key to maintaining any sound relationship, whether friendship, business or marriage, is open and honest communication. This becomes doubly important when finances are involved – ask any divorce lawyer.Whether you've just returned from...
That anguished roar you hear is the sound of millions of students returning to school after summer break. As a parent, you might feel relief that teachers are taking over the reins, but hold on: School may be the best place...
I lived paycheck to paycheck during my early twenties. Saving didn't seem feasible there were just too many expenses. And, like many, during my early workforce years I neglected to have a portion of my paycheck automatically put into a retirement...
Raising a family is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life, but also one of the most expensive. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey, a typical middle-income family will spend nearly $200,000 raising a child to...
For 77 million baby boomers rapidly approaching retirement, long-term elder care is no longer an academic concept – it's becoming a reality. Many of us already deal with elder-care issues for our parents. If you're not familiar with long-term care it's...
If you've got a freshman heading off to college, you're probably scrambling to teach him or her how to cook macaroni and cheese and do laundry without turning everything pink. But there are other important lessons you can share that will...
Few phrases inspire greater dread for my seven-year old than, "back to school shopping."No doubt the same holds true for many other parents who must spend precious summer hours – and hundreds of dollars – on shopping excursions for clothes that...
Shortly after our first child was born, my wife and I realized we needed to remodel our kitchen and family room to accommodate our new family focused lifestyle and our new arrival. But, like most first-time remodelers, we had no idea...
